Chief Justice Newby orders extension of time in bail bond forfeiture proceedings
In response to COVID-19, Chief Justice Paul Newby issued an order today further extending time in certain bail bond forfeiture proceedings.
State Government
Attorney General Josh Stein leads bipartisan coalition fighting to defend robocall protections
Attorney General Josh Stein and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita today took action to ensure state attorneys general can continue to fight against robocalls. Attorneys General Stein and Rokita led a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Lindenbaum v. Realgy. In their brief, the states argue that the Telephone Consumer Protection Act’s robocall ban was enforceable from 2015 to 2020. Fighting robocalls is one of Attorney General Stein’s top priorities.
Early North Carolina broadband survey data shows mediocre access
North Carolinians can now view results from an ongoing survey designed to show gaps in coverage in the state, which so far indicates a lack of access to broadband.
NCDHHS to Launch COVID-19 vaccine live online fireside chat series
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will kick off a new live stream talk series to address and provide updates on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
Governor Cooper, state education leaders say it’s time for in-person instruction in K-12 schools statewide
Top state education leaders joined Governor Roy Cooper today to call on K-12 school districts across the state to allow in-person instruction for all students.
Harrington becomes State Senate’s first female majority leader
Sen. Kathy Harrington, R-Gaston, doesn’t seem impressed at becoming the first female majority leader of the N.C. Senate. She is one of the most powerful lawmakers in Raleigh. She sports a concealed-carry permit, and her daughter is a law enforcement officer. She listens more than she talks, and she doesn’t forget.She is not someone to cross.
Safety projects funded at nine N.C. airports
In its January meeting, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved state funding for various safety and airfield improvement projects at nine North Carolina airports.
North Carolina Ranks 6th in the Nation for total doses of vaccine administered
On January 27, North Carolina reported administering 99% of its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and as of this morning the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks the state as 6th in the nation for total doses administered, 12th for first doses administered per 100,000 people, and 17th for total doses administered per 100,000 people.
Former governor, chief justice inch closer to running for Burr’s seat
In public and behind the scenes, there’s a lot of movement on both sides of the aisle as candidates prepare to enter the race to succeed retiring Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, setting up competitive primaries and a general election race in 2022. Sources confirm that former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley has hired a new campaign consultant and is preparing to announce her entry into the Democratic primary. Other sources close to former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory confirm that McCrory has taken initial steps to run later this year.
N.C. overpaid more than $69 million in unemployment benefits
NCDES Assistant Secretary Pryor Gibson told the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance on Tuesday, Jan. 26, that a combination of more money passing through the system and additional programs resulted in the overpayments.
Governor Cooper visits Piedmont Health SeniorCare to see COVID-19 vaccinations with a focus on equity
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen visited the Piedmont Health SeniorCare center in Pittsboro to see patients in the Chatham County community receive the vaccine. Piedmont Health SeniorCare is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Program focused on providing care to underserved communities.
AG recommends lawmakers use Dish settlement money to expand access
N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein wants lawmakers to use millions won from a settlement with Dish Network to expand internet access for students, but legislative leaders are so far noncommittal on the proposal.