Barack Carter

Audit: NC community colleges spent Helene funds on stress balls, birdwatching

An audit of $1.25 million appropriated to the NC Community College System for mental health support after Hurricane Helene has turned up some interesting purchases, including rhinoceros-shaped stress balls, foot detox sessions, and guided birdwatching.

Legislators rebut court challenge to northeastern NC Senate districts

Top lawmakers urge the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals to reject a lawsuit challenging two state Senate districts in northeastern North Carolina.

DEQ awards $215M for water projects from Helene damage

On April 16, the State Water Infrastructure Authority and the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $215 million to fund 66 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 26 counties.

NC agencies slow to eliminate vacancies flagged in audit

In an update to an audit released in January by the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE), only 129 (15.6%) of 819 long-term vacancies planned for elimination across state agencies occurred by Feb. 1