2024 Year in Review: North Carolina’s Defining Moments
2024 has been a year of remarkable shifts and moments of both triumph and turmoil for North Carolina and the nation. From groundbreaking achievements to unexpected challenges, it’s time to reflect on the key events, from sports to politics, that have defined the year in the Tar Heel State.
Sports
Bill Belichick Takes Over UNC Football
In December 2024, Bill Belichick, the legendary NFL coach renowned for his six Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots, was appointed as the head football coach at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This move marks Belichick’s first time in college football coaching, bringing his extensive professional experience to the collegiate level.
“I’ve always wanted to coach in college football. It just never really worked out. Had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK. But this is really kind of a dream come true,” Belichick says.
Rod Brind’Amour Receives the State’s Highest Honor
On December 15, 2024, following the Carolina Hurricanes’ 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper honored head coach Rod Brind’Amour with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian award. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the state and their community.
Brind’Amour was acquired to play for the Carolina Hurricanes in January of 2000, going on to lead the team to victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. Since retiring as a player in 2010, his jersey number 17 was retired in 2011. That same year, Brind’Amour joined the coaching staff as their assistant and development coach. In 2018, Brind’Amour was hired as the Hurricanes’ head coach, leading the team to the playoffs every season since.
NC State’s Final Four Run
The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team had a remarkable run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1983. They secured their spot by defeating second-seed Duke with a 76-64 victory on March 31, 2024.
ECU’s Football Turnaround
On October 20, 2024, East Carolina University (ECU) dismissed head football coach Mike Houston following a 3-4 start to the season. This decision came after back-to-back blowout losses: a 55-24 defeat to Charlotte and a 45-28 loss to Army.
After Blake Harrell was appointed as interim head coach for ECU football, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround. Under the leadership of Harrell, the Pirates transformed from a struggling squad with a 3-4 record into a team that finished the regular season with a perfect 4-0 record. His efforts led to East Carolina securing a bowl game against North Carolina State University.
Olympics: North Carolina Athletes Shine in Paris
Team USA delivered an outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading the overall medal count for the eighth consecutive Games. The United States secured a total of 126 medals: 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze.
North Carolina was well represented in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Over 30 athletes that competed have ties to North Carolina, Including at least 14 current or alumni of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Natural Disasters
Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc in North Carolina
In late September, Hurricane Helene caused significant devastation in North Carolina. The Emergency Management Department of Rutherford County issued a warning for the “imminent” failure of the Lake Lure Dam due to significant rainfall, leading to immediate evacuations.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene is estimated at around 230 people, with nearly half of the deaths occurring in North Carolina, making it the second-deadliest hurricane to strike the United States in the past fifty years, behind only Hurricane Katrina. A thousand U.S. soldiers were deployed to western North Carolina to aid in humanitarian operations and in finding hundreds of missing residents. The death toll for North Carolina is verified at 103 as of December 11th, according to the NCDHHS.
Healthcare
Medicaid Expansion Surpasses Goals
The state achieved its enrollment goal for Medicaid expansion, enrolling over 600,000 low-income adults about a year ahead of projections. This expansion has notably benefited rural communities, with over a third of new enrollees residing in these areas. Since its rollout, 4.1 million prescriptions related to chronic diseases have been filled, demonstrating the program’s immediate effect on public health.
Telehealth: Improving Access Across the State
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving healthcare needs, North Carolina expanded access to telehealth services in 2024. This policy change allowed more healthcare providers to deliver services remotely, making it easier for patients to access care, especially for routine check-ups and chronic disease management. The expansion also facilitated mental health services and reduced travel for patients in remote areas.
Politics
Josh Stein Wins Gubernatorial Election
On November 5, 2024, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein was elected as the Governor of North Carolina, defeating Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Stein’s victory marks him as the state’s first Jewish governor. The election was notable for Stein’s significant margin of victory, which analysts suggest contributed to down-ballot successes for Democrats in concurrent elections.
Diverse Cabinet Appointments
Governor-elect Josh Stein appointed seven cabinet secretaries, including the first Latino and first Native American secretaries in the state’s history. Notably, Reid Wilson and Pamela Cashwell, current department heads, will continue in the cabinet under the new administration.
North Carolina’s Role as a Swing State
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, North Carolina remained a key battleground state, known for its status as a swing state due to its diverse electorate and fluctuating political preferences in recent years. However, in the election, the state ultimately leaned in favor of the Republican Party, with Donald Trump securing a victory.
National Highlights
Donald Trump wins Presidential Election
Donald Trump secured a return to the White House, defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5th election. His victory was marked by increased support among minority groups, including Hispanic and Black voters. Trump’s agenda includes aggressive policies on immigration, government size reduction, and a redefined “America First” foreign policy stance. His political resurgence is unprecedented, rebounding from previous controversies and legal battles.
Space Exploration Milestone
SpaceX achieved the first successful return and capture of a Super Heavy booster from its Starship program, marking a significant advancement in reusable rocket technology. This achievement is expected to reduce the cost of space travel and facilitate future missions to the Moon and Mars.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Assassination
On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a Manhattan hotel. The suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was apprehended in Pennsylvania after a six-day manhunt. Authorities discovered a manifesto expressing Mangione’s grievances against the healthcare industry, including UnitedHealthcare. The incident has intensified public scrutiny of the health insurance sector.
Written onto the bullet casings were the chilling words: ‘deny, defend, depose.’
Natural Disaster and Climate Change Initiatives
Across the U.S., the topic of hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme weather events has become more apparent. North Carolina, prone to hurricanes, benefited from national policies designed to improve climate resilience and disaster preparedness. The federal government continued to provide funding for disaster relief in states impacted by severe weather, including North Carolina, which dealt with Hurricane Helene in 2024.
As of December 7th, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper announced that President Biden approved North Carolina’s request to increase federal coverage of Public Assistance costs to 90%, up from the typical 75%.
Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempts
During a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was grazed by a bullet on his right ear. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight rounds from an AR–15–style rifle, tragically killing an audience member and injuring two others. Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service agents and Trump was discharged from the hospital in stable condition a few hours later.
A second attempt occurred at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was spotted by a Secret Service agent before he could make an attempt. Routh fled the scene and was apprehended 40 minutes later. He now faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination.
From athletic achievements to political developments and natural events, 2024 has been a notable year for North Carolina. As the state moves through these key moments, its resilience and role on the national and global stage remain evident.