North Carolina
North Carolina driver's license backlog may soon end, DMV commissioner says
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Thousands of North Carolinians waiting to receive their driver’s license could get their new cards by the end of the month, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles announced Thursday.
More than 350,000 physical licenses and identification cards have recently been delayed for up to eight weeks, but the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said during a state House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing that the backlog’s end may be in sight. The department anticipates the backlog to be eliminated before June 30.
People waiting on their new licenses must use a temporary driving certificate, which expires after 60 days. Those who don’t receive their license before the expiration date are advised to call the DMV.
But heated accusations of what caused the significant backlog flared up during the hearing between lawmakers, Goodwin and Lisa Shoemaker, vice president of global corporate relations for IDEMIA, the DMV’s card manufacturer for over 25 years.
A coding error in February impacted about 2,100 cards, which resulted in the card manufacturer pausing production for less than a week, Goodwin said.
When production started again, the DMV had a 12-day backlog for credentials. Since IDEMIA added a second production facility, the backlog has been significantly reduced, Goodwin said.
But Shoemaker detailed a much different story about the backlog’s origin, saying “the DMV did not act with transparency” throughout the process. The department did not heed IDEMIA’s advice on solutions and did not disclose the root cause of the backlog to the company, she said.
Committee chair Rep. Harry Warren, a Rowan County Republican, said the backlog also impacted people who needed photo IDs to vote in the March 5 primary election.
The department has started transitioning to another manufacturer, CBNSTI in Danville, Virginia. Goodwin said it will not inherit the current backlog.
As part of the transition, the DMV announced last week that a newer, more secure ID card design will be phased in. Goodwin also said that many improvements have been made at the DMV in recent years, such as filling 250 employee vacancies and adding online appointments to skip wait lines.
Goodwin isn’t a stranger to lawmakers’ DMV concerns, as he was previously grilled by Republican legislators on long wait lines earlier this year. A bill has also been introduced in the state that would make several changes to the DMV — among them, making the DMV commissioner a governor-appointed position subject to approval by the Senate.
GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) – An overturned transfer truck shut down traffic along an I-85 exit ramp in Gaston County on Monday morning.
The crash happened around 7:20 a.m. on Monday, May 4, along I-85 North off-ramp (Exit 17) near N. New Hope Road in Gastonia. Officials said the accident was causing major traffic delays.
The Gastonia Police Department said the road was closed for the next couple of hours as cleanup and recovery efforts were underway. Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible and use detour routes.
Officials said the driver of the truck was taken to the hospital. The driver’s condition was not immediately clear, or what caused the truck to turnover.
A transfer truck is a large truck that pulls a separate trailer, typically containing construction materials up to 25 tons.
Read more: Tick population becoming more active in Charlotte amid hot and dry weather
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UNC is still high on Denis as backcourt depth piece despite coaching change and lack of playing time last season.
While North Carolina continues to rebuild its backcourt, one of its key guards is officially returning.
Guard Isaiah Denis re-signed with the Tar Heels on Sunday afternoon, the university announced on social media. The move comes after Denis withdrew his name from the transfer portal on April 18.
Denis was among the first UNC players to enter the transfer portal when it opened April 7. But after a meeting with head coach Michael Malone and the coaching staff, he reconsidered and decided to return for another season.
A former four-star prospect, Denis was part of North Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class that also included Caleb Wilson and Derek Dixon. Denis appeared in 10 games last season, averaging 1.9 points and 0.6 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field.
UNC remains high on Denis and his ability to provide depth in the backcourt.
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No. 8 Virginia (10-6, 2-2 ACC) defeats No. 5 North Carolina (12-3, 2-2 ACC) to claim its first ACC Tournament title since 2019. Updates are in reverse chronological order with the most recent events at the top.
Virginia 16, North Carolina 6 | FINAL
Virginia 16 North Carolina 6 | Q4 FINAL
Hudson Hausmann scores in transition before UNC scores on the man up. Kyle Morris is now in net. Minutes later, Burke McFarlane scores as the Hoos pile it on.
Virginia 14 North Carolina 5 | Q4 7:40
James Matan scores to open the fourth quarter for the Heels before Ryan Duenkel fires back with a behind the back goal on the other end.
Virginia 13 North Carolina 4 | Q3 0:00
Duffy scores to break UNC’s deadlock before McCabe Millon pierces a corner to restore Virginia’s advantage. Short;y after Ryan Colsey scores a twister as Virginia continues to pile on the goals. Later on Pietramala scored his first goal of the day.
Virginia 11 North Carolina 2 | Q2 1:38
McCabe Millon scores again as he has three goals and two assists. Truitt Sunderland scores his fourth of the day shortly after.
Virginia 9 North Carolina 2 | Q2 4:51
Hudson Hausmann scores in transition to make it eight straight for the Cavaliers. Jake Marek makes another unbelievable save. Truitt Sunderland scores again as the Hoos have scored nine straight goals.
MAKE IT 8 GOALS IN A ROW💥#GoHoos🔸⚔️🔹 pic.twitter.com/4S65OEKjso
— Virginia Men’s Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) May 3, 2026
Virginia 7 North Carolina 2 | Q2 10:48
Will Inderlied stretches Virginia’s lead to six. After the goal Marek makes another massive save on the other end. He’s got seven saves so far. B. Millon finds Duenkel to make it 7-2 Hoos. Timeout UNC.
Virginia 5 North Carolina 2 | Q1 2:20
McCabe Millon scores in transition off of a feed from Sunderland. On the other end Marek makes another save before M. Millon returns the favor with a feed to Sunderland.
Virginia 3 North Carolina 2 | Q1 5:38
Virginia goes man up with Brendan Millon finding Truitt Sunderland to take the lead. UNC received the penalty for an illegal stick.
Virginia 2 North Carolina 2 | Q1 6:26
In need of an answer McCabe Millon scores the first of the day for the Hoos. Chase Band recorded the assist. Minutes later, Joey Terenzi splits his man and scores from the top of the key.
Virginia 0 North Carolina 2 | Q1 10:04
The Hoos fail to score on their opening two possessions. James Matan on the Tar Heels first possession finds nylon with an on the run shot. Pietramala feeds Brevin Wilson to give UNC an early advantage.
Virginia vs North Carolina Pregame Notes
For a preview: Virginia Lacrosse vs. North Carolina ACC Championship Preview
- Virginia fell to North Carolina 16-15 in overtime in Charlottesville, Virginia in April
- Virginia is seeking its first ACC Tournament title since 2019
- North Carolina defeated Syracuse 12-10 in the second semifinal to advance to Sunday’s championship
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