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North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo

Lawmakers are shifting focus to the next budget year as divisions over taxes and spending persist.

Politics

The North Carolina legislature is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back in session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/17/5-big-questions-going-into-a-critical-ncga-session" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/17/5-big-questions-going-into-a-critical-ncga-session" target="_self">back in session</a>, though the chance of last year&#x27;s budget ever passing appears to be vanishing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/axios-live-north-carolina-faces-health-care-funding-staffing-gaps" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/axios-live-north-carolina-faces-health-care-funding-staffing-gaps" target="_self">Medicaid money</a> is running out, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teacher pay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ednc.org/edexplainer-whats-the-status-of-teacher-pay-and-benefits-in-north-carolina-in-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ednc.org/edexplainer-whats-the-status-of-teacher-pay-and-benefits-in-north-carolina-in-2026/" target="_blank">Teacher pay</a> hasn&#x27;t gone up this school year, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state prisons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wunc.org/politics/2026-03-30/nc-prison-system-struggling-to-pay-bills-keep-staff-dismukes" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wunc.org/politics/2026-03-30/nc-prison-system-struggling-to-pay-bills-keep-staff-dismukes" target="_blank">state prisons</a> are struggling to pay their bills.<ul><li>Other things are falling through the cracks, too, like the zoo being unable to make enough new hires to open its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently completed Asia exhibits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-zoo-cannot-open-asia-continent-because-of-state-budget-holdup/83-1f8546df-75c2-4ec1-889f-175bed0c0d45" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-zoo-cannot-open-asia-continent-because-of-state-budget-holdup/83-1f8546df-75c2-4ec1-889f-175bed0c0d45" target="_blank">recently completed Asia exhibits</a>.</li></ul>

North Carolina craft beer has entered a "new era"

Changing consumer habits and rising costs have hurt breweries in the state.

Food and Drink

The craft beer market&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="e952d8dd-4e5f-408d-bb65-2d6e42a84c28" data-vars-headline="North Carolina craft beer has entered a &quot;new era&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">historic decline</a> continued last year, with a 5.1% decrease in production and 2.9% contraction in U.S. breweries amid a slump in consumption, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="e952d8dd-4e5f-408d-bb65-2d6e42a84c28" data-vars-headline="North Carolina craft beer has entered a &quot;new era&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" target="_blank">report</a> released Tuesday shows.<ul><li>Those national trends are being felt in taprooms across North Carolina.</li></ul>Why it matters: Craft breweries were a growing part of the state&#x27;s economy throughout the past decade, breathing new life into downtowns throughout the state and making places like Asheville a destination. <ul><li>More than 400 craft breweries now operate in North Carolina. They had an economic impact of more than $2.2 billion in 2024, according to the report, released by the Colorado-based Brewers Association.</li></ul>

Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand

Gabe Eng-Goetz ran the popular brand Runaway in downtown Durham during the 2010s.

Business

An influential figure in the Triangle&#x27;s creative arts scene is returning to the apparel world with a new clothing brand and print studio in downtown Durham.Why it matters: Before becoming one of the state&#x27;s most prolific public artists — with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murals and artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gabegets.com/murals" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gabegets.com/murals" target="_blank">murals and artwork</a> across North Carolina — Gabe Eng-Goetz led the influential local clothing brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Runaway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/runawayclothes/" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/runawayclothes/" target="_blank">Runaway</a>, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ended production in 2019" data-vars-click-url="https://indyweek.com/news/culture/art/runaway-is-ending-after-this-season-but-its-seven-years-in/" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyweek.com/news/culture/art/runaway-is-ending-after-this-season-but-its-seven-years-in/" target="_blank">ended production in 2019</a>.

Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham

The company plans to create more than 700 jobs at the facility.

AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical giant, will invest $1.4 billion into a new facility in Durham, the company and the N.C. Department of Commerce announced Wednesday. Why it matters: The expansion is yet another win from the pharmaceutical industry for the Triangle and will create more than 700 jobs over the next four years, according to AbbVie. <ul><li>AbbVie also considered Chicago for the expansion, according to the Commerce Department. </li></ul>Driving the news: If it meets hiring and investment goals, AbbVie could receive more than $19 million in incentives from the state. <ul><li>The city of Durham and Durham County will also contribute $24.8 million in incentives. </li></ul>Zoom in: AbbVie said in a statement that it hopes to begin construction on the 185-acre campus this year and open the facility in 2028. <ul><li>The facility will focus on the production of AbbVie&#x27;s drugs in the immunology, neuroscience and oncology space. </li><li>The average wage at the AbbVie facility will be $118,000, and the company is expected to hire engineers, lab technicians, manufacturing roles and scientists. </li><li>This is AbbVie&#x27;s first investment into the state of North Carolina, and its campus will be located near <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a>. </li><li>The company said the first phase of construction at the site will include facilities for small volume parenteral drugs, laboratories, a warehouse and administrative offices. </li></ul>The big picture: Durham and Wake counties have seen huge commitments from pharmaceutical companies in recent months. <ul><li>Last fall, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Novartis pledged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/19/novartis-plans-hundreds-of-jobs-in-durham-and-morrisville" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/19/novartis-plans-hundreds-of-jobs-in-durham-and-morrisville" target="_self">Novartis pledged</a> to hire more than 700 people at facilities in Durham and Wake counties. </li><li>Other wins include expansions from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Genentech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/20/biotech-company-genentech-increases-investment-into-holly-springs" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/20/biotech-company-genentech-increases-investment-into-holly-springs" target="_self">Genentech</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amgen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/05/amgen-expands-investment-holly-springs-biotech-campus-1-billion" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/05/amgen-expands-investment-holly-springs-biotech-campus-1-billion" target="_self">Amgen</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fujifilm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/24/fujifilm-north-carolina-pharmaceutical-plant-onshore-manufacturing" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/24/fujifilm-north-carolina-pharmaceutical-plant-onshore-manufacturing" target="_self">Fujifilm</a> Diosynth, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biogen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" target="_self">Biogen</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eli Lilly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/axios-live-raleigh-north-carolina-talent-manufacturing-workforce" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/axios-live-raleigh-north-carolina-talent-manufacturing-workforce" target="_self">Eli Lilly</a>. </li></ul>

North Carolina's drought puts pressure on water supply

For April, restrictions be triggered if supply in Falls Lake drops to 85%. Right now, they are at 87%.

Environment

Triangle officials aren&#x27;t yet placing new limits on how much water people can use as dry weather persists, but local water supply managers are closely monitoring conditions.Why it matters: North Carolina is experiencing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="severe drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/10/drought-north-carolina-farming-water-supply-rain-dry" data-vars-content-id="f07b8ce4-874f-4639-84ff-7a2c6890a569" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s drought puts pressure on water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/10/drought-north-carolina-farming-water-supply-rain-dry" target="_self">severe drought</a>, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Raleigh area" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.87946000000005&amp;lon=-78.78709999999995#.Yzbp9OzMJO9" data-vars-content-id="f07b8ce4-874f-4639-84ff-7a2c6890a569" data-vars-headline="North Carolina&#x27;s drought puts pressure on water supply" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.87946000000005&amp;lon=-78.78709999999995#.Yzbp9OzMJO9" target="_blank">Raleigh area</a> is in for more sunny days this week.

Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark

Tagged fish, like Swim Shady, are helping scientists learn how red drum move between states and coastal waters.

Things to Do

North Carolina researchers tagging and tracking coastal fish have created an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://tracker.ncmefoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="f5e5dc69-1776-493f-bb90-7e0cb7aa50ef" data-vars-headline="Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tracker.ncmefoundation.org/" target="_blank">online tracker</a> that lets anyone see where the fish are pinging.Why it matters: Red drum are hugely popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recreational fish" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" data-vars-content-id="f5e5dc69-1776-493f-bb90-7e0cb7aa50ef" data-vars-headline="Follow tagged North Carolina fish — and one likely eaten by a shark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" target="_self">recreational fish</a>, and yet their movement patterns are somewhat of a mystery.

Cold stuns fish on North Carolina coast

Unusually cold temperatures are killing fish and triggering a harvest ban.

Climate

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is closing the season on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spotted seatrout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" data-vars-content-id="ba9cbf0a-f7a5-4390-86f0-dde42043a89c" data-vars-headline="Cold stuns fish on North Carolina coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" target="_self">spotted seatrout</a> because so many of the fish are dying from the cold.Why it matters: The recent stretch of unusually frigid temperatures is having an impact on wildlife throughout the South, especially fish and reptiles.

North Carolina goes to trial over how it's managed fisheries

The ruling will have massive implications for the commercial and recreational fishing industries.

A trial is now underway in Raleigh that could have enormous consequences for North Carolina&#x27;s multi-billion-dollar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commercial" data-vars-click-url="https://business.appstate.edu/news/new-research-considers-impact-commercial-fisheries-north-carolinas-economy" data-vars-content-id="c2dd97e1-0400-4de0-a2ea-fffa07f7f890" data-vars-headline="North Carolina goes to trial over how it&#x27;s managed fisheries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://business.appstate.edu/news/new-research-considers-impact-commercial-fisheries-north-carolinas-economy" target="_blank">commercial</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recreational" data-vars-click-url="https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2020/10/ECONOMIST.FALL-2020-von-Haefen-FINAL-FINAL-FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c2dd97e1-0400-4de0-a2ea-fffa07f7f890" data-vars-headline="North Carolina goes to trial over how it&#x27;s managed fisheries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2020/10/ECONOMIST.FALL-2020-von-Haefen-FINAL-FINAL-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">recreational</a> fishing industries.Why it matters: The state is being accused of not effectively <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="managing its fisheries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" data-vars-content-id="c2dd97e1-0400-4de0-a2ea-fffa07f7f890" data-vars-headline="North Carolina goes to trial over how it&#x27;s managed fisheries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/26/north-carolina-recreational-fishing-flounder-red-drum-striped-bass-spotted-trout" target="_self">managing its fisheries</a>, natural resources that belong to the people of North Carolina.

Taking home these 5 fish triggers new North Carolina rule

The data gives the state a window into a recreational fishing industry that commercial anglers argue is opaque.

Starting next week, anglers who catch some of North Carolina&#x27;s most popular coastal fish species are required to file reports with the state if they&#x27;re taking those fish home to eat.Why it matters: More than 1 million people fish every year in North Carolina waters, the state reports, and many of them have bristled against the new rule, which applies to flounder, red drum, spotted seatrout, striped bass and weakfish.<ul><li>Advocates say the data being collected will grant the state new insights into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multi-billion-dollar" data-vars-click-url="https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2020/10/ECONOMIST.FALL-2020-von-Haefen-FINAL-FINAL-FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="bf5024d9-3ef8-4243-bdb6-9fe52ad7fddb" data-vars-headline="Taking home these 5 fish triggers new North Carolina rule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-resource-economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2020/10/ECONOMIST.FALL-2020-von-Haefen-FINAL-FINAL-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">multi-billion-dollar</a> recreational fishing industry. </li></ul>

Raleigh prepares to turn over a new leaf

Each fall, Raleigh residents welcome cooler air, colorful trees and the return of season traditions.

<div data-sponsor-disclosure="&quot;{&quot;logoUrl&quot;:&quot;https://images.axios.com/FxFKLlNpw0BORhjellSNSzTpAcI=/2025/11/21/1763752924051.jpg&quot;,&quot;headline&quot;:&quot;A message from: The City of Raleigh&quot;}&quot;"></div><div style="display:none"></div>Each fall, Raleigh residents welcome cooler air, colorful trees and the return of season traditions.<ul><li>But as the leaves fall, the challenge of cleanup begins.</li></ul>As the City of Raleigh gears up for leaf collection this year, it&#x27;s also preparing for a big change next fall.

Trout fishing in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene

WNC tourism is rebounding after Hurricane Helene, but a major trout hatchery goes offline next year.

For well over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="350,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncwildlife.gov/ncwrc-trout-report-final/open" data-vars-content-id="8bd529ab-ad20-4ac1-93a6-b762eb2d40d7" data-vars-headline="Trout fishing in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncwildlife.gov/ncwrc-trout-report-final/open" target="_blank">350,000 people</a> per year, the first few cool days in fall signal it&#x27;s time to plan a trout fishing trip in the southern Appalachians of North Carolina.Why it matters: Trout fishing in western North Carolina generates around $1.4 billion in annual economic impact, the state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncwildlife.gov/ncwrc-trout-report-final/open" data-vars-content-id="8bd529ab-ad20-4ac1-93a6-b762eb2d40d7" data-vars-headline="Trout fishing in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncwildlife.gov/ncwrc-trout-report-final/open" target="_blank">estimated</a> in 2023.<ul><li>The best fishing happens outside the hot summer months, since trout need cold water to survive.</li></ul>

North Carolina proposal to ban inland shrimp trawling met with fierce pushback

Among the most controversial bills making its way through North Carolina's legislature recently would ban inland shrimp trawling.

News

A potential ban on inland shrimp trawling has become one of the most controversial bills moving through North Carolina&#x27;s state legislature.Why it matters: The proposal, which would ban trawling less than a half-mile off the coast, heats up a long battle between the state&#x27;s recreational and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commercial fishermen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/05/10/fresh-seafood-market-locals-raleigh-north-carolina-fish" data-vars-content-id="ffee8ccc-43d9-4147-9971-e865dda90395" data-vars-headline="North Carolina proposal to ban inland shrimp trawling met with fierce pushback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/05/10/fresh-seafood-market-locals-raleigh-north-carolina-fish" target="_self">commercial fishermen</a>. It also pits those opposed to the measure over environmental concerns against others who say a ban would devastate the state&#x27;s shrimping industry and wipe out jobs.

How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina

NC could face an outsized impact if the federal government transforms how it provides disaster relief assistance.

North Carolina&#x27;s reputation as one of the most disaster-prone states means it could face an outsized impact if the federal government transforms how it provides <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disaster relief assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/09/trump-kristi-noem-fema-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/09/trump-kristi-noem-fema-shutdown" target="_self">disaster relief assistance</a>.Why it matters: In a visit to western North Carolina this year, President Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="floated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-getting-rid-of-fema-visits-north-carolina-california/" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-getting-rid-of-fema-visits-north-carolina-california/" target="_blank">floated</a> &quot;fundamentally overhauling or reforming&quot; FEMA, or &quot;maybe getting rid&quot; of it — fueling concerns that U.S. disaster relief could be thrown into chaos just a few months before another hurricane season spins up.<ul><li>Changes to the program could burden a state already plagued by a painfully slow response to hurricanes that have ravaged it in recent years. </li></ul>Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Helene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/02/13/tracking-helene-s-toll" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/02/13/tracking-helene-s-toll" target="_self">Hurricane Helene</a> is estimated to have left close to $60 billion in damages in its wake, per North Carolina&#x27;s Office of State Budget and Management. <ul><li>The state failed to appoint a &quot;disaster recovery coordinator&quot; to work with the federal government, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/03/09/helene-north-carolina-fema-critics/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzQxNjY1NjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzQzMDQ3OTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NDE2NjU2MDAsImp0aSI6IjFlNzM4MDAzLWYyYzYtNDY5OS04NjQ1LTI0NGI2ODU1YzE3NyIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS93ZWF0aGVyLzIwMjUvMDMvMDkvaGVsZW5lLW5vcnRoLWNhcm9saW5hLWZlbWEtY3JpdGljcy8ifQ.l64kJFv96pHBrIBm4Xf4k51GWVM2HYK6vB1GR_5-r4c" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/03/09/helene-north-carolina-fema-critics/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzQxNjY1NjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzQzMDQ3OTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NDE2NjU2MDAsImp0aSI6IjFlNzM4MDAzLWYyYzYtNDY5OS04NjQ1LTI0NGI2ODU1YzE3NyIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS93ZWF0aGVyLzIwMjUvMDMvMDkvaGVsZW5lLW5vcnRoLWNhcm9saW5hLWZlbWEtY3JpdGljcy8ifQ.l64kJFv96pHBrIBm4Xf4k51GWVM2HYK6vB1GR_5-r4c" target="_blank">Washington Post reported</a>, and six months after the disaster, the state and federal government have funneled just a fraction of the cost of the damages into the region. </li><li>It&#x27;s unclear how the elimination or overhaul of FEMA could impact the speed or amount of federal dollars dispersed to disaster-ridden states, but with a long road to Helene recovery ahead, the state is still struggling to rebuild homes after hurricanes Matthew and Florence, which ripped through the state years ago. </li></ul>How it works: FEMA and other federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), already funnel billions of dollars to individuals and communities.<ul><li>It&#x27;s unclear how or whether Trump&#x27;s vision might change that, or if it would result in fewer federal dollars for disaster-wracked states.</li><li>Some FEMA reform advocates call for giving states &quot;block grants&quot; of relief money to spend as they see fit, rather than to meet specific needs — but others worry that would lead to fraud and abuse, or that many states lack the resources and expertise to rebuild without help.</li></ul>By the numbers: North Carolina is one of the states that would be hit especially hard if the feds change the state&#x27;s federal relief funding infrastructure, per a new analysis from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carnegie Disaster Dollar Database" data-vars-click-url="https://carnegieendowment.org/features/disaster-dollar-database?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://carnegieendowment.org/features/disaster-dollar-database?lang=en" target="_blank">Carnegie Disaster Dollar Database</a>.<ul><li>The state received an average of $451.3 million per year in FEMA and HUD relief funding from 2015 to 2024 for 10 disasters—just 1.1% of the state&#x27;s fiscal year 2023 spending.</li></ul>Zoom out: Louisiana, meanwhile, received an average of about $1.4 billion from 2015 to 2024, covering 14 disasters. That&#x27;s equal to 6.3% of the state&#x27;s spending in 2023.<ul><li>Florida got $2.1 billion a year on average during that time, equal to 2.8% of the state&#x27;s 2023 spending.</li><li>And Texas got $1.4 billion, equal to 1.8% of its 2023 spending.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Up to now, when there is a disaster, the government responds. They clean up the debris, they rebuild the schools, they run shelters, they clean the drinking water,&quot; says Sarah Labowitz of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who led this analysis.<ul><li>&quot;All of that is supported by a federal disaster relief ecosystem that spreads the risk around the country, spreads the costs around the country. And if we stop spreading the costs around the country, then it&#x27;s going to fall on states, and it&#x27;s going to fall on states really unevenly.&quot;</li></ul>&quot;We as a disaster response sector, certainly we as an agency, need our federal partners,&quot; adds Katie Mears, senior technical specialist at Episcopal Relief and Development, the aid and relief wing of the Episcopal Church.<ul><li>&quot;We understand the need for reform, but we can&#x27;t do this without support from all the different federal players.&quot;</li></ul>Friction point: The Trump administration is already using disaster relief as leverage to extract political concessions.<ul><li>HUD Secretary Scott Turner recently blasted the city of Asheville&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draft proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2025-03-11/dei-is-dead-hud-says-it-wont-approve-ashevilles-225-million-recovery-plan-with-dei-measures" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2025-03-11/dei-is-dead-hud-says-it-wont-approve-ashevilles-225-million-recovery-plan-with-dei-measures" target="_blank">draft proposal</a> for $225 million for Hurricane Helene relief, which included language about prioritizing assistance for minority- and women-owned businesses.</li><li>&quot;DEI is dead at HUD,&quot; Turner said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_25_040#:~:text=However%2C%20Asheville&#x27;s%20draft%20action%20plan,action%20plan%20to%20be%20compliant." data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_25_040#:~:text=However%2C%20Asheville&#x27;s%20draft%20action%20plan,action%20plan%20to%20be%20compliant." target="_blank">statement</a>. &quot;We will not provide funding to any program or grantee that does not comply with President Trump&#x27;s executive orders,&quot; referring to Trump&#x27;s January <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/21/trump-dei-rollback" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/21/trump-dei-rollback" target="_self">move</a> to dismantle federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs.</li></ul>The big picture: &quot;I think we&#x27;re all in agreement about [FEMA] reform, but let&#x27;s do it smartly and be able at the same time to complete the mission,&quot; Pete Gaynor, who ran FEMA for about two years during Trump&#x27;s first term, tells Axios.<ul><li>Part of FEMA&#x27;s utility, Gaynor says, is directing not just money but people, including relief experts who can be dispatched to states as needed after disaster strikes.</li><li>But he&#x27;s concerned about an exodus of FEMA staffers, in part tied to Trump&#x27;s broader purge of federal workers. More than 200 of FEMA&#x27;s 20,000-plus staffers have been fired, NPR <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2025/02/21/nx-s1-5301064/trump-fema-layoffs-disasters-hurricanes" data-vars-content-id="1d05f7bc-4fd4-4b07-b227-6628db1881f4" data-vars-headline="How a FEMA transformation could impact North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2025/02/21/nx-s1-5301064/trump-fema-layoffs-disasters-hurricanes" target="_blank">reports</a>.</li></ul>&quot;Where does this goal of reform stop before it&#x27;s too late and you lose these capabilities that have been critical over time?&quot; Gaynor says.<ul><li>&quot;There has been and will continue to be a departure of [senior leaders] that have been at FEMA for 25-30 years, experts at everything — they leave, and you have a freeze on hiring, or you instill fear into the workforce, that&#x27;s going to hurt.&quot;</li><li>&quot;And you know who it&#x27;s going to hurt first? It&#x27;s going to hurt the disaster survivor — that&#x27;s where it hurts.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: &quot;We really need to be proactive in making sure that we lay down some principles that reform should follow to make sure the result is positive,&quot; Gaynor says.<ul><li>&quot;We have some work to do. I&#x27;m not sure there are red flashing lights just yet, but I think the lights are flashing yellow.&quot;</li></ul>

Bill would eliminate Duke Energy's 2030 carbon reduction goals

The proposal would roll back a portion of a major 2021 bipartisan bill.

Duke Energy would shed its goal of a 70% carbon reduction by 2030 under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new bill" data-vars-click-url="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/94874" data-vars-content-id="618983c8-dee1-4c70-a2d1-393179336b02" data-vars-headline="Bill would eliminate Duke Energy&#x27;s 2030 carbon reduction goals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/94874" target="_blank">new bill</a> filed in the North Carolina General Assembly by powerful state Senate leader Phil Berger.Why it matters: The proposal would roll back a portion of a major 2021 bill, which Republican state lawmakers and then-Gov. Roy Cooper compromised on, calling for Duke to achieve a 70% drop in its statewide carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by the 2050.