An audit released by State Auditor Beth Wood’s office Thursday, Feb. 18, found the state Department of Health and Human Services did a poor job of gatekeeping the Medicaid Provider Enrollment process.
All in State Government
N.C. cities pass nondiscrimination ordinances without bathroom policies
Five years after House Bill 2 put North Carolina at the center of national controversy, cities in the state’s liberal enclaves are once again discussing discrimination and the LGBT community. Six cities and counties in North Carolina have passed ordinances that designate sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes, and LGBT advocates are now pushing two dozen more to follow suit.
NCDHHS Updates County alert system, shows progress
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today updated the COVID-19 County Alert System, which shows 27 red counties — a decrease from 61 red counties on the previous Feb. 4 County Alert System — and the fewest red counties in the state since the start of the County Alert System.
Judge struggles to find distinction that would keep N.C. bars closed
A Superior Court judge asked repeatedly Thursday, Feb. 18, for evidence that would justify state government orders that keep private bars closed across North Carolina.
Senators introduce bill increasing attendance at high school events
Republican Senate lawmakers have introduced a bill that would change the 100-person capacity limit at outdoor high school sporting venues.
Severe weather causes delay in COVID-19 vaccine shipments
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been notified by the federal government of continued delays in some shipments and deliveries of COVID-19 vaccine this week due to severe weather. Both first and second dose shipments have been impacted. The Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and vaccine providers to help minimize the potential effects of these delays.
NCDHHS offers tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in severe weather
As North Carolinians prepare for severe winter weather conditions, officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services caution people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
General Assembly passes bill to reopen schools, but governor signals a veto
The N.C. House and Senate have come to terms on legislation to reopen schools for in-person instruction. But Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has indicated he will veto it, even though he says he wants students back in school.
Governor Cooper names new department of Environmental Quality Secretary
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Dionne Delli-Gatti will replace EPA Administrator Designate Michael Regan as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Governor Cooper announces grants to rural communities to attract 375 new jobs and more than $60 million in private investment
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,566,930, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 439 jobs, 64 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $60 million in private investment.
North Carolina coronavirus grants awarded to 34 communities
Nearly $27 million in grants has been awarded to 34 municipal and county governments in North Carolina in response to the adverse economic and public health impacts of COVID-19, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.
Governor Cooper Visits Brunswick County to Survey Tornado Damage
OCEAN ISLE: Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Brunswick County to survey damage following the tornado that touched down in the community on Monday night. Governor Cooper spoke with local emergency management officials as well as homeowners already beginning to recover from the tornado.
NCDHHS to continue to provide extra help buying food for approximately 860,000 children Through P-EBT
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with NC Department of Public Instruction today announced it will begin issuing additional benefits on Feb. 19, 2021 through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. These benefits will be received over several days starting Friday for those who already have an EBT card for Food and Nutrition Services or P-EBT benefits.
NCDHHS adds new resources and tools to Spanish language COVID-19 vaccination website
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has added new resources to its Spanish language COVID-19 vaccination website, Protégete a ti y a los demás. ¡VACÚNATE!, including a new video on COVID-19 vaccines and tools for understanding vaccination groups and finding locations to get vaccinated.
Governor Cooper announces new appointments to state boards and commissions
Governor Roy Cooper announced new appointments to state boards and commissions.
Power outages expected with incoming ice storm
North Carolina residents should prepare today for the strong possibility of power outages due to an incoming winter storm that is forecast to arrive tonight. This storm will bring significant icing that’s likely to result in many fallen trees and power lines.
State House, Senate at impasse over school reopening bill
Majorities of the House and Senate agree that N.C. schools need legislative prodding to reopen, but they’re struggling to come to terms on how to do it.
NC House Members File Bill to Eliminate Tax on Military Retirement Pay
State Representatives John Szoka (R-Cumberland), John Bell (R-Wayne), John Bradford (R-Mecklenburg) and Diane Wheatley (R-Cumberland) filed House Bill 83 today to eliminate the income tax on the retirement pay of military service members.
Governor Cooper honors North Carolina’s black health leaders during Black History Month
Today, Governor Roy Cooper recognized and honored North Carolina’s African American leaders and organizations in health and medicine for their contributions to heal and care for their communities.