Trump Declares "Liberation Day" with Broad Tariffs, Prompting Economic Concerns Nationwide

President Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on imports—minimum 10%, or half of what U.S. businesses are charged by other countries—calling chronic trade deficits a national emergency. While the administration claims the move will boost domestic manufacturing and reduce foreign dependence, economists like NC State’s Jeffrey Dorfman warn it may backfire, raising prices on consumer goods and hurting more jobs than it saves. North Carolina businesses are already bracing for impact, with local grocers, furniture stores, and restaurants expecting price hikes. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC reports rising food insecurity, worsened by tariff-related cost increases and federal funding cuts. (ABC 11)

NC Leaders React to Trump Tariffs

President Trump’s sweeping new tariff policy, announced as “Liberation Day,” has sparked concern among North Carolina officials, including Gov. Josh Stein and Sen. Thom Tillis, who fear damage to the state’s agriculture, furniture, textile, and automotive sectors. (News & Observer)

Global Markets Plunge as U.S.-China Trade War Intensifies with New Tariffs

Global stock markets tumbled Friday after China imposed retaliatory 34% tariffs on all U.S. imports in response to President Trump’s matching tariffs, intensifying fears of a global recession. The S&P 500 dropped 2.9%, the Dow fell over 1,000 points, and European indexes lost around 4%, while oil and copper prices also slumped. Major U.S. companies with exposure to China, like GE Healthcare and DuPont, saw double-digit stock losses, and Treasury yields plunged as investors braced for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Despite a strong U.S. jobs report, markets remain nervous about the long-term economic fallout of the escalating trade conflict. (WRAL)

NC AG Jeff Jackson Joins Lawsuit to Block Federal Termination of $230M in Health Care Funding

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, opposing the immediate termination of over $230 million in health care funding for North Carolina. The lawsuit argues the funding, part of a broader $11 billion national cut, was congressionally appropriated and cannot be lawfully withdrawn without due process. Jackson warns the loss would impact 77 local health departments, EMS programs in six counties, infectious disease response, substance use treatment, and college recovery programs. The case was filed in federal court in Rhode Island. (CBS 17)

NC Treasurer Proposes Investment Reform Amid $16B Pension Deficit

State Treasurer Brad Briner told lawmakers Thursday that North Carolina’s pension system faces a $16 billion deficit and needs a new investment strategy. He proposed creating an Investment Authority Board—with appointments from legislative leaders and the Governor—to replace the current system where the Treasurer makes all investment decisions. Briner emphasized the need for a diversified, collaborative approach to improve returns, noting NC ranks 49th or 50th nationally. He also addressed concerns about cryptocurrency investments, calling Bitcoin volatile but potentially useful in small doses. Related legislation is being considered in House Bill 506 and Senate Bill 709. (NC Newsline)

Sen. Michael Lee Named New Majority Leader of NC Senate

Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) has been selected as the new majority leader of the North Carolina Senate, succeeding former Sen. Paul Newton, who resigned to join UNC-Chapel Hill as vice chancellor and general counsel. A five-term legislator first appointed in 2014, Lee is known for his work on education and budget issues, and currently co-chairs the Senate Appropriations and Education committees. Senate Leader Phil Berger praised Lee’s leadership and bipartisan mentorship as he steps into his new role. (North State Journal)

NC Lawmakers Introduce HB 765 to Ease Housing Crisis Through Local Regulation Reforms

Rep. Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth) has introduced House Bill 765, a bipartisan-supported omnibus bill aiming to reduce housing supply constraints in North Carolina. Titled Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus, the bill includes provisions such as Housing Affordability Impact Statements and revised fiscal analysis requirements to evaluate legislation over five years. Zenger emphasized the urgent need to boost housing construction to attract and retain businesses, warning that companies like Toyota may leave if housing remains unaffordable. The bill is part of a larger legislative push, with nearly 30 housing-related proposals filed this session. (Carolina Journal)

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Reform NC Foster Care System, Cut Delays, Improve Child Outcomes

North Carolina lawmakers introduced the Fostering Care in NC Act (HB 612), a bipartisan bill designed to streamline foster care processes and reduce delays that prevent children from achieving permanency. Key provisions include enhanced oversight of county social services (“Christal’s Law”), stricter timelines for responding to abuse and neglect, court reforms, and improved protections for trafficking victims. The bill follows 16 months of collaboration among lawmakers, DHHS, DSS, and advocacy groups. Supporting technology like the Your Case Plan app, now piloting in four NC counties, aims to reduce miscommunication and improve case coordination across foster care teams. (Carolina Journal)

NC House Bill 495 Seeks Greater Parental Oversight in Health, Sex Education and School Libraries

Filed Monday, House Bill 495, titled Parental Rights for Curriculum and Books, aims to strengthen parental control over school health and sex education and library access. Sponsored by Reps. John Torbett (R-Gaston) and Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), the bill bans instruction on gender identity, sexuality, or sexual activity from K-6 and requires parental consent for related content in grades 7–12. It mandates single-sex puberty education, restricts contraceptive distribution, and promotes abstinence-based reproductive health education. It also sets new rules for selecting library books, requiring age-appropriate categorization, parental access to instructional materials, and restrictions on content deemed harmful to minors. (Carolina Journal)

NC Senate Committees Advance Bill to Repeal Certificate of Need Law

Senate Bill 370, which seeks to repeal North Carolina’s certificate of need (CON) law for health care services and facilities, has advanced through two Senate committees. Proponents, including Sen. Benton Sawrey and Sen. Jim Burgin, argue the decades-old process inflates costs, delays care, and stifles competition, citing examples like an eight-year wait for cancer treatment approvals in Harnett County. Opponents, including the NC Healthcare Association and home and hospice care advocates, argue the CON process ensures safety, prevents fraud, and maintains access. The bill awaits a full Senate vote, while a pending court case could render the law unconstitutional statewide. (NC Newsline)

NC Senate Advances Bill to Weaken 2030 Carbon Emissions Target, Sparking Climate Concerns

North Carolina lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 370, which would repeal the state’s 2030 target to reduce carbon emissions 70% from 2005 levels while preserving the 2050 carbon neutrality goal. Supporters, including Duke Energy and Senate Republicans, argue the change will reduce energy costs by $13 billion and provide flexibility in power generation, including natural gas and nuclear. Critics—including environmental groups, Gov. Josh Stein, and some Democrats—say the bill undermines climate progress and favors utility profits. The bill follows a 2023 Utilities Commission decision to delay the 2030 deadline and now moves to the NC House. (WUNC)

Community Pushback Grows Against 18-Story Development in Durham’s Historic Hayti District

Residents and leaders in Durham’s Hayti District are opposing a rezoning plan by developer Sterling Bay to build an 18-story mixed-use development at Heritage Square. The proposal has sparked concerns over rising property taxes, lack of affordable housing, and potential stormwater flooding for neighboring properties like St. Mark AME Zion Church. Hayti Reborn, a local advocacy group, argues the plan threatens the area’s cultural legacy and calls for more community input and respect for the district’s historic identity. (ABC 11)

Cary Pilots Groundbreaking PFAS Removal Tech from Invicta Water at Jordan Lake

A new six-month pilot program at Jordan Lake is testing Invicta Water’s innovative, low-cost technology to remove and destroy PFAS—“forever chemicals”—from drinking water. The Cary-based pilot, treating 18 million gallons, uses foam fractionation and a proprietary boron nitride-based process that fully breaks down PFAS with UV light and air bubbles. The method is significantly cheaper than traditional granular activated carbon systems, with estimated savings of up to $72 million over a decade for Cary. Early results from similar pilots across the Southeast have shown near-total PFAS elimination. A home-scale version is expected to launch this summer. (Indy Week)

Raleigh Debates $1.5M Trade-Off for Affordable Housing in Union Station Project

GoTriangle and Hoffman & Associates are seeking to amend their original rezoning condition by paying $1.5 million into Raleigh’s affordable housing fund instead of including 39 affordable units in their planned 23-story high-rise next to Union Station. Although a majority of the Raleigh Planning Commission supported the proposal, critics argue the $40,000 per-unit payment is insufficient for downtown development and undermines the city's housing goals. With no citywide policy on in-lieu fees, the City Council now faces a key decision on whether to accept the trade-off, uphold the original terms, or renegotiate. (Indy Week)

Guilford County Considers Tax Options Amid $93M in Budget Requests

Guilford County is weighing options to address $93 million in combined funding requests—$49 million from county departments and $44 million from Guilford County Schools—as it prepares its upcoming budget. Commissioner Skip Alston announced a series of public meetings for residents to provide input, including on whether to support a six-cent property tax increase or potential service cuts. A proposed alternative is reviving a quarter-cent sales tax referendum, previously rejected by voters in 2023, which could generate $30 million annually for education. The board must finalize a budget by June 30. (News & Record)

North Carolina Plans Overhaul of K-12 Math and Reading Standards Amid Legislative Pushback

North Carolina’s State Board of Education has approved the development of new K-12 math and reading standards, aiming to reduce the number of standards per grade to allow for deeper learning. Proposed changes include grouping English language arts standards into grade bands (e.g., 6–8) and reducing the number of middle school standards from 205 to 70. New standards could be implemented in 2026–27 for reading and 2027–28 for math, but proposed legislation could shift control to a new advisory commission dominated by lawmakers, who would also gain authority to block implementation. (News & Observer)

NC Teacher Turnover Improves Slightly, But Shortages and Low Pay Persist

North Carolina’s teacher turnover rate slightly declined to 9.9% from 11.5% the previous year, according to the 2023–2024 State of the Teaching Profession report, with about 8,900 of the state’s 90,000 public school teachers leaving their roles. The workforce continues to shift, with fewer graduates from teacher colleges and more educators entering through alternative pathways — though many of these leave within a year. Over 6,200 teaching positions remained vacant or filled by unqualified individuals by the 40th school day, including more than 1,500 in special education. Superintendent Mo Green is calling for higher teacher pay and more support to improve retention. (WRAL)

NC Board of Education Urges Federal Government to Restore $17M in School Facility Funds

The North Carolina State Board of Education and Superintendent Mo Green are urging the U.S. Department of Education to reverse a decision that halts $17 million in previously approved pandemic relief funds for school facility upgrades. The funds, set for districts in Robeson, Halifax, Lenoir, and Richmond counties, were tied to contracts for critical infrastructure projects like HVAC systems and window replacements. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon rescinded earlier extensions, arguing schools had enough time to spend the money. NC officials warn this could lead to unpaid invoices, canceled projects, and major disruptions for students. (WRAL)

Saint Augustine’s University Faces Over $18M in Lawsuits Amid Financial Crisis

Saint Augustine’s University is facing over $18 million in lawsuits from two companies—SBA Connect and Avaria—for unpaid bills and contract breaches, compounding its financial troubles following the recent revocation of its accreditation. Despite claiming a pending $70 million bridge loan to resolve debts, the university has yet to confirm the deal’s completion or resolve outstanding payments. A third creditor, a landscaping company, has placed a $1.3 million levy on the university’s account, further threatening operations as the institution fights to regain accreditation by proving financial stability. (WRAL)

Wicked Weed Brewing Announces $1M Expansion, Reopens Asheville Facilities Post-Storm

Wicked Weed Brewing is investing $1 million to expand production at its flagship Asheville brewery on Biltmore Avenue as it fully reopens following damage from Tropical Storm Helene. The expansion will enhance brewing capabilities and support growth of its craft beer brands. The Funkatorium, Wicked Weed’s South Slope sour beer taproom, will reopen in May, while neighboring restaurant Cultura remains open for private events. As part of its recovery efforts, the company will donate $100,000 to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and is hiring staff for its reopening locations. (Citizen Times)

Texas Pete Hot Sauces Recalled in 10 States Over Labeling and Allergen Risks

T.W. Garner Food Company has recalled select bottles of Texas Pete Habanero Buffalo Sauce and Texas Pete Sweet CHAbanero Sauce due to labeling errors. Some Habanero Buffalo bottles may contain sriracha pepper sauce, which includes undeclared sulfites—a serious allergen risk. The Sweet CHAbanero sauce was recalled for missing ingredient labeling. The affected products were distributed in 10 states, including North Carolina, and range in size from 2-ounce bottles to half-gallon jugs. Customers are advised to return the products or dispose of them and can contact the company for a refund or more information. (FOX 8)

Skillmaker.ai Uses VR/AR to Revolutionize Auto Technician Training

Robin Cowie, founder of Carolina Beach-based Skillmaker.ai, has developed virtual and augmented reality software that dramatically reduces auto technician training time—from two years to under a month. Using Meta Quest 3 goggles, trainees learn through immersive simulations, then transition to real-world mockups enhanced by AR. The technology, backed by NAPA Auto Parts, also includes an AI tool offering real-time support—described as “ChatGPT for auto technicians.” Skillmaker plans to expand its applications to industries like telecommunications and construction. The software will debut at the NAPA NOW convention this month and launch publicly in March 2026. (WWAY)

Sierra Club Report Warns of Environmental Harm from Proposed Pipeline Expansion in NC

The Sierra Club has released a report criticizing the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP), a major expansion of the Transco Pipeline, warning it will worsen pollution in low-income and minority communities in North Carolina. The project, proposed by the Williams Company, would add 55 miles of 42-inch pipeline, including the Salem Loop in Guilford, Forsyth, and Davidson counties, and the Eden Loop near Rockingham County. Environmental advocates say the pipeline threatens air and water quality and contradicts North Carolina’s climate goals. They urge the NC Department of Environmental Quality and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to conduct thorough environmental justice reviews. (NC Newsline)

Raleigh and Dreamville Launch New Four-Year Music Festival at Dix Park

Raleigh has signed a four-year deal with Dreamville and Live Nation to host a new music festival at Dorothea Dix Park, expanding on the success of the annual Dreamville Music Festival. City officials and festival organizers emphasized a continued focus on community-driven programming, with Dreamville co-founder J. Cole remaining involved, though not necessarily as a headliner. The event is expected to draw fans from across the U.S. and maintain the inclusive, celebratory atmosphere of past festivals. (News & Observer)

Charlotte to Host 2027 CISM Military World Summer Games, a U.S. First

Charlotte has been selected to host the 2027 CISM Military World Summer Games, marking the first time the event will be held in the United States. Expected to attract around 10,000 military athletes from over 100 countries competing in 25 sports, the games could generate an estimated $3 billion in revenue for North Carolina. The city was chosen for its world-class facilities and experience hosting major international sporting events. (Charlotte Observer)

Growth of Asian Grocery Stores Reflects Changing Demographics in North Carolina's Triangle

Grand Asia Market, one of the Triangle's first Asian grocery stores, opened in 1997 and served as a cultural and culinary hub for Asian families at a time when options were scarce. Since then, the region has seen a significant rise in Asian supermarkets like Patel Brothers, H Mart, and Fresh International Market, driven by a growing and increasingly middle-class Asian population. While larger chains dominate the landscape, small stores like Durham’s The Bean Flower café and Raleigh’s Oriental Store thrive by offering culturally specific products and personalized service, highlighting the evolving but deeply rooted Asian American presence in the region. (WUNC)

“Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0” Brings Interactive Art and Community Spirit to Charlotte SHOUT!

The interactive art installation Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 has returned to Charlotte’s First Ward Park for the Charlotte SHOUT! festival, where it will remain on display through April 20. Created by artists Ignacio Cadena and Hector Esrawe, the bright red 3D house-shaped structures—some with swings—invite community interaction and are inspired by Latin American public markets. First designed for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta in 2014, the installation has since traveled across North America. Charlotte SHOUT! also features other public art pieces, live music, and culinary experiences to celebrate creativity and community in Uptown Charlotte. (WFAE)