Education

WRAL NEWS: For NC schools, Florence could be 3x worse than Matthew
State education officials are still tallying up the damage to schools, but this week, the latest estimate had risen to $40 million in losses.

NEWS & OBSERVER: Schools in areas damaged by storm can waive 20 attendance days, NC leaders agree
State political leaders on Tuesday crafted disaster-relief legislation aimed at quickly moving millions of dollars to ensure compensation for school employees and allow schools to waive up to 20 school days in the hardest-hit counties.

Economic Development

WILMINGTON BIZ: Officials Survey Business After Florence
Local governments, businesses and residents are not the only ones in recovery mode from Hurricane Florence. The region’s economic development leaders are busy with post-storm economic development efforts.

Elections

THE ASHEBORO TRIBUNE: Voting has started in N.C.; what you need to know
There are multiple ways North Carolinians can participate in this year’s election, which will decide who goes to Congress, controls state government and presides over courtrooms across the state.

Environment

CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS: Florence adds to woes of struggling water and sewer systems
After Florence, dozens of water and sewer system throughout North Carolina are struggling. Many have been struggling since Matthew, two years ago.

Healthcare

THE PILOT: State Health Plan Launches New Provider Reimbursement Effort
State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell announced the State Health Plan will launch a new medical reimbursement strategy for North Carolina providers that care for plan members. This effort is part of a longer term strategy to take advantage of the plan’s “largeness” to keep rising health care costs under control while promoting quality care, transparency and affordability.

Justice & Public Safety

THE DAILY TARHEEL: N.C. receives $2 million grant for testing and tracking of sexual assault kits
N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein announced Thursday that the state will receive a $2 million federal grant for testing and tracking sexual assault kits.

NC General Assembly

WRAL NEWS: Cooper signs 2 Florence recovery bills from special session
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday signed legislation quickly approved during a special session of the General Assembly considered the initial step of elected leaders in responding to Hurricane Florence.

Transportation

THE STANLY NEWS & PRESS: N.C. airports receive funding from state transportation board
The N.C. Board of Transportation has approved state and federal funds for much-needed improvements to four North Carolina airports.

YES WEEKLY: NCDOT Sending $147.4 Million to Help Improve Local Transportation
The N.C. Department of Transportation has begun distributing more than $147.4 million in State Street Aid to Municipalities, also known as the Powell Bill fund, to 508 municipalities across the state. The initial allocation, half of the overall total, was sent out on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The next allocation will be paid by December 31.