NC Lawmakers Weigh Property Tax Changes

North Carolina lawmakers met for the third time since December this week to debate property tax reforms amid homeowner concerns over escalating taxes driven by higher property valuations and shifting federal funding burdens.

A key proposal came from the Tax Foundation, advocating for a “levy limit” system. This would cap annual revenue growth from existing properties, potentially tied to inflation, while exempting new construction and allowing overrides via voter approval.

Such measures aim to automatically adjust rates downward if values rise sharply, providing broader relief than targeted exemptions.

State Expands Western NC Business Projects

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina announced the westward expansion of its NC SelectSite Readiness Program on Thursday to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

The program, which targets smaller sites for advanced manufacturing and job creation, is adding five new locations in western counties hit hard by the 2024 storm: Alexander County Rail Sites in Hiddenite, Great Meadows in Morganton, Project Shift in Sylva, Mitchell Business Park in Spruce Pine, and ECMD in Wilkesboro.

Chosen from 18 submissions, these properties feature existing infrastructure, highway access, and proximity to utilities, enabling accelerated development.

Mooresville Activates Police Drones

The Mooresville Police Department has deployed a $320,000 drone program to enhance emergency response times and officer safety.

Flock Safety’s first responder drones launch automatically via dispatch using GPS coordinates, reaching speeds up to 58 mph and heights of 400 feet. They arrive at scenes within minutes—often faster than patrol officers—to provide real-time video feeds to officers’ smartphones.

Police Chief Ron Campurciani said the drones offer “game-changing” technology for responding to high-priority calls by tracking fleeing suspects, locating missing persons, documenting traffic crashes, and managing crime scenes. While groups like the ACLU have raised privacy concerns, the chief stressed that strict policies limit use to public safety.

The program positions Mooresville among early adopters of such technology nationwide. View a video of how the drones work here.

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➤ Northeast NC: Two plaintiffs submitted arguments to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday to overturn a ruling upholding the map for Senate Districts 1 and 2. They argued the districts illegally dilute black voters’ influence through racial gerrymandering. (More)

➤ Montgomery County: James Dunmore, 52, pleaded guilty via an Alford plea on Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter and failure to report a death in the 2023 death of his girlfriend, Allisha Watts, 39. He could receive up to 82 months per charge. (More)

➤ Union County: Police pulled over a 12-year-old boy driving an SUV to school by himself on Wednesday because he had missed the bus. No charges were filed, but the incident was referred to social services for follow-up. (More)

➤ Wake Forest: Former Wake Forest Elementary PTA treasurer Anna-Marie Ethridge, 56, was arrested and charged Wednesday with felony embezzlement for allegedly stealing $32,635 in PTA funds. She posted a $15,000 bond and was due in court yesterday. (More)

➤ Asheville: AVLFest will retire its name as co-founders Jeff Whitworth and Bryan Matheny part ways. Whitworth will debut AVL Sounds Fest Aug. 6-9, while Matheny will launch the inaugural Asheville Busker Fest May 2-3. (More)

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➤ Hornets guard LaMelo Ball crashed his custom camouflage Hummer in Uptown Charlotte, then hopped out of the car and into a Lamborghini. He wasn’t injured, but another person in the crash was. (More)

➤ Charlotte FC signed 21-year-old striker Idan Toklomati to a contract extension that keeps him with the club through 2030. He’s scored the most goals by anyone 21 or under in MLS history. (More)

➤ The Carolina Panthers signed 40-year-old long snapper JJ Jansen, who’s the longest tenured player in the league, to a one-year contract extension. Jansen’s been with the Panthers since 2009. (More)

➤ Wake Forest men’s basketball beat Clemson 85-77, their third consecutive ACC victory. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: Olympics | NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Newly announced America 250 partnerships include the display of promotional materials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, as well as a North Carolina Symphony Patriot Pop Series launching in April. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, RDU completed upgrades in Terminal 1 to ACC American Café and several shops, and opened a Raleigh Beer Garden, Italian eatery, and candy store yesterday as part of the $2.5 billion Transform RDU expansion. (More)

➤ Wilmington actress and author Sydney Penny has listed Jester’s Café for sale at $250,000, following her late partner Robert Powers’ 2024 death. The renovated bungalow, which the couple bought in 2016, offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch. (More)

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➤ A newly published list of 15 actors who have lived in Wilmington includes Dennis Hopper, Orlando Jones, Linda Lavin, Pat Hingle, Peter Jurasik, and Elle Graham. (See List)

➤ The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts an earlier-than-normal last spring frost for North Carolina in 2026, signaling a longer spring planting window for cool-season crops. (See Map)

➤ A harbor seal was spotted resting on Nags Head beach on Sunday. The OBX Marine Mammal Stranding Network assessed it as “fat and sassy,” and left it undisturbed to “rest for the rest of the day.” (Watch Video)

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Do you enjoy watching the Winter or Summer Olympic Games more?

1. Winter
2. Summer
3. Both
4. Neither
5. Not sure

Yesterday’s Results:

Should women’s flag football be an NCAA-sanctioned sport?

1. Yes: 35%
2. No: 33%
3. Not sure: 32%

Are harbor seals considered migratory?

Show me the answer