A Greenville bar owner’s lawsuit challenging the state Emergency Management Act is heading to a three-judge panel. The panel will decide whether the act is unconstitutional because of the power it grants to Gov. Roy Cooper.
All by John Trump
North Carolina lawmakers file ‘No Veteran Left Behind Act’
A bill introduced by House Majority Leader John Bell, R-Wayne, is meant to help improve crisis intervention and services for veterans suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues.
House approves amendment to restrict eminent domain amendment
A supermajority of the N.C. House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment to strengthen private property rights against eminent domain land takings. The proposed amendment, House Bill 271, would hit the ballot in 2022. The bill passed the House, 101-17, Thursday, March 25.
As vaccinations rise, Cooper further eases COVID-19 restrictions
Gov. Roy Cooper is further easing restrictions on state residents and businesses that began one year ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawmakers introduce bill to make daylight saving time permanent
N.C. Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, has introduced a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent in the Tar Heel State.
State to renew controversial ABC contract and increase liquor prices
The N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission voted unanimously last week to recommend the state award a 10-year contract for warehouse services to LB&B Associates, the target of an audit in 2018 that has over the previous years cost the state about $13.5 million.
Senate leader, governor negotiating agreement to reopen schools
N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, says lawmakers are negotiating with Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, on a plan to reopen schools.
Republican effort to overturn veto on reopening schools falls short
The N.C. General Assembly on Monday, March 1, tried but failed — by one vote, 29-20 — to override the governor’s veto of a bill to reopen schools, even as students — parents, too — suffer, and opinion polls show residents want children back in the classroom.
Cooper makes move to re-open bars, says more government money is needed
Private bars will open at limited capacity under a new executive decree from the governor, although at the same time he called for more direct government aid to prop up failing businesses.
Judge struggles to find distinction that would keep N.C. bars closed
A Superior Court judge asked repeatedly Thursday, Feb. 18, for evidence that would justify state government orders that keep private bars closed across North Carolina.
Senators introduce bill increasing attendance at high school events
Republican Senate lawmakers have introduced a bill that would change the 100-person capacity limit at outdoor high school sporting venues.
General Assembly passes bill to reopen schools, but governor signals a veto
The N.C. House and Senate have come to terms on legislation to reopen schools for in-person instruction. But Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has indicated he will veto it, even though he says he wants students back in school.
Cohen urges patience as vaccine rollout slowly accelerates
State health secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen updated reporters on Thursday, Jan. 21 about the state of COVID-19 vaccinations in North Carolina.
Cohen urges patience as vaccine rollout slowly accelerates
State health secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen updated reporters on Thursday, Jan. 21 about the state of COVID-19 vaccinations in North Carolina.
Appeals court decision may end ‘slush funds’ for state executives
RALEIGH — The N.C. attorney general can’t keep and distribute money from a settlement over hog waste that leaked and overflowed from lagoons. A split 2-1 panel of the N.C. Court of Appeals, in an opinion issued Tuesday, Dec. 15, ruled money resulting from a settlement between Smithfield Foods and the N.C. attorney general must flow into the state treasury. The ruling effectively ends the attorney general’s hog settlement “slush fund,” says Mitch Kokai, senior political analyst for the John Locke Foundation. It could also end any similar deals in the future involving officials in the state’s executive branch.
Gov. Roy Cooper in a new executive order is encouraging local authorities to pursue criminal and civil penalties against businesses that fail to uphold mask and distancing requirements. The order, which runs through Dec. 11, further tightens mask mandates when people are around people who don’t live with them.
North Carolina has an opportunity. Meaning North Carolina as whole, but also as a sum of its complex and diverse parts.
Gov. Roy Cooper has taken much from us, decisions made and edicts issued because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve said this before.