NC Coast Preps for Erin’s Surge

Hurricane Erin’s distance from North Carolina’s shoreline won’t prevent waves up to 20 feet high or higher from crashing into the Outer Banks coast today, where a Storm Surge Watch has been in effect since Tuesday, and tropical storm-force gusts of 40-50 mph are expected through Thursday.

Officials urge residents and visitors who haven’t already evacuated to do so immediately, as narrow N.C. Highway 12 and secondary roads may become impassable and flooding could submerge vehicles.

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division is assisting with evacuations, and emergency management crews are working with public safety leaders in Dare and Hyde counties. Resources such as the North Carolina National Guard and State Highway Patrol are prepared to respond if necessary.

NC to Cut Medicaid Reimbursement Rates

A $319 million shortfall is prompting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to cut Medicaid reimbursement rates by at least 3% starting Oct. 1, with some services—like hospice care, long-term behavioral health care, and nursing homes—facing reductions of up to 10%.

The state’s Medicaid program will also no longer cover drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss after Oct. 1.

In Western North Carolina, providers like Blue Ridge Health face increased strain, with fears of rising uninsured rates and hospital closures.

NCDHHS is preparing to apply for a share of a $50 billion federal rural hospital fund to help offset $3.7 billion in projected Medicaid losses from President Trump’s tax bill.

NC Schools Expand Safety Measures

School systems across North Carolina are enhancing safety by increasing school resource officers and updating emergency response systems.

Union County expanded its school resource officer program to achieve a 1:1 ratio by the end of last school year, aiming to ensure all middle and high schools have dedicated SROs when the new school year starts.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will implement new state-mandated safety education requirements by having middle and high school students watch educational videos about neglect and sexual abuse during the first week of school.

In Wake County, the school board was set to vote Tuesday night on a memorandum with the “I Love U Guys” Foundation to adopt a Standard Response Protocol, introducing five emergency response measures, including a new “Hold” directive to keep students and staff in rooms and out of hallways.

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➤ Statewide: The North Carolina State Board of Elections has corrected over 20,000 voter registration records missing required ID numbers and is now mailing the remaining 82,540 voters whose records still need updating. (More)

➤ Mecklenburg County: Chief Deputy Christopher Allen resigned Monday, citing a fundamental misalignment of values and morals with Sheriff Garry McFadden, whom he alleges created a hostile work environment through “abusive and narcissistic behaviors.” (More)

➤ Pitt County: The North Carolina Court of Appeals reviewed a case on Aug. 14 to restore a Confederate monument that was removed from the courthouse during 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death. A decision is pending. (More)

➤ Rockingham County: The county is asking the state Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a 192-acre rezoning linked to a 2023 casino gambling dispute, after an Appeals Court reversed a trial judge’s dismissal of the case. (More)

➤ Wilmington: A car hit the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral building and ruptured a gas line, causing an explosion. Three firefighters were injured, one severely, and the driver—believed to be impaired—was arrested. The blast led to the closure of New Centre Drive and the evacuation of a nearby business. (More)

➤ Lake Lure: Demolition of the town’s landmark Flowering Bridge began Monday due to irreparable damage from Hurricane Helene. The community is already raising funds to rebuild a new bridge in its place. (Watch Video)

➤ Orange County: Triangle Land Conservancy is suing Union Grove Farm, previously Maple View Farm, alleging three prohibited roads and a planned 2,500-seat amphitheater violate a 1998 conservation easement. (More)

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➤ North Carolina will pay two athletic directors during a two-year transition. Outgoing Bubba Cunningham gets $903,000 annually as senior advisor, while incoming Steve Newmark starts at $600,000 before jumping to $1 million in summer 2026. (More)

➤ NC State alumna Saniya Rivers became the fastest guard to 30 career blocks in WNBA history—thanks partly to a five-block performance last weekend. (More)

➤ 19-year-old Greensboro Grasshopper Konnor Griffin is currently ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball. If Griffin keeps this pace, he could be promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates by the end of next season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | LLWS

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➤ Raleigh Executive Jetport in Sanford signed agreements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide customs services, allowing the airport to begin accepting inbound and outbound international flights. (More)

➤ A grant program by the Independent Restaurant Coalition and Chase Disaster Relief Fund, offering $3 million for disaster recovery and $1 million for sustainable practices, will aid Western North Carolina restaurants. Applications open Sept. 3. (More)

➤ Occupancy percentages for fall hotel bookings and restaurant reservations in downtown Asheville are inching up, according to local business owners. (More)

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➤ Pop star Katy Perry took her daughter to Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh before her show at the Lenovo Center Sunday night and called it the “best museum I have ever been to in my entire life.” (More)

➤ ArtPop Street Gallery, a Charlotte nonprofit that supports local artists, will host its annual Upcycled Fashion Show on Sept. 6, featuring retired billboards transformed into wearable works of art. (See Photos)

➤ North Carolina took the No. 15 spot on a list of the most fun states based on “26 key indicators of a jolly good time,” such as movie costs, national park accessibility, and nightlife options per capita. (See Rankings)

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Are you worried about North Carolina’s Medicaid cuts?

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2. No
3. Not yet

Yesterday’s Results:

Which North Carolina city would be best for an MLB expansion team?

1. Charlotte: 33%
2. Raleigh: 29%
3. Neither: 19%
4. None: 19%

What inspired the creation of the Lake Lure flowering bridge?

Show me the answer