Thanks to the work of the FBI and vigilant law enforcement, this potential attack was stopped before anyone was hurt. I am grateful to the brave officers who keep us safe every day.

Happy New Year, North Carolina! I am recharged and ready to keep at the hard and important work we have ahead of us in 2026. Together, let’s deliver on North Carolina’s promise that where you come from should not limit how far you can go. Now let’s get back to work!

2025 had many memorable moments. In 2026, we will continue the work of building a safer and stronger North Carolina. I look forward to getting back at it in the new year.

A disgrace: North Carolina is dead last in public school funding effort and second to last in public school funding level. Yet, the General Assembly is the only legislature in the country that hasn't passed a budget — and they're driving us off a fiscal cliff. www.13newsnow.com/article/news...

Here are a few reflections from my first year serving as Governor of the great state of North Carolina: youtu.be/KX9Je6IIpAU

Another winter has arrived after Helene, and hundreds of western NC homeowners whose homes were destroyed and who are seeking a buy-out are still in limbo waiting on FEMA for approval. DHS owes these families answers.

Everyone deserves clean water for their families. This agreement is great news and a strong model for how we can work together to protect people from forever chemicals. www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-r...

I am pleased that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded North Carolina $213 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program. These funds will continue our state’s leadership in rural health solutions and connect more people to high-quality health care.

Yancey County’s Community Paramedic program helps bridge the gap between primary care and community needs before emergencies arise. The program’s work before, during, and after Hurricane Helene is a shining example of North Carolina’s leadership in rural health care innovation.

I am saddened to learn about the passing of Carl Stewart, the first two-term Speaker of the North Carolina House. I am keeping his family in my prayers.

This morning in Mint Hill, two law enforcement officers were shot on duty and are now in critical condition. My prayers are with them and their families for their full recovery. Our officers run toward danger every day to keep us all safe. We must do all we can to support them.

Merry Christmas!

The work of the North Carolina Skyway Patrol keeping the traveling public safe is always important, but especially so on Christmas Eve for a certain special traveler. youtu.be/sDBPAAgK3rE

Anna and I wish everyone across North Carolina a healthy and happy holiday season! youtu.be/qS2ErK1JyMA

Shutting down wind farms that are nearly complete makes absolutely no sense. This irrational hostility toward solar, wind, and battery storage is increasing already high electricity rates. We need more energy fueled by the cheapest sources to keep utility bills affordable.

A Book of Condolences is in place at the North Carolina State Capitol for members of the public to sign in remembrance of former Governor Jim Hunt until Friday, Jan. 2.     The Capitol will be open to the public Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and closed Dec. 24, 25, and 26 and Jan 1.

Protecting North Carolina’s air, water, and natural beauty is a priority for me. I wanted to share an update as we continue to move toward a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.

Hurricane Helene destroyed critical infrastructure in western NC, including in Old Fort. Now, thanks to a $10 million grant, the town can replace its water system.

We had exciting news to share at yesterday’s Catawba Furniture Academy graduation ceremony.

The Lumbee Tribe has been in North Carolina since long before we became a state. The Lumbee were officially recognized by the State of North Carolina in 1885 and have fought for their fair share from the federal government for more than a century.

I can think of no one who shaped North Carolina’s recent successes as much as Governor Jim Hunt. Governor for 16 years, he was a visionary who founded Smart Start, raised teacher pay, protected air quality, and created the NC Biotech Center. On a personal level, he was a mentor and dear friend.

Heartbreaking news out of Statesville. Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash.

Today we celebrated the largest-ever graduating class of NC DMV’s License Examiner Basic School!

880,000 North Carolinians are going to see their health care premiums skyrocket because Congress is leaving for the holidays without taking action. North Carolinians deserve better from Washington. www.cnbc.com/2025/12/16/a...

I am pleased to announce Renew NC’s second housing program, which is focused on repairing small rental properties and creating affordable rental units for low- to moderate-income families recovering from Helene. Applications are now being accepted for the Small Rental Rehabilitation Program.

A huge milestone: 700,000 North Carolinians now have access to health care thanks to Medicaid expansion. We can accomplish so much when we come together and put the well-being of North Carolinians first.

North Carolina unfortunately is no stranger to natural disasters, and building better infrastructure saves lives. I thank Attorney General Jackson for taking action to preserve our $200 million to protect our water and sewer systems, bridges, and more from floods and wildfires.

When things are at their darkest, a single light can pierce through the blackness. Hanukkah reminds us to keep hope alive through the darkest of times. There is so much light in North Carolina if we have the eyes to see it and the courage to ignite it.

A horrific anti-Semitic attack in Australia has shattered lives and stained the first night of Hanukkah. Anna and I are praying for the families in Sydney. And we are keeping the students of Brown University and their families in our hearts as they mourn. Hate and violence have no place anywhere.

What a joy to light up the Capitol’s Christmas tree and ring in the holiday season.

Law enforcement is a special calling. We ask officers and deputies to run toward danger when the rest of us might flee. Nevertheless, they say yes to protecting and serving our communities.

880,000 North Carolinians will see their out-of-pocket health insurance premiums double next year and more than 150,000 will lose their health insurance all together because it’s too expensive.   Washington should be lowering costs for families, not jacking them up. www.reuters.com/legal/litiga...

Novartis’ new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility will create 700 jobs with good wages in Wake and Durham counties by the end of 2030.

Earlier this summer, the Governor’s Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being recommended school systems eliminate the use of cell phones by students during the school day. youtu.be/2e7Q2tND3JY?...

Christmas trees represent the holiday season: joy, tradition, and the spirit of family. In North Carolina, they also celebrate the tireless work of the state’s tree farmers. One in four Christmas trees produced in America come from North Carolina!

The Second Harvest of Northwest North Carolina’s network of food banks distributes up to 40 tons of food to North Carolinians every single day and serves as the primary distributor for a network of nearly 500 partner programs. youtu.be/LsREm5pB8mk

Since the implementation of SB 245 in October, nearly 80,000 more North Carolinians have been able to get or renew their driver’s license online. That’s 80,000 people who otherwise would have had to go to a DMV office, making lines longer.

Pennsylvania Transformer Technology’s expansion in Hoke County will increase our country’s domestic manufacturing capacity for critical grid components and create 217 new, good-paying jobs with good wages.

North Carolina should be expanding access to health care, not restricting it. We can solve this on a bipartisan basis. The legislature needs to come back and fully fund Medicaid.

North Carolinians who rely on Medicaid are suffering because the General Assembly has failed to fully fund the program.

The stabbing that took place at North Forsyth High School is shocking and horrible. I am praying for all students in the community and their loved ones.

The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts gives us an opportunity to honor the great sacrifices of those who have made exceptional contributions to the United States Armed Forces.

If your home was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene, the deadline for Renew NC’s single-family housing program is December 31. Visit renewnc.org to see if you are eligible.

As you’re headed to work this morning, please be careful, North Carolina! Drive safe and be mindful of black ice, especially on bridges. Before you get on the road, visit drivenc.gov for real-time traffic conditions.

Winter weather is expected to continue to impact much of the state through Tuesday morning, especially in the western and northern parts of the state. NCDOT is working hard to treat the roads, but still be mindful of slick roads and bridges.

It’s on all of us to work to make sure none of our neighbors go hungry. Thank you to the Second Harvest of Northwest North Carolina for making sure our neighbors have food on their tables.

Agriculture is North Carolina’s #1 industry and remains essential to our state’s economy and our heritage. I am grateful for all that the North Carolina Farm Bureau does to lift up farmers across the state. I look forward to partnering with you to strengthen agriculture for years to come.

I just spoke with Chief Patterson about the horrific stabbing on the light rail this evening. Please join me in praying for the full recovery of the victim.

It was an honor to join the swearing in ceremony of Stella Patterson as Chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

North Carolina: Winter weather could impact Friday morning commutes in some areas of the state. Please use caution and visit DriveNC.gov for real-time traffic and travel information.