As we publish our first issue of 2019, we reflect on the many newsworthy things that have happened since our last issue of 2018 (Dec. 5). “The State of the State” aims to refresh audiences on the latest in North Carolina and US news with a short, succinct bulletin. Sources include Gov. Roy Cooper’s Press Office and CNBC.
Winter Weather Week
Raleigh and much of North Carolina is preparing for another round of sub-freezing temperatures and winter weather over the next few days. A strong cold front will move across the state Tuesday bringing accumulating snow to portions of western North Carolina. Wind chill values well below zero are likely across the mountains Wednesday and Thursday mornings. In central and eastern parts of the state, significant snow accumulation is not likely as just a dusting of snow is expected late Tuesday evening, primarily on grassy surfaces. As temperatures fall below freezing Tuesday night, isolated slick spots could develop by Wednesday morning in locations where pavement remains wet. Wind chill values will be in the teens Wednesday morning and in the single digits Thursday morning across northern portions of central and eastern NC. North Carolina Emergency Management and the State Highway Patrol are monitoring the forecast and conditions across the state, and stand ready to respond as needed. "North Carolina is bracing for more cold and snowy weather, and I urge people to monitor their local forecasts closely and take proactive steps to stay ready, warm, and safe," said Governor Cooper. Additional winter safety tips can be found on the free ReadyNC mobile app or online at readync.org.
Funding for Coast Improvements
North Carolina coastal communities will receive over $1.1 million in grants to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters, Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, Jan. 29. “North Carolina’s coast is one of our greatest treasures and we want it to be accessible to all,” the governor said. “These grants will help coastal communities welcome more people to enjoy our spectacular beaches and waterways, increasing investment in our state’s economy.” 12 total communities along the coast—from Manteo to Holden Beach—will receive funding from the state’s Division of Coastal Management in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Government Shutdown
On Friday, Jan. 25, President Trump signed a funding bill that will allow the US government to remain open until Feb. 15. This decision ended the 35-day government shutdown, which the US has been enduring since December 2018. This shutdown hiatus occurs without the $5.7 billion allocation towards a border wall, something that was previously described as absolutely necessary by the President. Until Feb. 15, lawmakers will be working to structure a budget that will satisfy Trump’s immigration goals, though bipartisan compromise on that matter is not guaranteed— but, according to Trump and other Republicans, it is also not needed. North Carolina Representative Mark Meadows tweeted that “compromise is important, but not required, to secure our border and protect American families.” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer stated, “I hope the experience of the last 35 days has taught us that we should never repeat this exercise of shutting down government again.” An official statement from Governor Cooper on Jan. 25 reads, “Today’s agreement finally ends President Trump’s unnecessary shutdown and alleviates anxiety for thousands of working families in North Carolina, and for all who rely on the federal government to inspect our food, ensure safe travel, test water samples and more. I urge leaders in Washington to work together on a responsible, permanent solution to keep the country running.”
By Mimi Mays, Associate Editor