North Carolina Allocates $877M for Helene Recovery Efforts

North Carolina lawmakers have approved $877 million in disaster relief for Hurricane Helene through two bills. House Bill 149 allocated $273 million, including $250 million for federal FEMA matching funds, $16 million for school cafeteria employee salaries, and $2 million for municipal grants. Senate Bill 743 provided $604 million, with $50 million for small business recovery loans, $50 million for public school repairs, and additional funds for mental health, childcare, and rental assistance. Despite these efforts, Governor Roy Cooper estimates $3.9 billion in damages, criticizing the aid as insufficient to meet the rebuilding needs. (ABC 45)

FEMA Faces Scrutiny as Over 1,500 Helene Victims Remain in Hotels

FEMA reports that over 1,500 displaced victims of Hurricane Helene, primarily in Buncombe County, North Carolina, are still living in hotels. Efforts are underway to assess 400 potential sites for temporary housing, including manufactured housing units on commercial properties. Meanwhile, FEMA is facing criticism over whistleblower allegations of political bias in disaster relief and will address its preparedness and response before Congress next week. (Carolina Journal)

NC GOP Pushes Final Legislative Goals Before Losing Supermajority

As Republicans prepare to lose their supermajority in the North Carolina General Assembly come January, they are leveraging their current numbers to advance key priorities. House Bill 10, which includes nearly $500 million for private school vouchers and mandates sheriff cooperation with federal immigration authorities, is set for an override vote on November 19. With a reduced GOP majority expected in January, leadership aims to solidify policy wins before Democrats gain influence and Governor-Elect Josh Stein takes office. Additional legislative priorities for the November and December sessions remain undisclosed. (CBS 17)

NC Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson Resigns Early, Kevin O’Barr Appointed Interim

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson resigned on Nov. 6 to take a leadership role with the NC Healthcare Association, ending 14 years in public office. Governor Roy Cooper appointed Kevin O’Barr as interim commissioner until Republican Luke Farley, who won the recent election with 52.83% of the vote, assumes office in 2025. Dobson cited a desire to transition to the private sector after decades of public service. Farley, a workplace safety attorney, was endorsed by Dobson and former commissioner Cherie Berry. (North State Journal)

Gov. Cooper Grants Clemency to Eight Individuals, Including Juvenile Offenders

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commuted the sentences of six incarcerated individuals, including five convicted of murder, and pardoned two individuals wrongfully convicted of felonies. Among the commuted cases are four offenders recommended by the Juvenile Sentence Review Board for crimes committed under 18. Two pardons were issued to Mark Crotts and Darron Carmon, who were exonerated after wrongful convictions. Cooper emphasized the importance of fairness in the justice system and noted the offenders’ participation in rehabilitative efforts. Several commutations make offenders parole-eligible or set release dates in the near future. (WRAL)

Greensboro City Manager Trey Davis Faces Challenges and Opportunities in New Role

Trey Davis, Greensboro’s new city manager and former assistant city manager, is tackling key issues such as homelessness, housing shortages, public safety, and economic development. The city is addressing homelessness through partnerships, including a $425,000 winter shelter agreement, while working to resolve tensions with the IRC after safety concerns. Davis aims to expand affordable housing and bolster economic growth by leveraging opportunities like the Toyota megasite and Boom Supersonic factory, focusing on inclusive development. His background in law enforcement shapes his strategic approach to governance, emphasizing proactive communication and integrated public safety measures. (News & Record)

Civil Rights Group Sues Durham Officials Over Courtroom Access in Dependency Cases

The Civil Rights Corps (CRC) has filed a federal lawsuit against Durham District Court Judge Doretta Walker and Sheriff Clarence Birkhead, alleging systematic exclusion of its staff from monitoring dependency court hearings, where parental rights are often at stake. The CRC claims these actions violate the First Amendment’s presumption of open courts and seeks an injunction to prevent further exclusions. Advocacy groups argue public access is crucial to exposing inefficiencies and injustices in the system, with critics likening the secrecy to historical injustices against marginalized communities. Judge Walker and Sheriff Birkhead have not commented on the lawsuit. (Indy Week)

Mitchell Silver Brings Vision and Expertise to Raleigh City Council

Newly elected Raleigh City Councilman Mitchell Silver returns to the City of Oaks, leveraging his urban planning expertise and experience as NYC Parks Commissioner to focus on sustainable housing, downtown vibrancy, and strategic development. Silver plans to enhance Raleigh’s identity through improved downtown attractions, anti-displacement housing strategies, and reimagining Capital Boulevard as a proud gateway to the city. Committed to safety and economic growth, he also aims to ensure first responders are well-supported and that the city remains a competitive destination for visitors and residents alike. (ABC 11)

Winston-Salem Public Housing Residents Demand Representation on Housing Authority Board

Michael Douglas, a public housing tenant in Winston-Salem, is calling for direct representation on the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem’s (HAWS) board, arguing that current appointees, such as voucher recipient Felicia Brinson, fail to address the concerns of public housing residents. State law mandates at least one board member be directly assisted by the housing authority, but advocates like Douglas and Housing Justice Now push for more representation, citing poor living conditions in properties like Crystal Towers. Mayor Allen Joines has expressed openness to appointing public housing residents to upcoming vacancies, but frustrations over systemic neglect and lack of engagement persist. (NC Newsline)

Wilmington City Council Considers Ending Red-Light Camera Program

Wilmington City Council is considering letting its red-light camera program, SafeLight, expire in June 2024, citing high costs of nearly $250,000 annually and concerns over effectiveness. Studies suggest mixed results on safety, with marginal reductions in T-bone collisions but increases in rear-end accidents. Under a proposed plan, the cameras would remain operational for crash investigations and evidence collection but would no longer issue tickets, addressing concerns about legal enforcement and third-party involvement. If discontinued, Wilmington would become the last city in North Carolina to end such a program. (WWAY)

Asheville High Seniors Navigate College Applications Amid Helene Recovery

Asheville High School seniors faced significant disruptions to their college application process due to Hurricane Helene, with school closures delaying access to transcripts and college counseling resources. Teachers and staff quickly organized bridge-learning workshops, helping nearly 100 students with essay feedback, transcript retrieval, and application troubleshooting ahead of critical fall deadlines. While the experience added stress, students like Greta Rosenthal found relief and support, gaining confidence in their college prospects despite the challenges. (ABC 13)

NC Launches $1 Million Field Trip Fund for Public Schools

Governor Roy Cooper's administration has introduced the “Learning Happens Here Field Trip Fund,” a $1 million pilot program allowing K-12 public schools to seek financial assistance for field trips to over 100 state-managed museums, aquariums, and historic sites. Priority will be given to Title I schools and western NC schools affected by Hurricane Helene. Funded through federal American Rescue Plan funds, the initiative covers costs like transportation, entry fees, and meals. Applications must be submitted online at least eight weeks before the trip, with the funds aimed at creating memorable and inspiring educational experiences. (WRAL)

Wake County School Board Vice Chair Resigns for State House Role

Monika Johnson-Hostler, an 11-year member and current vice chairwoman of the Wake County School Board, will resign effective Dec. 30 following her election to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Representing southern Wake County since 2014, her replacement will be chosen by the school board to serve the remainder of her term until December 2026. Johnson-Hostler described her departure as "bittersweet" and emphasized her continued focus on advocating for children in her new legislative role. (WRAL)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Launch Housing Initiative to Support Educators

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) unveiled the “At Home in CMS” initiative to address housing challenges for educators, offering rental assistance, homeownership support, and plans for district-built housing. Partnering with developers, CMS will provide reduced rent at 42 properties and townhomes at lower costs for teachers at high-need schools, supplemented by $30,000 from Truist Bank for some homes. The district also announced a $30 million plan to build a 100-unit rental complex for educators by 2027, funded by private investors. While some educators see the initiative as a helpful step, others argue it highlights the need for higher teacher pay amid rising living costs in Charlotte. (Charlotte Observer)

Lead Detected in Water at Seven Buncombe County Schools

Testing by Asheville’s Water Resources Department revealed the presence of lead in the water at seven schools, including Oakley, Sand Hill, and Charles C. Bell Elementary, as well as Lucy Herring and Hall-Fletcher Elementary in Asheville City Schools, and Odyssey Community School. The lead contamination occurred after Tropical Storm Helene disrupted corrosion control treatments at the North Fork Water Treatment Plant. Schools have closed water fountains and are implementing EPA guidance, including installing lead-reducing filters and replacing outdated plumbing. Residents are advised to flush faucets before use and consider bottled water for drinking. Health concerns related to lead exposure include developmental delays and learning issues, prompting free lead testing and ongoing water monitoring. (Citizen Times)

UNC System Considers Uniform Policy for Campus Protests

The UNC System is evaluating a system-wide policy for campus protests following pro-Palestinian demonstrations earlier this year. Proposed guidelines include prior approvals for campus gatherings, restrictions near classrooms, and making public safety officials the final decision-makers for event permissions. While some Board of Governors (BOG) members support a uniform approach to prevent "chaos and vandalism," others, including some chancellors, argue that individual campuses should retain autonomy due to differing needs and resources. Feedback from chancellors will be reviewed at the next BOG meeting in January. (WUNC)

UNCW Launches Blue Economy Assets Map to Boost Marine Innovation

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has introduced the Blue Economy Assets Map, showcasing local businesses and startups in sustainable ocean industries such as renewable energy, conservation, and tourism. The tool aims to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, and position Wilmington as a leader in marine technology. CIE Director Heather McWhorter emphasized the initiative's role in leveraging community and entrepreneurial strengths to address ocean-related challenges. (WWAY)

NC Sports Betting Surges with $612M in October Wagers

North Carolinians placed $612 million in sports bets in October, an increase of $66.6 million from September, with $560.6 million paid out in winnings. Licensed sports operators earned $48.6 million, while the state collected $8.7 million in tax proceeds. Since online sports betting launched in March, residents have wagered $1.8 billion, though only $2 million annually is allocated for gambling addiction education and treatment. Upcoming events like college bowl games and major professional sports seasons are expected to boost revenues further. (NC Newsline)

Triangle-Area Hospitals Shine in Fall 2024 Safety Grades

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade awarded A grades to several Triangle-area hospitals, including WakeMed Raleigh and Cary (each with seven consecutive A grades), Duke University Hospital, and Rex Holly Springs. In North Carolina, only 43 hospitals achieved an A grade. While Johnston Health locations in Smithfield and Clayton earned Bs, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville received a C, and Central Carolina Hospital and Granville Medical Center scored Ds. Leapfrog's report highlights hospital safety, communication, and effectiveness across the nation. (WRAL)

Growing AAPI Voter Turnout Highlights Challenges and Progress in NC

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voter turnout in North Carolina grew by 31% since 2020, with over 72,000 Asian Americans voting early in 2024. Despite this progress, barriers remain, including complex absentee voting processes and language support issues. Groups like NC Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) are working to address these challenges through outreach and translation efforts. Political engagement has also increased, with Democratic and Republican groups actively campaigning for AAPI voters, though tensions over issues like anti-immigration measures and ballot access persist. (WUNC)