NC Politics in the News

October 5, 2020

Pardon Our Dust

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Agriculture

WILKES-JOURNAL PATRIOT: Cancellation of county fairs has vast economic impact
County agriculture fairs are big business in North Carolina, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many of the events to be canceled or moved online, leading to economic impacts at every level in the state.

WITN: WIC COVID-19 flexibilities extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended essential flexibilities for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to ensure participants continue to receive the food and health support they need throughout the COVID-19 national public health emergency.


Economic Development

THE WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL: $1.2 million earmarked for minority owned businesses in Forsyth County
A new grant program to help Black and Hispanic businesses meet the challenges of working during the coronavirus pandemic was announced Wednesday, with $1.2 million available to provide businesses with grants up to $25,000 each.

WRAL TECH WIRE: NC’s economy continues to improve – but remain wary, warns NCSU index author
The NCSU Index of North Carolina Leading Economic Indicators, a forecast of the economy’s direction four to six months ahead, rose 3.3 percent in August from its level in July and now exceeds its pre-COVID-19 level. But the editor of the index remains cautious.


Education

SPECTRUM NEWS: Map: Some School Systems in N.C. are Moving to Plan A with More In-Person Classes
Starting Monday, public school districts and charter schools can begin moving to Plan A in the governor’s phased approach to reopen schools.

ABC 11: WCPSS votes to bring elementary, middle school students back to classrooms; high school to remain virtual through semester
The Wake County Public School System voted on a more conservative reopening plan than previously presented, keeping many students at home through the end of the semester.


Healthcare

WBTV: N.C. to allow restricted indoor visitation in nursing homes
Family members will finally be able to visit their loved ones inside some nursing homes in North Carolina.

THE GREESBORO NEWS & RECORD: Race for N.C. state treasurer will turn on health care plan, pension fund investments
This November, North Carolinians will elect an official to oversee the state’s $108 billion pension fund and health care system, which serve nearly a million state employees, their dependents and retirees.


Government

SPECTRUM NEWS: North Carolina Moves Into Phase 3, Good News for Bars and Theaters
North Carolina has officially moved into Phase 3 of reopening, which is great news for many businesses across the state.

WRAL NEWS: Thom Tillis says only mild symptoms remain after COVID diagnosis
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis says he is doing well after experiencing mild symptoms following a positive coronavirus test.


Transportation

WCTI 12: NC DOT granted FCC waiver to use drones to conduct bridge inspections
Drones are the N.C. Department of Transportation’s newest tool in maintaining the safety of the state’s bridges and other infrastructure.

HENDERSONVILLE LIGHTNING: McGrady resigns; GOP expected to name Moffitt to his seat
State Rep. Chuck McGrady made it official on Thursday when he resigned from the state House after five terms in order to assume his new role as a member of the state Board of Transportation.

THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE: NCDOT distributing $132.7 million from Powell Bill
The N.C. Department of Transportation has begun distributing nearly $132.7 million in State Street Aid to Municipalities, also known as Powell Bill funds, to 508 municipalities across the state.