North Carolina
Opinion: Helene tore apart our North Carolina town. But we are resilient – and we will vote.
Our one-road town was devastated by flooding and landslides after Hurricane Helene. But we are ‘North Carolina Strong.’ We will get to the polls, if for no other reason than to honor our neighbors.
North Carolina residents vote early amid hurricane cleanup
North Carolina residents are still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene, but still setting aside time to cast their ballots.
Fox – Seattle
Each individual drop of rain mattered as it joined the sum of what became Hurricane Helene’s destructive flooding.
For Americans living in a technologically driven time, our individual ballots can seem unimportant in the confusing blur of electoral politics. Our local concerns can seem lost in the flood of fast-spinning news cycles about issues that seem foreign or beyond our influence.
But when we exercise our voting rights we collectively, drop by drop, vote by vote, create a momentum that changes and reshapes the political landscape. And just as each droplet in the recent storm seemed inconsequential, they all mattered and forever changed a small tourist town between Asheville and Chimney Rock called Bat Cave, North Carolina.
Bat Cave was a quirkily named storybook of a town with no traffic light and where Valerie in the post office always asked how you were doing or maybe even sometimes told you how you were doing, with the bills assuredly finding their way down the winding Lake Lure Highway to the tiny Bat Cave post office (which was 4 feet deep in mud and water by the end of Helene’s Sept. 27 rampage).
The political chaos we saw in the bigger world rarely reared its head in the bucolic riverside village nestled along the Rocky Broad River.
Prior to Helene’s devastating erasure, Bat Cave was a place people lived to avoid the clutter, traffic and complications of cities and suburbs.
Bat Cave residents remain notably diverse − socioeconomically, politically, racially and culturally. Many have lived for generations among uniquely exposed cliffs and craggy mountain nooks and valleys. Others retired or retreated to the rich array of trails, waterfalls and lakes that offer countless scenic gems often overshadowed by the better-known tourist cities of Hendersonville, Asheville and Black Mountain.
Our survival was tenuous at best
Bat Cave was a place you relished because of that diversity and a pervasive culture of kindness and acceptance that made the Hickory Nut Gorge a manifestation of American melting-pot idealism.
Bat Cave was the kind of place where my neighbor Candy across the street would put out blankets and cots on her front porch on the night of a storm, just in case anyone on the riverfront side of the street lost power or needed shelter or refuge.
At 7 a.m. on Sept. 27, we took to her porch as the last and only high ground we could reach that wasn’t flooding or being swept away in a landslide. We sheltered there, holding terrified pets and holding our collective breath for a few hours while the storm raged without relenting. Seeing neighboring houses collapse under mudslides made us feel our survival was tenuous at best.
While scores of people in our state perished that morning, our group of six survived and saved most of our animals from homes and a community that had washed away.
We soon realized in the aftermath that the beloved mountain town we once took refuge in from the storms of city life was now in complete ruin.
What changed my life forever, though, wasn’t necessarily the trauma of the next three days of trying to survive and escape from what had become a ravaged wasteland, but the undeniable and often palpable love of human-to-human and neighbor-to-neighbor.
The flood took away everything from my life I didn’t need. The flood left me with my life and everything (everyone) I truly need.
Because of Helene, I may at some point forget for a moment the absolute core goodness of people – but never for long, because my faith in Americans has literally been restored through this catastrophe.
Disaster brings clarity, bridges any cultural divides
I’ve heard or read about this kind of community revelation in other disasters but never truly witnessed it.
The absolute power of humans bonding through crisis with one another so clearly supersedes political ideology, cultural differences, gender or any other socially imposed divide.
What I can share today, that I could only guess at before, is that as a survivor or responder, you too would almost certainly feel compassion toward your neighbor, no matter how different you know – or don’t know – them to be from you politically. You also wouldn’t feel any separation, no hate, no judgment, just a pure desire to save, or help or love your fellow American neighbor (or any human) in a time of desperate need.
These are hidden truths that can be uncovered by each person in the throes of a tragedy.
And by voting this election cycle we can help move us all closer to those truths, regardless of our political leanings.
Casting a vote fulfills a responsibility to each other, even if by doing so we cancel out our neighbor’s opposing vote. It is still a necessary part of maintaining the strength and wellness of our unalienable bond.
Survivors from Bat Cave are declaring we are “North Carolina Strong” in our shared cultural DNA. We will find ways to be resilient and get to the polls, if for no other reason than to vote in honor of our lost neighbors.
We are choosing to be “strong at the broken places,” as my dear friend and colleague Kris Brightbill taught me from Ernest Hemingway’s novel “A Farewell to Arms.”
Whatever comes, I will certainly cast my vote. The local election boards and other agencies have made finding a new place to vote possible and accommodated survivors like me. So I will be one of those unassuming droplets converging with all of you in the Tuesday flow toward our renewed freedom.
Blake Smith is a clinical therapist, long-distance runner and resident of Bat Cave, North Carolina, where he lost his home and truck in devastating flooding brought by Hurricane Helene. He and his dog, Rizzo, are temporarily living with friends in the Asheville area.
A proposal to limit property tax increases is set to go before state lawmakers Tuesday — an effort that could culminate with North Carolinians voting on the issue as early as this year.
The state House of Representatives’ Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss a proposed state constitutional amendment restricting how much city and county governments could raise property taxes each year.
Amendments to the state Constitution must be approved by North Carolina voters. If the idea is approved by a supermajority of legislators, North Carolinians would be asked to decide the issue through a ballot vote, likely in November.
The legislation, House Bill 1089, doesn’t outline a limit for property tax increases. It calls on state lawmakers to come up with specific restrictions at a later date — if the referendum is approved by voters.
The bill is part of a broader push by legislators in the Republican-controlled General Assembly to address affordability issues ahead of the midterm elections.
Republicans in the state Senate last week approved a bill that would temporarily block county governments from applying appraisals conducted during this calendar year to property tax bills. Reappraisals often lead to higher property tax bills. Republican Senate leader Phil Berger has referred to that proposal as a “moratorium” that could bring temporary relief to taxpayers in a number of counties scheduled to reappraise properties this year — including Guilford and Harnett. Berger has framed the idea as simply buying time for the legislature to come up with more sweeping reforms.
The proposed constitutional amendment moving forward in the House could be that more sweeping idea, although it’s unclear if the Senate will go along if the idea passes the House.
Tax reduction has been a stated goal of Republican lawmakers for decades, but the proposed reappraisal moratorium and constitutional amendment are not guaranteed to pass. Neither Berger nor House Speaker Destin Hall has committed to supporting the other chamber’s idea for addressing rising property taxes.
Democrats have expressed skepticism over both plans. Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch, D-Wake, chided Senate Republicans last week for failing to take up an amendment to Berger’s bill that would have lowered the state’s income threshold to qualify for property tax exceptions.
Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, said Monday — during a press conference calling for higher taxes on millionaires — that the property tax changes being proposed by GOP lawmakers seemed aimed more at gathering political credit than solving a problem.
“We can be the quote-unquote ‘good guys’ down here in Raleigh and say we’re going to lower your property taxes,” Prather said. “But all that means is that the local governments are going to have to be the ‘bad guys’ to raise revenue in other ways.”
Closing a loophole
The House Finance committee on Tuesday is expected to consider a proposal that could help municipal governments recoup more property tax revenue. The committee is expected to discuss House Bill 1042, which would tighten rules for nonprofit organizations that receive property tax exemptions.
The state currently allows certain organizations to avoid paying property taxes if they use their property entirely for charitable purposes and are not run for profit — a law that kept nearly $750 million worth of property out of Wake County’s tax base in 2025. The proposed change seeks to winnow down the list of who qualifies, especially nonprofits that provide affordable housing for low- or moderate-income people.
North Carolina
North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
The 2026 North Carolina high school softball state playoff brackets are out, and High School On SI has all eight brackets with matchups and schedules for every team.
The first round begins on May 5, and the playoffs will culminate with the NCHSAA state championships being played May 27-30 at Duke University in Durham.
2026 North Carolina High School Baseball State Tournament Schedule
May 5: First Round
May 8: Second Round
May 12: Third Round
May 15: Fourth Round
May 19-23: Regionals
May 27-30: State Championships
North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
CLASS 1A BRACKET (select to view full bracket details)
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Bear Grass Charter vs. No. 5 Vance Charter
No. 3 East Columbus vs. No. 2 Northside – Pinetown
No. 1 Robbinsville vs. No. 5 Falls Lake Academy
No. 6 Bethany Community vs. No. 2 Oxford Preperatory
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 North Duplin vs. No. 8 Camden County
No. 5 Rosewood vs. No. 4 East Carteret
No. 3 Perquimans vs. No. 11 Pamlico County
No. 10 Franklin Academy vs. No. 2 Manteo
No. 1 South Stanly vs. No. 9 East Wilkes
No. 5 South Stokes vs. No. 4 Starmount
No. 3 Swain County vs. No. 6 Murphy
No. 7 Highland Tech vs. No. 2 Roxboro Community
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Midway vs. No. 9 Providence
No. 12 Wallace-Rose Hill vs. No. 4 Heide Trask
No. 3 Farmville Central vs. No. 11 Ayden – Grifton
No. 10 Northwood vs. No. 2 McMichael
No. 1 West Lincoln vs. No. 8 Union Academy
No. 5 Draughn vs No. 4 Pine Lake Preperatory
No. 3 West Davidson vs. No. 11 East Surry
No. 7 Walkertown vs. No. 2 West Wilkes
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Randleman vs. No. 9 Nash Central
No. 5 Bunn vs. No. 4 East Duplin
No. 3 Southwest Onslow vs. No. 6 Roanoke Rapids
No. 7 Ledford Senior vs. No. 2 Central Davidson
No. 1 West Stokes vs. No. 8 Forbush
No. 5 Pisgah vs. No. 4 West Stanly
No. 19 North Surry vs. No. 11 Foard
No. 10 Mount Pleasant vs. No, 2 Bunker Hill
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Southeast Alamance vs. No. 8 C.B. Aycock
No. 5 Seaforth vs. No. 4 Rockingham County
No. 3 Eastern Alamance vs. No. 6 West Carteret
No. 7 South Brunswick vs. No. 2 Southern Nash
No. 1 Enka vs. No. 9 Oak Grove
No. 5 Crest vs. No. 13 West Rowan
No. 3 North Davidson vs. No. 6 Franklin
No. 10 East Rowan vs. No. 2 North Lincoln
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Union Pines vs. No. 9 South Johnston
No. 5 South View vs. No. 4 Gray’s Creek
No. 3 J.H. Rose vs. No. 6 Harnett Central
No. 7 Triton vs. No. 2 West Brunswick
No. 1 Kings Mountain vs. No. 8 Charlotte Catholic
No. 5 Alexander vs. No. 13 T.C. Roberson
No. 3 Piedmont vs. No. 6 Central Cabarrus
No. 10 A.C. Reynolds vs. No. 2 South Caldwell
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 D.H. Conley vs. No. 8 Wake Forest
No. 5 Purnell Sweet vs. No. 4 Cleveland
No. 3 Heritage vs. No. 6 Topsail
No. 7 South Central vs. No. 2 New Bern
No. 1 Weddington vs. No. 8 Mooresville
No. 5 A.L. Brown vs. No. 4 Hickory Ridge
No. 3 East Forsyth vs. No. 11 Porter Ridge
No. 7 Ronald Reagan vs. No. 2 South Iredell
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Willow Spring vs. No. 4 Hoggard
No. 3 E.A. Laney vs. No. 2 Cornith Holders
No. 1 Providence vs. No. 4 Hough
No. 3 West Forsyth vs. No. 2 Apex Friendship
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North Carolina
Perspective | What North Carolina gets right about workforce: Progress beyond politics
Across the country, workforce development is often framed as a policy challenge. In North Carolina, we’ve come to understand it as something more fundamental: a shared responsibility between educators and employers that works best when it rises above politics. It is a nonpartisan priority with bipartisan support — and a clear focus on outcomes.
North Carolina’s approach to workforce and talent development offers a different model — one grounded in collaboration, consistency, data, and a relentless focus on student and employer needs.
Over the past several years, our state has aligned around an ambitious goal: ensuring that 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 hold a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. myFutureNC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, led by a bipartisan Board of Directors, that was created to champion this work.
This goal is not owned by a single administration or political party. It is the state’s attainment goal — codified in law with bipartisan support and signed by the governor — to ensure North Carolina remains economically competitive now and into the future. The work is guided by leaders across business, education, policymakers, and philanthropy.
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This kind of alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires trust, discipline, and a willingness to prioritize long-term impact over short-term wins — placing the needs of students and employers above the silos that often define education and workforce systems.
North Carolina’s leaders don’t agree on everything, and unanimity is not what makes this work. There is broad agreement on a set of essential truths: Talent is the top driver of economic development. Education fuels economic prosperity, public safety, and healthier communities. Having a robust educational system and an educated population is one of our state’s greatest assets. Economic mobility matters. And preparing people for meaningful work benefits everyone.
This alignment is delivering results. North Carolina has been named the No. 1 state for business three out of the past four years and ranks No. 1 for workforce — reinforcing what’s possible when leaders stay focused on shared priorities.
This strong foundation has enabled progress in areas that often stall in partisan debate. Through strategic policy and philanthropic investments, the state has expanded pathways into high-demand careers, strengthened connections between education and industry, and increased access to work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
That same foundation is shaping how policy is developed in real time. The proposed Workforce Act of 2026 reflects North Carolina’s cross-sector approach — bringing together business and education leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists to strengthen pathways into high-demand careers and expand access to work-based learning. Rather than introducing a new direction, this Act builds on what is already working, demonstrating how alignment can translate into coordinated action.
The bipartisan-led Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships puts this approach into practice. Building on the state’s existing foundation, the council brings together leaders from industry, education, and government to strengthen coordination across the workforce system. Its value lies not in setting a new direction, but in reinforcing and accelerating a shared one.
This is what it looks like to build systems designed to last. Workforce development is not a one-year initiative or a single funding cycle — it is a long-term investment in people, communities, employers, and the educational infrastructure that supports them. North Carolina’s progress is rooted in structures that bring partners together consistently, align efforts across sectors, and create continuity beyond political cycles.
By embedding collaboration into how the work gets done — not just what gets prioritized — the state has created a model that can evolve over time while staying focused on its goals.
Work remains to be done. Gaps in attainment persist, and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of the state will require continued focus and innovation. But North Carolina’s significant progress and continued success being No. 1 nationally in many related categories demonstrates what is possible when leaders choose partnership over partisanship.
At a time when it’s easy to focus on what divides us, North Carolina offers a reminder: Some of the most important work we do — preparing people for the future of work and ensuring employers have access to skilled talent — is our north star and unifying force.
And in our shared goal of 2 million by 2030, we are not just building a stronger workforce. We are building a stronger state — for today and for generations to come.
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