FEMA Calls for Rental Properties for Hurricane Helene Survivors, Deadline Jan. 13

Residential property owners have until Monday, Jan. 13, to participate in FEMA's Direct Lease program, which leases ready-to-occupy properties for Hurricane Helene survivors. The hurricane caused nearly $60 billion in damages and displaced thousands in western North Carolina, with nearly 200,000 homes damaged. FEMA covers rent costs under the program, while survivors handle utilities and other expenses. Gov. Josh Stein has also authorized the state to purchase up to 1,000 temporary housing units, to be reimbursed by FEMA. Property owners in 25 eligible counties are encouraged to act quickly. (NC Newsline)

$1.65 Billion in Disaster Aid Secured for Hurricane Helene Recovery in Western NC

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis announced $1.65 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to aid Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. The funding is part of a $100 billion bipartisan disaster relief bill passed in December 2024, which includes provisions Tillis secured to expedite federal assistance and replenish SBA disaster loan funding. In response, Gov. Josh Stein established the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) and the Division of Community Revitalization to oversee rebuilding efforts, while sidelining the criticized NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) to focus on eastern recovery efforts. (Carolina Journal)

NC Legislature Opens Session with Focus on Hurricane Helene Relief

The North Carolina General Assembly reconvened with a focus on Hurricane Helene recovery, addressing $50 billion in damages, as House Speaker Destin Hall promised a relief bill soon. Republicans, now one vote short of a House supermajority, aim to work with Gov. Josh Stein despite tensions over past disaster responses under former Gov. Roy Cooper. Meanwhile, unresolved issues like the state Supreme Court race, where GOP candidate Jefferson Griffin contests over 60,000 ballots, add political complexities to the session. (NC Newsline)

Los Angeles Wildfires Leave Devastation, NC Volunteers Offer Support

Wildfires across Los Angeles County have killed multiple people, displaced thousands, and left over 425,000 residents without power, with containment at 0-10% in key areas like Pasadena and Pacific Palisades. FEMA teams and local officials are working to assess needs, while Red Cross volunteer Kaye Lynn Hall travels from Asheville to provide spiritual support to affected families. The fires' causes remain under investigation as communities face widespread destruction. (ABC 13)

North Carolina Joins Push for Congressional Term Limits via Article V Convention

In its 2024 session, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a resolution urging Congress to convene an Article V convention to propose term limits for members of Congress. Currently, nine states, including North Carolina, support a term-limits-specific resolution, while 19 others have broader resolutions, leaving the effort short of the 34-state threshold required to mandate a convention. Critics express concerns about potential "runaway conventions" and legal challenges, but advocates highlight the possibility of enacting widely supported reforms bypassing a gridlocked Congress. (John Locke Foundation)

Lawmakers Call for Audit of Federal Funds Used in Painful Animal Testing at North Carolina Universities

Rep. Don Davis (NC-01) and 12 other members of Congress have requested a government audit to review federal agencies’ spending on painful dog and cat experiments, including those conducted at North Carolina universities. In 2023, UNC-Chapel Hill used 195 dogs in painful tests, funded by a $10M NIH contract, with some bred as "walking blood banks" for hemophilia research. NC State, Duke, and Wake Forest also conducted experiments using dozens of cats and dogs. Critics cite ethical concerns and lack of transparency in taxpayer-funded animal testing, while UNC defends its research as critical to advances in hemophilia treatment. Lawmakers and watchdogs are pushing for greater accountability and potential defunding of such programs. (Carolina Journal)

NC Supreme Court Blocks Certification in Justice Race Amid Ballot Dispute

The North Carolina Supreme Court has temporarily halted the certification of Democratic Justice Allison Riggs' apparent victory in the 2024 elections, following Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin’s claims that over 60,000 voters cast invalid ballots. Griffin bypassed the required appeal process and instead petitioned the state Supreme Court, which voted 4-2 to allow his challenge to proceed. Critics, including dissenting justices and Democratic leaders, argue Griffin lacks evidence of fraud and that the move undermines democratic processes, with broader implications for election confidence and the court's future composition. (WRAL)

Political Donations by North Carolina Judges Violate Ethics Rules

An analysis by The Assembly found that seven judicial candidates and eight sitting judges in North Carolina made political donations despite a Code of Judicial Conduct ban, with Superior Court Judge Billy Strickland II contributing over $15,000 to Republican campaigns in 2024. Enforcement is minimal, as the Judicial Standards Commission operates under strict confidentiality, and some candidates claimed ignorance of the rules. Critics warn that such violations compromise the judiciary's impartiality and erode public trust amid declining confidence in the courts. (The Assembly)

New NC Law Strengthens Property Rights Against Local Zoning Overreach

The North Carolina General Assembly enacted a provision within Senate Bill 382 requiring written consent from property owners for local zoning changes that reduce permitted land uses or density. This amendment, retroactive for 180 days, aims to protect property rights and enhance predictability for homeowners and developers. While critics warn of potential challenges for local governance, proponents argue it prevents restrictive down-zoning and promotes a more permissive approach to land use, drawing on similar laws in states like Arizona, Florida, and Oregon. (Carolina Journal)

NC State Health Plan Faces $507M Deficit, Premium Hikes Likely

New North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner informed the State Board of Education that the state health plan, covering 750,000 employees, teachers, dependents, and retirees, faces a $507 million deficit despite a record legislative appropriation. Briner warned that premiums, stagnant for nine years, would likely rise by at least $20 per month, with efforts to minimize the impact on lower-income workers. Board member Kim Jones emphasized that increased premiums, combined with low teacher raises, could drive educators away from the profession. The State Health Plan board will explore solutions during its February 7th meeting. (NC Newsline)

Bo Ferguson Sworn In as Durham City Manager Amid Praise for Leadership

William "Bo" Ferguson was officially sworn in as Durham's city manager at Monday's city council meeting, following his December appointment. Ferguson, a former deputy city manager overseeing emergency services, expressed gratitude for his family’s support and highlighted his commitment to improving the city. Council members praised Ferguson’s combination of institutional knowledge and external experience, with Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton emphasizing his understanding of Durham’s values. The meeting also honored former Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell for his decades of public service and contributions to Durham’s revitalization. (Indy Week)

Charlotte Grapples with Rising Homicides Amid Broader Public Safety Strategy

Charlotte recorded 110 homicides in 2024, continuing an upward trend with an average of 106 murders annually over the past five years. During a city council meeting, staff highlighted a holistic "quality of life" approach to public safety, focusing on improved street lighting, clearing debris-filled lots, and addressing minor offenses. Some council members, however, emphasized the need for targeted strategies by CMPD, noting Boston's success with just 24 homicides last year. CMPD will present final 2024 crime stats next month, as discussions continue on balancing public safety, law enforcement strategies, and broader infrastructure improvements tied to a proposed one-cent sales tax. (WFAE)

Wilmington Approves Housing Projects Despite Concerns

Wilmington City Council approved the 253-unit Abberly Landing apartment complex on a 20-acre annexed property, despite staff concerns about traffic and limited utilities, with 10% of units designated as workforce housing. The council also greenlit an 18-unit townhome development on Allens Lane, aligning with city plans for infill housing and reducing traffic impact compared to previous zoning. Both projects aim to address housing needs amid infrastructure challenges. (Port City Daily)

NC State Board of Education Sets Legislative Priorities as New Leaders Take Office

New State Superintendent Mo Green began his tenure by announcing a statewide listening tour, "Mo Wants to Know," to gather input on education priorities. At this week’s meeting, the State Board of Education outlined legislative goals, including raising teacher pay, reinstating higher pay for master’s degrees, increasing health plan funding, and hiring more school psychologists, nurses, and social workers. New Treasurer Brad Briner urged fiscal efficiency, highlighting the challenge of achieving more with limited resources, while Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt and other board members emphasized collaboration in addressing the state’s educational needs. (WUNC)

NC School Data Breach Exposes Personal Information, Steps Taken to Mitigate Risks

A data breach in North Carolina’s PowerSchool system, affecting students and teachers, compromised personal information through a malware attack using a contractor’s credentials. The breach, discovered on Dec. 28, prompted PowerSchool to work with law enforcement and provide credit monitoring to affected individuals. The incident impacted millions globally, with North Carolina officials prioritizing the transition to a new system, Infinite Campus, by July. Experts recommend freezing credit and monitoring for fraudulent activity as breaches in K-12 schools become increasingly common. (WRAL)

Wake County Schools Considers First District-Wide Cellphone Policy

Wake County Public Schools is exploring options for a district-wide cellphone policy, ranging from classroom-level rules to an outright ban on devices on campus. Currently, principals set rules individually, but feedback from parents, students, and faculty will be collected over three months to shape the new policy, set to take effect next school year. The initiative responds to concerns about distractions and aims to balance enforcement with supporting student learning and well-being, recognizing the need for periodic updates to address technological advancements. (WRAL)

NC State Board to Vote on $25M Grant for Rural Middle School Math Improvement

The North Carolina State Board of Education will vote on Thursday to accept a $25 million grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to enhance math instruction in 20 rural, low-income middle schools through 2030. The grant will fund teacher coaching, new curriculum, tutoring, student career development, and performance-based bonuses for principals. Schools can apply by March 21, and the initiative, started under former Superintendent Catherine Truitt, aligns with current Superintendent Mo Green’s vision to improve education statewide. (WRAL)

Durham School Board Addresses Bus Driver Shortage and Service Reductions

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education met to discuss transportation challenges caused by a bus driver shortage but did not vote on new plans ahead of their Thursday work session. Since December, the district has operated a rotational four-day bus service, with five-day service set to resume on Jan. 21 alongside a reduction in bus routes. This includes the introduction of "family responsibility zones" at 21 elementary schools, removing bus service for families within a one-mile radius, and express bus stops for three magnet schools. Concerns from families about safety, inconvenience for working parents, and long-term solutions were highlighted in the meeting. (CBS 17)

NC State Board Approves NIL Rules for High School Athletes

The North Carolina State Board of Education finalized rules allowing high school athletes to profit from name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, effective in the 2025-26 school year. Athletes must notify school administrators 10 days before executing agreements and submit signed copies to ensure transparency. The rules prohibit promotions of adult establishments, controlled substances, weapons, or casinos and bar references to specific schools or logos in deals. Temporary rules for NIL agreements will govern the current school year, following a legal challenge to an earlier temporary ban. (WUNC)

St. Augustine’s University Faces Third Appeal in Accreditation Fight

St. Augustine’s University will appeal for the third time to retain accreditation with SACSCOC, which cited financial and governance issues in its December decision to revoke membership. Accreditation is critical for student financial aid eligibility, and the university has remained accredited on probation throughout the appeals process. Similar HBCUs, such as Bennett College and Morris Brown College, have pursued alternate accreditation routes or regained accreditation through extensive restructuring, offering potential paths forward for St. Augustine’s. University leaders remain optimistic but are preparing for challenges as they await a February hearing. (News & Observer)

Faculty Survey Highlights Free Speech Challenges on College Campuses

A survey by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) of 6,269 faculty members across 55 U.S. colleges found significant challenges to free speech on campuses. Key findings include 28% of faculty self-censoring to protect their jobs, 35% toning down writings to avoid controversy, and 14% experiencing discipline or threats over their speech. Topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (70%) and affirmative action (54%) were among the most difficult to discuss. At UNC-Chapel Hill, 15% reported disciplinary threats, while at Duke and Wake Forest, 14% and 23% reported similar experiences. Support for institutional neutrality varied, with UNC at 65%, Duke at 71%, and Wake Forest at 64%. (North State Journal)

Wilmington Leads U.S. Metro Areas in Migration for 2024 as North Carolina Ranks Top 5 Nationwide

Wilmington, NC, emerged as the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan area in 2024, with 83% inbound migration, according to United Van Lines’ annual study. North Carolina ranked fifth among states for inbound migration, with 20.3% of movers citing retirement as their reason. Other North Carolina cities, including Hickory (75%) and Greenville (74%), also ranked among the top MSAs. U-Haul's 2024 Growth States report placed North Carolina third for inbound moves, emphasizing the Southeast's appeal due to its affordability, quality of life, and natural attractions. (Carolina Journal)

Winter Storm Prompts Snow Prep Across Central NC

As a winter storm approaches central North Carolina starting Friday, landscaping companies like Turf TitanZ in Youngsville are shifting to snow and ice removal. With 40 properties to manage, crews are pretreating roadways and preparing to deploy plows if snow accumulates over two inches. Turf TitanZ’s owner, Adam McGuyrt, urges caution, warning of potential slick spots despite pretreatment efforts. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and give work crews space to ensure road safety during the storm. (CBS 17)

Amazon to Open Five New Facilities in North Carolina, Creating 24,000 Jobs

Amazon announced plans to expand its North Carolina operations with five new facilities, including a 200,000-square-foot Same-Day Delivery site in Kannapolis and last-mile delivery facilities in Jacksonville, Mount Airy, Southern Pines, and Tarboro. The expansion is expected to create over 24,000 full- and part-time jobs, boost local economies, and improve delivery speeds. The Kannapolis facility will be located near Amazon's existing fulfillment center, while the last-mile sites will serve as final stops before package delivery. (ABC 11)

Union Election Scheduled for Amazon Workers at RDU1 Warehouse in Garner

Amazon workers at the RDU1 warehouse in Garner will vote from February 10-15 on unionizing under Carolina Amazonians for Solidarity and Empowerment (C.A.U.S.E.), a worker-led movement. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) approved the election after C.A.U.S.E. collected signatures from over 30% of the 4,300 eligible employees. If successful, demands include raising wages to $30/hour, paid sick leave, and peak season bonuses. The election follows heightened tensions, including the firing of C.A.U.S.E. president Ryan Brown and arrests of union supporters. A win would be a landmark for labor organizing in the South. (Indy Week)

Whataburger Breaks Ground on First NC Location, Announces 7 More Statewide

Texas-based burger chain Whataburger began construction on its first North Carolina restaurant in Hickory, with an opening planned for summer 2025. The company announced seven additional NC locations, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Archdale, High Point, Gastonia, and Charlotte, all set to open between late spring and fall 2025. Additionally, a location in Indian Land, South Carolina, part of the Charlotte metro area, is also in development. The expansion marks the chain's debut in the Tar Heel State. (FOX 8)

Tentative Labor Agreement Reached Between ILA and USMX

The International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative six-year labor contract, averting a potential strike at ports along the East and Gulf coasts set for January 15. The agreement includes protections against job automation and pay raises for ILA members, though specific terms remain undisclosed. Local ILA leadership in Wilmington confirmed that details are still being finalized. (WWAY)

Grayson Murray Foundation Launched to Honor Late PGA Golfer's Legacy

Eric and Terry Murray, parents of late PGA golfer Grayson Murray, have established the Grayson Murray Foundation to raise awareness and support for mental health and addiction challenges. The foundation aims to fund innovative research, improve access to essential services, and foster understanding, inspired by Murray’s advocacy during his career. Murray, a Raleigh native and PGA TOUR champion, died by suicide in May 2024, and his legacy continues through this initiative to help those in need. (WRAL)

Wyatt Gable Becomes Youngest Member of NC General Assembly at 22

Wyatt Gable, a 22-year-old business management student at East Carolina University, was sworn in as the youngest member ever elected to the North Carolina General Assembly, representing District 14 in Onslow County. Gable, motivated by his experiences during COVID-19, plans to focus on education reform to better prepare students for real-world challenges. Balancing legislative duties with his studies, Gable’s fresh perspective has earned support from his community and peers. (ABC 45)