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Governor Josh Stein Appoints Three Judges to North Carolina Trial Courts

Governor Josh Stein Appoints Three Judges to North Carolina Trial Courts

Governor Josh Stein has announced the appointment of three new judges to North Carolina's District and Superior Courts. Robert Gilmore has been appointed to the Superior Court for Judicial District 5, covering Duplin, Jones, Onslow, and Sampson counties, filling the vacancy left by the Honorable Henry Stevens' retirement. Gilmore previously served as a district court judge for the same district and founded Gilmore Law Firm, PLLC, focusing on criminal law. Carrie Vickery has been elevated to the Superior Court for Judicial District 31B, serving part of Forsyth County, replacing the Honorable David Hall. Vickery was previously a district court judge for District 31B and an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University School of Law. Kimberly Best has been appointed to the District Court for Judicial District 26, serving Mecklenburg County, filling the vacancy created by the Honorable Tyyawdi Hands' retirement. Best has experience as a principal at The Best Law Firm, PLLC, and previously served as a judge in bo...

Governor Stein Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Army Veteran Sean Michael Lee

Governor Stein Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of U.S. Army Veteran Sean Michael Lee

Governor Josh Stein has issued an order for all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday. This directive is in solemn remembrance of U.S. military veteran Sean Michael Lee, who passed away on September 13. Lee dedicated over two decades of his life to service in the U.S. Army, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. In 2021, during his service in Afghanistan, Lee played a crucial role in coordinating the safe passage and evacuation of thousands of Afghan allies and other individuals. Beyond his military service, Lee also provided aid to communities affected by Hurricane Helene and most recently worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Funeral services for Sean Michael Lee are scheduled for Tuesday in Weddington.

Governors Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Gordon to Discuss Civil Discourse at Duke University Forum

Governors Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Gordon to Discuss Civil Discourse at Duke University Forum

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat from New Mexico, and Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican from Wyoming, are scheduled to participate in the 'Disagree Better Duke University Forum' on Tuesday, September 29, at 5:45 pm in Page Auditorium. The event aims to demonstrate civil discourse and explore how healthy conflict and constructive dialogue can contribute to reviving American democracy. Legendary journalist and Duke alumna Judy Woodruff will moderate the discussion, with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein delivering a video message. The forum is sponsored by the Provost’s Initiative on Pluralism, Free Inquiry, and Belonging and 'Disagree Better,' a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to transforming American political culture.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Intervenes in WakeMed-Atrium Health Deal, Securing Concessions Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein Intervenes in WakeMed-Atrium Health Deal, Securing Concessions Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has intervened in the proposed combination of Atrium Health and WakeMed Health & Hospitals, negotiating improvements to the deal. This intervention follows months of public hearings, negotiations, and controversy surrounding the merger. The Wake County commissioners recently approved the combination with a 5-2 vote, granting Atrium Health significant control over Raleigh-based WakeMed. Atrium has pledged a $2 billion investment and 3,300 jobs for Wake County, while WakeMed asserts the need for Atrium to enhance its competitiveness against larger healthcare systems. Governor Stein's office secured two key commitments from Atrium: the $2 billion investment will originate from Atrium's own funds, not WakeMed's, and price increases will be capped at 1.5 times the annual increase in Medicare costs for a five-year period. The deal now awaits review by federal regulators and the state attorney general's office, with both Governor Stein and State Treasurer Brad Briner calling for...

Governor Josh Stein Celebrates North Carolina's First Electric Air Taxi Flights, Highlighting Aviation Innovation

Governor Josh Stein Celebrates North Carolina's First Electric Air Taxi Flights, Highlighting Aviation Innovation

Governor Josh Stein recently participated in North Carolina's inaugural electric air taxi flights at the NCDOT eLIFT-NC Showcase. This event marked a significant milestone for the state's aviation sector, showcasing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The eLIFT-NC initiative, spearheaded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), aims to establish a network of air taxis to improve healthcare access in rural areas and enhance disaster response capabilities. Governor Stein, who became the first governor to fly in an electric aircraft, emphasized North Carolina's historical and future role in aviation. The showcase included tours of aircraft, flight simulators, and demonstrations by manufacturing partners Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies. These initial flights, conducted between the Triangle and the Outer Banks, represent the first phase of the eLIFT-NC program, which will focus on est...

Montauk Renewables Opens $200 Million Biogas Facility in North Carolina to Convert Swine Waste into Renewable Energy

Montauk Renewables Opens $200 Million Biogas Facility in North Carolina to Convert Swine Waste into Renewable Energy

Montauk Renewables Opens $200 Million Biogas Facility in North Carolina to Convert Swine Waste into Renewable Energy

Asheville Citizen-Times

Two years later, Helene scars linger across WNC public lands

Two years later, Helene scars linger across WNC public lands

Two years after Tropical Storm Helene, damaged trails, missing bridges and closed stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain across public lands.

Representative David Rouzer Announces October Mobile Office Hours for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District

Representative David Rouzer Announces October Mobile Office Hours for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District

U.S. Representative David Rouzer's office has announced a schedule of mobile office hours for October across North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. These mobile visits are designed to provide one-on-one assistance to residents who require help with various federal agencies and programs but are unable to travel to his permanent district offices. Staff members will be available to assist constituents with issues related to Social Security, the IRS, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), passports, and Medicare, among other federal services. The scheduled locations include Surf City and Burgaw in Pender County, Sunset Beach in Brunswick County, Whiteville in Columbus County, Elizabethtown in Bladen County, and St. Pauls in Robeson County. The initiative aims to make federal assistance more accessible to a broader range of constituents within the district.

Rep. Richard Hudson Seeks Answers on Proposed Chatham County Natural Gas Pipeline

Rep. Richard Hudson Seeks Answers on Proposed Chatham County Natural Gas Pipeline

Rep. Richard Hudson is seeking detailed information from state and federal officials regarding Enbridge Gas North Carolina’s proposed Chatham County System Expansion Project, a natural gas pipeline. Hudson has sent letters to North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, requesting clarity on various aspects of the project. His inquiries focus on the permitting process, the roles of different agencies involved, the scope of the environmental review, and mechanisms for public input. The proposed project involves an approximately 28-mile, 12-inch natural gas pipeline extending from the Siler City area towards Moncure, which would cross the Haw River. The project is currently in its design and survey phase, and a final route has not yet been determined. Local residents have expressed concerns about potential impacts on property, farms, waterways, and the rural character of the area.

Governor Josh Stein Approves Updated WakeMed and Atrium Health Merger Terms

Governor Josh Stein Approves Updated WakeMed and Atrium Health Merger Terms

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced his non-opposition to the proposed merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health, following significant revisions to the deal. The updated terms address several concerns initially raised by critics, including potential cost increases and service quality for patients. The revised agreement now includes a cap on price increases at WakeMed, limiting them to no more than 1.5 times the annual increase in Medicare costs for a period of five years. Additionally, Atrium Health has committed to fully funding a promised $2 billion investment in WakeMed capital projects. The deal also stipulates an increase in WakeMed's annual minimum indigent care from 4.8% to 8% of total adjusted revenue and the creation of a $150 million community fund. These changes were made after Governor Stein outlined his questions and concerns in letters to hospital executives, leading to a substantial improvement in the proposed transaction. Wake County leaders are scheduled to vote on the necessa...

North Carolina Roofers Sentenced for Deliberately Damaging Roofs in Insurance Fraud Sting

North Carolina Roofers Sentenced for Deliberately Damaging Roofs in Insurance Fraud Sting

North Carolina Roofers Sentenced for Deliberately Damaging Roofs in Insurance Fraud Sting

North Carolina Farm Bureau Sting Leads to Probation and Restitution for 'Door Knocker' Roofers

North Carolina Farm Bureau Sting Leads to Probation and Restitution for 'Door Knocker' Roofers

Two brothers, Brett William Bentley and Robert Allen Bentley, have been sentenced to probation and restitution after pleading guilty to deliberately damaging roofs in North Carolina. This action follows a sting operation orchestrated by North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance and state regulators. The brothers, who worked for A&M Premier Roofing & Construction, were involved in a scheme where they would damage roof shingles to simulate wind or hail damage, enabling homeowners to file insurance claims for full roof replacements. Brett William Bentley, 28, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was ordered to pay approximately $27,678 in restitution to Farm Bureau. Robert Allen Bentley, 36, pleaded guilty to a felony charge and received 24 months' probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $50 fine. He is also barred from working in the roofing business during his probation. The sting operation involved the NC Department of Insurance setting up surveillance at a 'bait house' in Raleigh, where investigators se...