North Carolina's latest statewide audit of federal spending identifies questionable costs and reporting failures across multiple agencies. The audit resulted in 19 findings, including 18 related to federal awards and one tied to financial statement reporting. The state auditor's office will provide oversight for the $650 million stadium renovation project in Charlotte, the largest expense of public dollars in the history of the state. [... more]

North Carolina's record voter turnout in the 2026 primary elections was driven by the presidential race, but still relatively low compared to general elections. Meanwhile, a state auditor's report reveals financial mismanagement in Rocky Mount, leading to a $80 million decline in cash reserves. Legislative leaders are seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging a state law banning taxpayer funding for gender transition procedures for prison inmates, arguing it's a matter of state policy. [... more]

A bipartisan commission in North Carolina aims to modernize the state's election management system, addressing outdated technology and improving voter registration and election results. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order to strengthen the state's behavioral health and criminal justice systems, focusing on mental health crises, involuntary commitment, and re-entry support for individuals leaving prison. [... more]

Crime in North Carolina public schools has decreased for a third consecutive year, with fewer than 1% of students committing a reportable offense. The state auditor's office is promoting transparency and accountability with internal audits and budget dashboards. Meanwhile, a lawsuit against UNC Chapel Hill over a 2024 protest has resulted in a judge blocking the campus ban for three plaintiffs, citing First Amendment rights. [... more]

Cotton production plays a significant role in North Carolina's economy, with the state ranking sixth in the nation for cotton production. Meanwhile, immunization is crucial as the immune system weakens with age, and vaccines help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. In North Carolina, the General Assembly has made changes to appointment authority, which has led to legal challenges. Additionally, the state is experiencing winter weather, and scammers are taking advantage of individuals affected by the storms, making it essential to be cautious when dealing with insurance claims. [... more]

A petition to recall Sheriff Gary McFadden from his position as the elected sheriff of Mecklenburg County is set to be heard in court, with allegations of threats and mismanagement. Meanwhile, a report warns that tariffs could cost North Carolina farmers $700 million and nearly 8,000 jobs. Additionally, concerns are raised about voter registration and election integrity, with some individuals using non-residential addresses, including PO boxes and UPS stores, to register to vote. [... more]

North Carolina's state auditor released a report revealing over 11% of the state workforce is vacant, with more than 14,000 positions unfilled, resulting in over $1 billion in lapsed salaries. The report also found that some state agencies intentionally keep positions vacant to generate lapsed salaries. Meanwhile, a North Carolina Supreme Court justice announced a breast cancer diagnosis but plans to remain in the 2026 judicial race. In other news, the state's Christmas tree industry had a strong season despite the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024. [... more]

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the verge of receiving full federal recognition after decades of struggle and advocacy. Meanwhile, the state's disaster relief efforts, particularly with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCOR), have been marred by bureaucratic delays and mismanagement. A new audit highlights the issues with NCOR, and a proposed bill, the Salamander Act, aims to streamline disaster recovery efforts by expediting permits for the US Army Corps of Engineers. [... more]

A stabbing on the Charlotte light rail has sparked outrage over immigration policies, with the suspect being a Honduran immigrant previously deported twice. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is requesting social security numbers from DMV customers to verify voter eligibility. Meanwhile, a new audit reveals mismanagement of funds and a logistical nightmare in the state's disaster recovery efforts, raising concerns about the state's ability to handle future disasters. [... more]

Mixed messaging surrounds Operation Charlotte's Web as local officials claim the customs and border protection operation is complete, while the Department of Homeland Security says it's not over. Meanwhile, a new audit reveals the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, or NCOR, has been a logistical nightmare in the state's hurricane recovery efforts, with over $1 billion in taxpayer money spent without proper oversight. [... more]

North Carolina ranks ninth in the US for human trafficking, with over 300 cases identified in 2024. Customs and Border Protection's Operation Charlotte's Web has arrested over 250 illegal aliens, including those with criminal histories. Meanwhile, the state auditor's report reveals that the Department of Health and Human Services generated $386 million in tax dollars for unfilled job positions, raising questions about Medicaid funding and bureaucratic inefficiencies. [... more]

Utah prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Meanwhile, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is requesting an additional $13.5 billion in federal funding to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Helene. The state has received only 9% of the total damage in federal relief dollars so far, compared to 70% for states similarly devastated by other hurricanes. [... more]

The federal government has announced federal charges against DeCarlos Brown Jr. for the August 22nd murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Irina Zaruska on a Charlotte light rail. The charges are part of a broader effort to address violent crime and public safety in the city, which has been plagued by a series of incidents on the light rail system. The case has sparked a national debate about the need for tougher laws and policies to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. [... more]

North Carolina's Department of Transportation launches a public comment period for its next infrastructure plan, amid growing concerns over congestion in major metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, the state's General Assembly faces scrutiny over gerrymandering, and a recent poll shows widespread concern among voters about foreign ownership of farmland, particularly from China. [... more]

A comprehensive audit of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicle reveals systematic problems, including long wait times, outdated technology, and a lack of metrics to measure performance. State Auditor Dave Bollock recommends separating the DMV from the Department of Transportation to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. [... more]

Local municipalities affected by Hurricane Helene have another chance to apply for assistance through the Helene Cash Flow Loan Program, with the state treasurer's office administering the program and providing nearly $100 million in funding. Meanwhile, the state auditor's office has rolled out a new internal dashboard to increase government transparency, and the state treasurer's office has partnered with Open AI to explore the use of artificial intelligence in government services. A legal battle is also underway over the use of probable cause in law enforcement searches, with the state Supreme Court set to review the case. [... more]

A federal audit of the Charlotte Regional Processing and Distribution Center reveals operational issues, including delayed mail and staffing shortages. The North Carolina State Board of Elections addresses voting laws for overseas and military voters, as well as 'never residents' who are eligible to vote in federal elections. The state legislature prepares to override Governor Josh Stein's vetoes on various bills, including those related to firearms, immigration, and transparency. The state auditor's office releases a new budget dashboard to increase transparency and accountability. President Donald Trump announces a trade deal with the Philippines, which will have zero tariffs on U.S. exports and 19% tariffs on Philippine imports. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed three bills, including the Personal Privacy Protection Act, which aimed to protect charity donors' privacy, citing concerns over transparency and potential dark money in politics. Meanwhile, the state is dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal, which caused historic levels of flash flooding in the central Piedmont region. Additionally, a nationwide healthcare fraud takedown resulted in over 300 individuals being charged, including nine in North Carolina, with authorities seizing over $245 million in assets. [... more]

A new report from the North Carolina State Auditor raises questions about the cost of hurricane recovery efforts in Western NC, with a community care center costing $27.4 million to operate for 189 days, providing 14,000 showers and 18,000 loads of laundry. Meanwhile, Amazon plans to invest $10 billion in a new high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence campus in Rockingham, North Carolina, creating at least 500 new high-skilled jobs. [... more]

North Carolina voters endorsed common sense spending and low fair taxes on election day, reelecting fiscally conservative Republican majorities to the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House. A group called Constituting America is working to educate and inspire students and adults about the US Constitution and enhance their civic knowledge. [... more]