An alleged cash-for-votes scheme tied to upcoming city council races in Wilmington, North Carolina has been referred to the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) for further investigation.The scandal emerged when a voter in New Hanover County revealed that they had received text messages offering cash payments in exchange for voting for three Democratic Party city council candidates. According to redacted text messages, the voter was promised $100 for each ballot cast.
In one of the messages, the sender said they were following up on a conversation had during last month’s “No Kings” protests and reminder the recipient of upcoming municipal elections in New Hanover County. After listing the Democratic Party candidates and urging the recipient to vote, the sender stated that “each candidate will pay you 100 dollars for your vote.”
The same prompt appears to have been sent multiple times, according to messages shared by state Republican officials
The North Carolina Republican Party confirmed that they had reviewed unreacted messages it had received before forwarding them to the State Board of Elections for further investigation. North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Jason Simmons stated that a thorough investigation is vital to ensuring election integrity.
“This is troubling. An allegation of paying a voter and attempting to buy votes in an election is an affront to our shared values,” Simmons said in a press release. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to the integrity of honest elections and will continue to work diligently to keep North Carolina elections fair, free, honest, and transparent.”
John Hinnant, chairman of the New Hanover County Republican Party, urged voters to remain vigilant while speaking with the Carolina Journal.
“We take these allegations very seriously. The voter who received this message did the right thing and reported it to the election integrity hotline,” he said. “For voters, if you see something, say something and remember, it is a violation of law to take a photograph inside the polling place.”Jill Hopman, chairwoman of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, said the messages are not connected to any local Democratic candidates or the party before claiming the story is a hoax.“The New Hanover Democratic Party is fully committed to free, fair, and secure elections and believes anyone trying to purchase votes should be prosecuted. That said, let’s be clear about the facts here,” Hopman said in a statement. “One well-known local MAGA activist received a text message from an anonymous untraceable number not affiliated with any candidate or party, with nothing to suggest it’s indicative of a widespread scheme. Unfortunately, instead of waiting for the NC Board of Elections to investigate this farce, the NCGOP is trying to turn this into a sensationalized circus.”
State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a social media post that his office has been made aware of the allegations.
“Our office will provide any additional resources or assistance needed to thoroughly investigate this matter. We will hold any bad actors accountable and give voters confidence in our elections,” Boliek posted on X.
A federal appeals court on Friday turned away an attempt by President Donald Trump to have a lower court’s ruling in his $5 million sexual abuse case involving former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll overturned.
The decision, first reported on the X platform by Politico’s Kyle Cheney, stemmed from a divided Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in which all 11 judges were involved en banc
Holly Willoughby proved that glamour never takes a night off as she stepped out hand-in-hand with husband
The couple, who have been married for 17 years, looked every bit the power duo as they arrived at the exclusive
Holly, 44, turned heads in a tailored white plunging suit, proving once again why she’s long been regarded as one of Britain’s best-dressed women. The former
Meanwhile, Dan, 50, cut a suave figure beside her in a charcoal-grey suit, crisp white shirt, and polished shoes — the epitome of understated sophistication. The pair smiled warmly as photographers called out, looking relaxed, in love, and clearly ready to toast to success.
“Holly looked incredible,” said an onlooker. “You could tell it was a special night — they were laughing, holding hands, and completely lost in their own world. It felt like a celebration of everything they’ve achieved together.”
Dan Baldwin’s production company recently finalized what insiders have dubbed the “deal of the year” — a lucrative £20 million partnership with the NFL, Channel 5, and Paramount
The deal marks a major milestone in Baldwin’s career and cements his position as one of the most influential figures in British broadcasting.
Industry insiders say the agreement has not only transformed his company’s future but also allowed the couple to “breathe easier than ever,” following Holly’s decision to step away from full-time television earlier this year.
A source close to the couple told The Mail:
“Holly’s been in the public eye for more than two decades — she’s earned the right to slow down. Dan’s success has taken a huge weight off her shoulders, and now they’re just enjoying life. This dinner was as much about love as it was about business.”
Once hailed as ITV’s golden girl, Holly has spent 21 years lighting up British television screens — from This Morning and Dancing On Ice to her own primetime specials. But since announcing her exit from This Morning in 2023, she’s been quietly redefining her career and personal life.
After years of early mornings, intense schedules, and unrelenting public attention, Holly has been taking time to focus on her family — and enjoying a slower pace of life.
“She’s in no rush to come back to TV,” another insider revealed. “She’s loving the peace, spending time with her kids, and working on smaller creative projects that really matter to her.”
Her glamorous date night, however, reminded fans that the star power hasn’t dimmed one bit.
Witnesses inside the restaurant described the couple’s evening as “romantic and relaxed,” with the pair sharing champagne and dessert long after the plates were cleared.
“They were tucked away in a corner booth,” said one diner. “At one point, Dan raised a glass and said something that made Holly laugh so hard she had tears in her eyes. It was pure love — you could tell they’re still each other’s biggest fans.”
Despite her break from television, Holly continues to captivate audiences online, with fans praising her timeless style and effortless charm. Her appearance in the plunging white suit has already sparked fashion buzz, with searches for “Holly Willoughby white blazer look” trending on social media just hours after the photos surfaced.
Earlier this year, the couple also made headlines after purchasing an £8 million mansion, a sprawling property in southwest London said to feature a home cinema, a pool, and a state-of-the-art recording studio for Baldwin’s production company.
The home, sources say, is “Holly’s sanctuary” — a place where she can unwind away from the spotlight while still supporting Dan’s booming career.
“They’re one of the strongest couples in British showbiz,” said a longtime friend. “What people don’t see is how much they support each other behind the scenes. Dan’s deal is huge, but he always credits Holly for being his rock. They’re a true partnership.”
Though she’s been linked to a number of new projects — including rumored offers from Netflix and Disney+ — Holly appears content to stay selective. Insiders say she’s focusing on “quality over quantity” and waiting for the perfect comeback opportunity.
“She’s not done with television,” the source added. “She’s just choosing happiness first. When she does return, it’ll be on her terms — and it’ll be something big.”
As the couple left the restaurant just before midnight, Holly rested her head briefly on Dan’s shoulder while he guided her through the paparazzi flashbulbs — a quiet, intimate gesture that spoke volumes about their bond.
For now, the queen of morning television is embracing her evenings in the spotlight, standing beside the man whose success allows her to enjoy the luxury of choice.
And if this glittering date night is any indication, Holly Willoughby’s next act may not be on television — but in the art of living beautifully.
“It wasn’t just a celebration dinner,” one friend said. “It was a reminder that after all the noise, they’ve built something real — love, family, and a future that’s entirely theirs.”
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