North Carolina News Summary

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has achieved long-sought federal recognition after 137 years, as Congress included the Lumbee Fairness Act in the National Defense Authorization Act. This recognition, which has been a bipartisan effort, will provide over 55,000 tribe members access to essential federal benefits, including healthcare and housing, marking a historic moment for the Lumbee people, who are the largest Native American group east of the Mississippi.

Meanwhile, North Carolina lawmakers are grappling with the property tax system amid ongoing budget negotiations, with no resolution expected before 2026, impacting education and healthcare funding across the state.

Additionally, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has expanded its workforce by nearly 150 license examiners to reduce long wait times for driver's licenses, which have averaged about two hours and 45 minutes.

In Durham, city and county leaders have launched a comprehensive Violence Reduction Plan to address rising crime rates, with educational sessions planned to foster community safety. Lastly, health officials have reported the first pediatric flu death of the season, emphasizing the importance of vaccination as flu cases rise in the state.