North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson are objecting to a proposed 15% rate hike by Duke Energy, citing concerns about affordability and the impact of data centers on energy demand. Meanwhile, the state's election board is pushing back against claims that a recent settlement with the federal government will give the feds unfettered access to voter data. The Atlantic hurricane season officially ended with no hurricanes making landfall in the continental US, but multiple tropical storms caused damage and casualties in the Carolinas. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is struggling to pass a biennial budget, with the House and Senate at odds over tax reductions and revenue projections. Meanwhile, Wolfspeed, a semiconductor supplier, is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to financial struggles. The company manufactures wide bandgap semiconductors used in electric vehicles and has over $6.5 billion in debt. The state's Medicaid expansion is also facing uncertainty as lawmakers prepare for potential federal funding cuts. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly continues to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, approving a $700 million recovery package for Western North Carolina. Meanwhile, a contentious shrimping ban is being debated, with opponents threatening lawmakers and a three-judge panel is set to hear arguments in a lawsuit challenging Republican-backed changes to state appointments. Additionally, a technology company, Wolfspeed, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to significant financial struggles and a downturn in the electric vehicle market. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature has given final approval to the Power Reduction Act, which eliminates the state's statutory goal to cut carbon emissions by 70% by 2030. Supporters say this policy change could save North Carolinians up to $15 billion in future energy costs and will help meet skyrocketing power demands. Meanwhile, the Foster Care in NC Act aims to modernize and strengthen the state's child welfare system through a wide-ranging set of reforms. Additionally, the Neighbor State License Recognition Act advances occupational licensing reform by allowing individuals licensed in neighboring states to apply for equivalent licenses in North Carolina without having to start the process from scratch. Wolfspeed, a Durham-based company, is one step closer to filing for bankruptcy after creditors secured a $750 million financing deal. The company manufactures wide bandgap semiconductors and has faced financial woes and layoffs in recent months. [... more]

A bill that could reshape transportation funding in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, has cleared the House Transportation Committee. The legislation, known as the PAVE Act, would authorize the county commissioners to place a 1% local sales tax on the ballot. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Senate has passed two immigration enforcement bills, and President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, the North Carolina House has passed a bill to make the state the 30th to adopt constitutional carry laws, allowing individuals to carry firearms without a permit. [... more]