North Carolina’s January employment figures released
The state’s seasonally adjusted January unemployment rate was 5.9 percent, declining 0.2 points from December’s revised rate. The national rate declined 0.4 points to 6.3 percent.
Latest News and Opinion
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.
2020 N.C. main street champions to be honored virtually
North Carolina Main Street Champions will be recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities during a virtual recognition ceremony today.
Teacher’s union continues opposition over school reopening law
Even as a bill to reopen schools across North Carolina garnered unanimous bipartisan support and was fast-tracked through the legislature, North Carolina’s teacher’s union released a statement blasting Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and lawmakers from both political parties for the compromise.
New order issued by Chief Justice Paul Newby
Chief Justice Paul Newby issued an order today extending emergency directives an additional 30 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renewal of P-EBT program brings food assistance to NC families
Thousands of North Carolina parents with school-age children will soon begin receiving additional assistance to purchase food through the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program, or P-EBT, which has been renewed for the 2020-21 school year.
The fight to end the perpetual state of emergency
On March 10, 2020 Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on March 17, 2020, he closed schools, restaurants, and bars for in-person dining. The NCHSAA also suspended school sports.
Kinston attorney Jimbo Perry appears on NC Judicial Branch’s podcast
A new episode of the North Carolina Judicial Branch podcast All Things Judicial was released today. In this episode, hosted by Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism Executive Director Mel Wright and entitled “The Way to Practice Life,” Mel welcomes Kinston attorney James S. “Jimbo” Perry.
Governor Cooper Signs COVID-19 relief bill into law
While I will ask legislators to revisit some areas of this legislation, including changes necessary to quickly deliver rental assistance, these funds will bring needed relief for people who are struggling, schools and small businesses as we strive to emerge from this pandemic.
Gov. Cooper announces people with high-risk medical condition in group 4 will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 17
Today, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. announced beginning on March 17, people in Group 4 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and people who live in certain congregate settings will be eligible for vaccination. The rest of Group 4, which includes other essential workers will become eligible April 7. (See Deeper Dive)
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.
NC House Leaders Introduce Emergency Powers Accountability Act
Today marks an entire year since Governor Roy Cooper unilaterally put the citizens of North Carolina under a state-wide emergency order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.