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.
Latest News and Opinion
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.
Governor Cooper appoints Jim Weaver as DIT secretary
Governor Roy Cooper announced James “Jim” Weaver will serve as Secretary and state Chief Information Officer at the Department of Information Technology. Thomas Parrish has served as Acting DIT Secretary and CIO since Tracy Doaks’ departure last June.
Severe weather causes delay in COVID-19 vaccine shipments
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been notified by the federal government of continued delays in some shipments and deliveries of COVID-19 vaccine this week due to severe weather. Both first and second dose shipments have been impacted. The Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and vaccine providers to help minimize the potential effects of these delays.
NCDHHS offers tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in severe weather
As North Carolinians prepare for severe winter weather conditions, officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services caution people not to use gasoline-powered generators or tools, outdoor grills and camp stoves in enclosed spaces. These devices should be used outside only and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and air vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
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.
Lawmakers look to implement summer school for at-risk students
As state lawmakers try to sort out when students can go back to school full time, members of the House are sponsoring a bill that would offer a voluntary summer school program for North Carolina students.
Governor Cooper names new department of Environmental Quality Secretary
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Dionne Delli-Gatti will replace EPA Administrator Designate Michael Regan as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Governor Cooper announces grants to rural communities to attract 375 new jobs and more than $60 million in private investment
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,566,930, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 439 jobs, 64 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $60 million in private investment.
North Carolina coronavirus grants awarded to 34 communities
Nearly $27 million in grants has been awarded to 34 municipal and county governments in North Carolina in response to the adverse economic and public health impacts of COVID-19, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.
North Carolina’s members of Congress absent more often than peers
Twelve of 15 members of Congress from North Carolina missed more votes in 2020 than the median absences of their peers. In addition, both Tar Heel state U.S. senators outpaced most other senators for missed votes, a government watchdog reports.
N.C. Republicans wonder what’s next after Trump?
N.C. GOP Chairman Michael Whatley says former President Trump will inevitably cast a long shadow in North Carolina politics for the foreseeable future. He believes the policies Trump championed are still winning policies for 2022 and beyond.