Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The Roundup

Article Icon 1NC Supreme Court Upholds SAFE Child Act

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled unanimously Friday to uphold the SAFE Child Act, allowing alleged victims of child sexual abuse to move forward with lawsuits filed after the original statutes of limitations have ended.

In McKinney vs. Goins, three former East Gaston High School students filed a suit in 2021 alleging abuse by the school’s wrestling coach in the mid-1990s and early 2000s.

Gaston County’s school board argued that the SAFE Child Act was unconstitutional because it created a two-year “revival window” for lawsuits barred by the statute of limitations. Friday’s ruling enables the plaintiffs’ 2021 suit to move forward.

In another case against the New Hanover County Board of Education, students who alleged a former Roland-Grise Middle School band teacher committed sex crimes against them can also proceed with their suits. The accused teacher was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Article Icon 1Stein Proposes Hurricane Recovery Budget

During a visit to western North Carolina Monday, Gov. Josh Stein asked the General Assembly for $1.07 billion to continue post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Stein proposed $295 million for economic recovery in the form of grants for small businesses, towns, and counties; and funds to promote tourism in the area.

Another $263 million would go toward rebuilding homes; providing rent, mortgage, and utility assistance; expanding affordable housing; making home repairs not covered by FEMA; and providing funds for disaster legal services.

Approximately $126 million would pay for repairs to roads, bridges, and septic systems; park/greenway cleanup, debris removal; and backup power for emergency operations.

Stein also proposed $134.4 million for farmer support and $56.2 million for school districts, food banks, and college students who need help with tuition.

Article Icon 1Duke Gardens Launches $30M Remodel

Duke Gardens in Durham closed its main entrance and parking lots Monday to accommodate the start of a year-long, $30 million remodel project.

The Garden Gateway plan includes a new welcome center with a cafe, a dedicated visitor lobby, upgraded amenities, an outdoor gathering plaza, enhanced learning and event facilities, and expanded green space.

Most outdoor areas will remain open during construction, but everything between Anderson Street and the start of the cherry blossom path will remain closed during renovations. Weddings and parties are also on pause while construction is underway.

Nearby parking is available but a Duke University permit is required on weekdays.


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The Flyover

Time’s Running Out to Be Early on this Tech Investment

With such a tech-friendly new administration, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of innovations. One of those could be wireless power—power that acts like a Wi-Fi signal—from Energous

It has the potential to save billions of dollars in inventory losses for retailers and manufacturers. That’s why Energous is already working with a Fortune 10 multinational retailer and part of the AWS Partner Network. Their patented solution provides 2X the power and better visibility than the competition. 

Though Energous is public, they’re giving investors something you won’t find on the Nasdaq:

  • One unregistered convertible preferred share (convertible into two Nasdaq: WATT common shares)

  • Three warrants to purchase additional shares at a fixed price

Their patented technology literally transmits power to devices through the air, eliminating the need for cables and batteries and providing a constant, reliable energy source for IoT devices that track and deliver data in real-time. 

It’s such a powerful innovation, that it earned “IoT Innovation of the Year” honors. And they have a $650 market opportunity ahead. 

Don’t wait—be early to this Energous opportunity while you can.

Around North Carolina

Statewide: NCDOT released its State Transportation Program (STIP) guide for public review. The report shows how and when transportation projects will be funded over the next 10 years. (Access Report)

McDowell County: The North Fork wildfire, which burned 644 acres, was at 65% containment as of Sunday. Approximately 100 federal, state, and county personnel are working to extinguish the fire. (More)

Piedmont: Protesters gathered in Charlotte and Greensboro over the weekend in resistance to President Donald Trump’s deportation and immigration policies. (Charlotte and Greensboro Reports)

Charlotte: Airline workers and airport staff attended a vigil at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Monday to honor the Charlotte-based crew who perished in the American Airlines collision last week. (More)

Raleigh: N.C. State announced it will comply with federal directives to cease diversity, equity, and inclusion activities related to federally sponsored research programs. (More)

Great Smoky Mountains: A missing woman from Jackson County was found dead in Great Smoky Mountains Park Sunday. Ann Houghton, 73, had served as a park volunteer for 20-plus years. (More)

North Carolina Sports

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes suffered their first home loss in nearly a month Sunday, falling 4-2 to the Los Angeles Kings. Fans delivered a big win, however, with a season-best attendance of 18,977. (More)

Five-star Duke basketball recruiting target Nate Ament joined the team for an official visit last weekend. (More)

Carolina Panthers star receiver Adam Thielen indicated he might not retire in the offseason, saying “I think I still have some more football in me.” (More)

The Stars Servin’ Up Love fundraiser for Hurricane Helene recovery in Asheville attracted 4,000 attendees and featured tennis stars Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Emma Navarro, and Jessica Pegula. (See Photos)

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

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North Carolina Business

A North Carolina economist says tariffs on Mexico and Canada implemented by President Donald Trump would most likely impact the state’s auto parts-production industry. (More)

Wilmington is piloting a “Social District” on select Saturdays in the Brooklyn Arts District. The concept allows visitors to carry drinks in designated cups while strolling between shops, restaurants, and other local businesses. (More)

Duke Energy purchased 11.5 acres for $9.75 million from the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, where it will build a new substation to boost electricity capacity in response to the region’s growing population. (More)

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 Looking for an affordable solution to hearing loss? Meet the Audien Atom, the most premium, discreet, and affordable hearing aids that everyone is talking about. The world’s first wireless charging hearing aids for less than $100. (See It Here

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Charge Up Your Portfolio with this Tech Investment

What if a technology could charge IoT devices wirelessly, just like we connect devices to Wi-Fi? One company is helping make this a reality for enterprises as we speak. Their patented wireless power network technology eliminates cables and battery replacements by sending energy through the air.

Between retail, manufacturing, and logistics industries, this company is looking at $650 billion in market potential. But what they’ve created could also revolutionize fields like health care, transportation, and the food industry—any company using trackers or sensors to collect data to gain real-time visibility into the movement of its assets.

They’ve already been recognized as the “IoT Innovation of the Year” and landed a contract with a Fortune 10 multinational retailer, opening them up to 4,700 U.S. retail locations. Learn how to become an Energous shareholder today.

This is a paid advertisement for Energous’ Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.energous.com for additional information on the company and the risks factors to the offering.
Et Cetera

A roundup of photogenic Appalachian Trail hikes near Asheville includes Max Patch, Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald, Rich Mountain Fire Tower, and Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion. (See Details)

The Van of Valor project, created by an Outer Banks couple, will begin a 15,000-mile journey across the U.S. on March 13 in search of Purple Heart recipients who want to share firsthand accounts of heroism and sacrifice. (See Details)

Pisgah Piper, a prognosticating white squirrel, forecasted an early spring and a Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl win at the 11th annual White Squirrel Day in Brevard. (See Photos)

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The Poll

Have you ever been to Duke Gardens?

  1. Yes
  2. No


Yesterdays Results:

How often do you go to the dentist?

  1. At least twice a year: 59%
  2. Once a year: 22%
  3. I avoid it at all costs: 19%
North Carolina Trivia

What happened to the Woolworth’s store in Greensboro?

Show me the answer

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