Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of education reform and biotech development. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has gained full federal recognition, extending benefits and services to its members. Meanwhile, a legal battle between Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Legislature over appointment authority to the State Board of Elections continues, with oral arguments set for late January. [... 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]

The Lumbee Tribe is closer to full federal recognition after the National Defense Authorization Act passed the US House, with the provision included in the bill granting the tribe full federal status and access to federal programs. Meanwhile, North Carolina's holiday shopping season is looking strong, with projected sales of $44 billion in November and December. The state's retail economy is also seeing growth, with one in four jobs tied to the retail industry. In other news, voter registration issues in North Carolina have led to a lawsuit, with the Democratic National Committee and the North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans arguing that the settlement reached between the state and the Justice Department does not protect all voters. [... more]