Farmworker Wage Rule, New NC Map, $83M SNAP Audit

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a new rule revising how farmworker wages are calculated, a move expected to impact both agricultural employers and seasonal workers across North Carolina. Lawmakers in Raleigh have unveiled a proposed congressional map, setting up another round of political debate and possible court challenges ahead of 2026. Meanwhile, many homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene are still waiting on FEMA approval for property buyouts. An audit also found that $83 million in SNAP benefits were delayed to North Carolina recipients due to administrative inefficiencies.