Public Notices published online? – Newspapers in North Carolina are keeping a close watch on legislation that would allow public notices to be published online.  If HB 35 and/or HB 39 are passed by the General Assembly and receive the Governor’s signature, newspapers across the state would lose significant revenue. The argument for this legislation is that many people now receive their news via online sources rather than through traditional newspapers. (see article at link) https://www.reflector.com/two-bills-take-aim-at-money-newspaper-get-from-legal-notices/article_c3b2e4c2-606a-5fdd-9562-df3bfd3cb8d5.html

COVID Cases Trend Downward – With the vaccine being rolled out, at last we are seeing a decline in North Carolina of COVID cases.  Although healthcare officials and the healthcare community are optimistic that the vaccine is taking effect, they still warn the public to be careful and observe all protocols to avoid exposure. (see article at link) https://www.fox46.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-north-carolina/coronavirus-in-nc-hospitalizations-continue-downward-trend-daily-percent-positive-at-4-5-heres-a-county-by-county-breakdown-of-cases/

COVID Restrictions Eased – Because the trends of COVID cases are down, Governor Cooper issued a new order reducing the restrictions on businesses. This was welcome news to the North Carolina economy, particularly small business owners.  (see article at link) https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/more-covid-19-restrictions-being-lifted-in-north-carolina-today/ar-BB1dYZUM?ocid=uxbndlbing

Election schedule – The primary election for 2022 may be delayed. Media outlets are reporting that the Census Bureau was not prepared to confirm the census count in North Carolina until later in the year. (see article at link) https://greensboro.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/top-n-c-elections-official-city-races-should-be-moved-pending-release-of-census-data/article_78715df6-7609-11eb-ad8a-d3bc57676fee.html