North Carolina News Summary

Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt passed away at the age of 88, as announced by his daughter, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt. Hunt, who served four terms and is recognized as a pivotal figure in public education reform, died peacefully at his home in Wilson County.

Known for his influence in transitioning North Carolina's economy, Hunt's legacy includes significant contributions to both state governance and national education reform efforts, making him a celebrated statesman in North Carolina history.

Meanwhile, the NTSB is investigating a tragic plane crash in Statesville that killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others. The Cessna C550 jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport, leading to a fire and the loss of all on board.

Investigators are examining the flight records and the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the weather conditions at the time. Additionally, Renew NC has extended the application deadline for Hurricane Helene housing repair assistance until January 31, 2026, to support homeowners still recovering from the disaster.

This program is crucial for addressing the needs of communities in western North Carolina that were affected by the hurricane. Lastly, North Carolina Central University achieved a clean financial audit for the first time in three years, reflecting improvements in financial management.

Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon noted that this positive outcome is a significant step forward for the university, which faced substantial financial errors in the past. These developments highlight significant events impacting North Carolina across various sectors, including politics, safety, recovery, and education.