Read Executive Order 141: Easing Restrictions on Travel, Business Operations, and Mass Gatherings
All in Politics
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley to Hold Press Conference about Court Operations
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley will hold a virtual press conference on Thursday, May 21, at 10 am to announce new directives affecting statewide court operations.
NCDHHS Issues Interim Guidance for Restaurants Effective on Friday, May 22
NCDHHS issues interim guidance for restaurants with an effective May 22 date. See the five-page document here.
Still unsure if NC is moving to Phase 2 on Friday
In a press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Roy Cooper addressed when to expect an announcement on Phase 2, several county requests for regional approaches to reopening, the reopening of barbershops and hair salons, and what community pools should expect in Phase 2.
Judge blocks Cooper's ban on indoor church services
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order, barring enforcement of Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order barring indoor church services with more than ten people. Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir) said he was pleased to see the temporary restraining order was granted for what he believes was a reasonable request by the plaintiffs.
North Carolina working with local manufacturers to make critical supplies
North Carolina is working with local manufacturers to shift their production to make critical medical supplies.
Sen. Jim Perry supports Counties' effort for regional reopening approach
“I have been asked if I support the efforts of County Commissioners (Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico and Wayne) who have contacted Governor Cooper asking him to relinquish the emergency powers he assumed over their counties…I personally believe local health departments, local physicians, local hospital leaders and local elected officials in Eastern NC have the same intelligence, and capabilities as those in our State Capital. I respectfully request Governor Cooper work with them to find the best path to honor their request.”
Sen. Jim Perry on Coronavirus Chat
Today, Senator Jim Perry joined us to discuss his frustration with the unemployment system, to chat about the mask or no mask debate, Governor Cooper's Phase 1 implementation, COVID-19 testing in NC and more.
Governor Cooper: Phase 1 is a careful, modest step to re-igniting our economy
Governor Roy Cooper stated in today’s press conference, “We still need to keep certain businesses closed or limited during this phase. Public health experts have explained that any place people sit or stand still for more than 10 minutes, especially indoors, greatly increases the risk of spreading this virus.”
Dr. Pradeep: Mask or No Mask?
Dr. Pradeep joined our Coronavirus Chat and tackled topics such as:
Mask or No Mask?
Death Certificate process and its impact on COVID-19 deaths
Gov. Cooper's Phase 1 Implementation Friday at 5pm
Trends with COVID-19 statistics
Lenoir County Board of Commissioners letter to Governor Cooper
Senator Brown’s district to receive $3,873,766 in COVID-19 relief funds
Sen. Harry Brown’s district will receive $3,873,766 to cover immediate expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Cooper: We can't stay in our homes forever
In a press conference today, Governor Roy Cooper stated, “Because the combination of our indicators tell us that our trends are mostly decreasing or leveling, I have signed an Executive Order to move North Carolina into Phase 1 of easing restrictions. This order begins this Friday, May 8, at 5 pm. Phase 1 removes the designations of essential and non-essential businesses. Retail stores can increase to 50 percent capacity as long as they implement social distancing. The order allows people to leave home to visit open businesses and it encourages parks and trails to re-open. Businesses that were specifically closed in the last order will remain closed such as salons, barbers, theaters, bars, gyms and pools. Restaurants will continue to be open for takeout or delivery only. These businesses will have the opportunity to open and do more in Phase 2.”
Gov. Cooper signs two COVID-19 relief bills into law
Gov. Roy Cooper signed two relief bills into law on Monday, May 4, that will provide assistance to the state as it deals with COVID-19. The two bills, House Bill 1043 and Senate Bill 704, include almost $1.6 billion in relief measures related to public health and safety, education, small business assistance and state government operations.
Golden LEAF receives $125M in funding to support NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors took action in response to House Bill 1043. The bill includes $125 million to provide grants to entities for the purpose of making loans to assist small businesses affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Effective today, loans made from the program to small businesses will include a limit on the number of employees per business, a minimum interest rate for the first six months of the loan term, and an increased time for repayment.
May 3-9 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed May 3-9 Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina and reminded residents that now is the time to prepare for the 2020 hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
Mario White appointed District Court Judge serving Jones County
On Friday, May 1 Governor Roy Cooper appointed three judges to serve Brunswick, Cumberland and Duplin, Jones, Onslow and Sampson counties. Mario White will serve as a District Court Judge in Judicial District 4, which serves Duplin, Jones, Onslow and Sampson counties.
Murphy pleased elective surgeries may resume in North Carolina
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement after Governor Roy Cooper announced elective surgeries may resume effective immediately in the state of North Carolina.
Governor Cooper: Optimistic for Phase 1 implementation next week
“Last week we shared details on key indicators we’re watching to ensure data and facts guide our decisions. Those graphs are updated daily on the Case Count Dashboard at http://nc.gov/covid19. We remain optimistic the trends will be stable enough to move us into Phase 1 next week.”
State auditor releases Greene County investigative report
State Auditor Beth Wood released a Greene County investigative report with three findings:
The County Manager failed to demonstrate a commitment to integrity and ethical values by requesting that a vendor alter an invoice date.
The County failed to properly maintain its financial records and prepare its financial statements timely.
County employees spent more than $95,000 on credit card purchases without adequate documentation
NAACP sues Lenoir County over election equipment
With the election in November on the horizon, whether Lenoir County residents will use the ExpressVote machines will be up for the courts to decide as the NC NAACP has filed suit against many counties, including Lenoir County. The current Chair of the Lenoir County Board of Elections, Courtney Patterson, is also an Executive Committee member of the NC NAACP, the organization bringing forth the lawsuit.