THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1878, Tabitha Holton became the first woman licensed to practice law in North Carolina. Born in 1854 in Guilford County, Holton was believed to have learned the law by tutoring her three brothers, all of whom were attorneys.

Speaking of the law, our new attorney general got to work right after being sworn in Wednesday. Learn more in Top Stories.

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Snow, Sleet, Freezing Rain Arrive Friday

Another winter storm is expected Friday that could deliver 2-4 inches of snow across western North Carolina, and light snow in central and eastern portions of the state.

Up to an inch of snow could fall in Charlotte, with areas north and northwest likely getting more. Light snow is also expected in the Triad and Triangle Friday, but most models have it changing over to rain by midday Saturday.

The Outer Banks faces a 10-40% chance of light snow and/or ice beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday morning.

The storm's track could change the timing, amount, and type of precipitation. If it deviates north or south, snow could turn into sleet, freezing rain, or rain. Power outages are possible and black ice will be a concern statewide.

DHS Confirms FEMA Audit

Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari confirmed that his office initiated an audit of FEMA on Dec. 17 focusing on concerns that employees avoided homes with Trump campaign yard signs while assisting hurricane victims.

Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) called for the investigation on Dec. 3 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In a letter to DHS, Graves and Perry stated: "In North Carolina, the Committee is aware of reports of FEMA employees skipping any home that displayed a 'Make America Great Again,' 'Drain the Swamp,' 'Don't Tread on Me,' or Trump campaign sign. If the FEMA field team encountered three or more of these signs, the field team could abandon the entire neighborhood without notifying hurricane victims of assistance available to them."

Cuffari says he will share the audit results if lawmakers schedule a briefing.

Attorney General Sues Colluding Landlords

North Carolina's newly elected Attorney General Jeff Jackson sued six large companies that own thousands of apartments and housing units Wednesday after being sworn in, alleging they illegally colluded to raise rents and overcharged renters by millions of dollars.

The six companies are Greystar Real Estate Partners, Blackstone's LivCor, Camden Property Trust, Cushman & Wakefield Inc. and Pinnacle Property Management Services, Willow Bridge Property Company, and Cortland Management.

None are headquartered in North Carolina but they own a combined 70,000 housing units in the state, including a third of all one and two bedroom apartments in the Triangle.

Newly elected Gov. Josh Stein—who started the lawsuit when he was attorney general—filed it in federal court, making it possible for the U.S. Department of Justice and nine other states to join it.

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➤ Western NC: U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced Tuesday that $1.65 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds have been secured for rebuilding communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Wake County: The school board has hired a consulting firm to help determine updates needed for its districtwide cell phone policy, which is 20 years old. (More)

➤ Johnston County: New census data reveals 19% growth from 2014 to 2018, making it the state's fastest-growing county. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Crews battled a large fire Tuesday at the House of Art, a historic house on East Hargett Street now used as an art and music venue. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (See Video)

➤ Nags Head: A fire also broke out inside Bodie Island Lighthouse's Double Keepers' Quarters Tuesday. There were no reported injuries and that fire is also under investigation. (More)

➤ Buxton: Beachgoers found a deceased pygmy sperm whale calf Tuesday with no obvious injury or indication of the cause of death. Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff are examining the carcass. (More)

➤ The Carolina Panthers hold the No. 8 overall draft pick in the 2025 NFL draft after finishing 5-12 this season. (More)

➤ Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball showcased his creativity Tuesday night with this pass off the backboard to himself, resulting in points for the Hornets. The team went on to snap their 10-game losing streak with a 115-104 win over the Phoenix Suns. (Watch Video)

➤ No. 19 UNC women’s basketball will host No. 14 Duke Thursday at 7 p.m., marking the first time UNC and Duke have faced each other in either men’s or women’s basketball this season. (See Preview)

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

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➤ A new NCDOT report reveals that the aviation industry adds $88 billion to the state’s economy each year and supports 427,000 jobs. (More)

➤ The City of Asheville estimates it lost at least $17 million in revenue this fiscal year due to impacts from Hurricane Helene, which the mayor called “very serious.” (More)

➤ Hop Shots Mini Golf in Raleigh is No. 8 on USA Today’s 10Best New Attractions list of new attractions nationwide thanks to its “unique twist” on mini golf and its location within the Raleigh Beer Garden. (See List)

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➤ N.C. Wildlife has released tips for preventing bears from denning in your home this winter. (See Tips)

➤ North Carolina received a $25 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration for building wildlife crossings over busy highways to help save endangered red wolves and other animals. (More)

➤ Three North Carolina hotels—Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, Highlander Mountain House in Highlands, and The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville—made Southern Living's 12 Southern Hotels With the Coziest Fireplaces list. (See List)

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