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NC News Sept. 25, 2026

Stein Unveils 10-Year Helene Rebuild Plan

Gov. Josh Stein released a 10-year plan to rebuild western North Carolina’s economy Wednesday, modeled on the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after World War II.

The framework organizes recovery into nine lines of effort, including infrastructure, housing, health care, agriculture, and tourism. Each has a named lead and five- and 10-year targets.

Helene struck a region already losing ground, as North Carolina has shed more than 40% of its manufacturing jobs over three decades. The region’s labor force also shrank by more than 16,000 people from April 2023 to April 2026, even as the state’s population grew.

The plan creates no new funding and instead aligns existing economic-development strategies, and it will be presented today to the governor’s recovery advisory committee at Mars Hill University.

Article Icon 1Jury Duty Website Exposed Private Records

Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and medical records uploaded by North Carolinians seeking jury-duty exemptions or deferrals were publicly accessible on the N.C. Courts website.

Zach Duda discovered the vulnerability after uploading his father’s death certificate through the state’s online jury excuse form. Changing one number in the document’s web address revealed files submitted by other people.

WBTV found dozens of exposed files containing employment and medical information, including a rape incident report naming the victim. The N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts blocked public access within days and said the form and records repository are secure.

The office declined interview requests about how long the records were exposed and did not say whether it considers the incident a security breach, which would require notifying those affected.

Article Icon 1Nor’easter Breaches Dune, Closes N.C. 12

A nor’easter shut down N.C. 12 Thursday after high tide broke through the dune near the Pea Island Visitor Center, closing the highway between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe.

An NCDOT camera captured a large crack forming in the pavement around 8 a.m. as a state vehicle struggled to pass. Gusts of 40 to 50 mph drove waves up to 18 feet just off the coast.

The National Weather Service warned that minor overwash may continue into the weekend, especially on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands around high tide. The storm also pushed coastal flooding up the East Coast into Virginia and New Jersey.

Hatteras Island schools are holding remote learning Friday, and the National Park Service has closed all ORV beach ramps.