Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1825, William Miller—North Carolina's governor during the War of 1812—died in Key West, Florida. Miller also served as a lawyer, attorney general, and legislator for the Tar Heel State, and was the first governor to occupy the newly completed Governor's Palace at the south end of Fayetteville Street in Raleigh.

Did you know that residence was the second of three official governors' residences in North Carolina? Learn more by answering today's Trivia question.

Also, the North Carolina Zoo said goodbye to its oldest red wolf over the weekend. We've got details in Et Cetera.

🎄 We'd love to feature your favorite Christmas memories and traditions in our holiday edition. Got a story, ritual, or moment that makes the season bright? Just reply to this email and share it with us. Be sure to include your first name and city so we can give you credit when we publish a few reader favorites on Christmas Day.

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NC Legislators Consider Property Tax Changes

North Carolina Republican House Speaker Destin Hall announced the formation of a bipartisan 23-member House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform to address soaring property taxes amid a 67% surge in home values statewide over the past five years.

Co-chaired by Republican lawmakers, the panel includes both urban and rural members. It's tasked with reviewing revaluation practices, local spending trends, and existing relief programs like the Homestead Exclusion, which reduces the taxable value of a residence for qualifying elderly or disabled homeowners.

Home prices in the Charlotte metro area alone have surged 134% from 2005 to 2025, ranking the city among North America's fastest-growing housing markets in the Sunbelt region.

The committee aims to propose reforms that ensure homeowner relief, fairness, and transparency, with recommendations expected ahead of the 2026 short session.

Trump Announces $12B Bailout for Farmers

North Carolina stands to benefit significantly from President Trump's $12 billion bailout for U.S. farmers announced Monday, as agriculture is the state's No. 1 industry, generating $111.1 billion in annual revenue.

Trump said tariff revenues will fund the bailout to offset losses from his trade policies, particularly with China, the top buyer of U.S. soybeans. In 2022, North Carolina exported $446 million in soybeans, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Soybeans, tobacco, corn, sweet potatoes, and cotton are the top five crops in North Carolina by value of production.

State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler welcomed the aid, noting the "farm economy is in the tank" for major crops without a new farm bill.

Lumbee Tribe Nears Federal Recognition

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina advanced toward federal recognition Sunday with the inclusion of a provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

The act, if passed by Congress and signed by President Trump, would grant Lumbee members access to federal benefits such as health care, education, and economic aid under the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act. Trump has previously backed federal recognition of the tribe.

Tribal Chairman John Lowery, unanimously selected by Robeson County Republicans to fill the House seat vacated by his brother in District 47, is expected to advocate for recognition through 2026.

Despite backing from U.S. Rep. Mark Harris, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and others oppose the move, citing concerns over resources and casino competition tied to potential land trusts.

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➤ Charlotte: Oscar Solarzano appeared in court Monday for the Dec. 5 light rail stabbing. Prosecutors said the victim repeatedly asked Solarzano to leave him alone before being stabbed in the chest. Solarzano faces five charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Michael James Ferr, 31, was sentenced to two years and three months for threatening to kill former President Joe Biden and a U.S. Secret Service agent. He pleaded guilty after posting death threats on X in January. (More)

➤ Durham: Police arrested Durham County District Court Chief Judge Clayton Jones Jr., 47, on Monday for allegedly assaulting a woman with whom he was in a relationship. He faces misdemeanor charges of assault on a female and domestic violence, and is due in court Jan. 5. (More)

➤ UNC-Chapel Hill seeks a protective order to block 121 requests for admission from former provost Chris Clemens in his open meetings and public records lawsuit, arguing the requests are irrelevant, burdensome, and improper. A hearing is set for Dec. 15. (More)

➤ Watauga County: State legislators outlined their opposition Monday to an injunction blocking the county's new voting districts, stating that the plaintiffs' concession that the districts were already used in the 2024 elections "discredits any claim of immediate and irreparable harm." (More)

➤ Gastonia: An ongoing multi-agency investigation of a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating from Dallas, Texas, to Gastonia resulted in the seizure of 44 kilograms of crystal meth valued at around $2.6 million. (More)

➤ Leland: The Cape Fear Fish Sticks baseball team, debuting this May in The Old North State League, must change its name due to a "Fish Sticks" copyright issue. The community can vote on their favorite of five names later this week. (More)

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➤ Women's AP Poll: UNC women's basketball fell one spot to No. 12 this week, swapping spots with Iowa. (See Poll)

➤ Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers worked out with the Indianapolis Colts yesterday in hopes of making an NFL return. The 44-year-old last played in 2020—also with the Colts—and led the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003. (More)

➤ UNC tennis champion Reese Brantmeier has entered settlement talks with the NCAA over her lawsuit challenging rules that bar college athletes from keeping prize money earned in outside tournaments. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Downtown Raleigh is seeing a surge in the conversion of former industrial buildings into office space for tech firms. Residential high-rise construction is also booming, led by the Highline Glenwood, set to become the city's tallest apartment building with 306 luxury units, including 16 penthouses. (More)

➤ Qualicaps will shut down its manufacturing plant in Whitsett by the end of 2026—eliminating 91 jobs—due to "ongoing structural financial challenges." (More)

➤ Atrium Health's Charlotte Environmental Services team won a silver medal in vacuuming at the 35th annual Housekeeping Olympics in Las Vegas. They also competed in bed making, a mop relay, and other cleaning events. (More)

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➤ Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville announced that Bob Dylan will perform on April 19 in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium as part of his ongoing Rough and Rowdy Ways world tour. Tickets go on sale Friday. (More)

➤ The North Carolina Zoo announced the death of its oldest red wolf, 13-year-old Ayita, on Dec. 6. She gave birth to 13 pups during her life and was a grandmother to at least 10 more. (See Photo)

➤ As temperatures drop on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, beachgoers are advised to watch for and report cold-stunned sea turtles that wash up along the shore. Prolonged exposure to cold water leaves the turtles sluggish and vulnerable. (See Details)

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