Cunningham Goes Unaffiliated; Scholarship Cuts Eyed; Adams Under Investigation

State Rep. Carla Cunningham has left the Democratic Party and registered as unaffiliated, marking another high-profile party switch in North Carolina politics. Meanwhile, new FEMA funding is being directed toward closing recovery gaps in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Governor J…

Lawmakers Grill CHCCS Superintendent; Funding Cuts Proposed

The House Oversight Committee pressed Chapel Hill-Carrboro Superintendent Rodney Trice over district policies and compliance issues, as lawmakers intensify scrutiny on local school systems. A proposed bill would cut funding for districts that violate the Parents’ Bill of Rights, raising stakes in t…

Medicaid Deal Reached; Schools Adjust for Protest; ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Push

North Carolina House and Senate leaders have reached a deal on Medicaid funding and oversight reforms, marking a key breakthrough early in the short session. The agreement comes as a JDIG incentive is being used to support a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Durham, boosting economic development. Mean…

Stein Proposes $3B Plan as Short Session Begins

Governor Josh Stein is proposing a $3 billion spending increase that includes pay raises, targeted tax cuts, and a freeze on new school vouchers, setting up a major policy debate with lawmakers. The plan comes as the 2026 General Assembly short session gets underway, though no veto override votes w…

Lawmakers Probe Prisoner Releases; Audit Flags Spending, Vacancies

Legislative leaders have launched a probe into early prisoner releases during the Cooper administration, raising questions about public safety and oversight. Meanwhile, state agencies are reportedly slow to address job vacancies flagged in a recent audit, prolonging concerns about staffing shortage…

Lake Lure Reopens; $221M Helene Aid; Lawmakers Return to Raleigh

Lake Lure is set to reopen 19 months after Hurricane Helene, marking a major milestone in recovery as the region continues to rebuild. The USDA is also making $221 million in timber relief funding available starting April 20 to support impacted landowners. In Raleigh, Senate leader Phil Berger is o…

Stein Backs Marijuana Legalization; Duke Seeks Rate Hike

North Carolina’s elections board has approved new rules related to noncitizen voters following a heated public debate and thousands of comments. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana after a new panel report, signaling a potential policy shift in t…

Cooper Leads Fundraising; Property Tax Cap Advances

New campaign finance reports show Roy Cooper significantly outraised Michael Whatley in Q1, bringing in $13.8 million compared to $5 million, as the North Carolina Senate race gains national attention. The Cook Political Report has also shifted the race from a toss-up to lean Democrat, signaling ch…

Mental Health Reform Push; NC Population Booms; $3B Health Case at Court

A new report is calling for reforms to North Carolina’s involuntary commitment and mental health treatment system, citing gaps in care and rising demand for services. Meanwhile, a study shows the state continues to grow rapidly, with a new resident moving to North Carolina every seven minutes, addi…

Ferguson Fills House Seat; AI Expansion Grows; Helene Rebuild Progresses

Ferguson has been selected to fill a vacant North Carolina House seat, adding a new voice to the General Assembly. Meanwhile, the State Treasurer is expanding the use of artificial intelligence within government operations after strong results from a pilot program. Governor Stein’s proposed data ce…