Lawmakers Urge Mental Health System Overhaul

A new report from North Carolina lawmakers calls for an overhaul of the state’s mental health system following high-profile violent incidents involving people with untreated mental illness.

The bipartisan House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety issued recommendations Tuesday to address gaps exposed by cases like the August 2025 stabbing death of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte and the January 2026 murder of teacher Zoe Welsh in Raleigh.

Key proposals include using telehealth evaluations to conduct the first examination of the involuntary commitment process in jails rather than hospital emergency rooms, expanding the pool of providers qualified for psychiatric assessments, and directing the state Department of Health and Human Services to boost capacity at state psychiatric facilities.

The report aims to ease burdens on law enforcement and hospitals while improving treatment access.

Developers Release New Asteria Renderings

Developers released new renderings on Wednesday for Asteria, the upcoming StoryLiving by Disney residential community in Chatham County.

The visuals highlight the Second Star Club, a central gathering place named after the Peter Pan story that will serve as the social heart of the community, with indoor and outdoor spaces designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. A central lawn called Aster Green anchors the club, alongside the two-story Marquet Hall restaurant and event spaces.

The 1,500-acre development in Pittsboro will include more than 4,000 homes, including single-family homes, duplexes, and condos. Residents will have access to amenities such as an adults-only pool, family pool, playground, tennis and pickleball courts, creative studios, a wellness center, and Longtable Lodge, a dedicated space for residents 55 and older.

Home sales are expected to begin in 2027, with the first residents moving into the community in fall 2028.

NC Gains a New Resident Every 7+ Minutes

North Carolina is gaining a new resident every seven minutes and 36 seconds, according to a National Taxpayers Union Foundation analysis of the latest IRS interstate migration data, as taxpayers continue to flee high-tax states like California, New York, and Illinois.

The Tar Heel State ranked third in overall net migration, behind only Texas and Florida. Metro areas around Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington have seen strong inflows, driven by lower housing prices and robust job growth in finance, tech, and health care.

North Carolina’s flat individual income tax rate fell to 3.99% for 2026, with potential further reductions in 2027 and beyond if revenue targets are met.

The population boom aligns with North Carolina’s rising profile in the Geography of Prosperity project, an interactive tool that compares 250 U.S. urban areas and spotlights Durham alongside major innovation hubs positioned to thrive across different dimensions of opportunity.

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➤ Statewide: Settlement talks between North Carolina’s Department of Insurance and the Rate Bureau have delayed a May 4 hearing on a proposed 68.3% average dwelling insurance rate hike until July 6. (More)

➤ Also statewide: The Cook Political Report shifted North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race to “lean Democrat” on Monday, citing a tougher national climate for Republicans in the contest between former Gov. Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. (More)

➤ Apex: The town council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on the New Hill Digital Campus data center development on Tuesday, just days after the developer, Natelli Investments, withdrew its plans for the project. (More)

➤ Stokes County commissioners, meanwhile, voted Monday night to rescind a January rezoning approval and restart the entire process for a proposed 1,000-acre data center near Walnut Cove after a lawsuit challenged improper public noticing. (More)

➤ Asheville: NCDOT will permanently close several Interstate 26 ramps starting today for the I-26 Connector project, with detours in place as crews work to improve long-term traffic flow and safety. (More)

➤ Union County: Deputies used a drone to quickly locate a lost family near a Union County trail, finding seven people safe within minutes after they became disoriented during a weekend hike. (More)

➤ Dare County GIS expanded its interactive Hatteras Island Erosion Drone Imagery map to include additional areas, allowing the public to compare drone-captured images side by side to better monitor coastal erosion over time. (More)

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➤ The Charlotte Hornets beat the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime thanks to a game-winning layup by LaMelo Ball with 4.7 seconds left. Miles Bridges blocked a shot at the buzzer to end Miami’s season. (See Highlight)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes closed the regular season with a 2-1 win over the Islanders on Tuesday night, pushing them to 53-22-7 on the year. They’ll open the Stanley Cup Playoffs at home against Ottawa. (More)

➤ UNC baseball climbed to No. 2 in this week’s D1Baseball poll, setting up a top-five showdown this weekend against No. 1 Georgia Tech. (More)

➤ The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte revealed 15 nominees for its Class of 2027, headlined by Kevin Harvick in his first year of eligibility. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Norfolk Southern said a geometry train traveled 16 miles toward Asheville on April 7, signaling progress as crews restore the storm-damaged Old Fort Loops ahead of full reopening. (More)

➤ Lumbee tribal leaders are advancing a constitutional amendment that would allow enrolled members to vote on launching a casino, following the tribe’s purchase of 240 acres along I-95 in Robeson County. The council may approve the amendment as soon as today, with a possible membership referendum in July. (More)

➤ Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly closed more than 60 stores nationwide on Tuesday, including locations in Raleigh and Cary, citing rising costs, shifting market conditions, and changing shopping habits. (More)

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➤ Fisherman Brett Barley hooked a spinner shark while fishing for tuna 300 yards off Cape Point near Hatteras Island on Monday, then found himself surrounded by a school of sharks before calmly navigating his Jet Ski to safety. (See Sharks)

➤ Wildlife officials captured and relocated a 12-foot alligator on Tuesday after it appeared in a Southport driveway and climbed onto a neighboring porch, prompting a police response and safety reminders. (See Alligator)

➤ A new report highlights 10 North Carolina “best-kept secrets,” including historic Edenton, sailing haven Oriental, mountain gems Blowing Rock and Burnsville, and heritage-rich Valdese, citing the towns’ natural beauty, history, and outdoor charm. (See List)

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Are you a North Carolina native?

1. Native Tar Heel
2. Moved here later
3. Just passing through

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you view an exhibit featuring inflatable sculptures?

1. Not my thing: 48%
2. Maybe: 27%
3. Why not? 25%

Can sharks found off North Carolina’s coast also be found in its inland sounds?

Show me the answer