North Carolina’s high-stakes lawsuit against TikTok will proceed after the state’s Business Court rejected TikTok’s motion to dismiss, reinforcing the state’s authority to challenge the platform’s alleged harm to minors.

Judge Adam Conrad ruled that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, can be held accountable if it’s proven they intentionally designed the app to addict young users—placing mental health at risk and fueling compulsive use.

The lawsuit, brought in 2024 by former Attorney General Josh Stein, claims TikTok’s features, especially the ‘For You Page,’ exploit teen users’ vulnerabilities, mimicking the addictive qualities of gambling.

Federal immunity and First Amendment defenses were rejected, with the court stressing that minors need protection and North Carolina has jurisdiction since nearly 1 million teens use the app locally.

Current Attorney General Jeff Jackson continues to advocate for stricter safeguards, as parents and educators hope the case sets new standards for tech company accountability.

The Element by Westin Wilmington has opened in Mayfaire Town Center, bringing the brand’s first extended-stay hotel to Wilmington.

Jointly developed by Vision Hospitality Group and CBL & Associates, the 139-room property features amenities such as a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, conference facilities, and a fitness center.

Guests can take advantage of eco-friendly features like electric vehicle charging stations, filtered water access, and complimentary bike rentals, reflecting a growing demand for sustainable stays.

Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, expressed excitement over the Element brand’s Wilmington debut and highlighted a strong partnership with CBL & Associates in fusing hospitality with sustainability.

The opening signals continued growth in Mayfaire, coinciding with BrodyCo’s plans for Mayfaire West: a new residential community with apartments, townhomes, and green spaces.

These additions underscore Wilmington’s evolving mix of residential, retail, and hospitality offerings.

Napoli Pizza & Italian Restaurant

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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has taken temporary control of child welfare services in Bertie County beginning August 15, 2025, after a review found major concerns following the tragic death of a child previously involved with services.

This marks Bertie County’s second state intervention, making it the first in North Carolina to be placed under state oversight twice.

State officials, including Secretary Dev Sangvai, have pledged to work closely with local leaders, aiming to address deficiencies and ensure child safety.

The move follows statutory authority under N.C.G.S. § 108A-74, which allows intervention when standards are not met.

The state will deploy staff on-site to stabilize services and create a plan for compliance with child welfare best practices.

The Fostering Care in NC Act, effective June 2025, gives NCDHHS expanded oversight, highlighting statewide efforts to protect children.

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