A major winter storm is set to impact North Carolina, with a state of emergency declared and power outages expected due to ice accumulation. Meanwhile, the state's General Assembly is considering a federal school choice tax credit program, with neighboring Georgia already opting in. Additionally, vaccines are being promoted to strengthen the immune system against respiratory illnesses. [... more]

North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein is facing a deadline to sign or veto Arena's Law, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that tightens pretrial conditions for violent offenders, eliminates cashless bail, and establishes a new protocol for mental health evaluations. Meanwhile, the USDA is relocating employees to Raleigh, North Carolina, to increase its workforce and make it more affordable for people to join the department, citing the city's low cost of living and its importance as a hub for agriculture, which is the state's number one industry. [... more]

North Carolina's tourism industry continues to thrive, with visitor spending reaching a record $36.7 billion in 2024. Despite the impact of Hurricane Helene, the state's cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences remain a top choice for travelers. Meanwhile, a lengthy legal dispute over the ferry and barge system serving the Village of Baldhead Island has resulted in a recent court ruling against the village government. Additionally, state lawmakers have scheduled veto overrides on several bills, including measures aimed at curbing the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda in education and government. [... 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]

Former Governor Roy Cooper has officially announced his bid for the US Senate seat in North Carolina, setting the stage for a competitive race against Republican Michael Watley. The election is expected to be one of the most expensive in US history, with potential spending of over $750 million. Meanwhile, Duke University is facing an investigation into allegations of violating Title IX and engaging in racial preferences in admissions. The university has been accused of prioritizing diversity over merit-based admissions, sparking controversy and calls for reform. [... more]

The U.S. Department of Education releases $6.8 billion in education funding, including $165 million for North Carolina, after a lawsuit by Attorney General Jeff Jackson. Meanwhile, Senator Tom Tillis introduces the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025 to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis in North Carolina. President Donald Trump reaches a trade deal with the European Union, reducing tariffs on EU imports and increasing energy purchases. Former Governor Roy Cooper and RNC Chairman Michael Watley are considering running for the U.S. Senate seat, while the North Carolina General Assembly returns to Raleigh to attempt to override 14 vetoes by Governor Josh Stein. [... more]

North Carolina politics have been in the national spotlight as U.S. Senator Tom Tillis announced his retirement, and rumors swirl around former Governor Roy Cooper and Michael Watley's potential Senate bids, with Cooper's favorability rating high but controversies surrounding COVID lockdowns and shutdowns potentially becoming major issues in the upcoming election. [... 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]

Governor Josh Stein signed six pieces of legislation into law, including the PAVE Act, which will allow a one-cent countywide tax referendum to address transportation needs in the Charlotte metro area. The bill also creates a new 27-member transit authority to oversee transportation money. Additionally, Stein signed the Protecting Students in a Digital Age Act, which requires school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students' access to social media platforms in the classroom. Meanwhile, the state health plan is facing a serious deficit, with a projected $949 million cash deficit by the end of 2027. [... more]

North Carolina state lawmakers are struggling to pass a new budget, with disagreements over spending priorities and tax cuts. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee is focusing on the state in the wake of U.S. Senator Tom Tillis' decision not to run for reelection. The party is eyeing a potential Senate seat, with former Governor Roy Cooper being considered as a candidate. In other news, Governor Josh Stein has vetoed a regulatory reform bill known as the Rains Act, which aimed to impose new checks on unelected regulatory bodies. The bill's supporters are urging the General Assembly to override the veto. Additionally, the state has allocated over $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief, and the DMV has announced that it will now accept walk-ins for all services at 82 of its offices across the state. [... 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]

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]

North Carolina's constitutional carry debate clears a major hurdle in the House Judiciary Committee, with the legislation now on track to become the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry. Meanwhile, homeowners' insurance rates have increased by 7.5% in the state, with average rates set to rise another 7.5% next year. The state is also recovering from Hurricane Helene, with efforts underway to drive business in western North Carolina. The steel industry is facing uncertainty due to tariffs, with the US imposing a 50% tariff on most imported steel and aluminum products. [... more]

Dana Lash discusses various topics including inflation, the situation with Iran, parental rights, ESG, gun control, and the ATF's regulatory abuse. She also talks about climate change, renewable energy, gas stoves, and electric vehicles, highlighting the absurdity of some environmental policies and the push for renewable energy without considering the practicalities and consequences. [... more]

The discussion revolves around American K-12 education, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the potential indictment of former President Trump. The conversation also touches on falsification of business records, campaign finance law, and the implications of ESG investing and central bank digital currency on the economy. [... more]