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☀️ In Today’s Edition
1. On the Rocks
2. Dems the Breaks
3. Around Our Network
4. What We’re Reading
5. Our Recent Stories
Hunter Ford opened a new storefront in Wilmington last week after several months of wrangling with the state ABC Commission over permits. The commission, which controls alcohol sales and businesses statewide, allows distilleries to sell their own liquor directly to customers–only if it’s produced on-site.
Despite what the permit Ford was eventually issued suggests, no production happens at Momentum Distillery’s downtown site. Production operations are housed in a nondescript industrial area 2.5 miles away. But Ford is selling liquor at his new store anyway, relying on a legal ambiguity in the state’s rules.
Now he’s taunting the ABC Commission to intervene, as Johanna Still reports.
On the Rocks
A Wilmington distillery owner is selling bottles of his signature spirits from a downtown storefront—and daring the state ABC Commission to stop him.
“I’m going to email all the other distilleries out there and say, ‘Look, this is exactly how I did it and I hope and I encourage you to do the same,’” Ford said.
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Dems the Breaks
State Republican leaders have a new proposed map for congressional districts, and they’ve not been shy about why.
“The motivation behind this redraw is simple and singular: Draw a new map that will bring an additional Republican seat to the North Carolina congressional delegation,” said state Sen. Ralph Hise as he introduced the map at an elections committee hearing this week.
And they’ll probably get it. Absent a major shakeup, none of the new districts are competitive, based on The Assembly’s analysis of election data. Jeffrey Billman reports.
Democrats’ Deep Hole
What would it take for North Carolina Democrats to overcome the latest GOP congressional gerrymander? A political earthquake.
Around Our Network
Raleigh bus drivers are frustrated by “difficult” and “unsafe” working conditions, and are asking the city and the contracting company that employs them to address safety issues, INDY reports.
Off-duty Fayetteville police officers will now be allowed to carry firearms on Cumberland County public school property, CityView reports.
Ever wondered about the business of running a haunted house? The Thread takes you inside some of the Triad’s best haunts: “It’s a theme park for a fraction of the price.”
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What We’re Reading
Steak House U: Wall Street Journal looks at how High Point University became a magnet for students from wealthy families: “Half of Wall Street sends their kids to this school.”
Population Shifts: In 1980, one in five Asheville residents was Black. In 2024, it was one in 13. Asheville Watchdog unpacks why the city has seen such a sharp decline in Black residents.
Roll Back the Tape: UNC was supposed to be paid $250,000 for a now-canceled Hulu docuseries on Bill Belichick and Tar Heels’ football, WRAL reports.
Our Recent Stories
A Flag the Size of a Basketball Court Divides Greenville
Camping World’s CEO said the flag is a display of patriotism, while others said local ordinances exist for a reason. Then, the state legislature stepped in.
In Siler City, Fear of ICE Hangs Over Latino Community
Residents of this majority-Latino town are afraid, cultural events have been canceled, and the community is at risk of isolation.
Waiting for Leandro
It’s been more than 600 days since the state Supreme Court heard arguments over funds for public schools. Can they put off a decision forever?
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