NC News Oct. 23, 2026

Feds Break Up NC-to-DC Gun Pipeline

Federal prosecutors unveiled a 13-count indictment Wednesday against five people accused of trafficking roughly 40 guns from Eastern North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Four defendants were arrested in Maryland and one in Raleigh.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro of Washington and U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle of North Carolina’s Eastern District announced the charges with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The counts include conspiracy to traffic firearms, firearms trafficking, and lying to a licensed gun dealer.

Investigators say the guns fueled narcotics crimes, robberies, and at least one homicide. Two of the accused hold Special Police Officer licenses in Washington, D.C.

Boyle credited ATF for finding the pipeline. Pirro said the network supplied guns to buyers in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and as far as Grenada before agents shut it down.

Ferry Restarts Following N.C. 12 Washout

North Carolina has restarted emergency ferry service between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe after a second nor’easter in a month tore up NC 12 on the Outer Banks.

The latest storm chewed through nearly 800 feet of pavement, again cutting Hatteras Island off from the mainland by car. Departures run 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with 2 a.m. sailings added starting today.

NCDOT says it has opened preliminary talks with the Federal Highway Administration and is pursuing emergency relief money for temporary and permanent fixes. Dare County Manager Bobby Outten said the plan is to shift the highway west, using an estimated $4 million to $5 million in NCDOT emergency funds.

“Our issue is it’s happening over and over, and we need a solution to the road,” Outten said, noting that residents can now reach emergency services only by helicopter.

NC Restaurants Earn Michelin Honors

Charlotte-area restaurants earned strong recognition in the 2026 Michelin Guide American South, announced Wednesday in Nashville.

Counter- retained its One Star rating as North Carolina’s sole starred establishment. Lang Van kept its Bib Gourmand, while newcomer The Story of Mi Cariño also earned a Bib Gourmand. Additional newcomers Albertine, L’Ostrica, and Spaghett were named Recommended restaurants.

In the Triangle, Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal’s Sandwich & Grocery in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro earned new Bib Gourmand designations. All 19 Triangle restaurants honored last year kept their status, bringing the Triangle total to 22.

Wilmington’s Manna won the guide’s Sommelier Award.

The accolades follow strong results from the guide’s 2025 debut, when some North Carolina spots reported sales jumps of up to 49%. Tourism officials say the recognition is boosting visitation and positioning the state as a rising Southern dining destination.