The North Carolina Supreme Court has denied a rehearing in the 32-year-long Leandro education funding case, ending the lawsuit and vacating all related court decisions. Meanwhile, the state treasurer's office is promoting financial literacy among high school students through an internship program and other initiatives. A new bill in the state legislature aims to overhaul how the state funds K-12 schools and create a pilot program for outside-the-classroom learning. [... 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

North Carolina's rural healthcare system is on unstable footing, with hospital leaders warning of potential closures due to financial strain. The state legislature is considering a $213 million plan to stabilize and transform care in rural areas. Meanwhile, a lawsuit is underway challenging the Trump administration's tariff policies, with multiple states, including North Carolina, joining the suit. Additionally, wildfires are burning across the state, with agricultural officials warning of the risks facing communities statewide. [... more]

The North Carolina government is working to provide relief to Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene devastated the area. A bipartisan task force has released a report outlining six recommendations to increase access to childcare across the state. Meanwhile, a petition to remove Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden from office was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction, but the pressure continues to be turned up on the sheriff and the county. As people age, their immune system weakens, but vaccines can help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. [... 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 North Carolina General Assembly continues to struggle with budget negotiations, with no comprehensive state budget passed despite being well into the second fiscal quarter. Governor Josh Stein is calling for an emergency session to address the Medicaid rebase, while the Republican-led General Assembly is at odds over tax code policies. Meanwhile, the federal government is on the verge of reopening after a 43-day shutdown, with a bipartisan deal to end the shutdown advancing through the House Rules Committee. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are set to return to Raleigh this week to address several key issues, including the Cybersecurity in Agriculture Act, bail reform, and the death penalty. The state Supreme Court has also ruled against judicial deference, giving individuals more power to challenge government agencies and regulations. A representative from the 47th district has announced his resignation to take a role in Washington, D.C. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature remains deadlocked on a state budget, while Duke Energy has determined that offshore wind is not currently a reliable or least cost energy option, citing new uncertainties and risks. Governor Josh Stein has announced the creation of an energy policy task force to focus on lower rates and renewable energy, but critics argue that the projects would raise energy costs and threaten coastal industries. [... more]

Texas Democrats fled the state in an effort to stop the Republican-controlled legislature from voting on redistricting The attorney general says that's a felony crime and the governor says anyone not in the seats by p m will be removed from office See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

A busy week in North Carolina's General Assembly saw lawmakers meeting to discuss various bills, including a mini-budget that allocates funds for education, infrastructure, and Medicaid. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina, with some lawmakers expressing frustration over the lack of progress in rebuilding homes and providing aid to affected residents. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers successfully override eight vetoes from Governor Josh Stein, including bills related to energy policy, regulatory reform, and state government accountability. The General Assembly also reaches a deal on a mini-budget to fund basic government functions. Meanwhile, Governor Stein calls for lawmakers to focus on passing a budget rather than veto overrides, and environmental groups express concerns about the impact of the energy policy bill on the state's climate and energy future. [... more]

The United States was founded predominantly by Christians who wanted to build a Christian nation on the foundation of God's will. The Founding Fathers believed that the future success of the country depended on its fidelity to Christian beliefs and that the Bible was the nation's founding document. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued his first vetoes since taking office, rejecting three Republican-backed bills: Senate Bill 50, the Freedom to Carry NC Act, Senate Bill 153, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, and House Bill 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. The governor cited public safety and constitutional concerns in all three veto messages. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines to officially recognize the Green Party as an official political party in the state, while about 34,000 voters will be moved to the unaffiliated status as the Constitution, Justice for All, no labels, and We the People parties failed to meet the 2% vote threshold in the 2024 elections. [... 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]

North Carolina's General Assembly has passed a permitless carry bill, allowing residents 18 or older to carry concealed firearms without a permit. The bill now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk, who has signaled a likely veto. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, following the 2025 hurricane season, shifting disaster response responsibilities to the states. In other news, the North Carolina House has voted to repeal the state's 2030 carbon emissions mandate, promising to save North Carolinians up to $15 billion in future utility costs. [... more]

Duncan Scott, a former New Mexico state senator, shares the story behind the 'pointy hat bill', a satirical amendment he introduced to address the insanity defense plea, which unexpectedly passed through the legislative process. [... more]