North Carolina News Summary

Kannapolis City Council is evaluating proposals for street safety improvements, addressing crucial intersection enhancements as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant received in 2023. The project costs are estimated between $4.2 million and $9.8 million, and city officials expect to apply for future federal and state grants to fund these initiatives. City Manager Mike Legg highlighted the importance of this grant, noting it provides a competitive advantage in securing additional funding for safety projects throughout the city. Proposed improvements focus on intersections and road segments with high crash rates, identified through public surveys and analyses by DRMP, a civil engineering consulting firm, according to the Salisbury Post.

In Ashe County, an economic development incentive deal is underway for Project Pandora, which aims to bolster local manufacturing and create jobs. The county's efforts to attract this project exemplify ongoing initiatives to enhance economic growth in the region, as reported by The Business North Carolina. This project is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and job market.

Meanwhile, Duke Energy has announced an expansion of its services in North Carolina, with new branch openings in Asheville, Wilmington, and the Triad region. This expansion aims to improve customer service and energy access for residents. PNC Bank is also expanding its presence in North Carolina, planning to add a dozen branches in the Triad and two each in Asheville and Wilmington over the next five years, reflecting the state's growing population and economic opportunities, according to The Business North Carolina.

As Veterans Day approaches, various events across North Carolina are honoring military service members. A luncheon in Fayetteville gathered veterans from multiple generations, allowing them to reconnect and share experiences. State leaders participated in the event to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, emphasizing the strong military community in the area, as reported by ABC11.

In response to disruptions in SNAP benefits affecting food security for over 1.4 million North Carolinians, the Duke Endowment has provided a $1 million grant to support food banks in the state. Feeding the Carolinas highlighted that this grant will help address the increased demand for food assistance, which has surged by over 30% year-over-year. The disruption in federal food programs has exacerbated an already critical food insecurity situation, with food banks struggling to meet rising demand, as reported by WCNC Charlotte.