North Carolina
🌱 Vigil for Lives Lost to Homelessness + Winter Weather Precautions
I am simply going to fake I didn’t see the low for as we speak… If I ignore it, it’ll go away, proper? I am certain a few of you northern transplants are so excited, however we within the south are usually not right here for it. Really and sincerely although, please be sure to are taking all essential precautions to be secure as the nippiness comes by way of. Under I’ve numerous useful info for the chilly, and every part else taking place, together with:
- Raleigh metropolis council committee make-up
- A Christmas costume celebration
- A brand new wind cellphone to name misplaced family members
However first, as we speak’s climate:
📢 I am searching for enterprise homeowners and entrepreneurs in Raleigh who wish to construct consciousness, join with prospects and improve gross sales.
I’ve a restricted variety of sponsorships accessible to introduce our readers to native companies they should know. If that is you, then I invite you to study extra and safe your spot now.
Listed here are the highest tales in Raleigh as we speak:
- On Wednesday night, communities gathered in Raleigh and Durham to recollect lives misplaced of people that have been experiencing homelessness. In Raleigh, 76 names have been learn out throughout the vigil, and a balloon was launched for every individual. In response to Breana Van Velzen, the chief director of Durham Congregations in Motion, says that the turnout was one of many largest they’ve seen in a very long time. The variety of folks reported being homeless has grown to 1,500 in comparison with 912 folks final yr. (abc11, CBS17)
- Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin introduced the brand new make-up of town council’s 4 committees final week. The Development & Pure Sources committee can be chaired by Jane Harrison. The Financial Improvement & Innovation committee can be led by incumbent Jonathan Melton for an additional time period. The Transit & Transportation Committee can be led by incumbent Corey Department for an additional time period. The Protected, Vibrant & Wholesome Communities Committee will as soon as once more be chaired by Mayor Baldwin. (INDY Week)
- Thousands and thousands of People are struggling to make vacation journey changes as the large winter storm has triggered flight cancellations throughout the US. At RDU, many individuals have tried to maneuver their flights as much as get to their locations, they usually anticipate practically 600,000 vacationers throughout the 18 days of the vacation season. Though the Triangle is anticipated to see harsh climate begin tonight, different states are already lined in ice and snow. There have been 50 cancellations at RDU on Wednesday, and as we speak is anticipated to be the busiest journey day. (WRAL)
- As chilly climate looms on the horizon, it’s advised that residents start taking proactive measures to winterize properties and vehicles. Troy Goss, Service Supervisor with Air Specialists Heating & Cooling says that you just should not utterly flip off your A/C however adjusting the temperature and changing filters can lower your expenses and enhance air stream. Subject Supervisor Mark Crowder additionally recommends you disconnect your hose from an outdoor hose attachment in order that it doesn’t freeze contained in the wall and bust. For vehicles, Eddie Yacos who owns Motor Metropolis Storage says that batteries might get low, coolant leaks are frequent because of the chilly inflicting gaskets to seep and leak, and test PSI ranges of tires earlier than heading on journeys as chilly temps affect tire strain. (abc11)
- Police vehicles, hearth vans, and lots of extra group members turned out to have fun Jaielle Sherrill and her completion of radiation therapies. Her mom, Jada requested the group for assist with the parade, and features of vehicles got here out to wave to Jaielle. Some in attendance introduced items for the younger lady. Jada mentioned that her purpose was to indicate she has love and assist past their dwelling, and Raleigh confirmed as much as present love for the younger lady. (CBS17)
- A Raleigh entrepreneur has gained nationwide consideration after being named certainly one of Oprah’s Favourite Issues this vacation season. Jainaba Jeng is initially from The Gambia, West Africa, however has lived in North Carolina for greater than twenty years. Jeng is on a mission to introduce African Delicacies to the world and based Raleigh-based Kitchens of Africa. The endorsement has sparked a lift in enterprise for Jeng, as she works to fulfil continuous orders. (CBS17)
From our sponsor:
Immediately’s Raleigh Patch e-newsletter is delivered to you partly by T-Cellular. T-Cellular has invested billions to mild up their greatest community ever, protecting 99% of individuals in America with LTE, which helps to maintain communities like ours knowledgeable and related. We thank T-Cellular for his or her assist and for making as we speak’s Raleigh e-newsletter attainable.
Immediately in Raleigh:
Saturday in Raleigh:
- Christmas Eve Skate at United Skates of Raleigh (11:00am-4:00pm)
- Christmas Eve Cookie Swap at The Glass Jug Downtown Durham (12:00pm-5:00pm)
- The Nutcracker by the Carolina Ballet at Duke Vitality Heart (3:00pm)
- Raleigh Ghosts and Darkish Historical past Guided Evening Strolling Tour (8:00pm)
- ninth Annual Royal Blue & Black Comedy Bash (8:00pm-11:00pm)
Bonus: Weekend Greatest Bets (WRAL)
Particular discover:
Patch has partnered with T-Cellular for 2 new collection: Native Heroes and Star Scholar Athletes. The purpose is to spotlight heroes and star athletes in Raleigh!
- If you wish to nominate an area hero, click on right here
- If you wish to nominate an area athlete, click on right here.
From my pocket book:
- It is Nationwide Christmas Film Marathon Day and Comparitech has compiled a listing of the most well-liked Christmas film by state. Take a look at North Carolina’s and get impressed with a listing of in every single place else’s favorites too.
- The Raleigh Police Division’s latest member, Luna, the Percheron/Quarter horse combine started her first shift on Wednesday. (CBS17)
- In the event you’re lacking a cherished one this vacation season, Oakwood Cemetery has put in a wind cellphone so that you may give misplaced family members a name. (Spectrum Information 1)
Extra from our sponsors — thanks for supporting native information!
Occasions:
You are formally within the loop for as we speak. See you all tomorrow morning for an additional replace!
— CJ Fullford
Have a information tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Each day? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com
North Carolina
Fact Check: California, North Carolina get same recovery cost coverage from federal gov’t
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – As wildfires ravage parts of Los Angeles and Southern California this month, federal, state, and local authorities have mobilized resources to combat the flames and assist affected communities.
Their response echoes the efforts made in North Carolina just months ago, when Hurricane Helene left widespread devastation in its wake.
A viewer named Dina asked the following question: “Why is the federal government covering 100% of the recovery costs for the California wildfires, but not doing the same for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina?”
Her question relates to a claim being spread around social media that the government is allegedly paying for 100% of the damage in California, but not in North Carolina.
WBTV’s Fact Check team investigated the claims and found them to be false.
Here’s what we found.
Federal funding for wildfire recovery
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would cover 100% of certain wildfire recovery costs in California for the next 180 days.
“The federal government is going to cover 100% of the cost for the next 180 days for things like firefighter overtime pay, debris removal, temporary shelters … It’s going to cost tens of billions of dollars to get Los Angeles back to where it was,” Biden said during a press conference.
Typically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, aka FEMA, covers 75% of disaster recovery costs, with the remaining 25% funded by state and local governments. However, under federal law, the U.S. president has the authority to increase the federal cost-share for recovery efforts.
What about North Carolina?
Turns out, less than a week after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina in September 2024, President Biden and FEMA announced that the same adjustment was made for Helene recovery in North Carolina.
Put another way: North Carolina has also had 100% of public recovery funds covered by the federal government since Oct. 2, 2024.
A release from the North Carolina governor’s office and FEMA explained how the president raised the federal contribution from 75% to 100% for the first 180 days of recovery. (The same time period that was just established in California).
After the six-month period, the cost-share for public assistance projects was increased from 75% to 90%. Click here to read the official FEMA release about this.
—> North Carolina Red Cross volunteers deploy to support wildfire victims in California
The verdict
President Biden’s decision to increase the federal cost-share for California wildfires is consistent with the aid provided to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
Claims that the federal government is covering a higher percentage of recovery costs in California compared to in North Carolina are false. Both states received identical cost-share adjustments.
If you have further questions or claims you’d like us to investigate, feel free to reach out to us at factcheck@wbtv.com.
—> State releases names of 104 Helene victims in North Carolina for 1st time: See list here
Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.
North Carolina
Proposed federal whale rule that would have devastated NC businesses has been withdrawn
North Carolina
Apex father of 3 represents North Carolina in 2025 Presidential Inauguration
APEX, N.C. (WTVD) — Colonel Josh McConkey has spent more than two decades serving our country, in both the Army and Air Force Reserve. He’s now a Commander at Andrews Air Force Base of the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.
“I’ve got to do some pretty special things. I spent time with combat search and rescue. I’ve flown as a flight surgeon, spent time in Rwanda with the State Department,” Col. McConkey told ABC11.
On Monday though, he’ll get to do something that will mark a first for the decorated servicemember, leading the Air Force Reserve delegation at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
“I marched a lot when I was a kid and grown up in marching band. So, this is a lot of fun for me, but being able to take part in something like this, being a part of history is pretty special,” Col. McConkey said.
He leaves Thursday to head to Washington DC with months of preparation leading up to this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
ALSO SEE: Biden, in farewell address, warns about dangers of unchecked power in wealthy
“A lot of logistics and security: we received a 108-page PowerPoint presentation just to go over. There’s a lot of history behind that, a lot of procedure and then the security concerns alone. So, you know, things have been very tight lipped on that, but the practices we’ve done three or four practices and you’re marching out in the cold and the snow. Hopefully it’s going to be above freezing on Inauguration Day,” McConkey said.
When not serving in the Air Force Reserve, Col. McConkey is an ER doctor in the Triangle, an author, the founder of a non-profit organization – and his proudest titles: husband and father of three.
He’s excited to represent North Carolina next week.
“I grew up in a very small town in rural Nebraska and always looked up to military veterans,” he said. “Just to be a part and represent the military and something this historic is, you know, for me is pretty special.”
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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