Recovery officials in western North Carolina are warning of a long-term wildfire threat after Hurricane Helene left behind hundreds of thousands of acres of downed timber. The state's timber economy is struggling due to aging logging operations, mill closures, and declining markets for low-grade wood products. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are working to finalize the state budget, which includes a proposed 8% teacher pay raise and a 3% raise for state employees. The Catawba Nation's 2 Kings Casino is also at the center of a legal dispute over sovereign immunity and easements. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly moved forward on two constitutional amendments dealing with property taxes and income tax, with voters set to decide on them in November. The amendments aim to limit property tax increases and reduce the income tax cap, with proponents arguing they will protect citizens from unaffordable tax hikes and ensure fiscal responsibility. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are expected to vote on three constitutional amendments, including one that would lower the state's income tax rate and another that would limit how much local governments can raise property taxes. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis, and the agricultural industry is facing a fertilizer shortage due to global disruptions and trade policies. [... more]

North Carolina's latest revenue forecast shows stronger than expected economic growth and tax collection across the state, with projected general fund revenues revised to $2.6 billion above the certified budget. A constitutional amendment to protect the right of people to engage in farming and forestry is being proposed, and lawmakers are considering a budget that includes a $500 million endowment for NC Innovation to commercialize university research. [... more]

North Carolina voters are expressing concerns about the direction of the state and the country, with 54% of voters saying North Carolina is heading in the wrong direction. The state's governor, Josh Stein, has a 50% approval rating, while President Trump's job approval has dropped to 41.5%. The Republican Party is facing a tough election in North Carolina, with 47.5% of voters supporting the Democrat candidate for the state legislature. The Opportunity Scholarship Program has a high level of support among voters, with 65.1% supporting the program. The state's certificate of need law is also a topic of discussion, with 65% of voters supporting the repeal of the law. [... more]

Xavier Becerra's past as HHS Secretary is scrutinized over his handling of immigration and child trafficking cases, while a World of Warcraft incident from 2005 is highlighted as a real-world pandemic simulation, and a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship is reported. [... 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 use of marijuana is being increasingly portrayed as a natural, therapeutic substance, but experts warn of its potential dangers, including addiction, public health and safety concerns, and the need for a science-based approach to policy decisions. [... 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Governor Josh Stein laid out his recommended state budget for fiscal year 26-27, proposing a $3 billion spending increase and tax cuts. He emphasized the need to invest in public education, workforce development, and public safety, while also addressing issues like childcare and housing costs. The governor's budget also includes proposals to increase teacher pay, expand community college programs, and provide more funding for school safety and mental health services. [... more]

North Carolina Treasurer Brad Breiner is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the state's treasurer's office after a successful pilot program. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein's proposal to revisit North Carolina's data center tax incentive is drawing attention from lawmakers and industry leaders. In Western North Carolina, private entities like Samaritan's Purse and Baptists on Mission are continuing their recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, with Samaritan's Purse expanding its rebuild program and Baptists on Mission completing 472 grant-related home repair projects. [... more]

Jesus Christ is described as the living cornerstone, the foundation on which everything is laid. He sets the angles and gives the direction, and when we come to him, we become like him, sharing the nature, the life, and the strength that is in Jesus himself. We are built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, and we become living stones, being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [... more]

The pivotal event of human history is the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, which is the center of worship, the work of the Holy Spirit, racial reconciliation, overcoming fear, holy living, healing, freedom from guilt, and overcoming Satan and demons. The cross is the answer to many of life's problems, and it is the key to understanding God's love and plan for humanity. [... more]

Living a deeply spiritual, holy life means having a sacred relationship with God, who rescues us from sin and emptiness, and shapes us to fit His divine purposes. This relationship gives us the privilege of offering various sacrifices to our living Lord, including our bodies, gratitude, good deeds, sharing with others, financial gifts, self-sacrificing love, and prayer. [... more]

The Church of Jesus Christ is a two-thousand-year-old building project by which God is always interested and always building. It's a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, and a living temple where people come to worship and offer spiritual sacrifices. As living stones, we are being built up by God, sharing his life and strength, and becoming more like him. [... more]