Hurricane Helene Impacts Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm Operations

Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Waynesville lost 200 to 300 trees due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, affecting a lower field on their 100,000-tree property. Each year, the farm plants around 13,000 to 14,000 new trees, and while they plan to replant affected areas, the storm disrupted access for out-of-state customers. The farm will continue to assess the damage in the months ahead. (ABC 11)

FEMA Extends Housing Assistance for North Carolina Families Affected by Helene

FEMA announced that over 4,900 North Carolina families displaced by Hurricane Helene will continue receiving temporary emergency sheltering assistance through Jan. 11, 2025, following a request by the state. Initially authorized for 60 days, the program was extended to provide families more time to secure housing or make home repairs. Assistance applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via phone, or in person at the Disaster Recovery Center in Waynesville. (ABC 45)

Hurricane Helene Causes $5 Billion in Road and Bridge Damage in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) estimates $5 billion is needed to repair and replace mountain roads and bridges damaged by Hurricane Helene, including 90 bridges in Buncombe County and 813 statewide. Major projects include the Swannanoa River Road bridge, requiring debris removal and repairs, and the US 70 bridge near I-40, with costs estimated at $750,000. With 270 roads still closed and over 8,795 damaged locations statewide, efforts are underway, but timelines remain uncertain for several key repairs. (ABC 13)

NC Treasurer Dale Folwell Reflects on Legacy as Tenure Ends

State Treasurer Dale Folwell concluded his term with a 95th and final “Ask Me Anything” call, reflecting on his public service legacy since 2017. Key achievements include buying back $20 million of state debt at a discount and navigating the state through the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank collapse, which involved First Citizens Bank's acquisition of SVB. He criticized healthcare systems for price gouging and medical debt practices, calling for greater transparency and accountability. Folwell, who transitioned the State Health Plan to Aetna and advocated for eliminating corporate income tax and state debt, expressed optimism for North Carolina's fiscal future under Treasurer-elect Brad Briner. Looking ahead, he plans to focus on family, faith, and community in Winston-Salem. (Carolina Journal)

Roy Cooper Reflects on Landmark Medicaid Expansion as Signature Achievement

As he concludes his tenure, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper celebrated the success of Medicaid expansion, which added more than 590,300 low-income residents to the program in its first year, nearly meeting the state’s two-year enrollment goal. Despite years of political resistance and legal challenges, bipartisan support in 2023 secured the state’s position as the 40th to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Advocating for rural hospitals, small businesses, and individuals facing medical debt, Cooper credited a broad coalition of sheriffs, business leaders, and constituents for overcoming political obstacles. He plans to continue championing health care issues and Medicaid expansion advocacy nationwide after leaving office. (WUNC)

North Carolina Senate Overrides Veto on Controversial Bill Amid Protests

The North Carolina Senate voted 30-19 along party lines to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 382, which includes limited Hurricane Helene relief but primarily shifts executive powers from the incoming Democratic governor to Republican officials. Passed without debate or public hearings, the bill transfers control of the State Board of Elections to the Republican-elected state auditor and restricts the Democratic attorney general's autonomy. Protesters disrupted the session, with Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson clearing the gallery to restore order. This marks the 11th veto override by the Republican supermajority in 2024. (News & Observer)

Dan Blue Steps Down as NC Senate Democratic Leader, Succeeded by Sen. Sydney Batch

After over a decade as leader of the North Carolina Senate Democrats, Dan Blue, a trailblazer and the state’s first Black House speaker, is stepping aside. Sen. Sydney Batch, a Raleigh-area family law attorney and breast cancer survivor, has been elected as the new minority leader. Blue, 75, who has served in the legislature for over 40 years, leaves amid GOP veto-proof majorities in the Senate, while Batch promises a renewed focus on health care, abortion rights, and family-centered policies. Rep. Robert Reives was also reelected as minority leader for the House Democrats. (WRAL)

Audit Finds NC Unemployment Benefits Still Failing Federal Timeliness Standards

A North Carolina state audit revealed that $7.8 million in first unemployment benefit payments in 2023 were delayed, with only 57% of payments meeting federal timeliness standards of 87% within 21 days. Despite improvements to claimant eligibility processes, the Division of Employment Security's performance declined from 76% in a previous audit to 57%. The audit also highlighted a history of late payments, improper disbursements, and systemic inefficiencies, with errors in work search requirements, benefit year earnings, and separation information accounting for 94% of improper payments over the past five years. (North State Journal)

NC GOP Lawmakers Seek Partial Dismissal in Redistricting Lawsuits Targeting Election Maps

North Carolina Republican legislative leaders filed a motion to dismiss portions of two federal lawsuits—Williams v. Hall and NC State Conference of the NAACP v. Berger—challenging congressional and legislative election maps, citing lack of plaintiff standing in 143 districts and insufficient evidence for malapportionment claims. The lawsuits allege racial gerrymandering and vote dilution, particularly affecting Black voters in the state’s Black Belt. Scheduled for a June 2025 trial, the cases could result in redrawn maps for the 2026 elections if the plaintiffs prevail. A third redistricting lawsuit, Pierce v. NC State Board of Elections, heads to trial in February. (Carolina Journal)

New North Carolina Laws Address Masks, Immigration, Juvenile Justice, and More

Several new laws took effect in North Carolina on Dec. 1, despite vetoes and protests. Notable changes include HB 237, requiring face masks to be medical-grade and allowing property owners to mandate mask removal, and HB 10, mandating sheriffs to cooperate with ICE by detaining suspected undocumented individuals for up to 48 hours. HB 834 stipulates that 16- and 17-year-olds charged with certain felonies must initially be tried as adults. Other laws include HB 198, which loosens billboard restrictions and transportation rules, HB 600, which reduces water quality requirements for pipelines, and HB 591, modernizing sex crime laws and increasing penalties for human trafficking offenses. (CBS 17)

GOP Emerges as Top Early Voting Bloc in North Carolina After Decades of Skepticism

Once staunch opponents of early voting, North Carolina Republicans have become its leading participants, with 1.42 million GOP voters casting ballots during the 2024 early voting period—a record high. This marked the first time Republicans outpaced Democrats and independents in early voting turnout, a shift driven by campaigns like the RNC’s "Bank Your Vote," urging early participation to secure votes. Despite lingering skepticism about fraud among some, GOP strategists emphasize early voting's cost-effectiveness and practicality, helping candidates allocate campaign resources more efficiently. The shift reflects broader changes in party coalitions and voting strategies over the past 25 years. (The Assembly)

Trump Taps North Carolinians for Key Roles in 2025 Administration

President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of two prominent North Carolinians for key roles in his 2025 administration. Daniel P. Driscoll, a Boone native, Iraq War veteran, and Yale-educated lawyer, was nominated as Secretary of the Army. Former NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley is set to return as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, praised for his leadership in voter mobilization during the 2024 election. These appointments reflect Trump’s focus on experienced leaders aligned with his America First agenda. Additional nominations include Paul Atkins for SEC chairman, Jared Isaacman for NASA administrator, and Peter Navarro as senior counselor for Trade and Manufacturing. (Carolina Journal)

Gaston County Cuts Homeless Outreach Division Amid Rising Community Needs

Gaston County’s Community Support Services division, which facilitated mobile shower and laundry services for the homeless, is being eliminated to save taxpayers $1.4 million. County Manager Matt Rhoten, appointed in August 2024, plans to reintegrate the division’s functions into other departments, asserting residents "shouldn’t see anything different." However, the move concerns advocates like Pastor Rodney Freeman of Mt. Zion Restoration Church, who vows to fill the gap by building a permanent resource center to replace the trailers. The decision follows the closure of the county’s only homeless shelter, increasing the burden on community groups to address homelessness and related issues. (WFAE)

New Hanover Residents Push for Stronger PFAS Regulations Amid Health Concerns

At a public hearing in New Hanover County, residents advocated for stricter PFAS regulations, citing personal health tragedies linked to decades of environmental contamination. Hosted by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the hearing focused on proposed groundwater standards for PFAS compounds, with some residents urging regulation of PFAS as a chemical class. Advocates highlighted the economic and health costs of contamination, while DEQ analysis showed benefits of regulation outweigh costs. Powerful business groups have lobbied against stricter standards, delaying implementation. The public comment period remains open until December 31, 2024, with final decisions expected by 2025. (Port City Daily)

Durham Moves to Correct Police and Fire Pay Disparities

Nearly 200 Durham police and fire department employees earn less than colleagues of lower ranks due to pay adjustments made in the city’s July budget. City officials are now addressing the issue, which impacts positions such as police sergeants and fire drivers. Correcting these disparities for the 2025 fiscal year would cost approximately $95,000 in base salary. Officials plan to ensure affected employees receive proper pay starting in January and are evaluating back pay for the past six months, with further discussions pending on final financial adjustments. (CBS 17)

NC Middle Schoolers Struggle to Rebound from Pandemic Learning Loss

North Carolina's seventh- and eighth-grade students are recovering more slowly from COVID-19 learning loss compared to other grade levels, with standardized test pass rates still trailing pre-pandemic levels. For example, only 48.3% of seventh graders passed their reading exams in 2024, down from 58.8% in 2019. Researchers suggest factors like the increased complexity of curriculum, age-related challenges, and unclear real-world relevance of lessons may contribute. With federal pandemic recovery funds now depleted, state education leaders plan to analyze interventions and focus resources on addressing these gaps, particularly in middle school boys, who appear to struggle more nationally. (WRAL)

NC Schools Consider Limiting Cellphone Use to Improve Student Behavior

North Carolina school leaders are advocating for restrictions on student cellphone use, citing improved behavior and reduced distractions in districts like Brunswick, Granville, and Union counties. Policies range from complete bans during the school day to limited usage during lunch and class changes. Challenges include resistance from some parents and concerns about emergency communication, but educators report reduced bullying, sexting, and other disruptions. While some lawmakers are exploring statewide policies, many educators and officials prefer local control over cellphone rules, emphasizing the need for flexibility to address unique district needs. (News & Observer)

NC Awards 54,000 New Opportunity Scholarships, Doubling Private School Voucher Recipients

North Carolina has issued over 54,000 new Opportunity Scholarships, doubling the number of students receiving taxpayer-funded vouchers to attend private schools. This expansion follows new eligibility rules allowing all families to apply, regardless of income. Families can receive $3,360 to $7,468 per child, depending on income, with funds distributed to private schools starting in January. The program's record growth comes after Republican lawmakers approved an additional $463.5 million in funding, overriding Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto. Critics argue it diverts funds from public schools, while supporters emphasize school choice for families. Data on the public-to-private school transition among recipients is forthcoming. (News & Observer)

Wake Schools Address $4 Million Budget Shortfall Amid Enrollment Growth

The Wake County school board is reorganizing its budget committee to address a projected $4 million operating shortfall, including a $3 million deficit in child nutrition services. Factors contributing to the shortfall include higher-than-anticipated enrollment, increased utility and contract costs, and required payments to charter schools. Despite the fiscal challenges, board members expressed optimism about enrollment growth and a higher employee fill rate, now at 93.2%. The district, with a $2.2 billion budget, plans to discuss long-term financial strategies and explore performance audits during its retreat on Dec. 17-18 to ensure financial sustainability. (WRAL)

Wake County School Board Plans to Fill Vacancy by February

The Wake County school board is set to fill the District 2 seat vacated by Monika Johnson-Hostler, who will resign Dec. 30 after being elected to the General Assembly. The board aims to select her successor by Feb. 4 to complete her term, which expires in December 2026. Candidates must live in District 2, be at least 21, and submit an application by Jan. 6, including a letter of interest, resume, three recommendations, and proof of residency. Interviews are scheduled for Jan. 14, with a vote likely that day. Johnson-Hostler, the board's longest-serving member, served 11 years advocating for education funding, teacher pay, and policies like the CROWN Act. (News & Observer)

Lawsuit Alleges Negligence in 2022 Shooting Death of Charlotte Student

A lawsuit filed by Keon Taylor, father of 17-year-old Nahzir Taylor, alleges negligence by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and Rocky River High School officials in the 2022 shooting death of his son. The suit claims a fellow student threatened to kill Taylor after a cafeteria fight earlier that day, but school staff failed to notify law enforcement or Taylor's parents and took no action to prevent the attack. Taylor was fatally shot later that day while getting off his school bus. The family seeks at least $25,000 in damages, naming CMS and then-principal Kwame Stith in the case. Both CMS and the Taylor family’s attorney declined to comment. (WFAE)

Budget Shortfall Leaves Non-Teaching Durham Educators Without Master’s Pay

Durham Public Schools’ decision to reinstate master’s pay—a 10% salary boost—left over 100 educators excluded due to budget constraints. While $2.5 million is funding pay increases for 358 classroom teachers, an additional $1 million needed for 124 non-teaching staff with master’s degrees, such as social workers and academic coaches, remains unfunded. The initial $1.3 million budget for the program fell short of the $3.5 million required to cover all eligible staff, creating a $2.2 million gap. School board leaders acknowledged the misstep, citing communication issues during planning. (News & Observer)

Saint Augustine’s University Awaits Final Decision on Accreditation

Saint Augustine’s University faces a pivotal decision from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) regarding its accreditation, which is essential for federal student aid eligibility. Placed on probation in 2022 due to financial mismanagement and governance issues, the university has since completed overdue financial audits and implemented measures to address compliance concerns. While SACSCOC initially moved to revoke its accreditation earlier this year, that decision was reversed, and the school remains on probation pending the final vote. If membership is revoked, the university plans to appeal, with temporary accreditation restored during the process. (WRAL)

U.S. Job Market Rebounds in November with 227,000 New Jobs Amid Cooling Economy

The U.S. added 227,000 jobs in November, a sharp recovery from October's 36,000 job increase, influenced by strikes and hurricanes. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2%. Despite high interest rates from the Federal Reserve's inflation-fighting measures, the economy remains resilient, with GDP growth at 2.8% in Q3 and inflation falling from 9.1% in 2022 to 2.6% last month. Layoffs remain low, but unemployed Americans are facing longer job searches, averaging 22.9 weeks. The Federal Reserve is expected to announce another rate cut at its December meeting following two recent reductions. (ABC 11)

Carrboro Files Landmark Climate Lawsuit Against Duke Energy

Carrboro, NC, has filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against Duke Energy, accusing the utility of deceiving the public about fossil fuels' role in climate change and seeking damages for climate-related costs to town infrastructure. Backed by nonprofits NC WARN and the Center for Biological Diversity, the lawsuit highlights rising costs from extreme weather, stormwater management, and energy use caused by the climate crisis. Carrboro, known for its progressive history, is the first municipality to sue an electric utility over climate impacts. Duke Energy has stated it is reviewing the complaint while reaffirming its commitment to clean and reliable energy. (Indy Week)

Indus Realty Acquires $575M Majority Stake in Childress Klein's Industrial Properties

Indus Realty Trust Inc. has acquired majority ownership of 21 industrial properties from Charlotte-based developer Childress Klein, valued at $575 million. This acquisition adds 4.3 million square feet to Indus’ portfolio in the Charlotte and Charleston markets, part of the fast-growing Southeast U.S. region. Childress Klein retains minority ownership and will continue leasing and managing the properties, which are 94% leased and average 205,000 square feet per building. The deal allows Childress Klein to focus on expanding its industrial portfolio while leveraging this strategic partnership for future growth. (Charlotte Observer)

Moore County Substation Attack Anniversary Highlights Ongoing Infrastructure Threats

Two years after gunfire attacks on Moore County substations left 45,000 people without power and contributed to one death, the case remains unsolved despite investigations and a $100,000 reward for information. Similar attacks and plots involving neo-Nazi extremists have occurred nationwide, prompting North Carolina to pass SB58, increasing penalties for infrastructure attacks. Lawmakers and law enforcement continue to address the growing threat to critical infrastructure security. (FOX 8)

Novant Health Opens 60,000-Square-Foot Medical Plaza Ahead of Future Scotts Hill Hospital

Novant Health has completed its 60,000-square-foot Scotts Hill Medical Plaza, offering outpatient services such as primary care, neurology, and cancer treatment, and opening to patients next Wednesday. The plaza is located near the future Scotts Hill Medical Center, a 250,000-square-foot surgical-focused hospital slated for completion in 2026. With other facilities reaching capacity, Novant Health is already planning for further expansion on the Scotts Hill campus to accommodate future growth. (WWAY)

Greensboro Mourns the Loss of Trailblazing Leader Yvonne Johnson

Yvonne Johnson, Greensboro's first African American mayor and longtime civic leader, passed away at 82, surrounded by family. Serving the city for over three decades, Johnson was mayor from 2007-2009 and most recently held the position of Mayor Pro-Tem since 2011. A Civil Rights Movement participant and founder of the nonprofit One Step Further, she was deeply involved in improving her community, with a legacy of service that inspired generations. Funeral arrangements are pending as the city remembers her impactful life and leadership. (CBS 17)

Charlotte's Independent Picture House Expands with Largest Auditorium

Charlotte’s Independent Picture House is opening its fourth and largest auditorium on Thanksgiving Day, nearly doubling its size. The new 145-seat auditorium features a removable front-row section, allowing versatility for events like live music, theater, or town halls. The $795,000 expansion, funded with $715,000 raised so far, also includes an event space opening soon. Located at 4237 Raleigh St., the theater will debut the auditorium with screenings of "A Real Pain," "Conclave," and "Anora." Opened in June 2022, the Independent Picture House continues to thrive under the leadership of Brad Ritter and Jay Morong. (WFAE)