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Friday Forward News Roundup

Volunteer Efforts Aid Swannanoa Recovery After Hurricane Helene's Devastation

Swannanoa, NC, east of Asheville, was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, prompting Adam Smith to organize the Savage Operations Center with over 100 volunteers. Using privately-owned helicopters and volunteer pilots, they have delivered 500,000 pounds of supplies to isolated mountain communities. Despite the outpouring of support, Smith emphasized the long road ahead for recovery, as homes and businesses were destroyed and families remain displaced. Power restoration is underway, with Governor Roy Cooper estimating 90% of power to be restored by the week's end. (WRAL)


N.C. DOT Tracks Road Closures in Western North Carolina After Tropical Storm Helene

The N.C. Department of Transportation provides a regularly updated list of road closures in Western North Carolina following damage from Tropical Storm Helene. As roads are repaired or further damage is discovered in remote mountain areas, the list changes daily. A searchable database is available for residents to check the current status of roads in the region. (News & Observer)


Triangle Emergency Responders Assist Western NC Recovery After Tropical Storm Helene

Hundreds of emergency responders from the Triangle area, including law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel, have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following Tropical Storm Helene. Nearly 400 personnel, including 56 police officers and 179 firefighters, have been dispatched to provide aid, deliver supplies, and support overwhelmed local emergency workers. As roads remain blocked and resources strained, donations and support are being organized statewide, with FEMA and local efforts continuing for several weeks. (News & Observer)


Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens Despite Some Road Closures After Tropical Storm Helene

Despite damage from Tropical Storm Helene, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is mostly open, with some closures. The Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed indefinitely, along with several other roads and campgrounds, including Balsam Mountain and Cataloochee areas. However, most of the park is accessible, and visitors like Jinnifer and Ben Johnston report being able to enjoy the park’s fall foliage and natural beauty without seeing much storm damage. Popular nearby attractions such as Dollywood and Gatlinburg are also open. (Citizen Times)


Hearing on Proposed Home Insurance Rate Hikes in North Carolina Set for Monday

A hearing on Monday will address the proposed homeowner insurance rate increase in North Carolina, which could significantly affect residents, particularly in coastal areas. The State's Rate Bureau has requested a statewide 42% increase, with a 99% rise for coastal regions, citing inflation and damage from storms like Hurricane Florence. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey rejected the proposal, deeming it excessive and unfairly discriminatory toward specific areas. An official decision on the rates is expected by late November, though damage from recent storms like Hurricane Helene is not being factored into the current rate increase discussions. (WWAY)


North Carolina Attorney General Race: Dan Bishop vs. Jeff Jackson

As Josh Stein runs for governor, the race for North Carolina Attorney General has drawn attention with U.S. Representatives Dan Bishop and Jeff Jackson vying for the position. Both candidates prioritize tackling the opioid crisis but differ on issues like election laws and border security. Jackson promises to challenge unconstitutional laws, while Bishop accuses him of overstepping by preemptively opposing the state legislature. (WUNC)


Trump Leads Harris by 2 Points in North Carolina, Stein Expands Lead Over Robinson in Governor's Race

A new Eastern Carolina University poll shows Donald Trump holding a slight 2-point lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in North Carolina, 49% to 47%. Meanwhile, Josh Stein has significantly widened his lead over Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in the governor's race, polling at 50% to Robinson’s 33%. Stein’s gains come after a scandal linking Robinson to offensive comments, which has caused his support among Republicans and independents to drop. (CBS 17)


Watauga County to Proceed with Elections Despite Hurricane Helene's Aftermath

Watauga County Board of Elections has announced that the November 5, 2024 general election will proceed despite disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Election staff have secured equipment, processed absentee ballots, and established connections to state systems despite internet outages. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is also deploying emergency kits to assist county election boards in affected areas. NCSBE executive director Karen Brinson Bell emphasized the resilience of election staff and assured that efforts are underway to ensure a safe and secure election. (Carolina Journal)


New Hanover County Advances Comprehensive Plan with Community Input

New Hanover County officials received an update on "Destination 2050," the comprehensive plan guiding future development. Phase 1 of the update involved gathering input from residents through surveys, open houses, and meetings. The next phase will focus on analyzing priorities such as stormwater management, green space, housing, and infrastructure to balance competing interests. Rebekah Roth, the county’s planning director, highlighted the importance of understanding the community impacts of different development directions. The finalized plan is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. (WWAY)


Durham Association of Educators Nears Formal Talks with School System

The Durham Association of Educators (DAE) is close to achieving formal dialogue with Durham school administrators after the school board instructed Superintendent Anthony Lewis to collaborate with DAE to develop a new "meet-and-confer" policy. While the board did not adopt a policy outright, it marks a significant step forward in recognizing the advocacy efforts of DAE. The move follows legal concerns surrounding previous proposals due to North Carolina's laws prohibiting collective bargaining for public sector employees. The new policy would apply to any group representing over half of the employees. (Indy Week)


Guilford County Schools to Retain Morehead Elementary Arts Program Amid New Proposal

Superintendent Whitney Oakley has proposed delaying the elimination of Morehead Elementary’s expressive arts choice program and trialing a new approach for the 2024-2025 school year. The district plans to operate three arts magnet schools, including Morehead, Parkview Elementary, and a new visual and performing arts school set to open in August 2025 at the former Peeler Elementary site. As of Sept. 9, Morehead has 342 students from its attendance zone and 179 students attending through the choice program. The proposal allows time to assess family interest and costs before making a final decision on Morehead’s future, with the school board expected to vote next week. The plan will divide Greensboro into feeder areas for Morehead and the new school, with transportation provided only within the designated zones. (News & Record)


Six North Carolina Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Honors in 2024

Five public schools and one private school in North Carolina have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The public schools honored include Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy, Hope Middle School, McDowell Early College, Willow Springs Elementary, and Rock Ridge Elementary. Immaculate Catholic School in Durham was the private school recognized. These schools were commended for outstanding academic performance or closing achievement gaps, contributing to a total of 143 North Carolina schools awarded since the program’s inception in 1982. (North State Journal)


NCDOT to Present Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and South Front Street Plans at Community Meeting

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will host a public meeting on October 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at CFCC’s Daniels Hall, to discuss the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (CFMB) and improvements to South Front Street. NCDOT will present three design options for the bridge, ranging from a movable span costing $759.9 million to fixed structures with 100-135 foot clearances. The South Front Street project aims to widen the roadway and improve congestion, with construction slated for 2027. Feedback can be submitted by phone or online until October 25. (Port City Daily)


Longshoremen at ILA Local 1426 Reach Tentative Agreement on Wage Increase

Longshoremen at ILA Local 1426 have reached a tentative agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance, securing a 62% wage increase over the next six years. The tentative deal was reached after less than a week of protests, where workers opposed automation and sought better conditions. Work at the port will resume Friday, though the master contract is only extended until January 15, 2025. Members of the ILA celebrated the partial victory but acknowledged the ongoing nature of the fight for workers' rights against foreign corporations. (WWAY)


Facebook Privacy Settlement Payouts Delayed Until 2025 or Later

Facebook users who filed claims for a share of the $725 million privacy settlement may receive payouts of approximately $35, but the distribution has been delayed due to ongoing appeals. The settlement stems from lawsuits related to the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal, where up to 87 million users' personal data was improperly shared. While the deadline to claim passed in August 2023, with 28 million claims submitted, no payouts can be made until the appeals are resolved, which may not happen until 2025 or later. Payouts will vary based on how long claimants used Facebook during the eligibility period from 2007 to 2022. (Charlotte Observer)


Supreme Court to Hear Key Cases on Transgender Care, Ghost Guns, and Online Privacy in New Term

The U.S. Supreme Court's new term begins with major cases on its docket, including disputes over age-verification for online pornography, flavored e-cigarettes, "ghost guns," and a challenge to Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Additionally, the court may intervene in last-minute election-related appeals, particularly around voting rules. Public skepticism of the court's impartiality is high, with only 43% approval according to Gallup. A decision in these cases is expected by June 2025. (ABC 11)

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  • Joshua Peters
    published this page in News & Updates 2024-10-04 09:39:03 -0400