Today’s NC Political News briefs

North Carolina officials approved the state's first Workforce Pell programs, committed a $1 million economic-development incentive and opened several groups of state regulations for public review.

Recent state government items include a TV merger enforcement order, a Duke Energy settlement dispute and new bill actions from Gov. Josh Stein.

Recent North Carolina government activity includes legal action in a television merger case, a dispute over Duke Energy Progress’ proposed rate settlement and recent bill actions from Gov. Josh Stein.

Judge finds Nexstar violated merger freeze order

A judge found Nexstar violated a preliminary injunction freezing its proposed acquisition of Tegna, Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s office said Aug. 10. The court ordered oversight by a special master or magistrate judge and directed Nexstar to remove its officers from Tegna’s board, submit monthly compliance documents and file a status report. Jackson’s office said North Carolina is significantly affected because the merger would create overlaps in Charlotte, the Triad and the Norfolk-Newport News market serving northeastern North Carolina. Source: NCDOJ

Jackson declined to sign Duke Energy Progress settlement

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Aug. 12 that he would not sign a proposed Duke Energy Progress settlement that would raise residential electric bills. Duke’s original filing sought an 18.1% residential rate increase over two years, while the proposed settlement lowered the increase. Jackson said the revised increase was still too high. The North Carolina Utilities Commission will decide whether to approve or reject the settlement. Source: NCDOJ

Stein signed four bills into law

Gov. Josh Stein signed four bills into law Aug. 11, including Senate Bill 445, the Regulatory Reform Act of 2026. Stein’s office said the regulatory bill cuts red tape related to housing production and makes it easier for families to install solar panels or battery systems. Source: Governor’s Office