Port city and county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina
Brittany Boltinhouse has been dethroned as Miss North Carolina USA after organizers reviewed resurfaced social-media posts, including alleged use of a racial slur. Myla Hadley has been named Miss North Carolina USA 2026 and will compete at Miss USA in Miami.
A new public-art venue in northeast England is launching with contemporary works by Tracey Emin, Steve McQueen and Olafur Eliasson. The Light, a £17m redevelopment of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery, opens to the public as part of a broader push to bring major culture to regions outside London.
Courts have blocked a White House plan to require voter lists and standardized envelopes for mail ballots, delaying implementation as midterm ballots approach. The rules have been challenged as unconstitutional, with lawsuits arguing only states and Congress can set election procedures.