NC Unveils 5-Year Plan for Education

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released a five-year, board-approved strategic plan to improve the state’s public education system on Wednesday.

The plan includes measurable goals designed to evaluate progress, such as increasing the four-year graduation rate from 86.9% to 92%, boosting the average statewide ACT score from 18.5 to 20, and expanding participation in AP courses from 21.5% to 30%.

The plan also aims to increase Career and Technical Education program engagement from 36.1% to 41%, grow the percentage of children enrolled in public schools from 84% to 89%, and raise student participation in dual enrollment courses from 36% to 41%.

Additional goals involve boosting character education participation, making North Carolina the Southeastern leader in teacher pay, and earning national recognition for reading and math performance.

Speed Cameras Allowed in School Zones Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, North Carolina cities and counties will be allowed to install speed cameras in school zones, as authorized by a new transportation law signed by Gov. Josh Stein on July 1.

Camera zones must display warning signs posted within 1,000 feet. The cameras capture images of speeding vehicles, recording the date, time, and speed, enabling officers to issue citations after review.

A flat $250 fine will be assessed, but points won’t be added to ticketed offenders’ licenses. Drivers will have 30 days to pay or appeal their ticket before a $50 late fee is applied.

So far, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have announced interest in installing the cameras, with support from the Matthews Police Department.

Camping World CEO Defends Flag Stance

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told Sacramento’s FOX40 on Friday that he’s doubling down on his decision to continue flying oversized American flags at Camping World locations nationwide, despite local ordinances including in San Joaquin County, California, that require their removal.

In March, the city council in Greenville, North Carolina, voted against an ordinance that would have allowed Lemonis to continue flying the flag there, prompting him to abruptly close one of two local locations.

That controversy came amid another lawsuit filed in Sevierville, Tennessee, over the same issue.

While the matter remains unresolved, Lemonis says in a viral video that, as an immigrant, he will continue flying the American flag as his way of thanking the country for allowing him to make a living.

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➤ Statewide: Saturday marked the final day for weekend walk-in hours at 82 North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles offices statewide after expanding hours in June to reduce wait times and long lines. (More)

➤ Statewide: The Criminal Justice Information Network’s GPS ankle monitor program for defendants charged with sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and other crimes may shut down if permanent funding isn’t secured from the General Assembly. (More)

➤ Outer Banks: Hatteras Island’s evacuation order has been lifted, with N.C. 12 reopened to residents, property owners, and visitors. Ocracoke remains accessible only by mainland ferries due to road closures from Hurricane Erin’s sand overwash. (More)

➤ Apex: The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled Friday that the Town of Apex illegally installed a sewer line for a 50-home subdivision on a resident’s property in 2015. A trial court will now decide whether the town must compensate her or remove the line. (More)

➤ Raleigh: A nonprofit hosted a Ukrainian Independence Day festival at Ridge Road Baptist Church on Saturday that featured live music, folk dancing, raffles, food, art, and a tour of the Ukrainian School of Raleigh. (More)

➤ Eden: Trooper Wright, a local high school athlete who lost his arm in an accident last November, has secured a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Preppy Pirate Outfitters, featuring #Trooperstrong on clothing items. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Panthers’ trade negotiations involving veteran receiver Adam Thielen have reportedly hit a snag, and now the 35-year-old will likely remain with the team. (More)

➤ NC State will face ECU on Thursday in a rematch of the 2024 Military Bowl, which will kick off both teams’ 2025 seasons. (More)

➤ The 2025 North Carolina High School football season kicked off on Friday. (See Scores)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA | U.S. Open | INDY

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➤ An NC Chamber Foundation report says streamlined, transparent energy project approvals with a centralized permitting system and clear timelines will address regulatory delays and grid issues. (More)

➤ New Hill residents plan to attend an Apex Town Council meeting to oppose rezoning 189 acres on Shearon Harris Road for a proposed 250-megawatt data center. (More)

➤ Asheville-based Noble Cider won the NC Wine Cup for the second year in a row, earning a double gold for its Spice Merchant cider and six silvers for its Royal Peach, Village Tart, and Lewis Creek Orchard Reserve series. (More)

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➤ The Princeton Review ranked UNC-Chapel Hill No. 3 and NC State No. 9 on its top 10 list of public colleges with the best return on investment, with graduates earning median salaries of $72,200 and $68,758, respectively. (See List)

➤ A Holly Springs mom’s social media request for golden retriever playdates for her 9-year-old son, Gordon, who loves the breed, sparked over 100 offers. Gordon plans to meet all the dogs and take photos with each one to hang on his bedroom wall. (More)

➤ Fourteen-year-old Abby Tripp, who has special needs, was sworn in as an honorary officer with the Raleigh Police Department on Friday, thanks to her passion for law enforcement, which inspired her father to pursue a sheriff’s deputy role. (More)

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Have you been caught speeding in a school zone?

1. Once or twice
2. Not yet
3. I don’t drive

Yesterday’s Results:

 Do you go by your first name, middle name, or first and middle names?

1. First: 51%
2. Middle: 15%
3. Other: 14%
4. First and middle: 10%
5. First and middle initials: 10%

In what four groups are cider apples categorized?

Show me the answer