SUMMARY: Relief efforts for Hurricane Helene in North Carolina received a boost with the passage of the American Relief Act 2025, which allocates $110 billion for various disasters, including Hurricane Helene. While bipartisan support was shown, Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop opposed the resolution. President Biden signed the bill, directing about $9 billion specifically to North Carolina for disaster recovery, including support for infrastructure and agriculture. The aid aims to address devastation from Helene, which caused significant loss of life and property damage. Key officials emphasized the importance of this funding for the recovery of communities in western North Carolina.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to increase Social Security benefits by eliminating the windfall elimination provision (WEP) and government pension offset (GPO), affecting millions of Americans, particularly public servants. The legislation, costing over $195 billion over ten years, awaits President Biden’s approval. While many senators support these changes, some express concerns about the potential impact on the Social Security trust fund. Current estimates suggest this could advance insolvency by six months, prompting calls for a broader discussion on Social Security’s sustainability. The bill reflects longstanding efforts to rectify perceived inequities in the current system.

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SUMMARY: As North Carolinians prepare for holiday travel, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $2.83, below the national average of $3.05. AAA anticipates 3.5 million residents traveling at least 50 miles from home in the state between December 23 and January 1. While North Carolina’s gasoline prices are better than a month ago, diesel averages $3.41. Among 14 major metro areas, Jacksonville has the lowest unleaded price at $2.72, while Durham-Chapel Hill has the highest at $2.97. North Carolina’s gas taxes, currently 40.4 cents per gallon, fund transportation projects statewide.

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