☀️ In Today’s Edition

1. More Diagnoses, More Demand
2. Around Our Network
3. What We’re Reading
4. Our Recent Stories

With the General Assembly still at an impasse over the budget, North Carolina’s Medicaid program is facing a $319 million shortfall. In October, the state health department imposed reductions in fees paid to providers of various Medicaid services to avoid insolvency, including a 10% reduction in payments for a type of therapy that has benefited many kids with autism.

After a group of parents sued, a court order reversed that cut. Reductions remain in effect for dozens of other Medicaid services, however.

While autism advocates are grateful for the legal victory, the tussle highlights fiscal and philosophical questions at the heart of the evolving understanding of the diagnosis. Johanna Still reports that as demand for services has grown, so too has the cost to the state and the pressure on policymakers to find ways to save.

More Diagnoses, More Demand

As demand for autism services soars, state health officials are trying to contain Medicaid costs. The tussle underscores the evolving understanding of the disorder.

“The fact that more autistic kids are getting care is not a basis to just turn around and say, ‘Okay, let’s cut the care,’” said Michael Easley Jr., who represented the families in the lawsuit.

Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.

Around Our Network

The Fayetteville City Council will have three new members this month, all stepping into seats vacated by people who launched unsuccessful bids for mayor. Each is promising a new era of accountability, CityView reports.

INDY excerpts a new book on the legendary bluegrass pair Alice Gerrard and Hazel Dickens, whose work has influenced generations of musicians.

After last month’s federal immigration actions Charlotte and the Triangle, groups in other parts of the state are preparing for potential future Border Patrol presence, per The Thread.

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What We’re Reading

Give It a Whirl: State Sen. DeAndrea Salvador has filed a lawsuit after discovering her 2018 TED Talk had been altered and turned into an ad for Whirlpool in Brazil, per The Washington Post.

Winter is Coming: WRAL runs through the state laws that take effect today, including more power for the state auditor, harsher criminal penalties for some crimes, and an effort to restart use of the death penalty.

Gas Pass: Inside Climate News looks at several proposed natural gas pipelines that would cut through North Carolina, raising concerns among community activists.

Our Recent Stories

Michael Whatley’s ‘Recovery Czar’ Title Hangs Over His Senate Bid

President Trump tapped him to oversee Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Democrats are hell-bent on making that a liability.

Border Patrol’s N.C. Operation Was a Test for What’s Next

There’s a reason Customs and Border Protection, not just ICE, was deployed in Charlotte and Raleigh last week.

Businesses Pay to Get On Those Blue Road Signs—and the Price Just Went Up

Ever wonder how a restaurant or gas station gets its logo on those signs telling travelers where they can stop?