Governor Urges FEMA to Extend Housing Assistance for Hurricane Helene Victims

Governor Josh Stein has requested FEMA extend the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for an additional six months, providing temporary housing for over 3,000 North Carolinians displaced by Hurricane Helene. The current extension expires on Jan. 25, but Stein stressed the urgency of offering shelter through winter, as freezing temperatures and ongoing home repairs leave many without safe housing. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd echoed frustrations over displaced residents being forced out of hotels, urging FEMA to act swiftly. Stein called for assurance and stability as affected communities rebuild. (NC Newsline)

60,000 Votes Challenged in North Carolina Supreme Court Race

Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin has challenged over 60,000 absentee and early ballots in the North Carolina Supreme Court race, citing alleged registration issues. Griffin, trailing Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs by 734 votes after two recounts, has appealed to both state and federal courts. While the state Supreme Court temporarily blocked certification of Riggs' victory, impacted voters can check challenge lists online, but no current relief allows voters to remove their names from the protests. (News & Observer)

North Carolina Supreme Court Election Dispute Heads to Federal and State Hearings

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hold oral arguments on Jan. 27 to expedite the election dispute involving Democrat Allison Riggs and Republican Jefferson Griffin for a seat on North Carolina’s Supreme Court. Riggs, leading by 734 votes, seeks to finalize her certification as the winner, while Griffin challenges over 60,000 ballots based on voter registration details and other factors. Both state and federal courts are involved, with the North Carolina Supreme Court issuing a stay blocking Riggs’ certification and setting a briefing schedule through Jan. 24. Riggs has requested a final decision from the Appeals Court by Feb. 11, when the state Supreme Court begins its 2025 term. (Carolina Journal)

Federal and State Courts Address GOP Challenges to Over 60,000 North Carolina Votes

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has fast-tracked Republican Judge Jefferson Griffin’s bid to invalidate over 60,000 votes in the North Carolina Supreme Court race, scheduling arguments for Jan. 27. Griffin, trailing Democratic Justice Allison Riggs by 734 votes, argues that ballots cast by voters lacking driver’s license or Social Security numbers on file are invalid. Meanwhile, a state Superior Court judge denied a broader Republican effort to throw out similar votes statewide, citing no urgent harm requiring immediate action. State law does not mandate such voter data for registration, with officials blaming data mismatches for discrepancies. (NC Newsline)

Senator Ted Budd Co-Sponsors Congressional Term Limits Amendment

Senator Ted Budd has co-sponsored a resolution to amend the U.S. Constitution, imposing term limits on members of Congress. The proposal, supported by 14 other Senate Republicans, would cap House members at three terms (six years) and senators at two terms (12 years). Current members of Congress, including Sen. Thom Tillis, would not be immediately affected. Budd advocates for the amendment as a way to break the cycle of career politicians and prioritize the next generation, while Tillis previously introduced a similar resolution in 2019. The amendment would require approval from two-thirds of Congress and ratification by 38 state legislatures. (Carolina Journal)

North Carolina's 30% Primary Threshold Faces Criticism Amid Calls for Reform

A Carolina Journal poll revealed that 43% of respondents are dissatisfied with North Carolina's 30% primary threshold, the lowest in the nation, which allows candidates to win with minimal voter support. Advocates for reform suggest raising the threshold back to 40%, citing benefits like stronger candidate support and broader party representation. Critics argue that the current system increases primary candidate numbers, fragments party backing, and weakens general election viability. Despite the debate, voter confidence in North Carolina's elections remains strong, with 70% believing the 2024 elections were "free and fair." (Carolina Journal)

Legal Challenges Stall Medical Debt Ban on Credit Reports

New lawsuits aim to block a recent rule banning medical debt from credit reports, with opponents arguing it violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act and exceeds regulatory authority. While the rule faces legal uncertainty, experts like Thomas Nitzsche of Money Management International advise consumers to explore options like charity care offered by nonprofit hospitals. Holly Springs resident Elaine Bryant, for instance, reduced her $7,000 medical debt by 70% through nonprofit assistance. Applying for financial aid can also extend 0% payment plan terms, providing relief while avoiding collections. Despite ongoing litigation, consumers remain responsible for medical debts. (ABC 11)

NC Attorney General Pursues Lawsuits Over Canton Mill Closure and Mission Health Deal

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is continuing the state’s lawsuit against Pactiv Evergreen for closing the Canton paper mill in 2023, violating a $12 million JMAC agreement and laying off 1,200 workers. Jackson also reaffirmed legal action against HCA Healthcare for allegedly breaching its $1.5 billion 2019 Mission Health acquisition agreement by failing to provide agreed-upon emergency, trauma, and oncology services. Both cases aim to hold corporations accountable and address economic and healthcare impacts on affected communities. (Citizen Times)

Durham County Approves $18M Law Enforcement Training Center Amid Debate

Durham County commissioners approved the construction of an $18 million law enforcement training center in a 3-2 vote, despite opposition from activists and some elected leaders. The facility will include a new gun range and a 10,000-square-foot classroom building. Supporters cited gun violence prevention and the need for better training, while critics called for increased transparency from the Sheriff's Office and expansion of the HEART program, which dispatches unarmed specialists to certain 911 calls. Chair Nida Allam and Commissioner Wendy Jacobs opposed the project, advocating for alternative investments in community safety initiatives. (News & Observer)

Buncombe County Adjusts Budget Amid Hurricane Helene's Lasting Impact

Buncombe County is implementing a 4% budget reduction across all departments, including education, to address financial shortfalls caused by Hurricane Helene. The $444.6 million budget will be reduced by $17.6 million, including a $4.8 million cut to education funding, affecting Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools. Housing damage, high unemployment (over 10,600), and decreased tax revenues (occupancy tax down 35%, sales tax down 7%) have compounded the crisis. Cost-saving measures include a hiring freeze on 89 positions, saving $4.2 million, and cuts in school funding, which education leaders warn will significantly impact students. County officials anticipate years of tough decisions ahead and are calling for increased state and federal recovery funding. (ABC 13)

Brunswick County Updates Development Rules to Address Overdevelopment

Brunswick County is revising its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), with adoption anticipated by March 2025, to tackle overdevelopment concerns and environmental impacts. Proposed changes include stricter tree and wetland protections, stormwater controls, and buffers, addressing issues like strained infrastructure and flooding. The process faces challenges from state legislation, including S.B. 382, which restricts local zoning authority, and opposition from developers, delaying progress. Public meetings for community input are scheduled for late January. (Port City Daily)

Wake County Schools Impacted by Nationwide PowerSchool Data Breach

The Wake County Public School System notified families and staff of a nationwide data breach affecting the PowerSchool Student Information System, compromising sensitive information. The breach, which began on Dec. 19, 2024, involved a contractor's credentials and exposed details such as names, addresses, and contact information for students, parents, and staff. While no Wake County student Social Security Numbers were accessed, fewer than 1,000 across North Carolina were affected. The district advises monitoring financial and credit activity and implementing credit freezes. Starting July 1, 2025, PowerSchool will be replaced by Infinite Campus to enhance system security and functionality. (WRAL)

Christina Gordon Appointed to Wake County School Board

Christina Gordon, a former teacher and current trainer with the North Carolina Association of Educators, has been appointed to the Wake County Board of Education. Chosen in a six-to-two vote, Gordon will serve District 2 for the next two years, succeeding Monika Johnson-Hostler. A Southeast Raleigh native and PTA president, Gordon plans to advocate for inclusive schools, expand magnet program access, and address issues like budget deficits and school facility challenges. The board oversees a $2.1 billion budget and will finalize policies on cellphone use and family engagement initiatives. (WRAL)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Proposes $20 Minimum Wage for Staff

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is considering raising its minimum wage to $20 per hour for classified staff, such as bus drivers, teacher assistants, and custodians, addressing a pay gap affecting over 3,800 employees. Phase 1 of the proposed plan, costing over $25 million, would align salaries with market rates and experience, using funds from the current Mecklenburg County budget. This would mark the first implementation of a compensation study in nearly two decades, with a board vote scheduled for Jan. 28. (QCN)

Study Finds Collaboration, Not Consolidation, Best for Buncombe and Asheville Schools

A state-mandated $300,000 study of Asheville City Schools (ACS) and Buncombe County Schools (BCS) found no compelling evidence that consolidating the districts would improve student performance or significantly reduce costs. Instead, it recommended exploring shared services in areas like child nutrition, transportation, and facilities maintenance. Despite long-standing discussions about merging the districts, the report cited challenges like cultural differences, boundary confusion, and lack of local support. School board members and commissioners largely embraced collaboration as a path forward, with the final report due to the General Assembly by Feb. 15. (Citizen Times)

Wake Tech Students Join Amgen’s $1 Billion Holly Springs Expansion

Twelve Wake Technical Community College students signed letters of intent with Amgen, participating in a six-month apprenticeship program as part of the company's $1 billion Holly Springs expansion. The apprenticeships provide hands-on learning opportunities and aim to help fill 370 jobs at the facility, which is set to open in mid-2026. Amgen's initiative supports workforce development while offering students a pathway to high-paying careers in biotechnology. (WRAL)

19-Year-Old Graduates as NC State Valedictorian After Completing College in One Year

Richard Basile, a former Wake County student and graduate of Panther Creek High School, earned a degree from NC State University in just one year, graduating as valedictorian at age 19. Through North Carolina’s Career & College Promise (CCP) program, Basile accumulated 70 college credits while in high school, allowing him to enter NC State as a junior. Now, he educates students and parents about CCP’s opportunities, highlighting its ability to save money and provide a head start in higher education. Basile plans to pursue a law degree while beginning a career as a communications specialist at Cisco. (WRAL)

Wake Forest to Build $13.2M Train Station and Mobility Hub

Wake Forest has secured a $13.2 million federal grant to construct a new train station and mobility hub as part of the S-Line passenger rail system, which will connect Raleigh to Wake Forest and eventually extend to Richmond and Washington, D.C. The planned two-story facility will feature a train station with high-end amenities, a rooftop terrace, and a pedestrian bridge. Residents welcomed the project, citing its potential to ease traffic and offer an alternative to driving. The NC DOT also received $1.09 billion in December 2023 for the first S-Line segment, with rail service targeted to begin by 2030. (CBS 17)

Maysville Secures $10M for Affordable Housing Amid Statewide Initiative

Maysville's $10 million affordable housing project for a 40-unit workforce complex survived legislative attempts to redirect funds during North Carolina's December session. The project, part of a $43.2 million state allocation, addresses housing needs in rural areas where 25% of residents are cost-burdened. Additionally, Maysville and Jones County are among 22 communities participating in UNC’s “Our State, Our Homes” initiative, which supports local leaders in tackling housing challenges across North Carolina. (NC Newsline)

Burlington Aims to Transform from Stopover to Destination

Burlington, NC, with a population growth from 39,000 to over 60,000 in 35 years, is working to establish itself as a tourist destination rather than just a midpoint between Greensboro and Raleigh. Jennifer Strange, Burlington’s first tourism development public information officer, highlights attractions like the historic carousel, a $4.5 million pickleball facility, 40 miles of Haw River trails, and 3,000 acres of parks and lakefront. The city also features a vibrant downtown, enhanced by a social district and streetscape improvements, and hosts the Burlington Sock Puppets, drawing visitors through recreation and athletic tourism. (CBS 17)

Developer Plans Retail Center in Growing Lake Norman Area

Afshin Ghazi, developer of Charlotte's former Epicentre, plans to build a retail center on 10 acres at N.C. 150 and Sherrills Ford Road in Lake Norman. The Terrell Town Center Area 2 project will include a grocery store, retail buildings, a drive-through restaurant, and a convenience store to address local demand amid rapid residential growth. The site, once home to the historic Terrell Country Store, is near the 206-acre Village at Sherrills Ford and other booming developments. With 13,500 cars daily passing on N.C. 150, Ghazi highlighted the need for retail to reduce congestion caused by residents commuting to Mooresville for services. (Charlotte Observer)

Groninger USA Expands Charlotte Operations with $15.1M Investment

Groninger USA, a manufacturer for the pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, and cosmetics industries, is expanding its Steele Creek facility in Charlotte with a $15.1 million investment, creating 60 new jobs with an average salary of $76,037. The family-owned German company, which relocated to Charlotte in 2007, plans to grow its workforce from 112 to 172 employees over five years. The expansion builds on Groninger’s partnerships with UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College, supporting its engineering apprenticeship program. (QCN)

North Carolina Rescinds $7.1 Million in Job Development Grants Over Missed Targets

The North Carolina Economic Investment Committee (NCEIC) rescinded two Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) agreements totaling $7.1 million after companies failed to meet job creation targets. Science 37, a clinical research firm, fell short of its agreement to create 250 jobs in Wake County, achieving only 182 hires, citing economic challenges. MasterBrand, a cabinet maker, also failed to meet its commitment to create over 450 jobs in Lenoir County, following announced layoffs. Despite projected economic benefits of over $1.4 billion combined, no taxpayer funds were disbursed as hiring targets were unmet. Similar JDIG agreements in North Carolina have faced delays, layoffs, or terminations. (Carolina Journal)

North Carolina's Economic Growth Faces Challenges from Hurricane Helene and Policy Shifts

North Carolina's economy remains strong, bolstered by growing industries like pharmaceutical manufacturing and an influx of new residents, but challenges loom from Hurricane Helene's damage and potential national policy changes. The hurricane, described as "North Carolina’s Katrina," devastated uninsured mountain communities, complicating typical recovery patterns, while anticipated tariffs and global disruptions may impact trade. Meanwhile, the NC Chamber announced a new health care plan for small businesses, set for open enrollment in 2026, aiming to address coverage gaps for businesses with 2-50 employees. (NC Newsline)

Republican Registrations Surge Among Young North Carolina Voters

Between 2020 and 2024, Republican voter registrations among North Carolina’s 18-25 age group grew by 10,912, driven by a 17,432 net gain among young men, while Democratic registrations declined by 39,056. Analysts suggest the shift may be linked to Gen Z's increasing consumption of alternative media, as trust in traditional news sources wanes. Overall, unaffiliated voter registrations saw the largest growth, reflecting broader trends in evolving political affiliations and media habits among younger generations. (Carolina Journal)

Population Shifts Threaten Democrats' Electoral College Path

Rapid population growth in Republican-leaning states like Texas and Florida and declines in Democratic strongholds such as California, New York, and Illinois are poised to reshape the U.S. political landscape. By the 2030 census, Democratic states could lose 12 House seats and Electoral College votes, narrowing their path to 270 votes in presidential elections. Projections show states like Florida and Texas gaining four seats each, while California could lose four. To remain competitive, Democrats must improve in southern swing states like Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina, or reverse trends in Republican-trending states such as Florida and Texas. (WRAL)