Diverse Voter Sentiments in North Carolina’s Suburbs Ahead of 2024 Elections

Suburban voters in North Carolina’s Wake County express diverse political views ahead of the 2024 elections, reflecting a blend of affiliations and concerns. Voters like Miriam Moore and Aida Vazquez lean towards Democrats due to fears of authoritarianism, while Dolores Keith criticizes lax immigration policies. Political expert Michael Bitzer notes that North Carolina's suburban vote, which was narrowly divided in past elections, could have significant implications for the upcoming races. (WUNC)

Investigation Launched After Voter Forms Found Scattered in Raleigh

The Board of Elections is investigating after hundreds of voter registration forms were found on a sidewalk in north Raleigh. One form was invalid, and two belonged to registered voters, including one who registered through a nonprofit at Southgate Plaza Food Lion. The League of Women Voters of Wake County emphasized their strict adherence to Board of Elections guidelines, which require them to submit forms within five days without retaining personal information, as retaining such data is illegal and could result in a misdemeanor charge. (ABC 11)

North Carolina Faces Steady Revenue and Sluggish Growth Amid Budget Impasse

North Carolina’s revenue for the 2023-2024 fiscal year was $33.69 billion, just 0.1% below the projected amount, marking steady but sluggish growth compared to past years of budget surpluses. State Budget Director Kristin Walker highlighted concerns about ongoing tax cuts and unmet budget needs, predicting a “structural imbalance” by 2026. Despite higher sales tax revenue, income tax collections fell short, and continued legislative deadlock has left key areas like Medicaid, public schools, and other essential services underfunded. (News & Observer)

Veterans Rally for Reforms to Camp Lejeune Claims Process

A group of veterans and families affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune gathered in Charlotte to support new legislation aimed at easing the claims process for health issues linked to toxic exposure at the base between 1953 and 1987. Despite the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which allows claims for medical issues caused by contaminated water, veterans like Brian Amburgey have faced slow progress due to legal interpretations and limited judges handling cases. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis plans to introduce the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2024 to reform and expedite the claims process. (Queen City News)

Tight Presidential Race in NC, But Stein Leads Governor’s Contest by Wide Margin

Recent polls in North Carolina show a close presidential race, with Kamala Harris slightly ahead of Donald Trump, 46-45, according to High Point University. However, the gubernatorial race is more lopsided, with Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein leading Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson by 14 points (48-34). Analysts predict the governor’s race will tighten as Election Day nears, echoing the 2020 election where Gov. Roy Cooper’s large poll leads shrank to a 4.5-point victory margin. Polls show a dynamic trend, with many voters still undecided. (WFAE)

An Elon Poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump with nearly equal favorability ratings among North Carolina voters, with Harris at 44% and Trump at 46%. The gubernatorial race reveals a different dynamic, as Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein holds a favorable rating of 44% compared to 30% for Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. The poll also highlights racial and gender divides, with Harris viewed favorably by 72% of Black voters, and Stein far outpacing Robinson among women and Black voters. The state’s economy emerged as the top issue for voters. (NC Newsline)

Former NC Auditor Beth Wood Endorses Republican David Boliek in Auditor’s Race

Beth Wood, former Democratic state auditor, has endorsed Republican candidate David Boliek in the upcoming state auditor race, citing his suitability over current Democratic state auditor Jessica Holmes, whom she criticized for lacking the necessary expertise. Wood’s endorsement, notable for its cross-party nature, underscores concerns about the qualifications of both major candidates, neither of whom have significant auditing experience. Wood’s support for Boliek comes despite his limited auditing background, believing his governmental and legal experience positions him better to lead the auditor’s office effectively. (WRAL)

Calls for Recusal of Justice Phil Berger Jr. Intensify in High-Profile Cases Involving His Father

Democrats are urging North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. to recuse himself from cases involving his father, Senate leader Phil Berger, after the court denied Gov. Roy Cooper’s motion for recusal. The cases challenge laws that strip Cooper’s authority over board appointments, potentially benefiting Senator Berger. Critics argue that Berger Jr.'s involvement damages public confidence, citing ethics concerns. Although Berger Jr.’s recusal would not change the Republican majority on the court, the calls highlight ongoing tensions over judicial impartiality and legislative power struggles in North Carolina. (NC Newsline)

NC Supreme Court Declines to Fast-Track Gov. Cooper’s Lawsuits Over Board Appointment Powers

The North Carolina Supreme Court has denied requests to fast-track appeals in two lawsuits filed by Gov. Roy Cooper challenging laws that reduced his authority to appoint board members. The decision means the cases will first go to the Court of Appeals, delaying any final rulings on whether GOP-enacted changes to election and other boards, passed in 2023 over Cooper’s vetoes, are constitutional. The court also rejected Cooper’s bid to recuse Justice Phil Berger Jr. due to his father’s involvement as a defendant in both lawsuits. (WRAL)

NC Supreme Court to Hear High-Stakes COVID-19-Related Cases in October

The North Carolina Supreme Court will hear eight cases on October 22-23, covering disputes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key cases include insurance claims from businesses like North State Deli and Cato Corporation seeking coverage for pandemic losses, UNC students demanding refunds for closed campuses, and bar owners challenging Gov. Roy Cooper’s shutdown orders. Notably, the Happel case involves a teenager suing after being vaccinated without consent, while Land v. Whitley questions legal protections for medical providers under emergency legislation. Oral arguments will occur back-to-back, with no set deadline for decisions. (Carolina Journal)

Wells Fargo Challenges $22.1 Million Discrimination Verdict in Case of Fired Supervisor

Wells Fargo is seeking to overturn or reduce a $22.1 million jury verdict awarded to former supervisor Christopher Billesdon, who won a disability discrimination lawsuit in July. Billesdon, who has a paralyzed colon and bladder, sued the bank under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act after being terminated in 2022, alleging the bank failed to accommodate his disability. A jury found Wells Fargo liable for failing to provide reasonable accommodation, wrongful discharge, and retaliation, awarding Billesdon millions in damages. The bank has filed motions to set aside the verdict, request a new trial, or reduce the damages, arguing that the awards were excessive and not fully supported by evidence. (Charlotte Observer)

NC Board of Elections Denies RFK Jr.’s Party Request to Be Removed from Ballot

The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 to deny Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s We the People Party request to be removed from the state’s presidential ballot, with three Democrats voting against and two Republicans in favor. Despite Kennedy’s verbal withdrawal and endorsement of Donald Trump, 67 of North Carolina’s 100 counties have already printed or are printing ballots, making changes difficult. Experts suggest Kennedy’s withdrawal may not significantly boost Trump’s votes, as many third-party voters are unlikely to shift to a major party candidate. (CBS 17)

Raeford and Laurinburg DMV Offices Closed Due to Staff Shortages

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles has closed its driver license offices in Raeford and Laurinburg indefinitely due to staff shortages. The closures, which began on August 19, have impacted scheduled appointments, with Raeford customers being rescheduled and Laurinburg accepting only walk-ins prior to closing. Residents of Hoke and Scotland counties are directed to nearby DMV offices in Fayetteville, Lumberton, Aberdeen, and Hamlet, which offer appointments and walk-in services. The DMV is actively hiring and training new examiners, but onboarding requires five weeks of classroom training. Many DMV services, including license renewals, are available online at MyNCDMV.gov. (CBS 17)

Wake County Students Begin School Year with More Shortened Weeks

Thousands of Wake County traditional-calendar students began the new school year on Tuesday, facing a schedule with fewer five-day school weeks. Only 23 of the 40 weeks will include five full days of classes, with the remaining 17 weeks having at least one day off for teacher workdays or holidays. Parents are adapting to the increased number of shortened weeks, which often provide three-day weekends. Despite the challenges of planning around these off days, emotional moments marked the first day as parents said tearful goodbyes to their children. (News & Observer)

NC Superintendent Catherine Truitt Reflects on Literacy Wins and Challenges in Education

During her term, North Carolina Superintendent Catherine Truitt secured the 2021 mandate for literacy training that transformed early reading instruction in schools, a primary goal of her tenure. Despite gains in early-grade reading scores, Truitt acknowledges that the state is still years away from achieving universal proficiency, with older students’ test scores expected to remain low. Truitt, a moderate Republican, faced setbacks, including losing her primary and struggling to implement broader educational reforms. Although proud of initiatives like the Portrait of a Graduate, she noted challenges in fostering innovation within the state’s education system. Truitt has not endorsed any successor and plans to remain engaged in education. (WFAE)

GOP Candidates Campaign for Conservative Control of Wake County School Board

Republican-backed school board candidates in Wake County are campaigning alongside Michele Morrow, GOP nominee for state superintendent, urging Christian voters to support conservative candidates to “save America.” Morrow, a homeschool parent and conservative activist, has made headlines for her claims of public school indoctrination and controversial past statements. GOP support for Morrow is mixed, with some officials endorsing her while others, including former superintendent Catherine Truitt, distance themselves. Wake County’s school board, currently with a 7-2 Democratic majority, has five seats up for election, and Republicans are aiming to flip the board to a conservative majority. (News & Observer)

New UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts Faces Key Decisions on Diversity, Campus Upgrades, and Affordability

Lee Roberts, UNC’s new chancellor, is quickly diving into critical issues impacting the university's future, including diversity policies, campus facility upgrades, and affordability in Chapel Hill. As UNC adjusts to a Supreme Court ruling banning race-conscious admissions, Roberts emphasizes the need for outreach and affordability to ensure all students feel welcome. He highlighted the aging state of campus amenities and the need for investment, including potential renovations or replacements of the Dean Smith Center. Roberts is also exploring solutions for affordable housing for staff and addressing increased demand for STEM and engineering programs. As UNC navigates conference realignment in college sports, Roberts aims to position the university strategically within the ACC. (Axios Raleigh)

NC Universities Rush to Finalize Plans to Comply with DEI Policy Repeal

Public universities in North Carolina are preparing to submit compliance reports by September 1 under the UNC System’s new policy that repeals diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements. The policy, approved in May, emphasizes nondiscrimination and neutrality over previous DEI-focused approaches. At least three campuses, including UNC Wilmington and UNC Charlotte, have closed their DEI offices, while others have restructured and renamed them. Universities are detailing job cuts, budget reallocations, and changes in DEI programming in their reports, which will be reviewed by UNC System President Peter Hans. The impacts of the policy, including potential layoffs, remain unclear at some institutions until the reports are submitted. (News & Observer)

Charlotte to Welcome First Class of Medical Students at New Wake Forest Campus

Charlotte’s new Wake Forest University School of Medicine campus at The Pearl will welcome its first class of 48 students next year, marking a historic milestone for the city as it finally gains a four-year medical school. The 14-story campus is nearing completion, along with a 10-story research facility housing IRCAD’s North American headquarters. The Charlotte class size will grow to around 100 students over five years, contributing to nearly 1,000 medical students training across both the Charlotte and Winston-Salem campuses. Applications are currently open, with students applying to the school, not specific campuses. (Axios Charlotte)

UNC-Greensboro Faces Backlash Over Program Cuts Following Academic Review

UNC-Greensboro hired consulting firm rpk Group to conduct an academic-portfolio review, leading to the elimination of 20 programs and potentially affecting 42 faculty members due to declining enrollment and financial pressures. The process, which cost up to $400,000, faced criticism for data inaccuracies, perceived lack of transparency, and controversial program cuts that left faculty and students feeling frustrated and distrustful of both the administration and rpk. The UNC system has mandated similar reviews every seven years across all campuses, signaling further cuts ahead. (The Assembly)

Concerns Over Proposal to Exempt Tips from Taxes

Both the RNC and DNC platforms propose exempting tips from taxes, appealing to voters in battleground states like Nevada and North Carolina, which have large hospitality sectors. However, this proposal could result in significant revenue loss for the federal government, impact Social Security and Medicare funding, and potentially shift wages into untaxed tip income. Critics argue that such policies may increase inequality, raise prices in service industries, and create loopholes for cash laundering without clear policy justification. (Carolina Journal)

North Carolina Faces Delays in Small Modular Reactor Deployment, Threatening Tech Growth

North Carolina community leaders express concern over the slow progress of small modular reactors (SMRs) due to regulatory hurdles, fearing the state could miss out on economic growth in tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. While Duke Energy plans to introduce an SMR by 2035, other nations like China are rapidly advancing in this technology. Experts argue that reliable power from SMRs is crucial for attracting high-energy industries, and delays could lead to higher energy costs, blackouts, and missed opportunities for economic development in the state. (Carolina Journal)

North Carolina Joins Effort to Designate PFAS as Hazardous Air Pollutants

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), along with New Mexico and New Jersey, petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate four PFAS chemicals—PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and GenX—as Hazardous Air Pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This action aims to regulate airborne emissions of these "forever chemicals" that contaminate water sources and threaten public health. The petition follows NCDEQ's efforts against Chemours for PFAS contamination, but faces challenges from political interference and opposition to proposed PFAS regulations. (NC Newsline)

Duke Energy Announces Rate Adjustments for North Carolina Customers

Duke Energy Carolinas announced that North Carolina customers will experience a rate decrease of about 3.6% starting January 1, 2025, following a temporary 1.5% increase beginning September 1, 2024. The reduction, averaging $5.17 per month for typical residential usage, is part of an annual adjustment for fuel costs. Commercial customers will see a larger decrease of around 7.4%. Additionally, regulators are evaluating a proposed rate decrease for Duke Energy Progress customers, potentially starting December 1, 2024. (CBS 17)

Blue Ridge Parkway Hits Record Tourism High, Boosting Local Economy

In 2023, the Blue Ridge Parkway attracted nearly 17 million visitors, contributing almost $1.4 billion to the local economy and supporting over 19,000 jobs. Since surpassing the billion-dollar mark in 2017, the Parkway’s economic impact has continued to grow, with 2023 marking its highest contribution yet. Spending on lodging, restaurants, and gas accounts for the majority of this economic boost, with lodging also supporting the most jobs. The Parkway’s total economic contribution, including indirect effects, reaches a cumulative $1.8 billion. (ABC 45)

$1.1 Billion Investment to Build Affordable Apartments Across 25 N.C. Counties

The N.C. Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) announced that federal tax credits and bonds will help develop $1.1 billion worth of affordable apartments in 25 counties, creating 4,211 units, including 580 for seniors and 420 for people with disabilities. The awards, based on recommendations from the NCHFA and approved by the North Carolina Federal Tax Reform Allocation Committee, include $37 million from the Workforce Housing Loan Program and additional support from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The initiative addresses the growing housing cost burden in North Carolina, where nearly 45.4% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing. (NC Newsline)

Mooresville Ranked as Fastest-Growing Suburb in U.S. with Homes Under $500,000

Mooresville, North Carolina, near Lake Norman, has been named the fastest-growing suburb in the U.S. for homes valued under $500,000, with a July 2024 home value of $480,430 and a population increase of nearly 30%. The town's population jumped from 38,498 in 2020 to 50,025 in 2022. Other North Carolina towns on the top 50 list include Concord at No. 30, with a 12% population growth and a home value of $383,893, and Clayton at No. 15, with a nearly 16% growth and a home value of $372,523. (Queen City News)

New $425 Million North Carolina Surgical Hospital Opens, Expanding Care Capacity

The newly opened North Carolina Surgical Hospital, a $425 million facility funded by bonds and reserves, aims to address the growing demand for surgical care that the outdated 1952 North Carolina Memorial Hospital could no longer meet. The 375,000-square-foot hospital features 26 operating rooms—50% larger than the old ones—including four hybrid spaces that integrate imaging technology for enhanced precision. According to UNC-Chapel Hill surgical department chair Caprice Greenberg, the hospital will help alleviate care shortages and is expected to bring over 100 new jobs to Chapel Hill. (WUNC)

Mission Hospital Nurse Union Extends Strike Vote Over Staffing and Safety Concerns

Mission Hospital's nurse union has extended its strike vote through the weekend due to staffing issues that are preventing nurses from reaching the polls. The union, representing 1,600 nurses who have been working without a contract since July, is negotiating with Mission-HCA over patient safety, compensation, and staffing levels. Union member Hannah Drummond highlighted that inadequate staffing and poor working conditions are impacting patient care and safety. If the strike vote passes, nurses will issue a ten-day work stoppage notice before striking. Negotiations have been ongoing since April 2024, with no resolution yet in sight. (ABC 13)

Labor Day Travel Surges at Charlotte Douglas Airport Amid Construction and Heavy Traffic

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is experiencing a significant surge in travel this Labor Day weekend, with 235,000 passengers expected, marking a nearly 16% increase from last year. The TSA anticipates screening over 17 million travelers nationwide, making it the busiest Labor Day travel period on record. Ongoing construction at the airport, including the closure of Checkpoint C starting September 5, is adding to the congestion and confusion. Travelers expressed frustrations with traffic, parking, and navigating security, highlighting the growing pains as the airport adapts to increased demand. (Queen City News)