Jeff Jackson secures $2.5M for NC schools, impacting Western NC! Learn how this funding restores vital programs for students in WNC.

Trustees adopted Resolution 2026-0002 to authorize continued base-wage payments to classified employees who could not work during the storm-related closures (Aug. 12–21, 2026), limited to up to eight hours per scheduled day.

After extended debate, the commission asked staff to return with a capped hardship program and cost analysis to ease permit fees for certain homeowners recovering from storms Helene and Milton; staff flagged FEMA reimbursement and operational complexity for retroactive rebates.

A significant power disruption recently impacted over 100,000 residents across the Northshore region of Louisiana. The unexpected outage occurred over the weekend, with utility companies Cleco and Entergy issuing statements acknowledging the surprise nature of the event and their inability to provide prior warnings. The cause remains undetermined, currently described as a “technical event,” prompting an ongoing investigation. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is leading the inquiry, emphasizing that the disruption was not weather-related and actively seeking information from MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), a key entity in grid management. St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper has also initiated an investigation, describing the necessary load-shedding as “unavoidable” to avert a more extensive grid collapse. He firmly stated that the failure to provide advance public notification is unacceptable and must be corrected. Residents have voiced considerable frustration, expressing fears of recurring power failures and concerns about the functionality of backup generators. Robert Perry, a local resident, shared his worry about the potential for these outages to become commonplace. The incident has amplified concerns about the region’s readiness for the upcoming hurricane season, highlighting the crucial need for a dependable power supply. Population growth in the Northshore is also emerging as a potential factor, placing increased strain on existing infrastructure. Commissioner Skrmetta’s comment that the incident was a "non-weather event" underscores the unusual nature of the situation. The primary focus now is on determining the root cause of the disruption and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again, alongside improved communication protocols to inform the public in advance.

Innovative Battery Technology Saves Texas from Devastating Storms A recent snow storm hit Texas, causing widespread disruptions to daily life, including road closures and school shutdowns. However, the state's power grid remained remarkably stable, thanks in part to a significant increase in battery storage technology. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees the

At its April 6 meeting, the Kankakee City Community Development Committee reviewed housing-program progress — including reductions in long wait lists and HUD-funded work — and staff directed residents seeking immediate storm-relief to apply with United Way funds administered locally by KCCSI. Staff warned funding deadlines could put some projects at risk.

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NC’s post-hurricane home building program opens June 16, but funding delays and budget talks may stall recovery efforts in the west.