North Carolina House Approves $500 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery

The North Carolina House unanimously approved an additional $500 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, adding to the $900 million to $1.1 billion already allocated. Gov. Josh Stein had requested $1.07 billion, citing urgent needs for displaced residents, businesses, and schools. The legislation prioritizes home and infrastructure repairs, private road reconstruction, and farm aid, but lacks Stein’s provisions for direct small business payments and local government reimbursement. Federal aid is expected to provide over $15 billion, with an additional $13.1 billion request pending. Another bill raising unemployment benefits from $350 to $450 per week while ending a temporary $600 maximum also advanced to the Senate. (CBS 17)

Henderson County Seeks Subcontractors for Post-Hurricane Debris Removal

Henderson County is seeking local subcontractors to assist with debris removal following Hurricane Helene, as FEMA has increased funding to expedite cleanup efforts. The county has removed more debris from roads in the past four and a half months than its solid waste facility typically handles in a year. An informational meeting for prospective contractors will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 10 a.m. at the Emergency Medical Services Center in Hendersonville. (ABC 13)

NCDOT Seeks Public Input on Post-Hurricane Helene Road Repairs

More than 100 Rutherford County residents attended an NCDOT public meeting to discuss planned repairs for U.S. 64 and 74A, including bridge replacements for Southside Drive and Chimney Rock State Park. Attendees provided feedback on proposed construction routes, with two bridge placement options under consideration. Residents can submit written comments through March 12 via phone, email, or NCDOT’s public input portal. (ABC 45)

NC Appeals Court Weighs Supreme Court Election Dispute

North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs has requested the full state Court of Appeals to hear the election dispute against challenger Jefferson Griffin, who seeks to discard over 65,000 ballots. Riggs leads Griffin by 734 votes out of 5.5 million cast, with two recounts confirming her lead. The case remains unresolved as a Supreme Court stay blocks certification. Riggs also seeks Judge Tom Murry’s recusal, citing his campaign's $5,000 donation to Griffin’s legal fund. The Appeals Court, where Republicans hold a 11-3 majority, is set to hear arguments following Griffin’s March 3 response deadline. (Carolina Journal)

Push for Cannabis Legalization Grows Amid Racial Disparity Concerns

A formal complaint to the DOJ by former political candidate and NC Forward Party Executive Committee member Barbara Gaskins highlights that minorities in North Carolina are 3.4 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis-related offenses than white individuals. Attorney General Jeff Jackson has previously advocated for a regulatory approach, citing racial disparities in enforcement. While Jackson stated he has no authority to intervene directly, advocates continue to push for federal action as they await a DOJ response. (WNCT)

Former Justice Bob Orr Seeks Revival of NC Redistricting Lawsuit

Former NC Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr is urging the state Court of Appeals to revive his lawsuit challenging congressional and legislative election maps, arguing that the state constitution guarantees “fair elections.” The lawsuit, dismissed by a three-judge panel last year, contends that legislative redistricting unfairly manipulates election outcomes. Orr, representing nine Democrats and two unaffiliated voters, differentiates his case from prior gerrymandering claims, seeking a neutral redistricting process. The Appeals Court’s ruling could determine whether courts have a role in defining election fairness. (Carolina Journal)

NC House Oversight Committee Reviews State Agency Efficiency and Budget Concerns

State agency leaders testified before the NC House Oversight Committee about efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse ahead of budget negotiations. Revenue Secretary McKinley Wooten highlighted a $50 million technology upgrade and fraud prevention efforts that intercepted $966 million in fraudulent tax returns last year. State Budget Director Kristin Walker warned of a projected $4 billion revenue shortfall by 2030 despite record revenue levels, noting ongoing monitoring of 2,600 federal grants. Lawmakers also discussed AI integration for efficiency and potential budget impacts from federal spending cuts. Budget Director Walker indicated that artificial intelligence, specifically Microsoft Copilot, may soon be used to detect government inefficiencies. (Carolina Journal)

NC Elections Board Opens Public Comment on Rule Changes

The North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) is accepting public comments on proposed rule changes affecting election observers, protests, and recounts until April 21. The changes, initially adopted temporarily in 2024, include requiring observers to wear ID tags, clarifying the appeal process for removed observers, and expediting protest hearings. Proposed recount rules mandate machine counting for all ballots unless rejected, with bipartisan teams conducting hand counts. Public comments can be submitted online, by email, or by mail, with an in-person hearing scheduled for March 6 in Raleigh. (North State Journal)

NC Senate Advances Bill to Restrict Attorney General’s Authority

A North Carolina Senate committee approved Senate Bill 58, which would prohibit Attorney General Jeff Jackson from challenging federal executive orders, adding to an earlier restriction barring him from contesting state laws. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Timothy Moffitt, passed along party lines, with Democrats opposing the measure, citing concerns over states’ rights and federal funding cuts. Jackson has previously joined lawsuits against executive orders affecting NIH funding, birthright citizenship, and data privacy, with courts ruling in favor of his challenges. The bill now heads to the full Senate for further debate. (NC Newsline)

NC Senate Introduces ‘Border Protection Act’ to Enforce Immigration Laws

North Carolina Senate leaders have introduced Senate Bill 153, the “North Carolina Border Protection Act,” requiring state law enforcement to fully cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sponsored by Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and others, the bill mandates agencies to verify immigration status, restrict state benefits to authorized immigrants, and prohibit sanctuary policies at UNC campuses and local governments. Counties or cities declaring sanctuary policies could face legal liability. The legislation follows a 2024 law requiring sheriffs to detain suspects for ICE, reinforcing Republican efforts to tighten immigration enforcement in the state. (CBS 17)

NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson Joins Call for Federal Action Against Organized Retail Crime

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 37 other attorneys general have urged Congress to strengthen efforts against organized retail crime, which caused over $121 billion in U.S. losses and $1.8 billion in North Carolina in 2022. The bipartisan coalition supports reintroducing H.R. 895 and S. 139, which would increase federal penalties for supply chain theft and establish an Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center at the Department of Homeland Security. Jackson previously co-sponsored legislation on the issue while serving in Congress. (FOX 8)

NC DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin to Step Down After Three Years

Wayne Goodwin announced his resignation as North Carolina DMV Commissioner, ending his tenure that began in January 2021. His departure follows efforts to reduce long wait times, hire 400 employees, and lower the department’s vacancy rate. However, residents continue to report scheduling frustrations. NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins emphasized the need for a new commissioner with business and management expertise to improve efficiency. The job listing for Goodwin’s replacement was posted two weeks before his announcement. (ABC 11)

Orange County Property Values Rise Nearly 50%, Higher Tax Bills Expected

Orange County homeowners could face higher tax bills after a nearly 50% increase in property values, with median home sales prices projected to reach $660,000 in Chapel Hill, $612,500 in Carrboro, and $423,000 in Hillsborough. Property values in similar counties have risen by an average of 61%, while Durham County expects an 80% jump. Revaluation notices will be sent in mid-March, and new tax rates will be set by June, with tax bills arriving in August. Appeals can be filed through July 31, and several tax relief programs are available for eligible homeowners. (Herald-Sun)

Burlington-Graham MPO Seeks Public Input for 2050 Transportation Plan

The Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning Organization (BGMPO) is gathering community feedback for its 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, which will address future road, bicycle, pedestrian, public transit, and rail needs in Burlington, Graham, Mebane, and surrounding areas. Residents can provide input via an interactive map, online survey, and idea wall. The results will be presented at a public workshop on March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Alamance Community College’s Dillingham Conference Center. (FOX 8)

Huntersville Planning Board Rejects Birkdale Village Expansion Proposal

On a 4-3 split vote, the Huntersville Planning Board recommended denying Jamestown’s request to expand Birkdale Village, a major mixed-use development near Lake Norman. The proposal includes a 125-room hotel, 150 multifamily units, 26,715 square feet of commercial space, an office building, and new parking decks. Opponents cited traffic and overcrowding concerns, while supporters emphasized economic benefits, including $200 million in construction spending and $200,000 in additional annual tax revenue. The Huntersville Board of Commissioners will make a final decision on the rezoning request on March 18. (Charlotte Observer)

NC Bill Proposes Eliminating Standardized Testing for Teacher Licensure

North Carolina lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 204, which would eliminate all standardized testing requirements for teacher licensure and educator preparation programs. Sponsored by Republican Senators Tom McInnis, Todd Johnson, and Timothy Moffitt, the bill seeks to remove barriers to entry amid a statewide teacher shortage, arguing that these exams only test “good test takers” rather than teaching ability. The State Board of Education had previously requested only the removal of the PRAXIS Core test for teacher preparation program admission, but the bill goes further, eliminating licensure exams entirely. Critics, including Board Member Olivia Oxendine, warn that the change could lower teaching standards. (News & Observer)

NC House Advances Bill to Limit Cell Phone Use in Schools

The North Carolina House K-12 education committee approved a bill requiring school boards and charter schools to implement policies restricting cell phone use during class time starting next school year. Sponsored by Rep. Neal Jackson (R-Moore, Randolph), the bill aims to reduce distractions, prevent cheating, and curb phone addiction. While 77 of 115 school boards already have restrictions, this legislation would make policies mandatory statewide. A Senate version proposes stricter requirements, including consequences for violations and policy submission to the Department of Public Instruction. The bill now moves to the House judiciary committee. (WUNC)

New Hanover School Board Votes to Remove DEI, Plans Sex Ed Review

The New Hanover County Board of Education voted 5-2 to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies to comply with President Trump’s executive orders. The board is now set to review its sex education programs, which currently include the abstinence-focused "My Life" program and the comprehensive "Stepping Stones" program, covering topics like contraception, gender roles, and sexual orientation. Board Member Pete Wildeboer called for the review to ensure compliance with federal mandates and suggested exploring alternatives to Stepping Stones that exclude gender and sexuality topics. (WWAY)

Saint Augustine’s University Faces Accreditation Loss Amid Financial Mismanagement

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) lost its accreditation in December 2024 after SACS cited six violations, including financial mismanagement and weak board oversight. Enrollment has dropped to a few hundred students, and the university faces $10 million in IRS tax liens, over $1 million in lawsuits, and nearly $1 million in unpaid wages. Allegations of board mismanagement, contract irregularities, and wrongful terminations have led to an ongoing investigation by the NC Attorney General, while SAU prepares to appeal its accreditation revocation. (Indy Week)

Duke University Raises Tuition to Over $92,000 for 2025-26

Duke University is increasing undergraduate tuition by 5.9%, bringing the total cost of attendance to $92,042 for the 2025-26 academic year. Tuition alone will be $70,265, up from $66,325 in 2024-25. Graduate and professional school tuition hikes range from 0% to 4.7%. Duke joins other elite universities surpassing $90,000 per year, as federal research funding cuts loom under the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the UNC System is freezing in-state undergraduate tuition but raising rates for graduate and out-of-state students, with UNC-Chapel Hill increasing out-of-state tuition by 10% to $43,152. (WRAL)

Brunswick County Nears Completion of $167M Water Treatment Upgrade

Brunswick County is finalizing a $167.3 million expansion of its Northwest Water Treatment Plant, set to be the second-largest reverse osmosis facility in the U.S. The project increases treatment capacity by 12 million gallons per day and installs a reverse osmosis system to remove toxic PFAS chemicals from the Cape Fear River water supply. Though water rates increased in 2022 to help fund the project, the county is pursuing legal action against Chemours and Dupont to recover costs. The upgrades will ensure compliance with new EPA federal drinking water standards. Completion is expected this spring. (WUNC)

Genesys Moves Durham Office to Horseshoe at Hub RTP Amid Struggling Office Market

Software firm Genesys is relocating its Durham office to Horseshoe at Hub RTP, becoming the first tenant in the newly developed office space. The company is leasing 26,000 square feet on the fifth floor, featuring flexible workspaces, a cafe, conference rooms, and a video production suite, with a move-in expected this fall. Despite this lease, 80% of the building remains vacant, reflecting the Triangle’s record-high 21% office vacancy rate due to hybrid work and high interest rates. Analysts predict demand will increase by 2025, with competition for high-end office space expected by 2026. (Herald-Sun)

UNC Medical Center Ranked Among World’s Best Hospitals

Newsweek has named UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill to its 2025 list of the World’s Best Hospitals, ranking it 74th among more than 400 U.S. hospitals. The list includes over 2,400 hospitals across 30 countries, with 13 located in North Carolina. Two other UNC Health hospitals—UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield—also earned recognition. (Chapelboro)