Federal officials say a New Year’s Eve ISIS-inspired terror attack was thwarted in North Carolina, with U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson and FBI Special Agent James Barnacle crediting coordinated law enforcement efforts for stopping the plot before it could be carried out. As 2026 begins, a slate of new laws take effect across North Carolina. Politically, Republicans have officially overtaken Democrats on North Carolina’s voter rolls, a major milestone reflecting long-term shifts in party affiliation statewide. Looking ahead to primary season, eight members of Congress and 38 state legislators are facing challengers as Super Tuesday races begin to take shape.