North Carolina residents are following several important developments, including a federal lawsuit against Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, a phishing warning from Frontier Airlines and continued water restrictions in Durham.
Other news includes a new-trial request in the Faith Hedgepeth murder case, a state-authorized America 250 license plate and plans to bring Raleigh’s Sadlack’s bar back to a new location.
Here are the details behind these developments.
Former state employee sues Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey
April Taylor, a former employee of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, has filed a federal lawsuit against state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, alleging sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation.
According to WRAL’s report on the lawsuit, Taylor alleges that Causey sent inappropriate messages and made unwanted advances, including allegedly kissing her without her consent. She also claims that she experienced workplace hostility and retaliation after raising concerns about other department matters.
Taylor worked for the department for nearly two decades and resigned in March 2026. Her lawsuit raises claims under federal workplace discrimination laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. She is seeking compensation for lost wages and emotional distress, as well as punitive damages.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Representatives for the Department of Insurance told WRAL that the department does not comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit follows an earlier state ethics complaint involving similar allegations. The North Carolina State Ethics Commission dismissed that complaint after determining that the alleged facts would not constitute a violation of the Ethics Act. That decision was not a ruling on the merits of the separate federal lawsuit.
Read the News & Observer’s report on the earlier ethics decision.
Frontier Airlines warns customers about phishing emails
Frontier Airlines says an active email phishing campaign is targeting its customers with messages seeking flight, reservation or payment information.
In its official phishing warning, the airline says it will not email customers asking them to reconfirm an upcoming flight, re-enter credit card information or provide payment details to receive a refund.
The company advises customers not to click links or buttons in suspicious messages, reply to them or enter personal and financial information. Anyone checking a reservation should visit Frontier’s official website or app directly rather than following a link in an unsolicited email.
Customers who have entered payment information through a suspicious message should contact their card issuer or financial institution.
Frontier has not provided a verified figure for the number of customers affected by the campaign.
Durham water shortage restrictions remain in effect
Durham’s Stage 2 water-shortage restrictions remained in effect in the city’s November 2 update, as officials continued to monitor reservoir levels and water demand.
The City of Durham reported that combined storage in its lakes stood at 33% on November 1, 2026. The city estimated that 83 days of easily accessible water remained.
The city’s current water-supply data provides a broader picture. In addition to the 83 days of easily accessible reservoir water, officials listed 51 days of less accessible water below reservoir intake structures and 18 days of emergency storage in Teer Quarry. Together, those categories represented an estimated 152 days of supply.
The figures describe different levels of available water, not 152 days of easily accessible reservoir supply.
Durham is also supplementing its water resources by purchasing part of its Jordan Lake allocation from Cary and water from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, while pumping water from Teer Quarry.
The city said Stage 3 restrictions remain a possibility depending on demand and weather conditions. Residents should check the city’s official updates for the current restrictions and permitted outdoor water use.
Faith Hedgepeth murder case: Defense requests a new trial
Attorneys for Miguel Salguero-Olivares have filed a motion seeking a new trial after his conviction in the 2012 killing of UNC-Chapel Hill student Faith Hedgepeth.
A jury found Salguero-Olivares guilty on October 23, 2026, of first-degree murder and other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder.
According to WRAL’s report on the defense motion, the filing raises four main arguments.
The defense says prosecutors did not disclose a crime laboratory report showing that a substance connected to separate drug charges against Salguero-Olivares contained no controlled substance. The attorneys argue that the information should have been disclosed during the murder trial.
The motion also challenges testimony by SBI Agent Justin Heinrich, arguing that some of his opinions about evidence and witness credibility were improper.
A third argument concerns testimony about a cookout attended by people investigators believed might have information about the case. The defense disputes the state’s account of the whereabouts and availability of a potential witness.
The fourth argument challenges the exclusion of evidence concerning Hedgepeth’s estimated time of death.
These are claims made by the defense, not findings by the court. The filing asks the court to vacate the judgments and grant a new trial, as well as consider an evidentiary hearing.
The motion does not automatically overturn the conviction. The court must decide whether the defense arguments justify further relief.
North Carolina authorizes an America 250 license plate
North Carolina has authorized a standard license plate commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The North Carolina General Assembly’s official summary of Session Law 2026-58 describes an “America’s Semiquincentennial” plate featuring the words “America 250.”
The planned background design includes North Carolina symbols and landmarks, such as the cardinal, dogwood flowers, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the State Capitol, the Wright Brothers’ plane and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
The law became effective July 7, 2026. It says the Division of Motor Vehicles is not required to issue the plate until 180 days after the division finalizes the background design.
That means the issuance timeline depends on the design approval date. Production quantities, costs and a specific delivery date should not be treated as confirmed without supporting DMV records.
Sadlack’s plans a return at a new Raleigh location
Sadlack’s, a longtime Raleigh bar and sandwich-shop name associated with Hillsborough Street, is reportedly preparing for a return at a different location.
The News & Observer reported that new owner Henry Goodall plans to bring Sadlack’s to 913 W. Morgan St. in Raleigh.
The reported plan is to begin with drinks and potentially add food service later. The business is expected to operate under new ownership at a new location rather than reopen its former Hillsborough Street premises.
The original Hillsborough Street location closed in 2013 after decades in business. The reopening plan has attracted attention because of the name’s long history with Raleigh residents.
An exact opening date and final operating details should be confirmed directly with the owner before being presented as definite.
What North Carolina residents should know
These developments involve public accountability, consumer protection, water conservation, the criminal justice system, state history and local business.
For residents, the most immediate practical issues are Durham’s continuing water restrictions and the need to be cautious with unexpected airline emails requesting payment or personal information.
The lawsuits and court proceedings remain subject to further legal action. The America 250 plate’s availability depends on the state’s design and production process, while Sadlack’s reopening details remain subject to confirmation.
NewsToToday.com will continue to follow these stories as additional official information becomes available.
