Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted November 2025 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent. The national rate was 4.6 percent. October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations.
All in Politics
John Hood: Do Sternly Worded Letters Win Wars?
RALEIGH — It was 250 years ago this week that a displaced governor issued a proclamation intended to restore him to power in North Carolina. Instead, it led to the first major engagement of the Revolutionary War in the Southern colonies — and a decisive defeat for his cause.
North Carolina’s rigid, unresponsive legislative leadership is taking a toll
There is, of course, nothing new about the spectacle of everyday people being forced to endure great suffering because of the whims, foibles, fears and egos of powerful rulers and politicians. From the forced labor that helped construct the pyramids to the countless wars waged to boost a leader’s domestic political standing, millions of people throughout history have suffered greatly because of a powerful man’s – and it’s almost always been a man’s – desire for power.
NC Council of State to General Assembly: Invest in workforce, pass NC’s overdue budget
Members of the North Carolina Council of State kicked off the new year with a direct message for the General Assembly: Finalize the budget and properly fund state agencies.
Republicans overtake Democrats on NC voter rolls
For the first time in state history, registered Republicans now outnumber registered Democrats in North Carolina, according to the most recent voter registration snapshot based on data from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
John Hood: Bookstore Rebirth Teaches a Crucial Lesson
RALEIGH — One benefit of getting married on New Year’s Eve is that our anniversary is unlikely to slip my mind. If you doubt my capacity to forget so important a date, just ask my wife.
John Hood: Choke Points Limits Economic Success
RALEIGH — While our state continues to best most others in economic performance, not all our households and communities are sharing in North Carolina’s prosperity. Some are struggling to replace lost jobs with new ones. Other folks are gainfully employed but see their real incomes being eroded by the rising costs of housing, health care, transportation, and other necessities.
Senator Budd Issues Statement After CMS Announces $213M+ in Funding for North Carolina’s Rural Hospitals
Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined members of the North Carolina congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Mehmet Oz, expressing strong support for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service’s (DHHS) Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) application.
NC Education Lottery Financial Statement Audit Released
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) has released the statutorily required financial statement audit of the North Carolina Education Lottery.
John Hood: When Think Tanks Lose Their Way
RALEIGH — Think tank is a funny term for a serious enterprise. For more than a century — the first one was the Brookings Institution, founded in 1916 — think tanks have played important roles in American politics and government. They’ve developed and promoted ideas.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Sues to Defend Consumer Protection Funds
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing to protect Congressionally-mandated funding for federal consumer protection efforts after the acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) threatened to unlawfully and unconstitutionally refuse to fund the agency’s operations. The CFPB has returned more than $21 billion to more than 205 million Americans in the 14 years it’s been in operation, but without any additional funds it will run out of money in January. North Carolina and other states work closely with the CFPB to defend consumers’ rights and win back money for people who have been unfairly treated by businesses and lenders.
John Hood: The White Christmas No One Wanted
RALEIGH — Two hundred and fifty years ago this week, thousands of Carolinians were trudging through deep snow. They weren’t in search of Christmas trees, or heading over the river and through the woods to their grandmothers’ houses for holiday feasting. These were Patriot militiamen, from both Carolinas, hunting for Tories in modern-day Greenville County, South Carolina.
Op-Ed: Managing numerous chronic conditions
I live every day managing numerous chronic conditions including gout, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Years ago, I was obese, and it took serious medical care, discipline, and access to effective treatments to turn my health around. Today, I rely on five prescription medications to keep these conditions under control. Without them, my quality of life and my future would be at risk.
Leader Reives Statement on Passing of 2026 Candidate Filing
I am thankful to the Democrats in every corner of North Carolina who have stepped up to run for office next year. These are our most consequential legislative races in a long time. I look forward to House Democrats competing hard to earn the trust of voters in communities all over our state. Recent elections in neighboring states and a strong 2025 for municipal races across North Carolina show that we have the potential to put seats in play that have previously felt out of reach.
John Hood: Hunt’s Pragmatism Served Our State Well
RALEIGH — North Carolina is one of America’s most contested electoral battlegrounds. It has been for generations. It is also home to one of the most successful state Democratic parties in American history.
Governor Stein Celebrates Decision That Extends Federal Recognition to Lumbee Tribe
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Stein celebrated the U.S. Congress’ passage and President Trump’s signing of the Lumbee Fairness Act, extending federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe.
Leader Reives Statement on Passing of Gov. Jim Hunt
“With Governor Jim Hunt’s passing, we have lost one of our most profound and transformational leaders. He touched the lives of millions and his legacy lives on through the service of his family and the Hunt Institute. North Carolina would not be the state it is today without the visionary leadership of Governor Hunt -- he is irreplaceable. I am praying for his wife and their family as they navigate this difficult period.”
Statement on Governor Jim Hunt’s Passing
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on the passing of Governor Jim Hunt, North Carolina's 69th and 71st Governor:
Senator Budd Releases Statement Opposing Marijuana Rescheduling
Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order that would reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a lower classification, easing federal restrictions on the substance:
Senator Budd Releases Statement Following Senate Passage of Historic NDAA Investing in U.S. National Defense
Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), voted in favor of passage of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today. The bill includes numerous provisions to improve readiness and quality of life for our troops, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, deter China, and strengthen alliances abroad. The defense package is now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.