Wildfires Burn Across Carolinas as Storm Debris Fuels Risk After Hurricane Helene

Fueled by dry conditions and millions of decaying trees downed by Hurricane Helene, wildfires in the Blue Ridge Mountains have burned over 20 square miles in South Carolina and at least 10 square miles in North Carolina. The largest blaze, the Table Rock Fire, has scorched 7.1 square miles, prompting evacuations in Pickens County and nearby Transylvania County, NC. Firefighting efforts are slowed by difficult terrain and limited water sources, while forecasters warn that storm debris will continue increasing fire risk in coming years. (WRAL)

Evacuations Ordered as Wildfires Burn 6,000 Acres in Polk and Henderson Counties

Wildfires in Polk and Henderson Counties have scorched over 6,000 acres, forcing evacuations and blanketing the region in thick smoke. Ilean McKelvey’s family, whose Saluda home lies between two major fires, evacuated for safety after struggling to breathe and fearing fast-moving flames. The family had previously endured damage from Hurricane Helene just six months earlier but now hopes wildfire threats will ease for them and their neighbors. (QCN)

Sampson County Democrats and Forward Party Find Common Ground on Political Change and Community-Focused Solutions

At a leadership training event on Friday, the Sampson County Democratic Party focused on community engagement, cross-party collaboration, and connecting with younger, unaffiliated voters. Held at Lisbon Street Missionary Baptist Church, the event featured speakers including Marcus Bass of Advance North Carolina, who led discussions on political leadership and the importance of balancing head and heart. Forward Party representative Josh Peters also attended, emphasizing nonpartisan cooperation. Party Chair Ed Gillim and others stressed building local connections and preparing the next generation of leaders, regardless of political affiliation. (Sampson Independent)

NC House Passes Near-Unanimous Bill to Ban Cellphones in Public School Classrooms

The North Carolina House voted 114–3 to approve a bill requiring public schools to ban student cellphone use during class, with exceptions for medical needs, emergencies, and certain instructional purposes. The bipartisan measure, aimed at reducing distractions and cyberbullying, now moves to the Senate, which is considering a stricter version. While Democrats unsuccessfully pushed to include private schools, legislators amended the bill to protect students with health conditions like diabetes who rely on phone apps for monitoring. Wake County is also developing its own district-wide cellphone policy. (WRAL)

NC Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Lower Health Care Costs, Boost Transparency

The North Carolina Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan bill (44-2) aimed at increasing transparency in medical billing, limiting facility fees, and accelerating insurance prior authorization processes. Key provisions include requiring hospitals to report cost data quarterly, capping final bills at 5% over good-faith estimates, banning certain facility fees, and mandating faster insurance decisions—within 24 hours for urgent care and three days for non-urgent. While the Senate and House are pursuing similar reforms, it remains uncertain whether a unified bill will reach the governor’s desk this session. (News & Observer)

NC House Passes Bill Requiring Labels on Lab-Grown Meat

The North Carolina House passed House Bill 134 in a 106-11 bipartisan vote, requiring clear labeling of lab-grown meat with terms like “cell-cultured” or “lab-grown” in at least 20-point font. The bill responds to the growth of the cultivated meat industry in the state, including Believer Meats' new 200,000-square-foot facility in Wilson—set to be the world’s largest, with capacity for 10,000 metric tons annually. Supporters say the bill ensures transparency, while critics argue the labeling could stigmatize innovative, sustainable food alternatives. (Carolina Journal)

NC Senators Propose Bipartisan Bills to Expand Middle Housing and Ease Crisis

To address North Carolina’s housing shortage—estimated at over 764,000 units—state senators introduced four bipartisan bills, including Senate Bill 497, which mandates local governments allow “missing middle housing” like duplexes and townhomes in all residential zones. The bill also limits restrictive zoning and design standards that deter such development. Additional proposals aim to permit accessory dwelling units statewide, allow residential use in commercial zones, and ease building codes to encourage multifamily housing, including single-stairway apartments up to eight stories. (NC Newsline)

NC Lawmakers Consider First Minimum Wage Increase Since 2009

North Carolina legislators are reviewing two proposed bills that would raise the state’s $7.25 minimum wage for the first time in 15 years. The Economic Security Act proposes a $22 hourly wage with annual inflation adjustments and the elimination of the $2.13 tipped wage. The Fair Minimum Wage Act would raise wages to $10 by 2026, with $2 yearly increases reaching $18 by 2030, after which the Commissioner of Labor would set adjustments. Both bills have passed first readings and are now in committee for further consideration. (CBS 17)

NC Bill Would Ban Social Media for Kids Under 14, Add Parental Controls for Ages 14–15

North Carolina’s House Bill 301 proposes banning social media accounts for children under age 14 and requiring parental controls for users aged 14–15. Supporters, including bill sponsor Rep. Zenger, argue it would protect developing brains from social media’s addictive effects and serve as a tool for parents. Critics say oversight should remain a parental responsibility. If passed, violations could lead to civil penalties up to $50,000, enforced by the Department of Justice. (FOX 8)

NC Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reform HOA Oversight and Transparency

House Bill 444, introduced by Reps. Frank Iler (R-Brunswick), Ya Liu (D-Wake), and Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba), proposes sweeping reforms to North Carolina’s 14,000+ homeowner associations, affecting nearly 3 million residents. Key provisions include mandatory mediation before litigation, limits on foreclosures, and new transparency requirements, such as a 30-day deadline for HOA record requests and Department of Justice reporting on HOA complaints. The bill is a renewed effort after earlier reform attempts stalled due to industry pushback. HB 444 passed its first reading and now heads to the House Committee on Housing and Development. (Port City Daily)

NC Senate Bill 516 Revives Debate Over Transgender Bathroom Access

Senate Bill 516, the Women’s Safety and Protection Act, introduced by North Carolina Senate Republicans, seeks to restrict transgender individuals to using bathrooms and private facilities that match their biological sex at birth. The bill mirrors the controversial House Bill 2, repealed in 2017, and also limits changes to sex markers on birth certificates. Supporters argue the bill protects women’s safety, while opponents—including Rep. Julie von Haefen and Equality NC—condemn it as a discriminatory attack on the transgender community. (CBS 17)

NC Court to Rule on Elections Board Appointment Power by May 1

A legal battle over who controls appointments to North Carolina’s elections board will be heard by a three-judge panel on April 14, with a ruling expected by May 1. Gov. Josh Stein is challenging a provision in Senate Bill 382 that shifts appointment power from the governor to State Auditor Dave Boliek, arguing it violates the state constitution’s separation of powers. Republican lawmakers defend the law as constitutional, asserting that the General Assembly can assign executive duties among Council of State members. Both sides seek a summary judgment to avoid trial. (Carolina Journal)

NC Supreme Court Allows COVID Vaccine Lawsuit by Mother, Son to Proceed

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that a mother and son can sue the Guilford County school system and a doctors' group after the 14-year-old boy was allegedly given a COVID-19 vaccine without consent in 2021. Reversing lower-court decisions, the justices said the federal PREP Act, which provides immunity during public health emergencies, does not block constitutional claims. The court emphasized rights to parental control and to refuse nonmandatory medical treatment, allowing the case to move forward. (WRAL)

NC Treasurer Partners with OpenAI for AI Pilot Program

North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner announced a 12-week partnership with OpenAI to test how AI can boost government efficiency by summarizing reports, identifying audit warning signs, and analyzing unclaimed property—valued at $1.4 billion. The pilot program, provided at no cost, will not include access to private data like health records. With around 1.1 million weekly ChatGPT users in the state, this marks a growing effort to explore AI's practical benefits in the public sector, following similar initiatives in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. (WUNC)

NC’s Top State Salaries Surpass $300K

The average salary for North Carolina state employees is $65,304, but the highest earners make over four times that amount. The state’s top-paid employee is Kevin SigRist, Chief Investment Officer for the Department of State Treasurer, with a $400,000 salary, followed by co-CIO Jeffrey Smith at $360,692, and community college president Jeffrey Cox at $360,500. Most top earners work for the Department of Health and Human Services, while elected officials like the governor earn significantly less, with Gov. Josh Stein making $203,073 annually. (News & Observer)

Mecklenburg County to Invest $73M Opioid Settlement in Prevention and Recovery

Mecklenburg County will receive $73 million over 18 years from an opioid settlement, with $11 million allocated in phase one to fund nonprofits, health clinics, housing, and job programs supporting people in recovery. The county is prioritizing early intervention, investing $2.25 million in prevention initiatives, and expanding access to Naloxone to reduce overdose deaths—228 of which occurred in 2022. Future efforts may include treatment for incarcerated individuals and reentry support programs. (WFAE)

Chapel Hill Moves Forward with Dam Removal to Make Way for Affordable Housing and Park

Chapel Hill is beginning the process of removing a dam and pond on its 36-acre Legion Road property, clearing the way for a 168-unit affordable housing project and future 28-acre park. The dam was deemed a high hazard, prompting the town to seek permits for its removal, which is expected to be complete by late 2025. If awarded Low Income Housing Tax Credits, construction on the housing could begin as early as late 2027, with full completion targeted for 2029. The site plan includes a future wetland and continued community engagement on park design. (Chapelboro)

Proposed $1B Raleigh Sports District Seeks Public Input

The Carolina Hurricanes and development partners are proposing a $1 billion plan to rezone 81 acres around the Lenovo Center in west Raleigh to create a new “Raleigh Sports and Entertainment District,” featuring a hotel, 4,000-seat concert venue, apartments, restaurants, and retail. The development could include buildings up to 40 stories tall, divided into four subdistricts, and aims to extend the Hurricanes’ lease through 2044. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, with pedestrian safety—particularly near Cardinal Gibbons High School—emerging as a key concern. (News & Observer)

Huntersville Planners Back $80M Station South Project Despite Transit Concerns

In a 4-3 vote, Huntersville’s Planning Board endorsed Peak Development’s proposed $80 million mixed-use project, Station South, which includes 348 multifamily units and 59,100 square feet of commercial space on 21 acres along N.C. 115. The plan’s approval comes amid uncertainty over the future Red Line commuter rail and a November referendum on a 1-cent Mecklenburg County sales tax to fund transit. Dissenting planners cited traffic concerns if the rail project fails and the development increases local congestion. The final decision rests with the Town Board, which is set to vote April 22. (Charlotte Observer)

NC Superintendent Raises Concerns Over Trump’s Executive Order Targeting Education Dept.

North Carolina Superintendent Mo Green expressed uncertainty Monday about the impact of President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Green said no assurances have been given that North Carolina will retain its $1.5 billion in federal education funding, which supports programs for vulnerable students, including those with disabilities and from low-income families. If the funds are cut, Green said he would urge the state legislature to cover the shortfall and plans to hold listening sessions through mid-April to gather community input. (CBS 17)

Durham Educators Push for Meet and Confer Policy Amid Legal Debate

Durham Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Lewis faced strong pressure from over 100 educators at a March 27 meeting to support a proposed “meet and confer” policy giving employees a formal role in district decisions. While Lewis cited legal concerns over North Carolina’s ban on public-sector collective bargaining and fears of giving preferential treatment, he told the school board a draft policy will be ready for review at the April 11 work session. The DAE, claiming majority employee support, continues lobbying for board approval as legal and procedural details remain unresolved. (Indy Week)

ABSS Approves $78.6M County Budget Request with Focus on Pay Increases and Capital Needs

The Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) has approved a $78.6 million county funding request for fiscal year 2025–26, marking a 32.5% increase from the current year. The budget includes $59.2 million for current expenses, such as rising utility and benefit costs, and $19.5 million for capital improvements. A key proposal is a $1.1 million supplement for classified employees, starting at $1,000 and increasing with years of service, aimed at improving retention and competitiveness with nearby school districts and private employers. The request now moves to Alamance County officials for consideration. (Alamance News)

Wake Schools Advance Cell Phone Policy as State Considers Statewide Ban

A Wake County Board of Education committee approved a draft policy to limit student cell phone use during school hours, aligning with a proposed statewide ban moving through the legislature. The policy would require phones to be off or in airplane mode, with exceptions for students with medical or educational plans, emergencies, or instructional use. High school principals may allow limited use during breaks, and administrators can confiscate devices for violations. The full board will vote on the policy April 22, while the state bill has passed the Senate and is advancing in the House. (WUNC)

Audit Finds $45M in Financial Reporting Errors at NCCU, New Leadership Promises Reform

The North Carolina State Auditor’s Office found over $45 million in financial reporting errors at North Carolina Central University for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Issues included a $8.3 million overstatement in expenses, a $4.9 million overstatement in cash, and a $1.2 million understatement in scholarship-related figures. State Auditor Dave Boliek called the reporting "far short" of expectations but expressed confidence in recent improvements under Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon, who has appointed new financial leadership and pledged transparency and accountability moving forward. (FOX 8)

Inflation Holds at 2.5% in February, Slightly Above Fed Target

Inflation remained steady at 2.5% year-over-year in February, slightly above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, according to Commerce Department data. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, ticked down to 2.8%, aligning with economists’ expectations. The Fed recently held interest rates steady, while Chair Jerome Powell attributed part of the inflation pressure to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which economists warn could further raise prices by increasing consumer costs. (ABC 11)

NC Sports Betting Surpasses Projections With $131M in First-Year Tax Revenue

North Carolina collected $131.3 million in tax revenue from mobile sports betting in its first full year, far exceeding initial legislative projections of $100 million annually within five years. Since online wagering began on March 11, 2024, over $6.8 billion in bets generated $729.3 million in gross wagering revenue for eight licensed operators. The state’s 18% tax on this revenue supports UNC system athletic departments, amateur sports, and gambling addiction programs. (WRAL)

NC Health Department Faces $100M Cut After Sudden Federal Grant Terminations

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced it will lose over $100 million in federal funding and more than 80 jobs due to the abrupt termination of several grants. The cuts affect programs related to immunizations, disease monitoring, behavioral health, and substance use disorder services, with impacts extending to local health departments, hospitals, universities, and social services. NCDHHS is directing vendors to pause related work while awaiting further guidance from the federal government. (CBS 17)

NC Bill SB 516 Sparks HB 2 Comparisons, Economic Concerns from Businesses

A new bill filed by Republican lawmakers, SB 516 — the “Women’s Safety and Protection Act”, would require transgender individuals to use bathrooms in state-funded facilities that align with their sex at birth. Drawing comparisons to 2016’s controversial HB 2, which led to national backlash and estimated billions in economic losses, the proposal has prompted concern from small business owners who fear renewed boycotts. Supporters argue SB 516 is distinct and aims to protect women in vulnerable spaces, while critics warn of repeating damaging economic and reputational consequences for the state. (ABC 11)

Currituck County Rebrands as “The Northern Outer Banks”

Currituck County Travel & Tourism has officially rebranded the region as “The Northern Outer Banks,” highlighting its unique location at the northern tip of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Known for its beaches, wild horses, and historic sites like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the rebranding aims to better reflect the area's identity and heritage. The campaign includes immersive digital storytelling, a new docuseries on the Corolla Wild Horses, and a “Guestbook” series featuring letters from locals and visitors. (CBS 17)

NC House Proposes Making "The Andy Griffith Show" the State's Official TV Show

The North Carolina House has introduced a bill to designate The Andy Griffith Show as the official state TV show, honoring its enduring legacy and connection to Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy. The show, which debuted 65 years ago, continues to inspire pilgrimages to the Andy Griffith Museum, annual festivals, and widespread memorabilia collecting. Lawmakers praised the show’s portrayal of North Carolina values through beloved characters like Andy Taylor and Barney Fife, calling it "must-see TV for anyone who loves North Carolina." (News & Observer)

NC Senator Proposes Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” as Official State Hip-Hop Song

Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham) has introduced a bill to make Petey Pablo’s 2001 hit “Raise Up” the official state hip-hop song of North Carolina. The Grammy-nominated rapper, born Moses Barrett III in Greenville, created an enduring anthem that celebrates state pride with the line “spin your shirt around your head like a helicopter.” The song has become a cultural staple at UNC football games and Carolina Hurricanes hockey matches, where it’s played after defensive stops and goals. (WRAL)

23andMe Bankruptcy Raises Alarm Over DNA Privacy for 12 Million Users

Following 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing, the DNA data of nearly 12 million Americans may be at risk, prompting experts and officials to urge users to delete their data and request destruction of DNA samples. Dr. Pierre Le Pabic of UNCW warns that such data can be used to solve crimes, but also potentially by insurance companies to raise rates based on genetic predispositions. Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized that DNA data lacks HIPAA protections and should be treated as highly sensitive, urging immediate action to safeguard personal information. (WWAY)