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North Carolina judges say environmental board can end suit while Cooper’s challenge continues

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North Carolina judges say environmental board can end suit while Cooper’s challenge continues


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina environmental board whose recent membership alteration by the General Assembly is being challenged by Gov. Roy Cooper can cancel its own lawsuit over pollution limits while the governor’s broader litigation about several state commissions continues, judges ruled Friday.

The decision from a three-judge panel — a setback for Cooper — dissolves last month’s order from a single judge to temporarily block the Environmental Management Commission from dismissing its complaint against the Rules Review Commission. The rules panel had blocked regulations from the environmental panel on new numerical standards in surface waters of a synthetic industrial chemical because it said some information it received was inadequate.

The environmental panel is one of seven boards and commissions that the Democratic governor sued GOP legislative leaders over in October. Cooper alleges that lawmakers violated the state constitution with laws in 2023 that contain board memberships that weaken his control over them. On six of the boards, including the environmental panel, the governor no longer gets to fill a majority of positions. Republicans have said the changes bring more diversity to state panels.

The judges heard three hours of arguments Friday from attorneys for Cooper and GOP legislative leaders, mostly pitching why their clients should come out victorious in Cooper’s full lawsuit. The judges didn’t immediately rule on those competing judgment requests, but asked the parties to send draft orders by Feb. 23. Any ruling could be appealed to state courts. The lawsuit is one of many filed by Cooper against GOP legislative leaders over the balance of power in the two branches of government since 2016.

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The panel of Superior Court Judges John Dunlow, Paul Holcombe and Dawn Layton in November blocked changes to three challenged boards while Cooper’s lawsuit played out. But the Environmental Management Commission was not part of their injunction.

That opened the door to a reconstituted commission, with a new chairman and fewer Cooper allies as members, to vote in January to back out of the lawsuit that was filed when Cooper appointees held a majority of commission positions. Cooper’s attorneys argued that the withdraw provided evidence that changes to the 15-member body prevented him from carrying out laws in line with his policy preferences.

Dunlow didn’t give a reason in court Friday why the three judges denied Cooper’s request for a longer injunction preventing the environmental commission from dismissing its lawsuit. The body is also one of three challenged commissions where membership now also includes appointees of the insurance or agriculture commissioners, who like the governor are executive branch officers.

Cooper lawyer Jim Phillips argued that the state constitution “charges the governor alone with the responsibility to ensure that are laws are faithfully executed.” He again emphasized state Supreme Court rulings from the 1980s and 2010s as confirmation that GOP legislators went too far in membership changes that took away Cooper’s appointments and gave them to the General Assembly, its leaders or other statewide elected officials.

But Matthew Tilley, a lawyer for House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, said the governor has “never been alone in the exercise of executive power in our state.” Tilley also suggested the distribution of duties to other executive branch officers is a General Assembly policy preference that isn’t subject to judicial review.

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Seth Trimble Cites North Carolina Culture After Latest Win

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Seth Trimble Cites North Carolina Culture After Latest Win


The North Carolina Tar Heels have been one of the most successful programs in college basketball for decades. Over the past few seasons, the program has struggled with consistency and success at times.

That holds true for this season, as the Tar Heels have experienced stretches of losing, dropping three of four games earlier this month. On the other hand, there have been flashes of how elite this team can be when demonstrating their brand of basketball. That was on full display against Virginia last weekend, as North Carolina’s performance in the second half was arguably the best 20 minutes they have put on film this entire season.

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Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) celebrates against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

A major reason for the team’s success on Saturday and on the season, in general, is senior guard Seth Trimble. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard had his best outing of the season, producing 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals while shooting 5-of-6 from the floor, including 2-of-2 from three-point range and 4-of-6 from the free throw line.

While speaking with a media outlet on Tuesday, Trimble discussed the importance and significance of North Carolina’s culture.

Trimble’ Thoughts

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Jan 10, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) with the ball against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

  • “On the players end, when you want to protect traditions and you want to keep what a former player has built, and you don’t have those four-year guys, you don’t have those guys that have come in here, have learned the culture, have learned the history, and you don’t have them to teach the other guys, it alters the program a bit, you know?,” Trimble said.

While coaching is essential to have success in any level, Trimble acknowledges that the head coach can only do so much. The success of the team hinges on the on-court performance from the players.

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Jan 10, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) prepares a free throw against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

  • “So, a coach can’t do it all by himself – they can, but it’s hard to,” Trimble said. “But it always helps when you have those player-led groups that can help carry that tradition and teach things that the alumni taught us and stuff like that. So as much as it affects them, I feel like it affects programs as well.”

With player movement continuing to dictate the roster-construction process each and every year, Trimble, who is a four-year player, understands that everyone’s path is different.

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  • “If I could tell student athletes to just take their time,” Trimble said. “What’s right for them is going to be right for them through one year, but just not to rush things. Especially with transferring, too, the grass isn’t always greener.”

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NWS: Winter storm possible this weekend across eastern North Carolina

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NWS: Winter storm possible this weekend across eastern North Carolina


The National Weather Service in Morehead City says confidence is increasing in a potential winter storm that could impact much of eastern North Carolina this weekend.

In a Wednesday afternoon update, forecasters said trends continue upward for accumulating snow, with most of the region now showing a greater than 50 percent chance of moderate impacts and some areas at risk for major disruptions if forecast conditions develop as expected.

Meteorologists said the system is expected to bring mostly snow, though some rain remains possible closer to the coast. At this time, forecasters said ice is not expected.

Probability maps show increasing chances for several inches of snow across much of eastern North Carolina, with some coastal and Outer Banks locations also facing the potential for strong winds and blowing snow.

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The National Weather Service said snowfall rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour at times during the peak of the storm, which could significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions.

Along the coast, forecasters are also monitoring the potential for strong wind gusts, with gusts between 50 and 65 mph possible on the Outer Banks and 35 to 50 mph inland from Saturday into Sunday. Officials say these winds could lead to isolated power outages and tree damage.

Coastal flooding is also a concern, with moderate to locally significant impacts possible on both the ocean and sound sides, particularly in vulnerable areas of NC-12, including Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Forecasters said it is too early to determine exact inundation levels.

The National Weather Service warned that if forecast snowfall amounts verify, impacts could last into much of next week, including dangerous or impossible driving conditions and potential disruptions to daily life and infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely and begin preparing now, including checking emergency supplies, ensuring safe heating sources, and limiting travel during the storm if possible.

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The National Weather Service said additional updates are expected as the forecast becomes more refined.



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Concord resident, candidate for North Carolina House dies unexpectedly, officials say

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Concord resident, candidate for North Carolina House dies unexpectedly, officials say


CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – A Concord resident and a candidate for the North Carolina House District died Monday afternoon, according to the North Carolina Democratic Party.

Kim Delaney, a Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House District 73, died unexpectedly around 2:05 p.m. on Monday, Jan 26, according to officials.

In a statement by the North Carolina Democratic Party they said Delaney was surrounded by family when she died and left behind two children.

You can read the full statement below:

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“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Kim Delaney of Concord, a candidate for North Carolina House District 73, who passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2026.”

“Kim passed away at 2:05 PM, surrounded by her family.”

“Kim was a devoted mother and leaves behind two children. Our thoughts are with them, as well as with Kim’s family and loved ones, during this incredibly difficult time.”

“Kim was a kind, sincere, and caring person who believed in community and in showing up for others.”

The family established a Spotfund to assist with funeral expenses and to support her children. To donate you can click here.

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