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Friday Forward News Roundup

 

 

Western North Carolina Lives Lost and Remembered

The devastating storm in Western North Carolina caused severe destruction, claiming 104 lives, with Buncombe County suffering the highest toll of 42 fatalities. Among the victims were 11 members of a single family in Fairview's Craigtown community, two volunteer firefighters, and families who had fled war in Ukraine. Beyond the tragic numbers, the storm's victims are remembered for their vibrant lives, cherished roles in their communities, and personal legacies, as captured through interviews and public records. (News & Observer)


Trump Pardons 1,500 Capitol Rioters, Sparking Bipartisan Criticism

President Donald Trump, within hours of his second inauguration, issued pardons to 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, including 50 from North Carolina. Those pardoned faced charges ranging from seditious conspiracy to assaulting police officers, and six individuals received commutations. Critics, including law enforcement advocates and political figures from both parties, condemned the move, citing its undermining of justice and democracy. The riots resulted in five deaths, 174 injured officers, and four subsequent officer suicides. (News & Observer)


NC Supreme Court Rejects Griffin's Bid to Expedite Ballot Challenge

The North Carolina Supreme Court unanimously dismissed Republican Jefferson Griffin's request to bypass a lower court in his challenge of over 60,000 ballots in a tight race against Democrat Allison Riggs for an eight-year seat on the court. With Riggs leading by 734 votes out of 5.5 million cast, the justices ordered Griffin's appeals to proceed in Wake County Superior Court as required by state law. While a temporary stay prevents Riggs’ certification, federal and state courts continue to deliberate on the validity of the contested ballots. (WUNC)


NC Officials Eliminate DEI Policies Following Trump Executive Order

After President Trump’s executive order terminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies, North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced similar actions in their state departments. Farley ended the use of DEI metrics in hiring and employee evaluations in the Department of Labor, emphasizing merit-based practices and workplace safety. Boliek removed DEI from the State Auditor’s Office policies, citing divisiveness and minimal return on investment, and reaffirmed a focus on meritocracy. Both officials referenced broader shifts away from DEI in corporations and educational institutions as part of their justification. (Carolina Journal)


NC Attorney General Joins Legal Challenge Against Trump's Birthright Citizenship Ban

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is among 18 states suing President Trump over his executive order to end birthright citizenship, citing it as a violation of the 14th Amendment. The order, set to take effect February 19, would deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the country if their parents are undocumented or on temporary visas, reversing over a century of legal precedent. Critics argue the policy could lead to legal and logistical confusion for families and deny fundamental rights to children born in the U.S., while Trump defends the order as part of his "Make America Great Again" agenda. (WRAL)


NC State Health Plan Faces $1.4B Deficit, Premium Hikes and Cost Reforms Under Consideration

North Carolina’s State Health Plan, covering nearly 740,000 active and retired state employees, faces a $507-million deficit projected to grow to $1.4 billion by 2027. New State Treasurer Brad Briner is exploring options, including premium increases, to stabilize finances and address surging healthcare costs. Former Treasurer Dale Folwell warned of systemic issues like hospital overcharges and insufficient charity care by nonprofit hospitals, which rank as the most profitable in the U.S. Briner plans to prioritize transparency, innovative programming, and measures to mitigate the impact of premium hikes on low-income members while addressing long-term solvency challenges. (Port City Daily)


North Carolina Homeowners Insurance Rates to Rise 15% Over Two Years

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey negotiated a settlement limiting homeowners insurance rate increases to 15% over two years, with 7.5% hikes taking effect in June 2024 and 2026. This agreement significantly reduced the N.C. Rate Bureau’s original request for a 42.2% average increase, including a proposed 99.4% hike in some coastal areas, which will now see a 31.9% rise. Causey stated the settlement will save homeowners approximately $777 million over two years while ensuring insurers can cover claims from growing natural disaster costs. The deal also prevents further rate hikes before June 2027. (NC Newsline)


Catawba-Lincoln County Line to Be Re-Established Following Survey

The boundary between Catawba and Lincoln counties, originally established in 1842, will be officially re-established on February 2, 2025, based on a survey conducted by the North Carolina Geodetic Survey. Over time, discrepancies caused by parcel changes shifted the recognized boundary, impacting properties along the line. Despite Lincoln County’s efforts to maintain the commonly recognized boundary, the state-defined line will take effect as per North Carolina law. Both counties are holding community open houses to address concerns and discuss service transitions for affected residents. (QCN)


Local Nonprofit Raises Awareness on Human Trafficking in Cherokee Community

Reflection of Inspiration (ROI) held its annual Human Trafficking Awareness Month event at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, educating employees on recognizing and responding to trafficking. The nonprofit highlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous communities, citing systemic issues and jurisdictional gaps as key challenges. With major trafficking corridors near Jackson County, ROI calls for increased community vigilance, law enforcement coordination, and the establishment of a local trafficking database to address the crisis effectively. ROI will continue its efforts with a public awareness event on January 27 in Sylva. (Sylva Herald)

Cabarrus County Fires Longtime Manager Amid Controversy Over $42M Building Purchase

Cabarrus County commissioners voted 3-1 to fire longtime County Manager Mike Downs and Board Attorney Richard Koch, citing a "lack of credibility" and issues with Downs' handling of the $42 million ACN building purchase. The termination letter revealed Downs failed to disclose an appraisal valuing the building at $24 million—nearly half the purchase price—raising concerns about transparency. While some commissioners and former officials praised Downs’ decades of service, others called the firing political. Deputy County Manager Kelly Sifford will temporarily assume Downs’ responsibilities. (Charlotte Observer)


Community Pushback Against UNC’s Plan to Burn Fuel Pellets in Cogeneration Plant

At a public hearing, dozens of Chapel Hill residents and activists expressed strong opposition to UNC-Chapel Hill’s proposal to modify its air quality permit to include engineered fuel pellets, made from plastic and paper waste, as an alternative fuel source at its cogeneration plant. Concerns were raised about the health and environmental risks associated with burning materials containing PFAS and the disproportionate impact on nearby minority communities. While UNC acknowledged the challenges of transitioning away from coal and emphasized ongoing testing, critics labeled the proposal environmentally harmful and inconsistent with sustainability goals. (Chapelboro)


Fear and Confusion Grow as Trump Administration Ends “Sensitive Location” Policy

Immigration advocates report increased calls from parents concerned about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in schools and churches following the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the 2011 "sensitive location" memorandum. Families fear implications for school safety, with some parents hesitant to send children to school. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools affirmed compliance with immigration laws and emphasized its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment. Local organizations like the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy are providing guidance and support to those affected. (WCNC)


Buncombe County Cuts $4.8M from Schools, Teachers Express Growing Concern

Buncombe County reduced funding by $718,000 for Asheville City Schools (ACS) and $3.97 million for Buncombe County Schools (BCS), prompting concerns from local educators about the impact on students and teacher retention. While both districts assured no immediate job losses, they plan to use reserve funds to cover the shortfall, raising fears of potential future staffing cuts if budgets aren’t replenished. Educators criticized the state's longstanding underfunding of schools, expressing skepticism about securing alternative funding from state or federal sources. (ABC 13)


Saint Augustine’s Faces Financial Crisis Amid Controversial Loan Decisions

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) rejected a $19.5 million loan offer from Self-Help Credit Union with a 9% interest rate, favoring a prior agreement with Gothic Ventures at 26% interest despite widespread criticism. Self-Help’s proposal included a stipulation for the resignation of SAU board chair Brian Boulware and former chair James Perry, citing a need to restore confidence in leadership. The university, burdened by $9 million in IRS liens and accreditation challenges, defended its decision, claiming a lack of prior support from Self-Help. Experts acknowledge the complexities of balancing financial relief with institutional autonomy in SAU’s situation. (Indy Week)


CFCC Expands Automotive Technician Program with New Dealership Partnership

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is expanding its Automotive Technician job training program through a new partnership with Flow Cadillac of Wilmington. Starting February 4, 2025, a 16-week evening class will be held at the dealership, offering students hands-on training with access to its facilities and vehicles, and the opportunity to interview for jobs at Flow Cadillac upon completion. Additionally, Stevenson Hendrick Honda will host its fifth CFCC Automotive Technician class beginning March 10, continuing its support of the program's career-focused training. (WWAY)


Wilson Sisters Win Congressional App Challenge with Diabetes Management App

Lydia and Bethany Denton, students at Wilson Early College Academy, won the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s 1st District with their BITES Bento app. The app, inspired by a friend with diabetes, integrates with a specialized Bento box to track and calculate nutritional information for better blood sugar management. Presented by Rep. Don Davis, the app will be showcased at the U.S. Capitol and during the House of Code Festival in April, where the sisters will represent their district. (Wilson Times)


Costco’s Gold Sales Surge as Precious Metal Hits Record High

Costco’s gold bars, introduced in 2023, have become a major hit, generating an estimated $100–$200 million in monthly revenue, though with slim profit margins due to low premiums and cashback incentives. The price of gold reached an all-time high of $2,781 per ounce in October 2024, driven by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and rising inflation, fueling investor demand. While Costco’s offerings provide convenience and potential cashback benefits, limitations like purchase caps, safekeeping costs, and liquidity challenges make alternative investments like gold ETFs more practical for some investors. (Charlotte Observer)


Charlotte's Transit Plan Proposals Focus on Rail and Bus Expansion Amid Funding Constraints

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) presented four funding scenarios for a proposed one-cent sales tax to support new train lines and bus expansions. The favored plan prioritizes rail, including the Red Line to Lake Norman, partial extensions of the Lynx Blue Line and Silver Line, and a full extension of the Gold Line streetcar. However, some projects, such as the Silver Line reaching Matthews and a direct airport connection, are excluded due to funding limits. The transit plan allocates 40% of tax revenue to rail and heavily invests in expanded bus services, though bus ridership remains low. Public feedback is being collected before advancing the proposals. (WFAE)


Rug & Home Donates $100,000 to Support Dementia Care in WNC

Rug & Home completed its $100,000 commitment to Memory Care with a final $25,000 donation on January 22. The contributions, made since 2019, support Memory Care's dementia care management services, benefiting patients and their families in Western North Carolina. Owner Rakesh Agarwal emphasized the importance of aiding those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, calling it one of the toughest diseases. (ABC 45)


Trump Bans New Offshore Wind Leases, Creating Uncertainty for Energy Projects

President Trump issued a memorandum banning new offshore wind leases and permits, halting development in existing lease areas until federal reviews are completed. The ban could delay offshore and onshore wind projects, including North Carolina's plans to procure 1.2 gigawatts of onshore wind power to replace retiring coal plants by 2036. Industry experts warn the move introduces uncertainty for billion-dollar wind investments and may spark lawsuits if the administration targets existing projects. Critics argue the reviews outlined in the memo duplicate existing permitting processes. (WUNC)


Lumbee Tribe Moves Closer to Federal Recognition with Trump Memorandum

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing the Department of the Interior to create a plan for granting federal recognition and benefits to North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe, advancing their decades-long efforts. The Lumbee Fairness Act, which would formalize this recognition, passed the U.S. House in December 2024 but awaits Senate approval. The tribe, recognized by North Carolina since 1885, has over 55,000 members primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland counties. Federal recognition would secure significant benefits and fulfill promises made by Trump and other lawmakers, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. (North State Journal)


Former Judge and NC Legislator Joe John Dies at 85

Joe John, a longtime public servant and Wake County Democrat, passed away at 85 after a terminal throat cancer diagnosis. John, who resigned from the NC House earlier this week to focus on his health and family, served as a judge at various levels, including the NC Court of Appeals, and as director of the State Crime Lab. Known for his commitment to justice and public service, John was praised for his thoughtful leadership and legacy. Wake County Democrats will select a replacement to serve the remainder of his term. (WRAL)

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