VoteRiders Assists North Carolinians in Obtaining Voter IDs Ahead of Election

VoteRiders, a non-partisan group, is actively helping North Carolina residents obtain necessary voter IDs to comply with the state's new voter ID law. The organization provides financial assistance for essential documents like birth certificates and social security cards, schedules appointments, and offers transportation services to ensure voters are not disenfranchised due to a lack of proper identification. North Carolina recognizes several forms of voter ID, including state-issued IDs, U.S. passports, and military IDs. (CBS 17)

NC Board of Elections Approves First-Ever Digital ID for Voting

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved the use of a digital student ID from UNC-Chapel Hill as a valid voter ID for the 2024 elections in a 3-2 vote, with Democrats supporting the decision and Republicans opposing it. This marks the first time a digital ID has been allowed for voting in the state, despite concerns from Republicans that it violates existing voter ID laws, which traditionally require physical identification cards. The decision has sparked criticism from the NC GOP, which fears potential security risks and legal challenges. (News & Observer)

North Carolina Woman Sues Over Ban on Ballot Selfies

Susan Hogarth has filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections and the Wake County Board of Elections, challenging state laws that ban most photography in polling places. Hogarth, who took a selfie with her completed ballot during the March primary, argues that the laws are unconstitutional and violate her First Amendment rights. The lawsuit seeks to overturn these restrictions before the November general election, with Hogarth and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) asserting that such bans infringe on protected political speech. (WRAL)

NC Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Stein Advocates for Reinstating Tax-Free Holiday

North Carolina's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Attorney General Josh Stein, is pushing to reinstate the state's tax-free holiday, which ended 11 years ago, as part of his campaign to ease financial burdens on families and teachers. Stein's plan includes tax-free weekends in August for school supplies, stipends for teachers, and investment in free school meals. While the proposal could appeal to voters concerned about inflation, critics argue it is a politically motivated move with limited economic benefit. Stein would need legislative support to bring back the tax-free weekend. (Axios Raleigh)

Mark Robinson Unveils Public Safety Plan Emphasizing Law Enforcement Support

North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson introduced a public safety plan focused on bolstering law enforcement, combating violence and drugs, and ensuring criminals remain incarcerated. Unveiled alongside 30 sheriffs, the plan criticizes left-leaning proposals to reduce police funding and cash bail, linking them to Democratic rival Josh Stein and Vice President Kamala Harris. Robinson’s plan includes prioritizing pay raises for law enforcement, reinstating the death penalty for those who kill officers, and enforcing cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Stein, in contrast, has emphasized supporting law enforcement through recruitment incentives. (WRAL)

NC Court of Appeals Rules Against Kinston Men in Property Condemnation Case

A unanimous North Carolina Court of Appeals panel ruled against Joseph Askew and Curtis Washington, who challenged the City of Kinston's 2017 condemnation of their properties as racially discriminatory. The ruling upheld a trial court's dismissal of their claims, stating that adequate state law remedies existed. This decision follows a state Supreme Court directive to reexamine the case, which questioned the adequacy of administrative remedies for constitutional claims. Despite the plaintiffs' arguments that the city's actions violated their equal protection and due process rights, the Appeals Court determined that existing legal processes could have provided relief. (Carolina Journal)

Republicans Sue NC Elections Board Over Voter Roll Cross-Checking Law

The Republican National Committee and North Carolina GOP filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Elections, accusing it of failing to enforce a new law requiring the removal of non-citizens from voter rolls through cross-checking jury duty records. The elections board refuted the claims, stating they have already begun the cross-check process and identified eight individuals for further investigation. The board emphasized that federal law restricts voter roll removals within 90 days of an election, with a new process set to begin in 2025. The Republicans argue that non-enforcement could impact their competitiveness in upcoming elections. (NC Newsline)

NC Local Government Commission Approves $736 Million in Funding for Infrastructure and Community Projects

The North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) approved $736 million in funding for various projects across the state during its August meeting. Key approvals include $205 million for Charlotte's stormwater management, $186 million for Cabarrus County's government projects, $75 million for Johnston County's water and sewer improvements, and $68 million for a new law enforcement center in Pender County. The LGC, chaired by State Treasurer Dale Folwell, emphasized fiscal responsibility in these decisions, ensuring that each project is both necessary and financially sustainable. Smaller projects and infrastructure improvements were also approved across multiple counties. (North State Journal)

Alamance County Approves $37 Million Courthouse Expansion Amidst Long-Standing Debates

Alamance County commissioners approved a $37 million plan to renovate and expand the Judge J.B. Allen, Jr. Courthouse, addressing long-standing concerns about the local court system’s space needs. The approved plan, which includes a new three-story structure with additional courtrooms and office space, is a scaled-down version of earlier, more expensive proposals. The decision, passed with a 4-1 vote, will be partially funded through a 20-year bank loan and is expected to necessitate a small property tax increase in two years. The project marks the culmination of over two years of deliberation and was welcomed by court officials. (Alamance News)

Haywood County Approves New Cell Tower for Fines Creek and Crabtree Area

Haywood County commissioners have approved the construction of a 142-foot cell tower near Highway 209 and Interstate 40, aimed at improving service and safety in the Fines Creek and Crabtree areas. The tower's height was reduced from the originally proposed 175 feet following resident concerns, avoiding the need for a variance from the county. (ABC 13)

Wake County Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Project in Garner

Wake County is starting construction on 176 affordable housing units at Tryon Station on Creech Road in Garner, part of an $11 million affordable housing initiative approved by county commissioners in April. The project, made possible through investments from both Wake County and the town of Garner, is one of seven developments aimed at providing 461 units for seniors and families across Raleigh, Cary, Garner, and Zebulon. Mark Perlman, Wake County’s division director of equitable housing, emphasized the importance of creating housing opportunities that the market has struggled to provide on its own. (ABC 11)

Jackson County Board of Elections Addresses Candidate Eligibility and Faces Petition

The Jackson County Board of Elections met on Tuesday, swearing in new board member Roy Osborn and addressing various agenda items. However, the board did not take action regarding county commission candidate Jenny Lynn Hooper, whose eligibility was questioned due to living in a different district than the one she filed to represent. Elections Director Amanda Allen clarified that no protests have been filed to disqualify Hooper, and her name remains on the ballot. A petition calling for the resignation of the Board of Elections Chair and Director has emerged, alleging campaign interference. The board also reviewed facility safety and approved precinct worker appointments. (Sylva Herald)

Durham School of the Arts Closure Approved Amid Rising Costs and Community Opposition

The Durham School Board unanimously approved the closure of Durham School of the Arts (DSA) as part of its consent agenda, despite significant community pushback and legal objections. The decision paves the way for a new campus to be built on Duke Homestead Road, with the projected cost having doubled from $120 million to over $241 million since 2022. Community members have criticized the rising costs, the board's engagement process, and the decision to relocate DSA from its downtown location, which many believe is integral to the school's identity. The board insists that the new construction will be more cost-effective and accommodate more students. (Indy Week)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Misses Out on Two Years of Grants for Homeless Students Due to Paperwork Error

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) officials have admitted that the district missed two years of federal McKinney-Vento grants, intended to support nearly 5,500 homeless students, due to a paperwork error under previous leadership. The district, which learned about the lost grants over a year ago, has not disclosed the amount of money involved but stated that it represented a small fraction (0.0038%) of the total budget. In response, CMS has reallocated funds to ensure that all required services are provided and has increased the number of social workers by 33 to support affected students. The error occurred under past superintendents, though CMS has not specified who was responsible. (WFAE)

Crystal Hill Faces Leadership Challenges in Her First Year as CMS Superintendent

Crystal Hill, the superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), is facing significant challenges as she navigates her first year in the role. Last week, the school board unanimously rejected her proposal to relocate a program for immigrant students due to its last-minute timing, just two weeks before classes began. During the same meeting, news broke that CMS had missed out on two years of federal grant money for homeless students due to a paperwork error, catching some board members off guard. While these issues predate Hill's tenure, she must address the communication lapses and timing missteps as she prepares to tackle the complex and contentious issue of student assignment within the district. This process, which involves balancing stability, proximity, utilization, and diversity, will be crucial in shaping the future of CMS and its students. (WFAE)

CMS Faces Persistent Teacher and Bus Driver Shortages as School Year Begins

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is starting the new school year with fewer vacancies compared to last year, but challenges persist with teacher and bus driver shortages. The district, which employs over 17,600 staff, still has 293 teacher vacancies, with the greatest need in elementary education and the Exceptional Children (EC) program. Plans have been put in place to ensure classrooms are always supervised, including combining classes or using live virtual teaching options. CMS also faces 38 bus driver vacancies, which they aim to fill by Thanksgiving. Additionally, new safety policies have been implemented to streamline student entry into schools, and three new school buildings will open this year. (Charlotte Observer)

Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley Addresses Safety, Staffing Shortages, and Academic Success in District

Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley highlighted key issues facing the district, including staffing shortages in safety and wellness services, at a recent meeting. The district struggles to competitively hire HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, nurses, and occupational therapists. To address funding gaps, the district has proposed adding a penny sales tax to the November ballot, excluding essentials like gas and groceries. Dr. Oakley also emphasized the need for bus drivers, noting that routes will be adjusted as new drivers are hired. Despite these challenges, she shared positive news about student performance, with GCS students surpassing state and national reading averages. (ABC 45)

NC Chamber of Commerce Foundation Launches Program to Enhance Education-to-Employment Pipeline

The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Foundation is initiating a Career Readiness Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Academy to train approximately 40 individuals from the community college, business, and healthcare sectors. Running from August to December, the program will focus on improving the state’s workforce development by identifying essential job skills and creating better employment opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged communities and adult students of color. Supported by the Lumina Foundation, this initiative aims to strengthen the education-to-employment pipeline in North Carolina. (Port City Daily)

NCAE Issues Cease-and-Desist Over Apple Symbol in NC Superintendent Candidate's Campaign

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Republican state superintendent candidate Michele Morrow, demanding she stop using apple-shaped campaign materials. The NCAE, which has exclusive rights to the apple outline symbol as a trusted endorsement for educators, sent the initial letter on July 12. Morrow's campaign has refused to comply, arguing that the apple shape is a generic symbol of public education. The NCAE, which endorses Morrow's opponent Mo Green, has threatened further legal action if she does not cease using the symbol. (FOX 8)

UNC-Chapel Hill Faces New Protests Amid Israel-Hamas War as Tensions Persist

As the new academic year begins at UNC-Chapel Hill, pro-Palestinian protests have resurfaced, reflecting ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas war. The campus chapter of Students for Justice for Palestine (SJP) hosted a “disorientation” event, attracting dozens of demonstrators outside the South Building. The event marks the first major campus demonstration since the spring, when protests led to arrests and charges of trespassing. SJP continues to demand that the university divest from companies supporting Israel and end study-abroad programs in Israel. Chancellor Lee Roberts has emphasized the university's commitment to free speech, while urging students to follow campus policies during protests. The situation suggests that further protests and tensions may arise throughout the semester. (News & Observer)

Piedmont Natural Gas Proposes Rate Hike for Winter 2025 Despite Lower Fuel Costs

Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, has proposed a rate increase for its approximately 737,000 residential customers, potentially raising winter heating bills by 15.3% annually starting in January 2025. Despite lower natural gas prices, the company aims to raise rates to cover operational and maintenance costs for its gas transmission lines. The proposed hike would result in an 11.7% revenue increase for the company. Public comments on the rate hike were scheduled at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, but the session saw no attendees, and the meeting was adjourned shortly after it began. (WUNC)

Pokeweed Shows Promise in Environmentally Friendly Extraction of Rare Earth Elements

Researchers at North Carolina State University, led by associate professor Colleen Doherty, are exploring the potential of using pokeweed, a native North American plant, to extract rare earth elements from coal mining waste. Rare earth elements, essential for technologies like smartphones and clean energy solutions, are typically mined using environmentally harmful methods. Pokeweed is particularly good at absorbing these elements from contaminated soil, such as acid mine drainage. This innovative approach could reduce the environmental impact of rare earth element extraction by using existing industrial waste instead of creating more. While the research is still in its early stages, Doherty is optimistic about its potential to contribute to a more sustainable method of obtaining these critical materials. (WUNC)

Hedge Funds and Prop Trading Firms Race to Secure AI Talent for Market Dominance

Hedge funds and proprietary trading firms are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) talent to gain a competitive edge in stock analysis and cryptocurrency trading. Firms like Bridgewater Associates are developing AI-driven tools, such as an "artificial investor," to enhance investment decision-making across asset classes. Top firms, including D.E. Shaw and Jane Street, are offering substantial salaries, up to $350,000, to attract AI experts. This shift underscores the growing importance of AI in finance, with firms positioning themselves to lead in the evolving market landscape where AI plays a central role in driving innovation and profitability. (Charlotte Observer)