Early Voting Begins in North Carolina

Early voting has started in North Carolina, with over 400 voting sites open across the state. In previous elections, 62% of voters cast early ballots in 2016, rising to 65% in 2020. Millions are expected to participate ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. (News & Observer)

Over 264,000 Early Votes Cast on First Day of North Carolina's In-Person Voting

As of Thursday evening on October 17, 264,127 ballots were cast on the first day of early in-person voting in North Carolina, with only 83 out of 100 counties reporting data. The final turnout is expected to increase when all counties report. In comparison, 348,599 people voted on the first day during the 2020 election. (ABC 11)

Chimney Rock Faces Devastation After Hurricane Helene

Chimney Rock, North Carolina, suffered severe damage from Hurricane Helene, with 100% of the businesses in the central district either destroyed or heavily damaged. Mayor Peter O'Leary described the village's economy as devastated, with unemployment at 100%. While recovery efforts are underway, it is expected to take years to rebuild, and businesses may take at least a year to reopen. Despite the challenges, the community has seen strong support from volunteers and donations. (CBS 17)

Pete Buttigieg Surveys Hurricane Helene Damage in Western North Carolina

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Western North Carolina to assess damage from Hurricane Helene, accompanied by Governor Roy Cooper and local officials. Buttigieg emphasized supporting local recovery efforts and discussed long-term strategies for rebuilding infrastructure, with $100 million in emergency relief already released. Senator Thom Tillis joined him in highlighting the need for resilient infrastructure planning, estimating the overall recovery cost in the billions. (ABC 13)

Gov. Roy Cooper Increases Unemployment Benefits for Hurricane Helene Victims

Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order raising the maximum weekly unemployment payments in North Carolina from $350 to $600 to support workers impacted by Hurricane Helene. Residents in affected counties may also qualify for up to 26 weeks of federal unemployment benefits under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program. The change comes as 79% of new unemployment claims since the disaster are from counties hit by the hurricane. While the higher payments apply statewide, they will largely benefit storm-affected areas. The new benefits will be retroactive to September 29. (NC Newsline)

Pat McCrory Launches Election Integrity Nonprofit in NC After 2016 Experience

Former NC Governor Pat McCrory, who lost the 2016 election by a narrow margin, is launching the North Carolina chapter of RightCount, a nonprofit focused on election integrity. The organization aims to educate voters on the election process and ensure trust in results. McCrory stressed the importance of understanding changes in voting procedures, including voter ID requirements, paper ballots, and no internet connection for voting machines. RightCount seeks to reassure voters across party lines, emphasizing that accurate and fair vote counting is critical for confidence in the electoral system. (News & Observer)

NC Judge Partially Dismisses GOP Voter Purge Lawsuit

A federal judge partially dismissed a Republican lawsuit seeking to remove 225,000 voters from North Carolina's rolls, stating that the GOP lacked standing to sue under federal law. However, the judge allowed arguments based on the North Carolina Constitution to proceed in state court. The lawsuit challenges a voter registration form that allegedly did not make clear the requirement for certain identification details. All voters in the 2023 election will be required to show voter ID. (News & Observer)

GOP Absentee Ballot Lawsuit Moved to Federal Court by NC Election Board

The North Carolina State Board of Elections moved a Republican lawsuit challenging the state's absentee ballot rules to federal court, citing obligations under the Voting Rights Act. The GOP argues that absentee ballots not sealed in container-return envelopes violate state law. The board maintains its guidelines comply with federal law. This case is one of several lawsuits filed by Republican groups, including challenges to voter registrations and voter ID policies. A separate lawsuit regarding voter registration requirements will be heard in federal court, with Republicans seeking to return it to state court. (Carolina Journal)

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Sues CNN Over Defamation Allegations

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against CNN, accusing the network of reckless reporting over claims that he made explicit racial and sexual posts on a pornography website’s message board. Robinson denies the allegations, arguing that his personal data was compromised in multiple breaches. The lawsuit comes after the report led many GOP figures, including Donald Trump, to distance themselves from Robinson's gubernatorial campaign. Robinson also sued a punk rock singer for similar allegations. CNN has declined to comment. (WRAL)

NC Ballot to Include Constitutional Amendment on Voting Eligibility

North Carolina voters will decide on a constitutional amendment this year that would change the state’s constitution to specify that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election. While the current language already implies this, some critics, like Wendy Mateo-Pascual, fear the amendment could cause confusion for naturalized citizens. A recent poll showed 76% of voters support the amendment. Supporters argue it will clarify the law, while opponents say it stirs anti-immigrant sentiment without addressing a real issue, as noncitizen voting is already illegal in North Carolina. (WFAE)

Durham Residents to Vote on $200 Million Bond for Parks and Infrastructure

Durham voters will consider two bond referenda, totaling $200 million, to improve parks, streets, and sidewalks. The “Connecting Durham” bonds aim to address areas of historic disinvestment and expedite delayed capital projects. Supporters argue that the bonds will help the city tackle rising costs and improve recreational spaces and infrastructure. However, some residents are skeptical of the city's efficiency, particularly given past delays in affordable housing projects. If passed, the bonds could raise property taxes by up to 3.46 cents per $100 in property value. (Indy Week)

Greensboro Shifts Plans for Toxic Soil Removal from Bingham Park

Greensboro has decided against using the White Street Landfill for relocating toxic soil from Bingham Park after strong public opposition and concerns raised by environmental justice groups. The city is now considering the Great Oak Landfill in Asheboro, as the cost difference between the two sites proved smaller than initially believed. The decision reflects feedback from residents who voiced concerns in city meetings, prompting officials to explore alternative options. (ABC 45)

NC Agriculture Department Investigates Brunswick County Aerial Mosquito Spraying

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture has launched an investigation into Brunswick County's aerial mosquito spraying, which was initiated after storms left standing water, causing a surge in mosquitoes. Some residents, including beekeeper Samantha Werner, are concerned about the spraying’s impact on beneficial insects like bees and dragonflies. While the department can enforce regulations, they noted there are no state or federal restrictions on the product used unless label restrictions or laws are violated. Brunswick County has yet to receive any reports of hive damage. (WWAY)

Wake County Proposes Adjustments to 2025 Student Reassignment Plan

Wake County school administrators have recommended five changes to the student reassignment plan for the 2025-26 school year based on parent feedback. The plan involves moving students to fill four new schools in southern and southwestern Wake, including Felton Grove High and three elementary schools. Adjustments include reassigning fewer subdivisions and allowing certain students to stay at their current schools through stability transfers. The final plan will be presented for a vote on November 26, after a public hearing on November 12. (News & Observer)

NC Promise Faces Funding Shortfall Despite Enrollment Gains

The NC Promise program, offering in-state tuition at $500 per semester for four North Carolina universities, has led to significant enrollment growth, with Elizabeth City State seeing a 57% increase and Fayetteville State 10%. However, the state’s $82.5 million annual funding for the program is projected to fall short by $6.4 million this year. UNC System CFO Jennifer Haygood proposed increasing tuition, particularly for out-of-state students, or requesting additional funds from the state legislature to address the deficit. Discussions on funding will continue in the coming months. (WUNC)

Mooresville Rejects Major Development Projects Amid Growth Concerns

The Mooresville board has rejected several large development proposals, including a 96.8-acre Lake Davidson project with 353 multifamily units, citing traffic and fire response concerns. The developer has filed a lawsuit against the town in response. Other denials include plans to revitalize Queens Landing and a vote is expected on a 625-home mixed-use project, Mooresville Village. While town leaders are not anti-growth, they aim to protect Mooresville's charm by limiting dense apartment developments and focusing on lower-density housing and mixed-use projects. (Charlotte Observer)

Ken Jeong to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Comedian and actor Ken Jeong, an alumnus of Duke University and the University of North Carolina, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Oct. 23. Jeong, who earned a medical degree from UNC in 1995 and worked as a physician before transitioning to entertainment, expressed his gratitude in a post on social media, saying he was "beyond honored." (CBS 17)