NC News

Stein Proposes $891M for Western NC

Gov. Josh Stein is urging lawmakers to approve more than $891 million in additional Hurricane Helene recovery funding as part of his second rebuilding budget proposal, which he announced during a visit to Carolina Domes in Union Mills on Monday.

Carolina Domes was a recipient of a Small Business Infrastructure Grant.

The proposal includes funding for economic recovery, infrastructure repair, housing recovery, farmland and waterway restoration, food insecurity, and community colleges. It also includes $152 million for state matches to federal disaster programs and emergency system upgrades.

Stein’s budget also includes $50 million for wildfire prevention and response—addressing longtime requests from Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler—and proposes more than $100 million to match federal funds, unlocking up to $1 billion in additional disaster aid.

North Carolina Communities Rising From the Ruins of Hurricane Helene

Nonprofit volunteers are committed to rebuilding Chimney Rock and other communities devastated by the powerful storm in September 2024

 CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C.—North Carolina officials estimate that it will take many years, many hands, and up to $60 billion to recover from the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024.

In the historic village of Chimney Rock, located in the western part of the state, a dedicated army of volunteers has been providing much-needed assistance to the recovery effort at no cost.

Home Depot Murder Goes to Jury Soon

The murder trial of Terry McMillian Jr., accused in the 2022 death of Home Depot worker Gary Rasor, is nearing its conclusion and is expected to go to the jury soon.

McMillian allegedly shoved 82-year-old Rasor to the ground at the Home Depot in Hillsborough on Oct. 18, 2022, while leaving the store during a suspected theft. Rasor fell, suffered a pelvic injury, and died weeks later due to complications from his injuries.

Closing arguments began Tuesday. Jurors will be instructed to consider charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or involuntary manslaughter—along with a separate robbery charge—or choose not to convict.

‘Click It or Ticket’ in Effect

Patrols will be making sure drivers buckle up over the next two weeks as part of NCDOT’s Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs through June 1.

Law enforcement agencies will increase the number of patrols and officers in an area, set up checking stations, and use local media to spread the word to drivers during the campaign.

According to NCDOT, 158 unbuckled drivers or passengers have died in crashes so far this year. In 2023, 492 unbuckled drivers were killed in car crashes across North Carolina.

Violators of North Carolina’s seat belt law are fined $180. The fine goes up to $266 if a passenger under age 16 is not properly restrained.