LATEST NEWS AND OPINION

This is not the budget that House Democrats would have proposed, but it is the best proposal we will see this Session. It continues to fund opportunity scholarships and does not address many of the critical investments we need across state government. 

The state’s seasonally adjusted April 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from March’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent.

The House’s proposed budget isn’t perfect. But I am pleased that the House raises teacher pay to make North Carolina’s starting teacher salaries the second-highest in the Southeast and rewards our state employees with a raise.

RALEIGH — Roy Cooper will reportedly make some headlines next month. I have no idea whether he’ll announce a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. If he does, the former governor will present a formidable challenge to incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis. If he doesn’t run, it will be at least partly because Cooper believes he’ll win — and the prospect of spending the next six years in Washington may fill him with more dread than delight.

(Raleigh, N.C.) — State Treasurer Brad Briner released the following statement in response to the House’s proposed state spending plan.

Raleigh, NC – Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives released a state budget that is Committed to Carolina, delivering meaningful pay raises for teachers and state employees, targeted tax relief for working families, and cuts to wasteful government spending, including DEI programs.

(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein this week shared his recommendations on key reforms at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve federal disaster response. Governor Stein provided his input to the President’s FEMA Review Council in a letter in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s request for public input.  

RALEIGH – Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined 39 Republican and Democrat attorneys general opposing an attempt by Congress to prevent states from implementing and enforcing laws regulating artificial intelligence. This would eliminate important consumer protections from harmful uses of AI already in place, putting North Carolinians at risk.

RALEIGH — Our state’s official seal presents North Carolina as a series of dualities. In the background of the circular emblem are green-topped mountains to the west and crystal-blue water to the east. In the foreground, two female figures in classical garb symbolize Liberty (clutching a constitution in one hand and the traditional “liberty cap” in the other) and Plenty (holding stalks of grain in one hand and an overflowing cornucopia in the other).

The Honorable Eula Reid to the Superior Court for Judicial District 1, serving Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties. Reid is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Jerry Tillett retired.