(RALEIGH) Yesterday Governor Josh Stein hosted the Australian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, and highlighted the strong relationship between North Carolina and Australia.
All in State Government
Governor Stein Provides His First NC Strong Update
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein held the first NC Strong Update, updating the public on the progress the state has made to lead in artificial intelligence (AI), create jobs, achieve educational excellence in public schools, and ensure preparedness before natural disasters strike.
Governor Stein Announces Executive Order on AI
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced an Executive Order on artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure North Carolina’s leadership in AI literacy, governance, and deployment. The executive order establishes an AI Leadership Council, an AI Accelerator within the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), and AI Oversight Teams within each state agency. The council will be chaired by Secretary of Information Technology Teena Piccione and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley.
Governor Stein Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced appointments to boards and commissions.
Renew NC Completes Repairs on First Home for Single-Family Housing Program
(RALEIGH) Renew NC, North Carolina’s long-term disaster recovery effort, today finished making storm-related repairs to the first home approved for assistance through the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program (SFHP). Renew NC is funded by a federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Continues Efforts to Protect Children from Deepfake Pornography and AI Chatbots
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson took two actions this week to protect children from deepfake pornography and AI chatbots that engage in inappropriate conduct with underage users. Protecting children online is a major priority for Attorney General Jackson.
Governor Stein Lifts State of Emergency for Hurricane Erin
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on lifting the Hurricane Erin State of Emergency:
Too Many U.S. Physicians Remain in the Dark About Nicotine and FDA-Authorized Smoke-Free Alternatives
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- America's next urgent challenge in ending smoking is ensuring that physicians and other medical providers understand the science behind tobacco harm reduction. This will require education and guidance from a source these professionals trust: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Governor Stein and Emergency Management Officials Provide Updates on Hurricane Erin
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein held a briefing to provide updates and guidance as Hurricane Erin impacts North Carolina’s coast. He was joined by Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, NC DPS Secretary Eddie Buffaloe, NC DOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard Major General Todd Hunt, and Commander of the State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson.
John Hood: Don’t Give Cash to Street Panhandlers
RALEIGH — It’s not the biggest threat to public safety, I admit, but panhandling along and often on North Carolina roadways is illegal, dangerous, counterproductive — and commonplace.
Governor Stein Forms Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force, Continues Office of Violence Prevention
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein signed Executive Order 21, taking steps to improve public safety and prevent gang violence. The Governor announced the continuation of the Office of Violence Protection and the establishment of the Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force within the Governor’s Crime Commission.
Senator Berger Announces Interim Committee Appointments
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) announced the appointments to interim committees for the 2025-26 legislative session.
Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Erin
Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina prepares for impacts from Hurricane Erin and mobilizes resources and personnel to assist along the coast. On Wednesday, August 20, at 10:15 a.m., Governor Stein will hold a media briefing to provide updates on the status of the storm.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson and bipartisan attorneys general support veteran wounded in Afghanistan
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson and a bipartisan group of 20 attorneys general filed a brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of a veteran who was wounded in Afghanistan as a result of a private contractor’s negligence.
NC state employee and teacher reps say health insurance increases will hurt worker retention
The board overseeing the health insurance plan for North Carolina workers and retirees voted Friday to raise most enrollees’ premiums to help cover a deficit that has grown to $507 million this year.
North Carolina to cut Medicaid rates by 3% across all providers in October
Inpatient services and autism treatment will see cuts of up to 10%, while coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss will cease.
North Carolina State Health Plan Premiums Finalized for 2026
The State Health Plan (Plan) Board of Trustees met today to set premiums for 2026. State Health Plan members include teachers, state employees and retirees. This is the final step in the three-pronged effort to provide financial stability as the Plan faces a half a billion-dollar deficit.
John Hood: Democrats Will Soon Fall to Third Place
RALEIGH — The likely Democratic nominee for North Carolina’s Senate race next year, former Gov. Roy Cooper, led likely Republican nominee Michael Whatley by six points in the first independent poll commissioned after the two men announced their campaigns last month.
NC General Assembly confirms statewide appointments to boards and commissions
The North Carolina General Assembly has confirmed hundreds of appointments to boards and commissions across the state. The selections include leadership roles in education, transportation, public safety, and economic development.
John Hood: Germans Played Role in Carolina Revolt
RALEIGH — As Americans continue to celebrate our country’s semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the war for American independence — I will continue to highlight the pivotal role that North Carolinians played in these historic events.