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Helene: In frigid temperatures, thousands remain without power | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – 2024-10-15 09:34:00

SUMMARY: Over 12,000 customers in North Carolina’s mountains remained without power due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, which, after causing heavy rain and flooding, killed at least 95 people statewide. Recorded overnight temperatures in Asheville dipped to the mid-30s. As of Tuesday morning, significant outages were reported in Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell, Madison, and Avery counties. The hurricane originated as a Category 4 storm, causing considerable damage with estimates reaching up to $250 billion, and leading to the closure of 579 roads. The storm is among the deadliest in U.S. history, with variances in reported fatalities across states.

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Fixing the DMV: Latest on commissioner search, technology upgrades

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-04-01 20:11:34


SUMMARY: In response to significant issues such as long wait times and appointment shortages, North Carolina’s DMV is seeking improvements by partnering with Arizona, which ranks fourth nationally for DMV efficiency. Governor Josh Stein and Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins highlighted ongoing leadership changes, including the search for a new commissioner after Wayne Goodwin’s departure. Current challenges stem from staffing shortages and outdated technology. Governor Stein’s proposed budget includes funding for over 100 new positions to alleviate these issues. The state plans to adopt Arizona’s software to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction, with leadership decisions expected in the coming weeks.

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North Carolina is partnering with Arizona to improve its struggling Division of Motor Vehicles, aiming to reduce long wait times and make more appointments available.

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Sex education bill proposed in North Carolina House | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-01 13:32:00

(The Center Square) – Directions on curriculum measured age appropriate and access in public libraries to materials considered harmful to minors are in a proposal at the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Parental Rights for Curriculum and Books, also known as House Bill 595, adds to state law a section for age-appropriate instruction for students; a human growth and development program for fourth and fifth graders; and says reproductive health and safety education shall not happen before seventh grade.



Rep. John A. Torbett, R-Gaston




The bill authored by Rep. John Torbett, R-Gaston, and filed Monday additionally has sections on instructional materials and clarification of “defenses for material harmful to minors.” Public library access for minors is in a fourth section.

Gender identity instruction, a buzzword of recent election cycles, is prohibited prior to students entering the fifth grade. The proposal extends that to prior to the entering seventh grade.

The bill would require parental consent to learn about some elements associated with sex education – infections, contraception, assault and human trafficking.

State law allows schools the option to adopt local policies on parental consent for the reproductive health education.

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NC House panel approves bill to allow handguns at private schools

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ncnewsline.com – Christine Zhu – 2025-04-01 13:15:00

SUMMARY: The North Carolina House Judiciary 2 Committee approved House Bill 193, allowing individuals with valid concealed handgun permits to carry firearms on private school premises. The bill aims to enhance school security and has raised concerns due to its broad provisions, including the potential for teachers, officials, or students to carry guns with permission. Critics, like Rep. Deb Butler, argue that it puts students and teachers at risk, as polling shows most educators oppose guns in schools. The bill is now set for further debate in the House Education K-12 Committee. Additionally, the committee approved a separate bill, House Bill 301, restricting social media accounts for minors under 16.

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