Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2024 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from December’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged at 3.7 percent.
All in State Government
Governor Cooper Rescinds Initial State Order Guiding NIL for NC Universities
Governor Roy Cooper took executive action rescinding state rules guiding Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) compensation issued in July 2021 after the NCAA announced it would allow NIL payments to college athletes. The repeal comes after the federal court decision in Tennessee v. NCAA, other fast moving developments affecting NIL and consultation with North Carolina colleges and universities.
John Hood: Disappointing Primaries Lacked Substance
RALEIGH — Party nominations for North Carolina’s 2024 elections are, for the most part, decided. Just four races remain to be settled in runoffs on May 14. So, would you say you’re generally satisfied or dissatisfied with our primaries this year?
John Hood: Common Fallacies Impede Sound Policy
RALEIGH — Those who advocate rational public policy, based on a thorough understanding of the principles of human action and the benefits of voluntary exchange, are bound to be disappointed much of the time.
Attorney General Josh Stein Takes Legal Actions to Protect North Carolina Homeowners
Attorney General Josh Stein today announced legal actions to help protect North Carolinians’ housing and homeownership. He is suing Canary General Contracting and Design for deceiving Charlotte homeowners and launching an investigation into real estate software company RealPage over concerns about anticompetitive conduct to raise the cost of rental housing.
Op-Ed: North Carolina's role in innovation
North Carolina’s role as the innovation state is becoming more apparent with each passing year. Our state’s elected officials, business leaders, academic institutions and technology minds have united to position the Tar Heel State among the most impactful innovation hubs in the nation.
John Hood: Dodd-Frank damaged housing market
Would it shock you to learn that a regulatory bill enacted in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis ended up hurting some of the very households lawmakers were trying to help?
Op Ed: North Carolina Must Choose Wisely on March 5th
As our state’s March 5th presidential primary approaches, North Carolinians will be faced with an important choice. After the last few years of record inflation thanks to wasteful government spending, a broken immigration system, and the American energy spigot being turned off, it’s obvious that the Biden administration is not up to the task of effectively leading our country.
Attorney General Josh Stein Asks North Carolinians to Apply for Environmental Enhancement Grants
Attorney General Josh Stein today asked North Carolinians to apply for 2024 Environmental Enhancement Grants (EEGs) that improve our state’s natural land and water resources. Letters of intent are due by this Friday, March 1, 2024, and completed proposals are due by April 4, 2024.
US EPA to Announce Clean Ports Program, $3 Billion in Federal Funding for Ports Across US
Gov. Cooper joined United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan in Wilmington to announce the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, which includes $3 billion of federal money to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, along with climate and air quality planning, at U.S. ports.
Governor Cooper Announces Boards and Commissions Nominations and Appointments
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced Boards and Commissions nominations and appointments.
Attorney General Josh Stein: Our Kids Have a Right to A Strong Public Education
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today released a statement as Solicitor General Ryan Park argues the Leandro school funding case in front of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
New poll shows NC Republicans keeping open mind
On Thursday, polling results from Capen Analytics shed new light on the upcoming Republican Primary Election. In addition to the fresh look inside the presidential and gubernatorial primaries, the data reveals an intriguing development in the 11-way Lt. Governor race, with former legislative aide Hal Weatherman in the driver’s seat.
Joint Letter of Support for Leandro
Today is a critical day for North Carolina’s children. The NC Supreme Court will rehear the Leandro v. State of NC case.
Attorney General Stein Fights to Protect North Carolinians from High Interest Loans
Attorney General Josh Stein this week filed a brief in federal court defending North Carolina’s laws protecting residents from predatory high interest loans. A car title lender is challenging the constitutionality of North Carolina’s laws preventing such loans.
Attorney General Josh Stein Leads Bipartisan Coalition Pushing for Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reforms
Attorney General Josh Stein led a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general calling on Congress to help lower drug costs for Americans by reforming how pharmacy benefit managers operate.
John Hood: Three Democrats Run for Attorney General
RALEIGH — Since end of Reconstruction in 1877, a Republican candidate has been elected North Carolina’s attorney general precisely one time, in 1896. Two other Republicans served briefly in the office, but only by appointment.
John Hood: Five candidates run to replace Folwell
After eight years as state treasurer of North Carolina — and prior public-service roles as school-board member, assistant commerce secretary, and four-term state legislator — Dale Folwell is running for governor in 2024.
Attorney General Stein urges court to protect medication abortion access
Attorney General Josh Stein this week urged a federal court to make clear that states cannot second guess the Food and Drug Administration and impose unnecessary restrictions on women’s access to medication abortion.
Governor Cooper Announces Eight Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 120 New Jobs and over $365 Million in Private Investment
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved eight grant requests to local governments totaling $1,465,000, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 270 jobs, 150 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $365.6 million in private investment.