Federal, state, and local leaders in Western North Carolina are pressing for faster disaster aid and structural reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Helene's devastation. The new head of the Department of Homeland Security, Mark Wayne Mullen, visited the area, promising to work on regulatory reforms to speed up the funding process and ensure the region's recovery. [... more]

North Carolina's latest statewide audit of federal spending identifies questionable costs and reporting failures across multiple agencies. The audit resulted in 19 findings, including 18 related to federal awards and one tied to financial statement reporting. The state auditor's office will provide oversight for the $650 million stadium renovation project in Charlotte, the largest expense of public dollars in the history of the state. [... more]

A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina due to drought severity and forecast fire weather, with six major wildfires burning across the state. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, with some areas seeing progress and others still facing significant challenges. North Carolina's Republican congressional delegation is urging the Department of Homeland Security to clear administrative bottlenecks that have delayed FEMA aid for Hurricane Helene. Additionally, a state audit has found delivery gaps in the ABC system, which generates over $1.4 billion in revenue annually, despite meeting cost accuracy and safety performance indicators. The audit recommends improvements to the system, including developing contingency plans and establishing improved fleet maintenance schedules. [... more]

A close election in North Carolina's 26th Senate District has Sheriff Sam Page extending his lead over Senate President Phil Berger, who has been in the North Carolina General Assembly since 2000. Meanwhile, NC State University is facing a lawsuit over alleged PCB contamination in the Poe Hall building, and a state audit has found financial mismanagement in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District, including a $15 million budget deficit. [... more]

A partial government shutdown looms, affecting hundreds of thousands of people, including TSA, Coast Guard, FEMA, and Secret Service employees, who will work without pay. The ACLJ has filed an amicus brief at the US Supreme Court to uphold Election Day and protect election integrity, including the SAVE Act, which requires voter ID. Democrats are holding up the SAVE Act, and the government shutdown is seen as a political move to gain votes in the midterms. [... more]

The UK becomes the first NATO country to open up every single role in its armed forces to people living with HIV on treatment, enhancing warfighting readiness and valuing people based on their talents and abilities. Meanwhile, in the US, Democrats are criticized for their handling of crime and law enforcement, with some politicians comparing the situation to the Holocaust. Additionally, a transgender swimmer is banned for five years and stripped of all competition results due to refusing to take a gender verification test, sparking debate about identity politics and gun control. [... more]

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the verge of receiving full federal recognition after decades of struggle and advocacy. Meanwhile, the state's disaster relief efforts, particularly with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCOR), have been marred by bureaucratic delays and mismanagement. A new audit highlights the issues with NCOR, and a proposed bill, the Salamander Act, aims to streamline disaster recovery efforts by expediting permits for the US Army Corps of Engineers. [... more]

A Somali terror group al-Shabab is reportedly 'taking a cut' of millions in stolen Minnesota taxpayer money from a welfare fraud scheme Zohran Mamdani heads to The White House to meet with President Trump Randi Weingarten says opposing DEI gets you on the road to Fascism Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick who was just indicted for allegedly stealing M in FEMA funds suggests she is being targeted because she is black The first-ever Miss Palestine in this year's Miss Universe pageant has a connection to a convicted terrorist leader The queer hookup app Grindr debuted a knitwear collection created with wool culled [... more]

Mixed messaging surrounds Operation Charlotte's Web as local officials claim the customs and border protection operation is complete, while the Department of Homeland Security says it's not over. Meanwhile, a new audit reveals the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, or NCOR, has been a logistical nightmare in the state's hurricane recovery efforts, with over $1 billion in taxpayer money spent without proper oversight. [... more]

September job numbers come in much hotter than expected doubling expectations A Florida Democrat Rep is accused of stealing Million in FEMA funds to support her Congressional campaign Jasmine Crockett DOUBLES DOWN on defending her staff after she tried to tie the WRONG Jeffrey Epstein to prominent Republicans Doctors at the COP Climate Summit dance to a CRINGE hip-hop song demanding the end of fossil fuels Hakeem Jeffries refuses to deny that his team solicited money from Epstein Democrats continue to defend Stacey Plaskett over texting Epstein during a Congressional hearing after he was convicted Christian Band Skillet gets criticized [... more]

Customs and Border Protection conducted an operation in Charlotte, known as Charlotte's Web, which resulted in the arrest of 81 individuals with significant criminal and immigration histories. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly is set to convene for its final week of business before the calendar flips to 2026, but it appears that there will not be any major voting taking place in either the House or the Senate. The dispute centers on the Department of Health and Human Services' handling of Medicaid reimbursements and recent rate cuts. [... more]

Lawmakers urge deployment of the National Guard to Charlotte due to rising crime rates, while Governor Josh Stein's office responds with a statement opposing the measure. Meanwhile, FEMA relief funds are being distributed to Western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene, and a new congressional map is being challenged in court. [... more]

A new rule from the United States Department of Labor aims to make farm worker wages more predictable and fair, but some groups are calling for Congress to make the changes permanent to help stabilize the agricultural industry and grocery prices. [... more]

Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storm's impact was exacerbated by heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the storm, causing saturated ground and landslides. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) bureaucracy has been criticized for hindering the recovery efforts, with officials citing a lack of clarity and consistent guidance. The state of North Carolina has received limited federal funding to cover the damage, with estimates suggesting $60 billion in damage. Despite the challenges, there has been progress in the recovery efforts, with businesses reopening and tourism returning to the area. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein advocates for $13.5 billion in federal funding for Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina State Board of Elections faces a lawsuit over voter rolls and HAVA IDs. The state health plan is involved in a legal battle over transgender payments and gender reaffirming care. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers introduced a wide-ranging overhaul of the state's election law, presented in a proposed committee substitute of House Bill 958. The bill includes changes to ballot counting timelines, absentee voting procedures, campaign finance thresholds, and authority of the North Carolina State Board of Elections. It also grants county election boards the ability to challenge ballots cast during early voting or by mail if an audit reveals potential ineligibility. [... more]

North Carolina is still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the state nine months ago, causing widespread destruction and flooding. The town of Black Mountain has received $800,000 in FEMA funding, but still faces significant challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure and economy. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has vetoed a slew of DEI bills, and the General Assembly is expected to return to session later this month to consider override votes. Additionally, the state is implementing new occupational licensing laws, which aim to streamline the process for licensed professionals to work in North Carolina. [... more]

A bill that could reshape transportation funding in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, has cleared the House Transportation Committee. The legislation, known as the PAVE Act, would authorize the county commissioners to place a 1% local sales tax on the ballot. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Senate has passed two immigration enforcement bills, and President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, the North Carolina House has passed a bill to make the state the 30th to adopt constitutional carry laws, allowing individuals to carry firearms without a permit. [... more]

North Carolina's General Assembly has passed a permitless carry bill, allowing residents 18 or older to carry concealed firearms without a permit. The bill now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk, who has signaled a likely veto. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, following the 2025 hurricane season, shifting disaster response responsibilities to the states. In other news, the North Carolina House has voted to repeal the state's 2030 carbon emissions mandate, promising to save North Carolinians up to $15 billion in future utility costs. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the future of FEMA and NOAA, which could impact the state's disaster management and emergency response capabilities. The state is preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, and officials are working to improve communication and response efforts. Meanwhile, the Reigns Act, a bill aimed at limiting the power of unelected bureaucrats, is gaining momentum in the North Carolina General Assembly. An investigation into missing campaign finance records from a candidate in Rockingham County is also underway. [... more]