North Carolina lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment to lower the state's income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%. Meanwhile, a levy limit proposal aims to cap property tax growth, and the Senate Majority Pact has announced a $31.5 million investment in former Governor Roy Cooper's U.S. Senate campaign against Michael Watley. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have reached an agreement on a state spending plan, ending a months-long impasse between Republican leaders in the House and Senate. The budget includes record salary increases for teachers and state employees, as well as tax relief for citizens. Meanwhile, a joint legislative committee will investigate the release of inmates under a 2021 pandemic settlement, which has raised concerns about public safety and government accountability. [... more]

A state auditor in North Carolina is examining a surge in Medicaid-funded autism therapy costs, which have increased from $1.4 million to over $660 million in five years. Meanwhile, a new study suggests that stricter cell phone bans in schools may not have an immediate impact on academic achievement or behavior, but could lead to positive results in the long term. Additionally, multiple blue states, including North Carolina, are suing the Trump administration over tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Federal Trade Act. [... more]

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation is a topic of debate, with some calling for Shador Sanders to be named QB1 over Deshaun Watson. Meanwhile, the AFC North is shaping up to be a competitive division, with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens looking strong. The NFL schedule release is also on the horizon, with the Bears and Seahawks set to kick off the season. [... more]

Former FBI Director James Comey's scheduled court appearance in North Carolina has been canceled due to a motion filed by his lawyers. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to eliminate tax exemptions for data centers, which could save the state millions of dollars. Additionally, a proposal to create a $50 million revolving loan fund to help nonprofit developers cover upfront infrastructure costs for affordable housing projects is gaining traction. The North Carolina Supreme Court is also considering a petition for rehearing in the Leandro case, which has been ongoing for over 30 years and deals with education funding in the state. [... more]

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolap discusses the future of golf, including changes to the season format, the introduction of a playoffs system, and the use of social media to promote the sport. He also talks about the potential return of top golfers to the PGA Tour and the impact of the NFL on the sport. [... more]

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces her resignation, effective June 30th, citing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren. Meanwhile, North Carolina officials urge residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1st. In other news, a competency hearing is set for DeCarlos Brown Jr., who is accused of murdering Irina Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail, due to concerns over his mental fitness to stand trial. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature is considering property tax reform and electricity generation proposals, while the city of Rocky Mount faces a financial crisis due to mismanagement and excessive spending. The city's utility revenue is under scrutiny, with some lawmakers proposing a bill to restrict its use. Meanwhile, Charlotte is preparing to host the 2027 Military World Games, which is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are pushing to overhaul the state's budgeting process with zero-based budgeting, requiring agencies to justify every dollar spent. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenges the state's ban on ballot selfies, citing First Amendment rights. The debate over state taxes and a long-term budget continues in the General Assembly. [... more]

A merger between Wake Med and Atrium Health is being met with opposition from state officials, citing concerns over increased healthcare costs and reduced competition. Meanwhile, the USDA is relocating its research hub to Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of a decentralization plan. Additionally, a bill has been filed in the North Carolina General Assembly to cut funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Program and redirect it to childcare subsidies, while also addressing issues with incomplete voter registration records. [... more]

Thousands of educators from across North Carolina are expected to gather at the state capitol to call for increased teacher pay and education funding, while the governor signs a $319 million Medicaid bill into law, but expresses concerns about the ongoing costs of Medicaid and the elimination of health care coverage for nearly 27,000 children and pregnant women. [... more]

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that commemorates the actions of American patriot Paul Revere on April 18, 1775. The poem tells the story of Revere's ride to warn the colonists of the approaching British army, and how his actions helped to spark the American Revolution. Meanwhile, the benefits of electric vehicles and high-quality dog nutrition are also discussed. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is considering a proposal to eliminate local sales taxes on groceries, which would provide direct relief to households grappling with rising costs. Meanwhile, a bill imposing new restrictions on the use of social media by minors has cleared a key Senate hurdle, and a study by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality found widespread PFAS contamination in wastewater and biosolids. Additionally, the US Supreme Court has ruled on a case related to redistricting, clarifying the role of the Voting Rights Act and its impact on the drawing of election districts. [... more]

Miles Bourne, the NXT North American Champion, shares his journey from being a hearing-impaired child to becoming a professional wrestler. He talks about his early days, his struggles, and his triumphs, including his recent championship win. Bourne also discusses his inspirations, his favorite wrestlers, and his approach to the sport. [... more]

A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI director James Comey on charges of making threats to harm President Donald Trump. The indictment comes after a 2025 Instagram post involving seashells arranged on a beach with the message 8647. Meanwhile, North Carolina has fewer low-income households than it did 14 years ago and more upper-income ones, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census data. The state's education system is also facing challenges, with roughly 45% of public school students not proficient in reading and math. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education is working to address these issues and improve education funding. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are dealing with a litany of issues in the General Assembly's 2026 short session, including a plan to fully fund the state's Medicaid program and potential veto overrides. Meanwhile, two Democrat lawmakers in Mecklenburg County have switched their party affiliation, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson is urging North Carolina businesses impacted by President Donald Trump's tariffs to apply for refunds. Additionally, the state treasurer's office is promoting financial literacy through an internship program and a statewide competition for students. [... more]

The NFL draft has come to a close, and teams are already facing scrutiny for their picks. The Rams' selection of Ty Simpson has raised eyebrows, while the Eagles' decision to trade A.J. Brown has left fans questioning Jalen Hurts' future with the team. Meanwhile, the Jets have made a strong statement with their draft picks, and the Giants are looking to build a formidable pass rush. [... more]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

A contentious committee hearing in Raleigh revealed that the Chapel Hill-Carborough City School District is not in compliance with Senate Bill 49, the Parents' Bill of Rights, which aims to increase transparency in curriculum and protect children from inappropriate content. The district's superintendent, Dr. Rodney Trice, was questioned by lawmakers over the district's handling of materials in its libraries, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that the district is intentionally subverting the law. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Supreme Court is considering a rehearing of the Leandro case, a 32-year-old legal challenge to education funding in the state. The case has been a major point of contention in North Carolina politics for decades, with some lawmakers arguing that it is a key factor in the state's education funding woes. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have reached an agreement on legislation to overcome a shortfall in the state's Medicaid program, while tightening oversight of the program. The legislation, House Bill 696, would allocate an additional $319 million to cover the Medicaid rebase for the remainder of the fiscal year and implement several policy changes designed to strengthen eligibility verification and program integrity. Meanwhile, a major election integrity lawsuit is continuing to play out in the state as the State Board of Elections is asking a three-judge panel to jump in on a case dealing with so-called never residents. Additionally, some North Carolina lawmakers have filed a proposal that would dock their own pay if they failed to pass a state budget on time, an idea that appears to have overwhelming public support. [... more]