NC Supreme Court Rejects Fast-Track Request in Judicial Election Dispute

The North Carolina Supreme Court has denied a request to bypass the Court of Appeals in Judge Jefferson Griffin’s case challenging his loss to Justice Allison Riggs. The 4-2 decision, with four Republican justices voting against skipping the Appeals Court, means the case will proceed through the normal appellate process. Griffin, a Republican, seeks to discard over 60,000 ballots in an effort to overturn Riggs’ 734-vote lead. Riggs, a Democrat, has recused herself from the case, leaving six justices—five Republicans and one Democrat—to decide. The case may ultimately reach federal courts, as the Fourth Circuit left open the possibility of federal intervention. (NC Newsline)

NC Signature Verification Pilot Cost $450K, Faces Uncertain Future

North Carolina’s 10-county pilot program for absentee ballot signature verification cost $450,000 to review 2,200 envelopes, with 11% of ballots flagged by software for mismatched signatures—most of which were later approved by county boards. Technical issues hampered the process, and the program’s cost and logistical challenges raise concerns about statewide implementation. If adopted, North Carolina would be the only state requiring signature verification, witness signatures, and photo ID for absentee ballots. A proposed statewide mandate stalled in the legislature, with election officials warning of increased costs and strain on election staff under newly tightened absentee ballot counting deadlines. (NC Newsline)

Human Trafficking Cases More Than Doubled Nationally, NC Sees Ongoing Prosecutions

From 2012 to 2022, human trafficking prosecutions more than doubled nationwide, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In North Carolina, the Commission on Human Trafficking tracked over 700 reports statewide last year. Wake County prosecutes an average of 10-12 human trafficking cases per year, primarily for human trafficking, involuntary servitude, and sexual servitude, according to District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. Statewide data from July 2022 to June 2023 recorded 38 human trafficking cases, including 19 cases involving adult victims and 19 involving children, with four sexual servitude cases for adults and nine for children. (CBS 17)

Western NC Residents Rely on Self-Sufficiency After Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, causing 27-foot flooding in Marshall and widespread destruction across 27 disaster-declared counties. With weeks-long power and water outages, many relied on homesteading skills, foraging, and preserved food. Relief efforts included World Central Kitchen and Mercy Chefs, but impassable roads left rural communities dependent on canned goods, dehydrated produce, and hunting. Residents like Rebecca Beyer and Holly Silvers turned to traditional food preservation techniques, demonstrating the region's self-reliant mountain culture. Asheville endured a 53-day water crisis, reinforcing the need for preparedness as locals embraced the #MountainStrong mindset. (Assembly)

CFPB Shutdown Sparks Legal Battle, Raises Consumer Protection Concerns

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has effectively shut down under President Donald Trump’s administration, with its website offline and its workforce ordered to stop most operations. A court injunction, following a lawsuit by the agency’s employees’ union, has temporarily halted layoffs and data deletion. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns the shutdown could disrupt cases seeking to return millions of dollars to consumers. While critics, including Trump and far-right groups, label the CFPB as “woke” and overreaching, supporters argue its closure weakens consumer protections against illegal debt practices and predatory lending. (CBS 17)

NC Projects $544M Budget Surplus but Warns of Future Revenue Declines

North Carolina officials forecast a $544 million revenue surplus for the fiscal year ending June 30, driven by higher-than-expected income tax collections. However, upcoming income and corporate tax cuts, enacted by Republican legislators, are expected to reduce revenue by $823 million in 2026. With ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery costs exceeding $1 billion, Gov. Josh Stein and Democrats argue that tax cuts for corporations and high earners should be reconsidered. Meanwhile, GOP leaders credit tax cuts for economic growth and dismiss concerns of a looming budget shortfall as "fearmongering." Budget negotiations will be key, as Republicans no longer hold a veto-proof majority. (WRAL)

NC Democrats Propose Bill to Make Judicial Elections Nonpartisan

Democratic lawmakers in North Carolina have introduced the "Judge Joe John Nonpartisan Judicial Elections Act" to remove partisan labels from judicial races and restore public financing for appellate judicial campaigns. Led by Rep. Marcia Morey and Sen. Lisa Grafstein, the bill honors the late Rep. Joe John, who championed judicial independence before his passing in January. North Carolina is currently one of only seven states with fully partisan judicial elections, a shift that began after Republican legislative control in the 2010s. The bill faces an uphill battle in the GOP-led General Assembly. (NC Newsline)

NC Senate Leader Phil Berger to Seek Reelection Amid GOP Primary Challenge

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger confirmed his intent to seek reelection in 2026, setting up a potential GOP primary battle against longtime Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. Berger, who has led the Senate since 2011, won his last election with 54% of the vote in a district covering Rockingham and part of Guilford County. Page, a former 2024 lieutenant governor candidate, has been a vocal critic of Berger’s casino expansion efforts. The primary contest could create an opening for Democrats in the general election. (North State Journal)

NC Lawmakers Seek to Reclaim $500M from NCInnovation for Disaster Relief

A group of North Carolina lawmakers, led by Reps. Harry Warren and Jake Johnson, have introduced House Bill 154 to reclaim $500 million in taxpayer funds from NCInnovation (NCI), a private nonprofit aimed at commercializing public university research. Citing urgent disaster relief needs, particularly in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, the bill proposes redirecting the funds to more pressing budgetary concerns. NCI, which has faced scrutiny over transparency and governance issues, has so far awarded $5.2 million in grants and is expected to grant more later in the year. If passed, the bill would dissolve the state's relationship with NCI while allowing the nonprofit to retain any investment returns already earned on the endowment. (Carolina Journal)

NC State Auditor Gains Election Powers Amid Political Shift

North Carolina's new Republican State Auditor, Dave Boliek, has unexpectedly gained authority over the State Board of Elections due to a last-minute GOP-led legislative change, marking the first time in U.S. history that a state auditor holds such power. The 132-page bill, initially presented as a hurricane relief measure, effectively shifts control of the election board from the governor to the auditor, pending court challenges. Boliek, a former Democrat who switched parties before his campaign, has also prioritized auditing the DMV, tracking Hurricane Helene relief efforts, and cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from his office. (News & Observer)

Anjanée Bell Considers Run for Durham Mayor, Following in Father’s Footsteps

Anjanée Bell, daughter of longtime Durham Mayor Bill Bell, has announced her intention to run for mayor, marking her first step into local politics. A former Durham Public Schools dance educator and founder of Bellan Contemporary Dance Theatre, Bell currently serves as Arts in the Parks director for North Carolina State Parks. While light on policy specifics, she emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in her leadership approach. Her father, Bill Bell, served as Durham’s mayor for 16 years after decades as a county commissioner. Bell is the first major challenger in the race, with incumbent Mayor Leonardo Williams set to deliver his State of the City address on February 18. The candidate filing deadline is July 18. (Indy Week)

Jackson County Sends 2025 Property Reappraisal Notices; Tax Impact TBD

Jackson County residents and businesses have received 2025 property reappraisal notices, with some seeing significant increases in assessed values. However, higher assessments do not automatically mean higher taxes—the final tax rate will be determined by county commissioners in June during the budget process. The last reappraisal was in 2021, as part of the county’s four-year revaluation cycle. Property owners can appeal assessments until March 5, 2025, and exemptions are available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. Tax bills will be mailed in August, with payments due in January 2026. (Sylva Herald)

Wake County Students Enjoy Snow Day While Nearby Districts Shift to Remote Learning

Wake County students had a second snow day Wednesday, while nearby school districts—including Durham, Orange, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Chatham, and Granville Counties—shifted to remote learning. Wake County Schools opted not to go remote, following a policy that only allows virtual instruction if it impacts vacation days. Some parents, like Brandon Gray, preferred the break from screens, while others, like Karen Everitt, questioned the effectiveness of remote learning for a single day. North Carolina law mandates 185 school days or 1,025 instructional hours per year, allowing up to five remote days to meet requirements. (ABC 11)

Wake County Schools Expand Mental Health Services with $14.1M Federal Grant

The Wake County Public School System will expand mental health services next school year with a $14.1 million federal grant funding 27 therapists and crisis response staff, plus a social worker to manage referrals. The five-year U.S. Department of Education grant supplements existing contracted services at 94 schools but raises concerns about long-term stability amid political uncertainties. The initiative aims to address rising student mental health issues and behavioral incidents, with seclusion cases increasing from 53 to 197 and physical restraints rising from 524 to 623 year-over-year from July to December. Parent permission will be required for students to access services. (WRAL)

Wilson County Schools Boosts Staff Pay, Advances Elementary School Project

The Wilson County Board of Education approved a 1% increase in supplemental pay for school staff, raising teacher supplements to 9% and classified staff to 7%, with principals receiving 10-12% based on school level. The board also approved a $2 million contract with Oakley Collier Architects to design Frederick Douglass Elementary School, part of a $32 million budget, leaving $27.2 million for construction. The next project meeting is set for February 27, as students continue attending class at the former Toisnot Middle School. (Wilson Times)

Charlotte Egg Prices Skyrocket Up to 175% Amid Avian Flu Outbreak

Egg prices in the Charlotte area have surged by 15% to 175% since late December, with avian influenza reducing supply nationwide. According to a Charlotte Observer price check, Target saw the steepest increase, from $1.99 to $5.49 (175%), while Publix, Lidl, Aldi, Walmart, and Harris Teeter also reported significant hikes. Some retailers, including Lidl and Aldi, have limited egg purchases to two cartons per customer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to rehire bird flu experts mistakenly laid off in recent cost-cutting efforts under the Department of Government Efficiency. Prices are expected to stabilize once farms recover their flocks. (Charlotte Observer)

Raleigh’s Free Parking Pilot Boosts Downtown Business, Faces Revenue Debate

Raleigh’s free parking pilot program, launched in November 2023, has significantly increased downtown business activity, with 91% of business owners reporting a positive impact and 97% supporting making the program permanent. Local retailers, like DECO owner Pam Blondin, saw 13% higher holiday sales, while downtown parking transactions increased by 26% in December and 29% in January over the previous year. However, the program led to a monthly revenue drop of $20,000 ($240,000 annually), prompting the city council to consider mitigation measures such as extending paid parking hours or raising hourly parking rates. The council will discuss the program’s future on Tuesday. (Indy Week)

NC Social Districts Boost Economic Growth with No Reported Downsides

Since the passage of a 2021 law allowing social districts, North Carolina has registered 68 such areas where people can carry open alcoholic beverages within designated boundaries. Local municipalities set operating hours and regulations, requiring beverages to have marked stickers. Advocates, including the NC Retail Merchants Association, highlight the districts' economic benefits, citing increased foot traffic and business activity. Municipalities like Wendell and Wilmington report positive results, with no significant issues related to disorderly conduct or public disturbances. (Carolina Journal)