Helene Relief Oversight Urged, Ballot Selfie, NC Zoo Mourns Loss

The director of the North Carolina Zoo has passed away after a five-year battle with cancer, prompting tributes from across the state. Policy expert Dr. Andy Jackson is urging state and local officials to manage disaster relief funds more responsibly in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for Trump’s Education Department to proceed with planned layoffs. Meanwhile, both parties in North Carolina’s ballot selfie lawsuit are asking the court to rule without a trial. A North Carolinian recently released from Hamas captivity is now advocating for hostages who remain detained.