North Carolina
North Carolina lawmakers share reactions following US strike on Iran
A day after the United States launched missile strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, North Carolina lawmakers are sharing their reactions.
“Clearly, Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. However, it is Congress’s responsibility to declare war. And I have been calling since last week for a high-level briefing of members of Congress for the Trump administration to explain to us exactly what’s going on and what they were going to do. Instead, they deceived the American public and they didn’t comply with the law or the Constitution,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross, a Democrat who represents the state’s 2nd District.
The strikes saw the United States utilize B-2 bombers to drop “bunker-buster” bombs on three sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Ross believes the President overstepped his authority in ordering the strikes, which a senior administration official tells ABC News he told Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to carry out on Saturday.
“It is very dangerous. It is unconstitutional. And frankly, it is unprecedented,” said Ross.
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, a Democrat who represents the state’s 4th District, echoed Ross’ concern in a statement:
“Trump’s strikes in Iran without Congressional authorization is deeply irresponsible and unconstitutional. This escalation places our troops and diplomatic personnel in immediate and unnecessary danger, and risks implicating our nation in a potentially disastrous war.
“The President has severely overstepped his power by bypassing Congress, drawing our nation dangerously close to yet another war in the Middle East. Reckless military action taken without consultation or the proper authorization endangers both our national security and the lives of our brave servicemembers.
“Let me be clear: urgent de-escalation of this conflict is needed to save lives. We must act swiftly to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic path forward.”
RELATED | NC politicians, US lawmakers respond to US attack on Iranian nuclear sites
Ross expressed concern over a potential response from Iran.
“This regime is the most dangerous regime because they are back on their heels. They are angry. They have sworn that they want to destroy Israel and the United States. And now they are desperate, which means they could do anything, anything to our troops in the region, anything to our allies,” said Ross.
Congressman Don Davis, a Democrat and Air Force veteran who represents the state’s 1st District, released a statement on X:
Iran is the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism and must be prevented from developing nuclear weapons. A nuclear-armed Iran poses a dire threat not only to the United States but also to our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and the entire international community. We must not underestimate the danger Iran presents.
Congressman Mark Harris, a Republican who represents the 8th District, defended the President’s decision-making.
“I believe the president is the Commander-in-Chief. I believe that this was a one-off strike. I think he made that perfectly clear. He’s not calling for boots on the ground,” said Harris.
He cited Iran’s history in the region, including its role in backing proxy attacks.
“The president gave (Iran) a 60-day window to come to the table and talk, and they just continue to stonewall. And that seems to be their mode of operation is to put off and put off and put off while all the time getting closer and closer to being able to put a warhead, a nuclear warhead, on one of those missiles and fire it. I think the president recognizes that we had to do it,” said Harris.
Rep. Greg Murphy released a statement on X, writing:
The Islamic Republic of Iran and its terroristic mullahs have been a threat to peace in the Middle East, the United States, and the global community for decades. An Iran with a nuclear bomb gives birth to a world in jeopardy of cataclysmic destruction. President Trump worked to negotiate with the regime in good faith, however Ali Khamenei overplayed his hand and now must pay the price. May God protect the innocent lives at stake and the United States and Israel’s righteous efforts to put an end to the grievous bloodshed carried out by Iran and its jihadi proxies. God bless our servicemen safely on their way home tonight.
He further backed Trump’s decision in an exchange with fellow Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who had responded to the President’s announcement of the strike by writing on X: “This is not Constitutional.”
Congressman Chuck Edwards, a Republican who represents North Carolina’s 11th District, wrote on X:
In the wake of today’s strike on Iran, our unwavering support is with the brave men and women of our armed forces. They put their lives on the line not for recognition or reward, but out of a deep sense of duty to protect our nation and uphold peace and security around the world.
Congressman Richard Hudson, who represents the state’s 9th District and serves as the Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, wrote on X:
President Donald Trump has been consistent and resolute that Iran- the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism- will not be allowed to build a nuclear weapons capability. He negotiated in good faith and offered Iran peace in exchange for ending their nuclear ambition. Iran did not take President Trump seriously and they have learned tonight that was a mistake. It would be another mistake for Iran to retaliate against Americans anywhere in the world. I support President Trump, I stand with Israel and I pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform around the world. America leads with resolve, and the world is safer when we do.
Congressman David Rouzer, a Republican who represents the state’s 7th District, shared a screenshot of the President’s announcement on Truth Social of the strikes, writing on X:
I commend President Trump for taking decisive and resolute action to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Regardless of any Iranian response which may occur, the President and those in our great military responsible for successfully carrying out this difficult mission have provided a meaningful opportunity for lasting peace in the Middle East and safety to the United States and our allies.
Congressman Addison McDowell, a Republican who represents the state’s 6th District, also shared a screenshot of the President’s announcement on Truth Social of the strikes, writing on X:
President Trump protects America and our interests: A nuclear Iran was never an option. God bless America and the brave men and women who serve our nation.
Congressman Brad Knott, a Republican who represents the state’s 13th District, wrote on X:
Our prayers and gratitude are with the United States Armed Forces. My plea for the nation of Iran remains the same: now is the time to reorient and work for peace. The condition has been clear for decades under presidents of both parties: there cannot be a nuclear-armed Iran. Our President means what he says and has worked tirelessly to secure peace with Iran. Across America, now is the time to put politics aside and unite on a bipartisan basis in support of the President as commander-in-chief of our armed services. President Trump has now given Iran’s regime an opportunity to turn the page, end its nuclear ambitions, and instead embrace peace and prosperity for the people of Iran.
Congressman Tim Moore, a Republican who represents the state’s 14th District, wrote on X:
Iran’s radical regime is a threat to freedom everywhere and has spent decades spreading terror across the globe. President Trump made clear that any attack on Americans or our allies would be met with overwhelming force. May God bless and protect our troops as we confront the evil of Iran and its terrorist proxies.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis wrote on X:
This was the right decision by @POTUS. We cannot allow Iran to build nuclear weapons. God Bless our brave servicemembers who supported and executed this mission.
Republican Senator Ted Budd wrote on X:
Tonight, the United States dealt a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. military alone had the capability to destroy these facilities deep underground, and I commend President Trump for standing with our Israeli allies in their efforts to end the threat of a nuclear Iran once and for all. May God bless and protect our troops, who continue to keep us safe around the world.
Nationally, lawmakers have shared a range of reactions to the strikes.
During his address Saturday night, President Trump addressed the impact of the strikes.
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” said Trump.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also used the term “obliterated” in describing Iran’s nuclear ambitions during a press conference at the Pentagon Sunday morning.
However, other officials have used different language, including General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who also spoke at Sunday’s press conference.
“I know that battle damage is of great interest. Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” Caine said.
Former CIA officer, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East and ABC News contributor Michael “Mick” Mulroy estimates that the U.S. military operation “likely set back the Iranian nuclear weapons program 2-5 years,” based on the type and amount of munitions used, but told ABC News that the full battle damage assessment will give a more accurate determination.
“(The) President made it clear he’s not about creating war. He’s about ending wars, and he wants to see peace in that region. There wasn’t ever going to be peace as long as there was the threat of a nuclear Iran, and we hope that’s been removed now,” said Harris.
Ross is calling for more communication prior to any further decisions.
“Two things must happen immediately. Number one, we must have a confidential, high-level security briefing because any further action requires Congress to take action. And number two, and this is something I am hopeful for, but I’m not holding my breath, we need to have bipartisan cooperation in looking at what this Congress will authorize going forward,” said Ross.
ABC News contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
A planned offshore wind project off North Carolina’s coast that could have powered roughly 300,000 homes has been scrapped after the federal government agreed to spend nearly $1 billion to halt its development, a decision that is drawing sharp reactions and raising questions about future energy costs in the state.
Under the agreement, the French energy company TotalEnergies will be reimbursed for leases it purchased in federal waters near Bald Head Island. In exchange, the company will redirect that investment into oil and natural gas projects, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.
The move comes as electricity demand in North Carolina and across the Southeast is rising, driven by population growth and the rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers.
Energy analysts say removing a major potential source of power from the pipeline could have lasting implications.
“I think folks are trying to figure out how to reconcile this with the fact that we do need more electrons on the grid,” said Katharine Kollins, president of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. “Every state right now is looking at how we can develop more energy, not how we should be taking options off the table.”
The canceled project, known as Carolina Long Bay, was one of two offshore wind developments TotalEnergies had planned along the East Coast. The North Carolina portion alone would have generated about 1,300 megawatts of electricity and brought significant economic development to the region.
State leaders were quick to criticize the decision. In a post on X, Gov. Josh Stein said the Trump administration is “spending nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money to pay off a company to stop investments in the clean energy we need,” calling it “a terrible deal for the people of North Carolina and our country.”
The Interior Department, which negotiated the agreement, defended the move, saying offshore wind projects are too costly and unreliable to meet the nation’s energy needs. In a statement, officials said redirecting investment toward natural gas would provide “affordable, reliable and secure energy” while strengthening grid stability.
The debate reflects a broader divide over how to meet growing electricity demand while keeping costs down.
Offshore wind projects typically require high upfront investment but have no fuel costs once operational. Fossil fuel plants rely on fuel that can fluctuate in price.
“Using a billion dollars of taxpayer money to remove an option for North Carolina and then require that company to invest in LNG just doesn’t feel right,” Kollins said.
She and other advocates argue that offshore wind could help stabilize energy prices over time by diversifying the state’s power mix, particularly during periods of high demand or fuel volatility.
The federal government and industry leaders backing the deal say natural gas offers a more dependable source of power, especially as the grid faces increasing strain.
Part of that shift now points to LNG, which is traded on a global market. That means prices can rise or fall based on international demand, geopolitical tensions and export levels — dynamics that do not affect wind energy.
The cancellation also highlights uncertainty around offshore wind development in North Carolina. Duke Energy, the state’s largest utility, holds a neighboring lease in the same area but paused development last year as it reevaluated costs and policy conditions.
As state regulators and utilities map out how to meet future demand, the loss of Carolina Long Bay narrows the range of options.
For residents, the stakes may ultimately show up in monthly bills.
“When we limit our choices,” Kollins said, “we limit our ability to control costs.”
The North Carolina Tar Heels were a first-round exit in this year’s NCAA Tournament, but that does not mean that what transpires the rest of the way does not matter for the program.
It has been less than a week since the Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead in the second half against the VCU Rams, en route to an 82-78 loss in overtime. The result has raised doubts about Hubert Davis’ future as North Carolina’s head coach.
With all of that being said, here are a couple of things the Tar Heels should be wishing to happen later this week in the Sweet 16.
Duke Falls Short
The North Carolina-Duke rivalry is arguably the best one in all of sports. It was a tantalizing matchup the first time these two squared off this year, with Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer going head-to-head, as both players are expected to be selected in the top five of the 2026 NBA Draft.
However, the discrepancy between the two teams was apparent, even though the Tar Heels split the season series. The Blue Devils entered the NCAA Tournameent as the No. 1-overall seed in the entire field, while the Tar Heels limped into the field as a six-seed.
While North Carolina would obviously prefer playing in the upcoming round, which starts on Thursday night, nothing would make Tar Heels fans happier than to see Duke fall to St. John’s in the Sweet 16.
The Blue Devils have been playing with fire in the first two rounds, at various points, but they ultimately advanced to the second weekend of the tournament. St. John’s is a formidable opponent that could legitimately take down Duke.
One of the Teams With a Legitimate Head Coaching Option To Lose
It has been well-documented that North Carolina is likely to be in the coaching market, as Davis appears to be on his way out in Chapel Hill. If this occurs, the Tar Heels need to make a substantial hire that will elevate the program back to competing for national championships.
There will be a slew of options for North Carolina to consider, but two names to keep an eye on are Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats. You may be asking yourself, ‘Why should North Carolina be rooting for potential head coach candidates to lose?’
Here’s why: the transfer portal opens on April 7, and ideally, North Carolina would want its presumed new head coach in place well before then. Those coaches will not be the only two to watch for, but they are arguably the most ideal.
North Carolina
AG Jeff Jackson wants the president to negotiate change from Chinese apps that fund fentanyl
North Carolina’s top prosecutor is asking the president for
help in the fight against fentanyl. Attorney General Jeff Jackson says
criminals are using Chinese apps to launder millions of dollars which fund
the fentanyl epidemic in the US. He thinks the president can negotiate a
change.
The effort hits home for the Nash family. This past weekend
marked four years since Jeff Nash lost his daughter, Amanda.
“It was a tough weekend. It was. I don’t think it gets
any easier,” Nash told WRAL.
Nash is one of thousands of fathers who knows what it feels
like to lose a child to fentanyl. And he knows what people will say…
“His daughter should have known not to do it. No one
forced her to do it. She was a grown woman. She was an adult who made her choices
and this was the natural consequence of her choice. And to say that would be
right. I understand that. However, two things can be right. It also is right for
our federal, state and local governments to do everything they can to keep this
poison away from our people,” Nash said.
Fentanyl is the primary driver of the opioid crisis in North
Carolina, contributing to over 75% of fatal drug overdoses in recent years. But
a small change gives cause for hope. 2025 and early 2026 data from the state office
of the medical examiner indicate a potential decline in fentanyl-positive
deaths for the first time in years.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson said there is
still work to do.
“We’re losing six people a day. I’ve spoken to a lot of families
who have lost people. I told them I’ll do whatever I can and one thing I can do
is go after the money. If you go after the profitability of a crime, you’ll
reduce the prevalence of that crime,” Jackson said.
More than $100 million a week flow through Chinese owned
apps to support the sales of fentanyl in the US, Jackson said.
Over the last year, his office got one app called WeChat
to agree to be more responsive with investigators and make encrypted spaces on
the app more hostile to fentanyl money laundering. But its sister app, Weixin is
not subject to US laws and wants the White House to take action.
In a letter to the president, Jackson and five other
attorneys general from Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Kentucky and South
Carolina urged the president to take action. It states that despite the agreement
with WeChat to work with investigators, neither it nor Weixin agree to share
data from the ap.
“In practice, this means that law enforcement can only see
one side of illegal transactions, shielding Chinese-based users from justice,”
the letter said.
Nash wondered why only six attorneys general would support
the effort. Jackson said the focus was to get a request to the president that
was not political, bipartisan and clear.
He believes President Trump has the ability to negotiate with the
Chinese to effect change when it comes to money changing hands through its
apps.
“I think we recognize that the Chinese government is
different than the American government and if the leader of China decided to
make a change, that change would be made,” Jackson said.
Nash was reluctant to revisit his pain discussing his
daughter’s death, but said it’s worth it if this letter gets people talking or
gets any government movement to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the US.
Nash was one of the subjects in the WRAL documentary, ‘Crisis
Next Door – The Fentanyl epidemic.’
Showers and falling temperatures across Maryland Friday
Woman struck, fatally injured, while walking on the Lodge Freeway, state police say
Think you’re middle class in Massachusetts? Here’s the income range
Over 840,000 Minnesotans Assist Aging Loved Ones, Shaping Their Daily Lives
What channel is Mississippi State baseball vs Ole Miss on today? Time, TV schedule to watch college baseball game
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: Will ICE Change Under Its New Leader?
DHS shutdown breakthrough comes at cost for Republicans as funding fights nears end
Rubio joins crucial G7 talks as Iran war set to dominate second day
A surprise resignation could open the door for an independent to win a Montana Senate seat
Video: Savannah Guthrie Says She Believes Her Mother Was Taken for Ransom
-
Detroit, MI1 week agoDrummer Brian Pastoria, longtime Detroit music advocate, dies at 68
-
Science1 week agoHow a Melting Glacier in Antarctica Could Affect Tens of Millions Around the Globe
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago‘Youth’ Twitter review: Ken Karunaas impresses audiences; Suraj Venjaramoodu adds charm; music wins praise | – The Times of India
-
Science1 week agoI had to man up and get a mammogram
-
Sports6 days agoIOC addresses execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
-
New Mexico5 days agoClovis shooting leaves one dead, four injured
-
Business1 week agoDisney’s new CEO says his focus is on storytelling and creativity
-
Texas1 week agoHow to buy Houston vs. Texas A&M 2026 March Madness tickets