UNC Formally Names Belichick Head Coach 

The University of North Carolina launched a new era in football Thursday when Bill Belichick was formally announced as the Tar Heels’ next head coach.

Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham described it as “an incredible day” and referred to Belichick as “an absolute perfect fit for us” during an afternoon press conference following the Board of Trustees approval of a five-year, $50 million deal for the Super Bowl-winning head coach.

Belichick’s former New England Patriots assistant coach Mike Lombardi is leaving his job as a sports betting analyst to become the program’s general manager.

Reactions to the announcement have ranged from fans calling the hire “a great thing,” to NC State quarterback CJ Bailey stating, “No matter who the coach is for UNC, we’re going to kick them.”

NC Elections Board Rejects GOP Protests

The North Carolina Board of Elections voted Wednesday to dismiss formal election protests submitted by four Republican candidates: State Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin, Rep. Frank Sossamon, Stacie McGinn, and Ashley Bryan Adams.

The elections board sided with the Democratic candidates and left some protests to county boards to decide.

Griffin wanted 60,000 ballots thrown out based on concerns over voter registrations lacking a driver’s license number or the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers. 

All matters are now expected to be resolved in court.

Winter Shelters Still Priority for WNC

Volunteers and nonprofits are working to provide temporary winter shelters for displaced residents of western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene, despite permit requirements complicating the process in some areas.

Operation Helo, a western North Carolina nonprofit that formed after Helene, is providing free RVs to more than 160 families who were displaced by the storm.

The American Red Cross is providing “hot tents” to residents who want to remain on their property. Hot tents typically come with a portable wood-burning stove and are made with fire-resistant fabric.

FEMA recently apologized for publicizing an inaccurate timeline for delivering temporary homes and reported that as of Wednesday, 62 of 536 approved travel trailers or manufactured homes had been delivered to displaced residents.

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➤ Western NC: FEMA will close two Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Centers in Macon and Swain counties at 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 14. (See Details)

➤ Kitty Hawk: The town council passed a resolution protesting NC Senate Bill 382, saying it will have “significant negative impacts on local authority” and the town’s ability to address community needs. (More)

➤ Durham: A teacher-founded nonprofit called Mrs. Parker’s Professors Foodraiser packed 4,800 bags of donated food to provide meals over winter break to students in need. (See Photos)

➤ Kings Mountain: Wildlife crews are searching for bobcats who may have been burned during the Crowders Mountain wildfire, as their injuries could hinder their ability to hunt for food. (More)

➤ Brunswick County: Working Lands Trust, Inc. and Democracy Green will receive $20 million to improve water quality and restore ecosystems in the Supply, Ash, and Longwood communities. (More)

➤ Kill Devil Hills: The Wright Brothers National Memorial will host its annual First Flight anniversary event Dec. 17 with a wreath-laying ceremony, demos, and other activities. (See Details)

➤ JR Motorsports announced Dale Earnhardt’s famed No. 8 car will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 with Sammy Smith at the wheel. (See Photo)

➤ Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is reportedly planning to take a more “hands-off” approach to building the team. In years past, Tepper was heavily criticized for his involvement in team decisions. (More)

➤ Duke has its new starting quarterback for 2025—Tulane transfer Darian Mensah—one of the top available quarterbacks in the portal. (More)

➤ Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball attended team practice Wednesday as a limited participant. Ball has been out since the beginning of December with a calf injury. (More)

 ➤ Yesterday’s results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ Consumers “tricked” into making Fortnite purchases from Cary-based Epic Games are starting to receive refund checks two years after the company agreed to pay out $520 million to settle complaints. (More)

➤ Google announced a gift of $1 million to North Carolina Central University to establish an AI research institute. (More)

➤ Duke Health will acquire Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in 2025 in a deal worth $280 million. (See Details)

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➤ Approximately 250 nativity sets from around the world are on display through Dec. 15 at the First Baptist Church of Asheville. (See Details)

➤ Also in Asheville, the Helene-damaged River Arts District is selling handcrafted goods online for holiday shoppers. (More)

➤ View 12,000 Christmas lights at Ocracoke’s Island Commons illumination attraction along N.C. Highway 12 through the end of December. (See Photos)

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What’s your preference on the slopes?

1. Skis
2. Snowboard
3. Cocoa in the lodge

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you feel about UNC Football’s coaching offer to Bill Belichick?

1. Couldn’t care less about it: 33.1%
2. Love it: 24.6%
3. Not sure about it: 24.2%
4. Hate it: 18.1%

How did Orville and Wilbur Wright determine who would test pilot the first Wright Flyer flight?

Show me the answer