Senate leader Phil Berger has officially conceded in his race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, citing the voters' decision and avoiding a lengthy and potentially costly court fight. The concession statement highlights Berger's confidence in the election process and his recognition of the voters' will. Meanwhile, the North Carolina House and Senate are at odds over the budget, with the House pushing for tax cuts and the Senate advocating for lower tax rates. The House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform is also investigating Medicaid fraud and waste, calling for testimony from Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Health and Human Services Secretary. [... more]

A close race in North Carolina's Senate between Phil Berger and Sam Page remains unchanged after a machine recount in Rockingham and Guilford counties. The Berger campaign has until late afternoon to request a partial hand-eye recount, which could potentially expand to a full hand-eye recount of all 26,000 plus votes in the contest. [... more]

A razor-thin margin in the Republican primary contest between Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page has led to scrutiny over provisional ballots and the state's budget impasse. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is reviewing 189 provisional ballots, which could potentially change the outcome of the election. Meanwhile, the state's budget remains unresolved, with the General Assembly yet to pass a new budget. The lack of a budget is affecting various agencies, including the Secretary of State's office, which is struggling to fund investigations and staff. The Governor has announced plans to propose critical needs that cannot wait for next year's budget, including Medicaid funding. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers pressed the administrative office of the courts on e-court technology cost overruns, system performance, and efficiency. The hearing highlighted frustrations over slowdowns, unclear financial savings, and heavy reliance on a single vendor. Meanwhile, a growing trend of families pulling their children out of traditional public education and opting for homeschooling or alternative education options has led to concerns about discrimination against homeschool graduates in college admissions. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the future of FEMA and NOAA, which could impact the state's disaster management and emergency response capabilities. The state is preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, and officials are working to improve communication and response efforts. Meanwhile, the Reigns Act, a bill aimed at limiting the power of unelected bureaucrats, is gaining momentum in the North Carolina General Assembly. An investigation into missing campaign finance records from a candidate in Rockingham County is also underway. [... more]

The expansion of gambling operations in North Carolina poses significant concerns for public safety, law enforcement, and the local economy. Sheriff Sam Page and John Rustin discuss the potential risks of casinos and video lottery terminals, including increased crime, addiction, and economic cannibalization. [... more]

The COVID-19 pandemic has created job-related challenges across North Carolina, particularly for military veterans returning to the civilian workforce. The University of North Carolina is facing budget challenges and access priorities. Court packing proposals, which involve adding seats to the Supreme Court, have been a contentious issue in the US, with some progressives calling for it to balance the court's conservative lean. The John Locke Foundation has been analyzing the pressing issues of the day, including jobs, healthcare, education, and more, to give North Carolinians more freedom, options, and control over their lives. [... more]

North Carolina's response to COVID-19 has had a major impact on public schools, with many students returning to online learning. State lawmakers have sent $335 checks to parents of school-aged children, but critics argue that the checks are not enough to cover the costs of virtual learning. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic, with some students and faculty members expressing concerns about the quality of online education. The state's education system is also facing challenges, with some schools struggling to provide adequate resources and support for students. As the state looks to the future, lawmakers are considering proposals to increase funding for public schools and to expand parental school choice options. [... more]