By John Trump , Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Will Easter is a promising North Carolina musician. A career just starting to take off. I reached him on his cell phone, and he wanted to talk. A bit busy now, though, he said. Hanging drywall. “I actually t
By Rick Henderson Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Some N.C. felons who have finished their active prison time will be able to cast ballots in the 2020 election, based on a 2-1 ruling from a state Superior Court panel. The court’s order applies to any felon who is out of prison b
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — For the first time in more than 20 years, Chef Felicia Daniel has no plans for autumn in North Carolina. It’s a muggy, Friday afternoon on Aug. 7 when I phone Daniel, the operator of the N.C. State Fair’s popular Chef’s D’
by Lindsay Marchello, Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Judge David Lee, the overseer of the Leandro case, approved a plan on Tuesday, Sept. 1, calling for millions more in education spending to meet North Carolina’s constitutional obligation to provide a sound, bas
By Julie Havlak Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper will move North Carolina into Phase 2.5 on Friday, Sept. 4, when gyms and bowling alleys will be able to operate at 30% capacity. But Cooper’s reopening plan will bring little relief to gyms and bo
By Lindsay Marchello Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Republican lawmakers presented a $1 billion COVID-19 package during a Tuesday, Sept. 1, news conference. The proposal — which they plan to pass this week during a two-day session — sets the stage for a showdown wit
by Julie Havlak , Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — For the first time in state history, the governor is introducing a budget proposal in August. The fiscal year is already under way, but North Carolina’s budget is almost two years old. Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, wants t
by Kari Travis, Carolina Journal News Service Though Gov. Roy Cooper will ease some coronavirus restrictions in September, bars and private clubs may remain shuttered, Carolina Journal has learned. If that happens, the industry — already foundering —
by Julie Havlak , Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH, N.C. — On August 26, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper proposed a $25 billion General Fund budget to expand Medicaid, increase unemployment benefits, give teachers higher bonuses, and cut funding to Opportunity Scholarships. Republ
By Lindsay Marchello, Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — North Carolina’s public schools and universities are asking the General Assembly for millions more to deal with COVID-19 challenges. The House Select Committee on COVID-19 education working group met for the first time in mon
By Lindsay Marchello Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — University of North Carolina leaders, students, and faculty are blaming each other for the growing number of COVID-19 cases on campuses. But it’s unclear where the fault lies. Plenty of fingers were pointed a
by Lindsay Marchello Each week, staff at Carolina Journal looks back at the week in N.C. politics and chooses several interesting, relevant stories you may have missed. Education team-up: Three N.C. families are joining the Institute for Justice , intervening in a lawsuit threat
