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Friday Forward News Roundup

 

 

 

ReBuild NC Seeks $217 Million Amid Lawmaker Scrutiny

ReBuild NC, tasked with hurricane recovery efforts, requested an additional $217 million to complete housing projects for victims of hurricanes Florence and Matthew, bringing total state-level funding to nearly $900 million. Lawmakers, frustrated by repeated funding requests, questioned the agency’s ability to deliver, with Republican House Majority Leader Brenden Jones demanding accountability. Interim director Pryor Gibson pledged to complete recovery in Eastern NC by 2025 if funding is approved, but acknowledged concerns over contractor payment delays and project viability. Despite securing $80 million in state funding last year, ReBuild NC faces ongoing shortfalls, with estimates suggesting up to $324 million may be needed. (News & Observer)


NC Lawmakers, Officials Clash Over Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

During a legislative committee meeting, North Carolina officials and lawmakers debated the pace of Hurricane Helene recovery, particularly regarding temporary housing for displaced residents in western NC. With $60 billion in estimated damages and 74,000 homes affected, legislators questioned why travel trailers remained unused while some families still lacked shelter. Officials cited residents' reluctance to accept temporary trailers under FEMA’s restrictions, while lawmakers insisted many were still waiting for housing approval. The state has received $15.7 billion of the $25.7 billion requested in federal aid, with additional funding pending. Meanwhile, President Trump has criticized FEMA’s response and proposed an executive order to revamp the agency's disaster relief operations. (Carolina Journal)


Verizon and Roy Williams Erase $10M in Debt for NC Hurricane Victims

Verizon, in partnership with ForgiveCo and legendary Tar Heels coach Roy Williams, is eliminating $10 million in debt for 6,500 western North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Williams personally contacted families to share the news, highlighting the community's resilience. This initiative follows Verizon’s $400,000 donation to United Way of North Carolina and aligns with the company’s broader efforts to support disaster recovery and military veterans. Beneficiaries will have their debt cleared with no further action required. (WCNC)


North Carolina Lawmakers Introduce Key Bills in 2025 Legislative Session

North Carolina lawmakers began the 2025 legislative session by filing bills on issues including gambling, taxes, gun rights, and election reform. Notable proposals include a bill allowing a state income tax deduction for gambling losses (HB 14), eliminating taxes on tips (HB 11), and removing the Jim Crow-era literacy test requirement from the state constitution (SB 14). Other measures seek to allow permitless concealed carry (HB 5), ban mass balloon releases (SB 20), and require schools to accept cash for athletic event entry fees (HB 2). Democrats proposed independent redistricting (HB 20) to curb partisan gerrymandering, but with a Republican-controlled legislature, its passage remains uncertain. (News & Observer)


Federal Trial Set for NC Senate Redistricting Lawsuit

A federal trial will begin next week to determine whether North Carolina’s state Senate map violates the U.S. Constitution by racially diluting Black voters in the state’s northeastern "Black Belt" region. Plaintiffs argue that the 2023 redistricting plan splits Black voters across multiple districts, reducing their electoral influence, while state legislative leaders contend the maps comply with the Voting Rights Act and constitutional standards. A prior court ruling denied an injunction against the map, with Judge James Dever stating plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success. The case, Pierce v. North Carolina State Board of Elections, specifically challenges Senate Districts 1 and 2, with implications for future redistricting and voting rights in the state. (Carolina Journal)


Federal Appeals Court Hears Arguments on NC Supreme Court Election Case

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard 90 minutes of arguments on whether North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin’s ballot challenge should remain in state court or return to federal court. Griffin, a Republican, seeks to have the case remain in state court, where a hearing is scheduled for Feb. 7, while Democratic candidate Allison Riggs, the State Board of Elections, and activist groups argue that federal courts should oversee the dispute. Riggs leads Griffin by 734 votes out of 5.5 million cast, with over 60,000 ballots in question. The appeals court must determine whether U.S. Chief District Judge Richard Myers erred in remanding the case to state court on Jan. 6. A decision is expected soon, as the case has delayed certification of the last unresolved race in the country. (Carolina Journal)


Wake Democrats Nominate Phil Rubin for House District 40 Seat

Wake County Democrats selected Phil Rubin, a former U.S. attorney and NC Justice Department lawyer now working for Meta, to fill the late Rep. Joe John’s House District 40 seat. Rubin was chosen over two other candidates, and Gov. Josh Stein must formally appoint him. Additionally, Safiyah Jackson was nominated to replace Matt Calabria on the Wake County Board of Commissioners after his resignation to lead the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC. (NC Newsline)


Facial Recognition Wrongful Arrests Spark Policy Reform Efforts

The wrongful arrest of Robert Williams in Michigan, due to a flawed facial recognition technology (FRT) match, has spurred national debate on the risks of AI-driven policing. Williams' case, the first publicly known wrongful arrest linked to FRT, led to policy changes in Detroit, restricting its use in law enforcement. At least seven documented wrongful arrests in the U.S. have resulted from FRT misidentifications, often due to a lack of investigative follow-up. As of 2025, 15 states have enacted laws regulating FRT use in policing, while seven others are considering legislation. Privacy advocates warn of biases in the technology and push for stricter guidelines to prevent misuse, balancing public safety with civil rights protections. (NC Newsline)


Durham Approves 1,880-Unit Development on Former Brickworks Site

The Durham City Council unanimously approved rezoning nearly 100 acres in East Durham for a mixed-use development by SpaceCraft, featuring 1,880 apartments and townhouses, including 90 affordable units at 60% of the area median income. The project will utilize only 23 acres for buildings, incorporating 5,000 feet of walking trails and preserving tree canopy. SpaceCraft, known for high-density, transit-oriented developments, aims to integrate residential and commercial spaces in an urban-style community. Councilmember Nate Baker, a vocal critic of past suburban sprawl, supported the project, citing its density, diverse housing options, and pedestrian-friendly design as a model for future growth. (Indy Week)


Buncombe County TDA Faces $11.5M Shortfall Post-Hurricane Helene

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has approved a $25.7 million operating budget, facing an $11.5 million shortfall due to Hurricane Helene’s impact on tourism revenue. The TDA, which relies on lodging tax dollars, will use contingency reserves to increase marketing efforts and attract visitors back to Asheville and Buncombe County. To support recovery, the TDA has already awarded $1.5 million to local travel and hospitality businesses through the Always Asheville Fund. Despite challenges, many hotels and lodging facilities continue to assist first responders and displaced residents. (ABC 13)


NAEP Report Shows NC Reading Scores Lag, Math Scores Slowly Recover

New National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data reveals that while math scores have slightly rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, reading scores continue to decline in North Carolina and nationwide. In 2024, only 58% of NC fourth-graders tested at basic, proficient, or advanced levels in reading, down from 69% in 2013, while math proficiency dropped from 87% to 77% over the same period. Chronic absenteeism remains high at 25% statewide, further hindering recovery. Education leaders plan to continue science-based reading instruction reforms and are considering increased teacher support, mentoring, and stricter cellphone policies to improve student outcomes amid tighter budgets. (WRAL)


Wake County Schools Launch "Level Up Literacy" Tutoring Program

Wake County schools have introduced the Level Up Literacy initiative to help elementary students improve reading skills, replacing the HELPS curriculum, which was discontinued due to a legal dispute. The program, coordinated by WakeEd Partnership and supported by Read and Feed, will provide in-school tutoring for grades 1-3, focusing on students slightly below grade level. Volunteers are needed and must commit to at least one hour per week, undergo two hours of training, and complete a background check if required. The program aims to begin the week of Feb. 17. (News & Observer)


Saint Augustine’s University Faces Financial Crisis Amid Rejected Land Deal

Saint Augustine’s University, burdened with $32 million in debt and an accreditation appeal hearing set for late February, faces a major setback after the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office rejected its proposed 99-year land lease deal with 50 Plus 1 Sports. The agreement, which included a $70 million upfront investment, was denied due to concerns over financing transparency and undervaluation of the university’s $198 million property. As SAU struggles to stabilize, it continues to battle accreditation issues after its agency, SACSCOC, voted to revoke its status due to financial instability. (WUNC)


U.S. Tariffs on Mexico and Canada Could Raise Gas, Food, and Auto Prices

The Trump administration plans to impose 25% tariffs on all imports from Mexico and Canada starting Feb. 1, potentially increasing gasoline prices by up to 70 cents per gallon and raising grocery costs. Mexico supplies 90% of U.S. avocados and a large share of tomatoes, peppers, and limes, making price hikes likely. The auto industry, which relies on Canada and Mexico for 47% of imported vehicles and auto parts, is also expected to be significantly impacted. While some businesses may absorb part of the cost, experts warn that consumers will see higher prices if the tariffs take effect. (ABC 11)


Pratt & Whitney Expands Asheville Plant, Adding 325 Jobs

Pratt & Whitney announced a $285 million expansion of its turbine airfoil manufacturing facility in Buncombe County, creating 325 new jobs with an average salary of $62,413. The project, expected to boost North Carolina’s economy by $2.1 billion over 12 years, is supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) of up to $4.2 million. Gov. Josh Stein highlighted the expansion’s role in revitalizing Western NC’s economy post-Hurricane Helene. As part of the agreement, $1.4 million will be allocated to the state’s Industrial Development Fund to support infrastructure improvements in economically distressed areas. (NC Newsline)


RTP Secures Door-to-Door Mail Delivery After Bipartisan Push

North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP) now has door-to-door mail delivery service from the U.S. Postal Service after bipartisan advocacy from congressional leaders. Previously reliant on centralized P.O. boxes, RTP’s 385 companies and 55,000 employees now benefit from direct mail service, addressing concerns that some businesses were considering relocation. Led by Rep. Deborah Ross and supported by Sens. Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, and Rep. Valerie Foushee, the effort culminated in mail delivery beginning in November, with officials celebrating the achievement at a "You've Got Mail" event on Thursday. (WUNC)


UNC and Duke to Build NC’s First Standalone Children’s Hospital

UNC Health and Duke Health have announced plans to build North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a 500-bed facility in the Research Triangle region, with an expected cost of over $2 billion. The NC Children's project will also include an outpatient care center, behavioral health center, and research and education facilities. Supported by an initial $320 million appropriation from the NC General Assembly, the hospital is expected to break ground by 2027 and take about six years to complete. Leaders say the project will save lives, create thousands of jobs, and be one of the largest economic development projects in state history. (WRAL)


Durham Considers $500M+ Convention Center as Downtown Anchor

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams is pushing for a new $315 million convention center and $225 million hotel to boost downtown’s economy, replacing the outdated 1989 facility. A 2024 study found that expanding the current center for $93 million wouldn't make it regionally competitive. The project, framed as an “innovation center,” faces concerns over cost, feasibility, and competition with Raleigh and Charlotte’s convention spaces. Funding options include corporate investment, tourism tax revenue, and state support, but critics argue transit, parks, and other infrastructure should take priority. Officials cite DPAC’s past success as proof of potential long-term benefits. (Indy Week)


Lake Crabtree Park Faces Potential Loss as RDU Plans Development

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority plans to develop 136 acres of Lake Crabtree County Park, a popular 330-acre recreational area in Morrisville, as part of its Vision 2040 master plan. The move follows an expiring $1-per-year lease with Wake County, with the FAA requiring the airport to generate revenue from the land. Critics argue that replacing the densely wooded trails with a mixed-use entertainment district will result in an irreversible loss of public green space. Advocates, including Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC), propose that Wake County acquire the land permanently to preserve it for community use. (Indy Week)


Honoring Civil Rights Attorney Willis Graves Jr.

A Civil Rights Trail marker will be unveiled in Raleigh on Saturday to honor Willis “Bill” Graves Jr., a civil rights attorney who contributed to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Graves, born in Raleigh, worked with Thurgood Marshall on the 1948 Supreme Court case Shelley v. Kraemer, which ruled racially restrictive housing covenants unenforceable. The marker will be placed at his childhood home, now the headquarters of Preservation North Carolina, and speakers at the event will include local officials and Graves' family descendants. (News & Observer)

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