North Carolina News Summary

Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family. Hunt served as governor from 1977 to 1985 and was later reelected in 1992 and 1996, making him a significant figure in state politics known for his education reform initiatives, particularly the Smart Start program aimed at improving early childhood education.

His daughter, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, expressed deep sadness at his passing, highlighting his commitment to public service and community. Meanwhile, the NASCAR community is mourning the tragic loss of Greg Biffle and his family, who were among seven victims in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport.

The crash occurred around 10:15 AM, leading to an investigation while the airport remains closed. Biffle, a well-known figure in NASCAR, was flying with his family to visit friends in Florida. In infrastructure news, Fayetteville is awaiting FEMA funds to address bridge repairs and flood mitigation efforts following severe flooding.

The city’s efforts to secure federal assistance are crucial in improving resilience against future disasters. Additionally, North Carolina has announced a $270 million funding boost to repair water systems damaged by Hurricane Helene, focusing on long-term storm resilience across 26 counties.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the need for better preparedness as many systems still rely on temporary fixes. The Lumbee Tribe has achieved full federal recognition, a significant milestone that will grant access to essential resources and rights for about 60,000 members, enhancing community development and cultural preservation.

Lastly, a statewide surge in respiratory viruses has prompted health advisories, with health officials urging vaccinations against flu and COVID-19 ahead of the holiday season.