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Agriculture
SPECTRUM NEWS: N.C. egg farmers deal with higher costs while trying to maintain sales
The average price of a dozen eggs keeps climbing as availability has been lower. Since grocery stores are either low in stock or raising prices, egg lovers in North Carolina are flocking to different locations to buy the product straight from the supplier.
Economic Development
WRAL TECH WIRE: Best state to start a business? It’s not North Carolina, which only ranked 11th, study finds
Starting a business can be challenging. But doing so in North Carolina may give entrepreneurs an edge, as a new analysis shows that the state ranks 11th best in the nation in which to launch a new business. Despite about half of all startup companies shutting down within five years of opening their doors, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina slightly outpaced the national average.
Education
EDNC: State Superintendent Catherine Truitt launches revision of strategic plan Operation Polaris
State Superintendent Catherine Truitt launched a revision to her Operation Polaris plan that outlines the progress made on her initial goals as well as what’s to come from the state Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The document is a continuation of the efforts Truitt began in September 2021 to reach what she calls her North Star: “that every student deserves a highly qualified, excellent teacher in every classroom,” according to a press release from DPI.
ABC 11: Rising education inequality revealed: Here’s where NC ranks on most and least educated states list
For the first time in history, mathematics achievement scores in the United States dropped – from 241 in 2020 to 234 in 2022. As new research rolls in, the stark realities of the effects of COVID-19 on educational attainment are setting in.
Energy
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: From new natural gas to potential rate hikes, NC carbon reduction plan meets criticism
The N.C. Utilities Commission’s first-ever plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by generating electricity in the state has been met with widespread criticism. Environmental groups and solar energy trade associations have argued that the plan unnecessarily limits the amount of new solar energy while allowing Duke Energy to move forward with plans to build new power plants that burn natural gas.
Government
THE CAROLINA JOURNAL: As new Senate sworn in, Berger prioritizes Medicaid expansion, taxes, education
Members of the North Carolina Senate were sworn into office Wednesday, marking the beginning of the 2023 long session for the state legislature. This is the first time the Senate has met since N.C. voters elected a Republican supermajority to the chamber in November 2022. The state Senate is now composed of 30 Republicans and 20 Democrats.
Healthcare
WRAL: UnitedHealthcare unit latest to protest state’s health care contract
Another company is protesting the state’s decision to award a multibillion-dollar contract to a competitor, alleging that the state failed to conduct an impartial evaluation of bids to manage the North Carolina State Health Plan. The state’s treasurer, however, says the process was fair.
Politics
WCNC: Sports betting could soon be legal in North Carolina. Who operates the books could be a big debate
Supporters of legalizing online sports gambling are confident they have the votes to pass a bill this session, just months after failing by a single vote on the House floor. However, a coalition of North Carolina professional sports teams — big backers of legalization — are seeking changes that would aid their bottom lines but could splinter the stakeholder group that has supported legislation for nearly three years.
Transportation
THE CAROLINA JOURNAL: GOP leaders indicate need to “modernize” transportation funding
At a forum hosted by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance on Jan. 9, House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger discussed a host of issues leading up to the 2023 legislative session, which began on Jan. 11. And transportation issues were front and center in the conversation, including how to “modernize” highway funding beyond reliance on gasoline taxes, as well as criticism of Charlotte’s Transit Plan.
PORT CITY DAILY: NCDOT to host webinar on the future of public transportation
The state is hosting a webinar on the future of public transportation and invites the public to join. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold an online discussion Jan. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. The agency will reveal results of its North Carolina Public Perception Survey: Transportation Funding and Electric Vehicles.