North Carolina News Summary

Parents advocating for their children with autism have achieved a significant victory in North Carolina as a Superior Court judge has paused cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain behavioral health providers.

According to NC Health News, these cuts posed a threat to crucial applied behavior analysis therapy, which assists children in developing communication and daily living skills. The judge's injunction follows a lawsuit filed by parents who argued that the cuts unfairly discriminated against children with disabilities.

In a related education development, UNC-Chapel Hill's Board of Trustees has approved a 3% tuition increase for in-state students, marking the first tuition hike in nearly a decade. ABC11 reports that the increase, which raises annual tuition to $7,229, was passed by a narrow 6-5 vote, amidst discussions about affordability.

The proposal will also increase out-of-state tuition by 10% to $49,601 per year, and a 1% increase for out-of-state graduate students is also on the table. Meanwhile, the North Carolina House Committee is proposing reforms to mental health treatment processes, addressing concerns about how the criminal justice system handles individuals with mental health issues.

WFMY News 2 highlights that these reforms reflect a growing recognition of the need for better mental health resources in the state. In law enforcement news, Operation Ghost Wire has led to the arrest of 23 alleged child sex predators in Alamance County, rescuing four children from abuse.

This operation, which was a collaborative effort involving several counties, demonstrates the increasing focus on child exploitation and protection in North Carolina. Finally, a significant change in Landis involves a revision of the stormwater fee structure, allowing the town to better address environmental concerns.

The Salisbury Post reports that this new fee structure, which charges per parcel instead of per water meter, is expected to increase annual stormwater revenue significantly, helping to tackle deferred maintenance issues.

This amendment showcases local governments' responsiveness to community needs and feedback.