NC Counties Receive $7.2M

Gov. Josh Stein announced that North Carolina counties will receive $7.2 million in economic development funding through the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, targeting 15 distressed counties statewide.

The grants will support infrastructure upgrades, workforce training, and job creation, including water and sewer improvements, transportation access, and expanded training programs at colleges and universities.

State officials say the funding, awarded through the FY2025 State Economic and Infrastructure Development program, is aimed at strengthening long-term economic foundations in some of North Carolina’s most economically challenged communities.

Early Voting Plans Under Review

A split vote by the Jackson County Board of Elections would remove Western Carolina University’s campus early voting site for the 2026 primaries, sending the plan to the state for a final ruling.

Similar debates are playing out in Guilford and Cumberland counties, where GOP-led boards have rejected or reshuffled some proposed early voting locations tied to college campuses and nearby communities.

The disputes come as counties submit 2026 primary early voting plans to the State Board of Elections, with non-unanimous plans subject to review and possible changes by the state.

Arctic Front Brings Cold Conditions

An Arctic front is set to sweep across North Carolina today, bringing gusty winds, sharply colder temperatures, and the coldest conditions many areas have seen in years.

Forecasters say wind gusts could exceed 30 mph as temperatures fall through the day, with wind chills dropping into the teens and single digits by Monday morning.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect across much of central and western North Carolina, with gradual warming expected by midweek as sunshine returns and highs climb back into the 60s.

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➤ Bladen County: Bladen Community College received a surprise $12 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—the largest in school history—earmarked to support students, facilities, and long-term growth. (More)

➤ Asheville: The historic Biltmore Village site of the former Village Wayside Grille has been sold following flood damage from Hurricane Helene, as the restaurant plans a move to Grovewood. (More)

➤ Boone: Appalachian State University launched its Office of Rural Promise to expand college access, teacher development, and research partnerships, now serving 27 school districts and more than 30,000 students across rural North Carolina. (More)

➤ Charlotte: A man dismantled a controversial Nativity scene at Missiongathering Church depicting ICE agents arresting the Holy Family; the church restored the display and said it will not press charges. (More)

➤ Brunswick County: The NC Division of Motor Vehicles plans to open a temporary modular office in Leland by February 2026, adding nine service terminals and seven employees while the agency evaluates a permanent site in the area. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Panthers head to New Orleans today to take on the Saints at 4:25 p.m. ET. The Panthers need a win to remain in first place in the NFC South. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes have fired Cam Abbott, the head coach of the team’s top minor league affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. (More)

➤ NC State men’s soccer is one win away from a national championship after defeating Saint Louis 2-1 on Friday night to advance to the team’s first College Cup in team history. The Wolfpack will play Washington on Monday night at 7 p.m. ET to decide a champion. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer | Golf | Volleyball

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➤ Oak City: Sunny skies greeted crowds along West Commerce Street as about 50 entries rolled through the town’s Christmas parade, with South Creek Elementary taking first place for its float. (See Pictures)

➤ Five urban walking trails in Raleigh were highlighted in a new guide, including Pullen Park Loop, NC Museum of Art Park Trails, Dorothea Dix Park’s meadow paths, Shelley Lake Trail, and the Historic Oakwood neighborhood, for simple, scenic walks close to downtown. (More)

➤ A winter tree-planting project in Carolina Beach is expanding after receiving a $7,500 boost, with volunteers set to plant dozens of native trees along Harper Avenue through early 2026. (More)

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Have you visited Biltmore at Christmas?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not yet

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite funny Christmas carol?

1. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer: 18%
2. Baby, It’s Cold Outside: 17%
3. The Chipmunk Song: 17%
4. The 12 Pains of Christmas: 16%
5. All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth: 16%
6. Other: 16%

When did South Carolina and North Carolina re-establish the state line?

Show me the answer