Lucas Thomae, Carolina Public Press Journalist Profile

Articles

After bungled recovery efforts with two other storms, 'failure is not an option' for Helene, NC lawmaker says

1 week ago | carolinapublicpress.org | Lucas Thomae

RALEIGH — Securing federal relief funds after Tropical Storm Helene has been a challenge. Now, a new NC agency must prove it can wisely manage a $1.4 billion home rebuilding program after the last effort fell short. State lawmakers are still fuming after ReBuild NC, the recovery office created in the aftermath of Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018), informed them that it went broke with more than 1,000 homes yet to be rebuilt.
Sent to NC prison as teens, a ‘broken’ system has kept them there as adults

1 week ago | qcitymetro.com | Lucas Thomae

A decade after a federal judge ordered North Carolina to adopt a plan to give juvenile offenders serving life sentences a “meaningful opportunity” for parole, a lawsuit making its way through the court system says the state has failed to follow through. Earlier this month, a judge denied the state’s motion to dismiss the suit, which was filed in 2023, noting “concerning” accounts of omitted and false information in plaintiff Brett Abrams’ parole file.
Imprisoned as teens, ‘broken’ system keeps them locked up

1 week ago | thecharlottepost.com | Lucas Thomae

UNSPLASH Despite changes to how North Carolina incarcerates minors, they often win up serving longer sentences once they become adults. A decade after a federal judge ordered North Carolina to adopt a plan to give juvenile offenders serving life sentences a “meaningful opportunity” for parole, a lawsuit making its way through the court system says the state has failed to follow through.
Regional library system exit bungled by Yancey County, critics say

2 weeks ago | carolinapublicpress.org | Lucas Thomae

With only two months remaining until Yancey County officially exits its regional library system, local opponents to the change are urging elected officials to reconsider their decision in the wake of economic challenges incurred by Tropical Storm Helene. Up to this point, they haven’t been convinced.
Sent to NC prison as teens, a 'broken' system has kept them there as adults

2 weeks ago | carolinapublicpress.org | Lucas Thomae

A decade after a federal judge ordered North Carolina to adopt a plan to give juvenile offenders serving life sentences a “meaningful opportunity” for parole, a lawsuit making its way through the court system says the state has failed to follow through. Earlier this month a judge denied the state’s motion to dismiss the suit, which was filed in 2023, noting “concerning” accounts of omitted and false information in plaintiff Brett Abrams’ parole file.
It's untried, but will it be unsafe? NC agency wants to see what AI can do.

4 weeks ago | carolinapublicpress.org | Lucas Thomae

RALEIGH — In summer 1997, well before Brad Briner became state treasurer, he worked as an intern at the investment banking company Goldman Sachs. While he was there, Briner needed to acquire data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His supervisor offered him a plane ticket to the nation’s capital and told him to go down to the USDA building to comb through paper records and get the information he needed. But the late 1990s marked a new age in technology.
Stein marks first 100 days with wins - so far. Tough tests are coming

1 month ago | wunc.org | Lucas Thomae

When Gov. Josh Stein took office in January, he inherited the fallout from one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. The estimated $60 billion recovery from Hurricane Helene has been Stein’s “top priority as governor,” the Democrat told Carolina Public Press. His initial days in office have shown it.
Stein has wins in first 100 days, says he's there to get the job 'done'

1 month ago | carolinapublicpress.org | Lucas Thomae

RALEIGH — When Gov. Josh Stein took office in January, he inherited the fallout from one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. The estimated $60 billion recovery from Hurricane Helene has been Stein’s “top priority as governor,” the Democrat told Carolina Public Press. His initial days in office have shown it.
Pause and effect: Threat of Trump funding freeze is making the future tense for North Carolina nonprofits

1 month ago | qcitymetro.com | Lucas Thomae

As President Donald Trump and his appointees rifle through the country’s balance sheets looking for federal spending to slash, many North Carolina nonprofits are operating in a state of financial uncertainty, hoping they’re not the next target of the administration’s cost-cutting ambitions.
'I want to build bridges': Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt on being a unifier, leader and daughter of a Democratic icon

1 month ago | carolinapublicpress.org | Lucas Thomae

GREENSBORO — Just after noon in front of the manufacturing building at Guilford Technical Community College, first-year student Khniya Hames recited her lines. “She has remained dedicated to education and public service throughout her life. … She also served in North Carolina’s House of Representatives. …” Hames gazed toward the crystal-clear sky as she tried to remember factoids about Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt.