WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
the University of North Carolina Asheville announced that it is raising the income eligibility threshold for Access Asheville, its tuition and fees guarantee for North Carolina families, from $90,000 to $100,000 in adjusted gross income (AGI). The change takes effect for new first-year or transfer undergraduate students entering in Fall 2027.
In the final weeks of the Senate race, Whatley and his allies are renewing scrutiny on Cooper’s record during his final weeks in office. “I think it is laughable if Roy Cooper even tries to make hurricane recovery an issue in this campaign after how badly he fumbled not only Helene, but eastern North Carolina,” State Representative Jake Johnson told the Reporter in an interview. “He is trying to run from anything that reminds anyone of how bad he has handled natural disasters in this state.”
This final assessment allows the Asheville Fire Department to determine that all who pass are ready to serve the community, from their first day on the job, with the same level of excellent service as existing AFD staff – no matter the call.
NORTH CAROLINA
the Republican-led General Assembly passed the Relief at the Pump Act, which suspended North Carolina’s 41-cent gas tax through November 30th. The legislation is designed to provide immediate relief North Carolinians by lowering the costs at the pump.
In the final weeks of the Senate race, Whatley and his allies are renewing scrutiny on Cooper’s record during his final weeks in office. “I think it is laughable if Roy Cooper even tries to make hurricane recovery an issue in this campaign after how badly he fumbled not only Helene, but eastern North Carolina,” State Representative Jake Johnson told the Reporter in an interview. “He is trying to run from anything that reminds anyone of how bad he has handled natural disasters in this state.”
Additionally, under Cooper the situation deteriorated. On-time delivery fell from 98% in 2021 to 91% for 2022 through 2024, below the federal standard of 95%, and counties including Wake and Mecklenburg issued 20 to 25% of payments late.
TENNESSEE
“Through his Arctic Frost witch hunt that targeted conservatives across America and even the President of the United States, Jack Smith perpetrated one of the worst abuses of government power in our nation’s history,” said Senator Blackburn. “This lawsuit is solely about holding Mr. Smith accountable and ensuring that our nation’s justice system can never again be weaponized against the American people. I thank the New Civil Liberties Alliance for their partnership in filing this complaint and for fighting to uphold our cherished constitutional rights.”
Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force, officers have made 13,140 arrests, including 135 for homicide, 1,406 for controlled substances, 1,303 for firearms violations, and 125 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 421 were juveniles, 1,461 were known gang members and 1,188 were of individuals arrested more than one time during the operation so far. There have been some offenders arrested up to 7 times in the one-year period. The task force has seized 2,201illegal firearms.
Here are some of Green’s policy proposals directly from her website (some of these may have be deleted to cover her tracks):
Sign an executive order on her first day in office to “end local and state law enforcement cooperation with ICE.”
Sign an executive order banning ICE from entering state buildings.
Prevent members of her administration and state employees from sharing personal identifying information or immigration status with federal immigration agents.
Provide state funding for legal representation for immigrants facing deportation and “know your rights” information for immigrant and refugee communities.
Direct the Tennessee Department of Labor to issue guidance to businesses and workers regarding ICE access to workplaces.
VIRGINIA
Barrar will develop a statewide outdoor recreation economy strategy to grow and support the industry based on feedback from local leaders and communities — integrating conservation, economic development, tourism, and workforce development.
Governor Abigail Spanberger today declared a State of Emergency to support Virginia farmers and producers in response to the statewide hay shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. Jen Kiggans for Virginia’s Second District. The U.S. Chamber is the leading advocacy group for business and endorses candidates for federal office who support policies that drive innovation, grow the economy, and create opportunities for American businesses and workers.
SOUTH CAROLINA
This legislation would permit eligible, taxpaying energy producers to use certain tax credits – beyond current restrictions – to invest in areas designated as “disasters zones.”
“I am proud to introduce this resolution celebrating the schools, churches, and organizations that help shape our children’s character. Faith-based schools and those that allow time for off-campus religious instruction are a testament to the right of parents to choose an education that reflects their family’s faith and values,” said Senator Darline Graham. “Religious education plays an instrumental role in providing spiritual growth, moral development, and academic excellence to the next generation of South Carolinians. I’m grateful to lead more than a quarter of the U.S. Senate in support of religious education in our country.”
"Seniors are the backbone of the American electorate, and they deserve elected officials who deliver for them," said SMFA Senior Advisor Sean Spicer. "The Champion for America's Seniors Award lets our seniors know that they can count on SMFA to watch, keep score, and honor those who fight for them."
GEORGIA
Daniels is the managing partner of Daniels Law LLC in Eastman and Cochran. His practice includes civil litigation, real estate transactions, local government law, and representing the Department of Corrections and Division of Child Support Services as a Special Assistant Attorney General.
"After the RNC stepped in, Cobb County agreed to comply with Georgia law, fix its drop box practices, and pledged to not use an illegal ballot collection scheme," said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. "Election officials don't get to pick and choose which laws to follow, and the RNC will continue holding them accountable when they don't."
OPINION
Most Americans are spending money like drunken sailors on Leave. American credit card debt has now risen to levels not seen since the turn of the century.
There’s an old Latin phrase we all know, Carpe Diem. We translate that to “seize the day.” But the rest of the phrase is seize the day-trusting as little as possible in tomorrow. That’s the part that often gets left out.
Researchers at Harvard University followed 5,000 students for over a decade trying to figure out what predicts flourishing later in life—not just grades or income, but what prevents depression, drug use, poor life satisfaction, or a loss of sense of purpose.
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