North Carolina News Summary

A natural gas incident led to a significant fire at the Raleigh Convention Center, as reported by ABC11. Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire that broke out on the roof of the center on Monday night, with smoke visible for miles. The fire was reported just before 9:30 PM, and while it caused considerable alarm, City of Raleigh spokesperson Julia Milstead confirmed that the fire was confined to the roof and there was no interior damage. Fire investigators are focusing on a mechanical platform on the roof to determine the cause of the incident.

In other news, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced an ambitious plan to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state. According to WCNC Charlotte, the state has successfully secured a full allocation of $109 million in federal funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure formula program. This funding will facilitate the development of more charging stations, with an updated map of proposed locations set to be released in December 2025, followed by a second round of proposals in early 2026.

Political dynamics in North Carolina are heating up as candidate filing for the 2026 primary elections has commenced. Carolina Journal reports that the filing began at noon on Monday, marking an important milestone in the state's political landscape. Notable candidates include state Senate Leader Phil Berger and his primary challenger Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. Other candidates filing include Congressman Richard Hudson and Associate Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, both seeking re-election. The competitive race for Congressional District 1 is particularly notable, with several Republican candidates eyeing a challenge against incumbent Congressman Don Davis.

Finally, the opioid crisis continues to impact communities across North Carolina, with a focus on the Richmond County Rescue Mission as highlighted by NC Health News. The mission provides essential services to those affected by addiction, including temporary housing, meals, and addiction recovery classes. Jami Mundy, a former resident of the mission, shared her story of recovery and success. Despite the vital role the mission plays, it faces challenges in securing funding to maintain its programs and support the growing need for assistance in the region. The mission relies heavily on volunteer support to operate its programs, illustrating the community's commitment to addressing this pressing public health issue.