N.C. Senate Approves $545M Hurricane Helene Relief Bill

The North Carolina Senate unanimously passed a $545 million disaster relief bill for Hurricane Helene recovery, increasing funding from the House’s $500 million proposal. The bill, which also supports recovery from Hurricanes Florence and Matthew, adds funding for schools but removes $15 million for small-business grants and $10 million in rental assistance. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Julie Mayfield, criticized the lack of direct aid for businesses while $192 million is allocated for farmers. The bill now returns to the House for concurrence, with further relief expected in the state budget. Gov. Josh Stein will visit Yancey County Thursday to assess damage. (ABC 11)

Lawmakers Press for Faster Hurricane Helene Recovery in N.C.

North Carolina legislators are urging swift action on rebuilding homes after Hurricane Helene, with state officials warning of delays due to federal funding constraints. The legislature is set to approve $140 million, but $1.4 billion in federal aid remains tied up in regulatory processes. The Stein administration is preparing to hire 30-40 staff and select a vendor for housing aid applications but won’t begin accepting applicants until funds are secured. Lawmakers remain frustrated, with concerns over funding for schools ($57 million), rental housing ($191 million), and small businesses ($50 million already allocated). (NC Newsline)

400-Acre Melrose Fire in Polk County Sparks Evacuations

Fire crews are battling the Melrose Fire in Polk County, which has grown to 400-500 acres with 0% containment as of Sunday. The wildfire, sparked by a downed power line amid dry and windy conditions, has prompted evacuation orders along U.S. Highway 176 and surrounding roads. Firefighters are conducting back-burn operations and air drops to contain the blaze, while a shelter has been set up at the Polk County Senior Center for affected residents. Officials warn that fire risks remain high across the region. (CBS 17)

Griffin Opposes Riggs’ Requests in N.C. Supreme Court Election Dispute

Republican state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin opposes Democrat Allison Riggs’ request for the full N.C. Court of Appeals to hear his challenge to over 65,000 ballots in the November election, in which Riggs leads by 734 votes. Griffin also objects to Riggs’ motion for the recusal of Judge Tom Murry, whose campaign contributed $5,000 to Griffin’s legal defense fund. The case remains in the Appeals Court after the N.C. Supreme Court rejected a request to bypass it, with Republicans holding a majority on both courts as legal proceedings continue. (Carolina Journal)

Former Justices Support Appeal in N.C. Fair Elections Lawsuit

Former N.C. Supreme Court Justices Bob Orr and Robin Hudson are backing an appeal challenging North Carolina’s congressional and legislative election maps, arguing they violate voters' constitutional right to “fair elections.” Orr, representing 11 voters, contends the legislature manipulated district lines to nullify dissenting votes. A three-judge panel dismissed the lawsuit in June 2024, citing the state Supreme Court’s Harper v. Hall ruling, which reaffirmed redistricting as a legislative responsibility. Republican lawmakers call the lawsuit “frivolous,” while Orr’s team insists it addresses election integrity, not partisan gerrymandering. The case is now before the Court of Appeals. (Carolina Journal)

N.C. House Advances Bill to Allow Pension Investments in Bitcoin

A North Carolina House committee approved House Bill 92, which would allow the state treasurer to invest in Bitcoin funds as a way to boost state pension fund gains. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) defended the bill, arguing similar investments exist elsewhere, while Rep. Bryan Cohn (D-Granville) warned of volatility and compared digital assets to the risky securities linked to the 2007-09 financial crisis. The State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) opposes the bill, which now moves to the House Rules Committee before a full House vote. (NC Newsline)

N.C. House Advances Bill to Allow Gambling Loss Tax Deductions

A North Carolina House committee approved House Bill 14, which would allow gamblers to deduct losses on state income taxes, capped at winnings, aligning state policy with federal tax law. Supporters, including Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort), argue it ensures tax fairness, while opponents, like Rev. Mark Creech, warn it could encourage gambling addiction. With over $6 billion wagered since online sports betting became legal last March, the bill’s financial impact on state revenue remains unclear. The proposal now moves to the House Finance Committee for further consideration. (NC Newsline)

N.C. State Auditor Joins Legal Battle Over Elections Board Control

State Auditor Dave Boliek is intervening in a lawsuit challenging a Republican-backed law (SB 382) that transfers control of North Carolina's State Board of Elections from the governor to the auditor. Governor Josh Stein argues the law is unconstitutional, stripping executive authority and violating the state's separation of powers. Boliek, set to assume oversight on July 1, defends the shift as legally permissible under North Carolina’s "plural executive" system. The case, now in Superior Court, marks the latest legal clash over election administration in the state. (Carolina Journal)

N.C. Lawmakers Propose Vehicle Inspection Fee Increases

North Carolina lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 192 to raise vehicle inspection fees, increasing the Emissions and Safety Test fee from $23.75 to $40.15 and the Safety Only Test fee from $12.75 to $29.15. Window tinting, authorization, and sticker fees remain unchanged, and drivers will still have 60 days to address failed inspections. If passed, the new fees will take effect on October 1, 2025, impacting all vehicles requiring registration in the state. (CBS 17)

N.C. Treasurer Proposes Overhaul of Pension Fund Investment Oversight

State Treasurer Brad Briner is proposing a shift in how North Carolina manages its $16 billion pension shortfall, advocating for a board of investment experts to oversee pension fund decisions rather than relying solely on the treasurer's discretion. North Carolina's pension plan is 90% funded, outperforming national averages, but Briner argues a more diversified approach is needed. Details on the board’s composition and timeline remain unclear. Additionally, Briner warned of an expected $250 annual premium increase for the state health plan in 2026 due to budget shortfalls. (WUNC)

Federal Office Closures in N.C. Amid DOGE Cost-Cutting Measures

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has announced the termination of 20 federal office leases in North Carolina, including Social Security, IRS, and disaster relief facilities, with projected savings of $376,920. Additionally, three federal buildings in the state may be disposed of by the General Services Administration, though details remain unclear. The cuts come amid legal challenges over DOGE’s authority and concerns about its role in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts, with President Trump affirming that agency heads, not DOGE, control staffing decisions. (NC Newsline)

Raleigh Pilot Program Reduces Homelessness Costs with Housing-First Approach

Raleigh's Bringing Neighbors Home pilot program, launched in May, is providing 45 households with apartments and case management services, significantly reducing taxpayer spending on homelessness-related services. The initiative costs $24,000 per person annually—far less than the $38,000 to $98,000 spent daily on emergency responses. By focusing on rapid rehousing rather than displacement, officials aim to reach "functional zero" for unsheltered homelessness. City leaders are considering future funding for the program as they assess its long-term impact and resource needs. (Indy Week)

Durham County Homeowners Face Historic Property Tax Increases

Durham County homeowners are receiving new property reappraisals, revealing unprecedented value increases since the last assessment in 2019. Some properties, like Jerry Ray’s land, have surged from $21,000 to $109,000, raising concerns about affordability and potential displacement. Homeowners on fixed incomes, such as retiree Elijah Bazemore, are bracing for budget adjustments. The county urges residents to verify their property listings on the Tax Administration website as officials prepare for the tax implications of the booming real estate market. (CBS 17)

New Hanover County Considers Tax Rate Changes Amid Property Value Surge

New Hanover County Commissioners held their second budget work session, reviewing department performance and discussing the impact of inflation and rising property values on tax rates. While staff expect a tax rate decrease, residents may still see higher tax bills due to the county’s tax base rising from $51 billion to $81 billion. Commissioner Stephanie Walker emphasized the ongoing evaluation process, with final budget recommendations set for May and adoption expected in June. Two more work sessions remain before the final decision. (WWAY)

North Carolina House Bill Proposes 22% Teacher Pay Raise

North Carolina House Bill 192 filed by Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake), proposes a 22% teacher pay raise, increasing starting salaries to $50,000 and top salaries to $68,230, while also restoring extra pay for master’s degrees. The bipartisan-backed bill, estimated to cost $1.5 billion, has gained over 50 co-sponsors and support from the North Carolina Association of Educators and State Superintendent Mo Green. However, its passage faces challenges due to state revenue concerns and potential opposition from Senate leaders, who have historically resisted such pay increases. (News & Observer)

North Carolina Bill Moves to Ban DEI Programs in Public Schools

North Carolina Republican lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 227, which seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools and prohibit teaching "divisive concepts" related to race and gender. Supporters argue DEI efforts enforce ideological conformity and cost districts up to $625 per person in training, while opponents say the bill erases beneficial programs. With Republicans holding a Senate supermajority but falling one vote short in the House, an override of a likely veto by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein may depend on strategic timing or bipartisan support. (News & Observer)

N.C. Moves to Streamline Licensing for Out-of-State Teachers

The North Carolina Board of Education is finalizing a rule to make it easier for experienced out-of-state teachers to obtain a state license, eliminating the requirement to provide effectiveness data if they hold a comparable renewable license elsewhere. The change, set for a vote next month, aims to boost teacher recruitment amid declining numbers from in-state Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), which supplied 40% of first-year teachers in 2024, down from 52% three years ago. Officials emphasize that small improvements in teacher retention and licensing processes could yield significant statewide gains. (WUNC)

Saint Augustine’s University Loses Accreditation Appeal

Saint Augustine’s University has lost its appeal to retain accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), jeopardizing federal funding and financial aid for its 200 remaining students. The private HBCU, which has struggled with $42 million in debts, had hoped its $70 million lease agreement with 50 Plus 1 Sports would stabilize its finances. However, state officials have raised concerns about the deal's long-term impact. Despite accreditation loss, SAU vows to remain open through arbitration to ensure May graduates receive degrees from an accredited institution. (WUNC)

Wilson Community College Offers Free Business Workshops in March

Wilson Community College’s Small Business Center is hosting five free workshops in March covering business startup, digital marketing, business planning, contracts, and video marketing. Sessions run from March 18 to March 31, with both hybrid and online options available. (Wilson Times)

UNC Study on Fluoride’s Effects Sparks Debate in Eastern N.C.

Dr. Gary Slade, a UNC-Chapel Hill dentistry professor, is leading a four-year randomized study in Lenoir and Wayne counties to assess whether naturally fluoridated water from New Bern reduces cavities in children. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, has drawn opposition from the Fluoride Action Network, which claims fluoride poses neurotoxicity risks. Despite controversy, Slade continues delivering water to 200 enrolled families, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence amid ongoing debates over fluoridation’s safety and effectiveness. Final study results are expected in four to five years. (The Assembly)

Abortion Access Influences Job and Relocation Decisions

A new Institute for Women’s Policy Research poll found that 40% of respondents would be less likely to take a job in a state with limited OB-GYN or prenatal care access, and 19% have relocated or know someone who did due to abortion restrictions. Among 10,000 surveyed, 45% prefer jobs offering reproductive health benefits, while nearly 80% support paid parental leave and caregiving flexibility. No states with restrictive abortion policies had majority approval, highlighting concerns over workforce retention and economic impact. Advocates urge businesses and lawmakers to prioritize reproductive health access to remain competitive. (NC Newsline)

Duke Energy Expands Power Plans to Meet Growing Demand from Data Centers

Facing rising electricity demand from data centers and manufacturers, Duke Energy has updated its resource plans, adding 2.85 gigawatts of solar, 2.72 gigawatts of natural gas, and a potential 2.4-gigawatt offshore wind farm by 2038. To meet around-the-clock energy needs, Duke is also considering nuclear expansion and exploring flexible load agreements with data centers to reduce peak demand. Additionally, the company is working with tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft on clean energy tariffs and infrastructure solutions to balance economic growth with carbon-free investments. (News & Observer)

The Rising Heat Challenge in AI-Era Data Centers

Lenovo's Research Triangle Park campus faces increasing challenges in cooling high-power AI servers, which now consume up to 7,500 watts—ten times more than traditional servers. While air cooling remains dominant, it is energy-intensive and less efficient, prompting a shift towards liquid cooling solutions like Lenovo’s Neptune system, which circulates 113°F water through copper tubes. Industry experts anticipate broader adoption of liquid cooling by 2026-2027, driven by growing AI energy demands and efficiency innovations. (News & Observer)

Study Suggests Utilities Can Meet Demand Growth Without New Gas Plants

A Duke University study found that utilities can accommodate most of the projected 21.5% rise in electricity demand over the next decade without adding new fossil fuel generators. By shifting energy consumption during peak hours, utilities could free up 76 gigawatts of power nationwide—equivalent to over five nuclear plants in Duke Energy’s service areas alone. Researchers argue that strategic cooling at data centers and demand management could reduce the need for new natural gas plants, which federal regulations may already limit to operating less than 40% of the time. (WUNC)

Korean War Soldier Sgt. David Hardy Returns Home After 74 Years

Army Sgt. David Eugene Hardy, missing in action since 1950 during the Korean War, was finally brought home to Reidsville, North Carolina, after being identified through DNA analysis in 2024. His remains arrived at Piedmont Triad International Airport, where an honor guard and law enforcement escorted him to Citty Funeral Home, as residents lined the route to pay their respects. Hardy, believed to have died as a POW in North Korea at age 23, is now honored by his extended family and community, bringing long-awaited closure to a decades-old mystery. (News & Record)