President Trump is set to visit Rocky Mount on Friday, bringing renewed national attention to North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District as political activity ramps up ahead of 2026. In Washington, the U.S. House version of the National Defense Authorization Act includes language that would grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, a long-sought goal for tribal leaders in North Carolina. Looking ahead to the end of the year, the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association released its 2025 holiday shopping forecast, projecting steady consumer spending despite economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department is opposing efforts to reopen a settled North Carolina election dispute, arguing the agreement should remain in place.