Friday, Dec. 19: Trooper Accountability + Property Taxes + Durham Race
Friday, Dec. 19
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Mother presses trooper-crash accountability; case paused at state Supreme Court.
Lisa Higgins is continuing a legal fight against the North Carolina State Highway Patrol over the 2020 death of her son, Michael Higgins, a 22-year-old intern killed during a high-speed patrol car crash in Pitt County, about 90 miles east of Raleigh. Court records show Trooper Omar Romero Mendoza was driving over 113 mph on a rural road near Grimesland with Higgins in the passenger seat — in violation of policy. The case drew renewed attention after a separate 2024 crash in Raleigh, where troopers were caught on body camera discussing how to cover up a pursuit that led to a fatal wreck. The state offered Higgins’ mother a $1 million settlement, which she refused in order to seek accountability. The case is now on hold as the state Supreme Court considers whether to hear it.
NC lawmakers eye property-tax relief; Paré warns seniors squeezed.
North Carolina lawmakers are exploring ways to ease property tax burdens, as affordability concerns mount statewide. The new House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform met for the first time this week, with bipartisan concern over rising home values and their impact on tax bills. Wake County Rep. Erin Paré warned that seniors are being priced out of long-time homes, while younger buyers struggle to enter the market. Gov. Josh Stein urged caution to avoid harming local budgets. No specific proposals were discussed, but options like tax caps are on the table.
Freeman challenges Chitlik in Durham’s blue Senate District 22.
In Durham, former city council member DeDreana Freeman has filed to run for state Senate, setting up a Democratic primary race against incumbent Sophia Chitlik in District 22. Freeman, a progressive known for her advocacy on housing justice and labor rights, served eight years on council before losing her seat last month. Chitlik, who unseated longtime Senator Mike Woodard last year, has emphasized reproductive healthcare and childcare in office. With the district leaning solidly blue, the March 3 primary will likely determine the winner.
Report: NC near-bottom in teacher pay growth, per-pupil funding.
A new report by the libertarian-leaning Reason Foundation finds North Carolina ranks 48th nationally in both teacher salary growth and per-student public school funding from 2002 to 2023. Despite increased overall education spending, inflation and rising benefit costs eroded teachers’ purchasing power. In 2023, North Carolina spent $13,660 per student—47th in the nation and well below the national average of $20,300. The findings echo previous research but carry added weight given the source’s conservative alignment. The report surfaces amid ongoing budget gridlock and the unresolved Leandro school funding case.
NC Museum of Art campaign nears goal; East Building revamp.
The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is nearing the completion of its largest private fundraising campaign in history. Under the leadership of Director Valerie Hillings, the campaign has surpassed 90 percent of its goal set in its five-year strategic plan of 2020. A former Guggenheim curator, Hillings is also overseeing plans to revitalize the museum’s East Building and surrounding grounds, transforming them into a connected indoor-outdoor experience. She emphasizes rooting the museum in its local context, especially by showcasing North Carolina artists.
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