RALEIGH — A North Carolina House committee is considering a bill that would create a new state licensing framework for reflexologists and music therapists, placing both professions under a proposed North Carolina Healing Arts Commission.
Senate panel weighs education and workforce package
RALEIGH — A North Carolina Senate committee is taking up a three-bill education package that would affect K-12 school funding studies, student records, community college workforce training, digital credentials and math instruction.
John Hood: Good Riddance to Racial Gerrymandering
RALEIGH — When the U.S. Supreme Court announced its 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, placing stringent limitations on the use of race in drawing electoral districts, some friends and acquaintances of mine were shocked and outraged. The court has essentially repealed the 1964 Voting Rights Act, they alleged, forecasting grave consequences for non-white candidates running for future office.
Senate bill would repeal CON rules for surgery centers, rehab
RALEIGH — A North Carolina Senate committee is scheduled Wednesday to consider legislation that would repeal certificate-of-need requirements for ambulatory surgical facilities and inpatient rehabilitation services, facilities and beds.
Digital asset and stablecoin bill heads to House committee
RALEIGH — A North Carolina House committee is scheduled Tuesday to consider a bill that would create a state regulatory framework for digital asset services and stablecoin issuers, including rules for custody, reserves, licensing, audits and enforcement.
House panel to consider property tax cap amendment
RALEIGH — A North Carolina House committee is scheduled Tuesday to consider a proposed constitutional amendment that would require state lawmakers to limit increases in local property tax levies.
Stein announces two judicial appointments
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial appointments:
North Carolina sets tourism spending record in 2025
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein announced that North Carolina set a record for tourist spending in 2025, with travelers spending more than $37.2 billion on trips to and within the state, surpassing the previous record of $36.7 billion set in 2024.
NC Senate approves pause on 2026 property tax revaluations
Raleigh, N.C. — The N.C. Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 889, which halts property tax revaluation changes in 2026. This bill freezes any proposed property value adjustments prompted by a reappraisal, but would allow those values to take effect in 2027. This pause provides the General Assembly with more time to put forward additional proposals for property tax reforms.
House Democrats Introduce Bill to Help Recoup Money for Ratepayers
In February, a three-judge panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that state regulators erred in approving a Duke Energy fuel rate adjustment. But with the passage of Senate Bill 266, over the Governor’s veto, the utility did not have to repay consumers. Lawmakers changed the law while the court handled the appeal, meaning that consumers were unable to access millions of dollars in potential refunds.
Rep. Jonathan Almond: At a crossroads in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease
America stands at a crossroads in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. As a representative serving Cabarrus County, I see firsthand how this illness devastates families, drains savings, and places enormous strain on caregivers. It is not a distant policy issue—it is personal for millions of Americans. Congress must act now to challenge the President and his administration to launch a bold, coordinated national initiative to defeat Alzheimer’s once and for all.
John Hood: Voters Likely To Approve Tax Limitation
RALEIGH — If Speaker Destin Hall and other leaders of the House of Representatives get their way — and I strongly suspect they will — voters will decide this fall whether to amend the state constitution to limit the growth of property-tax burdens across North Carolina.
Stein pitches North Carolina to global investors
(RALEIGH) This week Governor Josh Stein is making the case for investing in North Carolina at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit. Yesterday Governor Stein participated in the Governors Attracting Global Investment panel, highlighting North Carolina's competitive advantage for foreign investment.
Bobby Hurst: Prescription drug prices are hurting North Carolina families
I am a former Fayetteville City Councilman and a lifetime business owner with firsthand experience navigating high prescription drug costs.
Senate panel reviews Medicaid plan and facility fee bills
RALEIGH — A Senate committee reviewed two Medicaid-related bills Tuesday that could affect how North Carolina’s Medicaid program handles some hospital claims, facility fees and managed care practices.
Budd, Shaheen Lead Resolution to Maintain U.S. Dollar Reserve Currency Status as China Competes for Global Financial Influence
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan resolution in support of the United States dollar maintaining its status as the world’s reserve currency. Additionally, the resolution affirms the need to keep the U.S. dollar at the forefront of global financial systems as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues its concentrated efforts to internationalize the Yuan and expand their influence in developing nations.
John Hood: Carolinians Helped Shape Comic Culture
RALEIGH — Although we’re already a quarter of the way through the 21st century, much of our pop culture bears the unmistakable imprint of the previous century. You can see it in fashion, architecture, and entertainment. Check out the music even young people today are consuming. Most of the songs aren’t new, and indeed a sizable share of streamed content and movie soundtracks draw from the Great American Songbook (jazz standards and show tunes from the 1920s to the 1950s) or rock, soul, and pop songs from the 60s and 70s.
Legislature returns with local election bills before House committee
RALEIGH — North Carolina lawmakers returned to Raleigh this week with a House committee scheduled to consider several local election bills affecting municipal voting rules in Pink Hill, Belville, Jacksonville and Rural Hall.
Teachers, allies flood into Raleigh with message for state leaders
Thousands of educators, advocates and allies converged on Raleigh Friday, demanding higher pay for teachers, more state support per student, more childcare funding, and more funding for special education.
North Carolina to receive nearly $150 million in Purdue opioid settlement
RALEIGH — North Carolina is expected to receive nearly $150 million from a national opioid settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Friday.