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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Who Has Said Black People Owe Reparations for Slavery, Has a Long History of Anti-Black Comments
The national media is continuing to take a deep dive into Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s history and what they’re finding has shocked many people in North Carolina and across the country who hadn’t heard of him before or didn’t know what he stood for.
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Kamala Harris’ Democratic Nomination Puts a Spotlight on HBCUs Nationwide
HBCUs play an outsized role in supporting the economic mobility of African Americans — producing 40% of all Black engineers, 50% of all Black teachers, 70% of all Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of all Black judges.
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NCAG Josh Stein Joins Lawsuit Against Real Estate Software Company Accused of Causing 50% Rise in Triangle, Charlotte Rents
“Rents are already too high. I will not tolerate any company scheming to block healthy competition among landlords. It raises rents and it’s illegal," said AG Josh Stein when announcing the lawsuit.
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Mark Robinson Denied Role of European Settlers in Genocide of Indigenous Peoples, Called Claims ‘Ludicrous’ and ‘Very Historically Inaccurate’
In a 2018 podcast interview, Robinson blamed the education system and colleges for teaching students about indigenous suffering and misleading them with "exaggerated claims" that "don't teach our true history."
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mark-robinson-ncv.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Who Has Said Black People Owe Reparations for Slavery, Has a Long History of Anti-Black Comments
The national media is continuing to take a deep dive into Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s history and what they’re finding has shocked many people in North Carolina and across the country who hadn’t heard of him before or didn’t know what he stood for.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kamala-Harris-HBCU.png)
Kamala Harris’ Democratic Nomination Puts a Spotlight on HBCUs Nationwide
HBCUs play an outsized role in supporting the economic mobility of African Americans — producing 40% of all Black engineers, 50% of all Black teachers, 70% of all Black doctors and dentists, and 80% of all Black judges.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-1.png)
NCAG Josh Stein Joins Lawsuit Against Real Estate Software Company Accused of Causing 50% Rise in Triangle, Charlotte Rents
“Rents are already too high. I will not tolerate any company scheming to block healthy competition among landlords. It raises rents and it’s illegal,” said AG Josh Stein when announcing the lawsuit.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-2.png)
Mark Robinson Denied Role of European Settlers in Genocide of Indigenous Peoples, Called Claims ‘Ludicrous’ and ‘Very Historically Inaccurate’
In a 2018 podcast interview, Robinson blamed the education system and colleges for teaching students about indigenous suffering and misleading them with “exaggerated claims” that “don’t teach our true history.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-4.png)
Ethics and Integrity Questioned in the Latest Republican-Leaning NC Supreme Court Ruling
The Republican-controlled state Supreme Court’s recent ruling calls into question whether the justices are doing the bidding of Republican legislative leaders, and have broken basic ethics.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-5.png)
Following Backlash From Educators, Johnston County Schools Reverses Decision to Require Pre-Approval For All Classroom Materials
This issue in Johnston County arises amidst a broader national debate over classroom content, spurred by concerns from right-wing groups, which has led to the enactment of laws such as the Parents’ Bill of Rights.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-6.png)
Stein Proposes Practical Policies For Working Families While Robinson Campaign Focuses on Partisan Politics
AG Josh Stein wants to bring back the state’s earned income tax credit, which was eliminated by NC Republicans in 2014. Stein’s proposal would lead to an average credit of $520 for working families, with families with three or more kids receiving up to $1,486.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-7.png)
La Vivienda Asequible en Carolina del Norte y el Plan Económico de Kamala Harris para 2025
Carolina del Norte enfrenta una creciente crisis de vivienda asequible, con precios de viviendas y alquileres en aumento en ciudades como Charlotte y Raleigh. Muchas familias luchan para encontrar hogares que se ajusten a sus presupuestos, afectando su calidad de vida.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ncv-8-30-24-8.png)
Biden Administration, EPA, Grant NC $619,000 To Address Lead In Schools And Child Care Facilities
North Carolina will receive over half a million dollars to test lead in drinking waters at schools and child care centers.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-1.png)
Mark Robinson, Michele Morrow Call to Abolish the US Department of Education, Would Reject $1B+ in Federal Education Funding
“Robinson and [Morrow] would support taking millions more of our taxpayer funds and funnel them into private and religious schools for the wealthy,” Democratic superintendent candidate Mo Green said. “Their goal is to defund public education, and I will never support that.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-2.png)
Outcome of NC’s Supreme Court Race Could Determine Future of Education, Abortion, Voting Rights and More
Incumbent Democrat Justice Allison Riggs is a civil rights and voting rights attorney. She is facing off against a right-wing challenger, Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin. A Griffin win would mean a 6-1 conservative High Court in North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-3.png)
VP Kamala Harris Lays Out Her Economic Plan in North Carolina
“I will focus on cutting needless bureaucracy and unnecessary regulatory red tape … while protecting consumers and creating a stable business environment with consistent and transparent rules of the road,” said VP Kamala Harris.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-4.png)
Battery Manufacturer Plans More Than 1,000 Jobs at its $1.4B Factory in Edgecombe County
Natron Energy, a battery startup making an alternative to lithium-based batteries, announced plans to invest $1.4 billion into a manufacturing plant in Edgecombe County between Rocky Mount and Tarboro.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-5.png)
Harris-Walz Campaign Launches New Offices in Rural NC
The Harris-Walz campaign has opened several campaign offices across the state and most recently has opened several in rural counties, including Wayne, Wilson, Burke, Henderson and Lenoir.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-6.png)
NTE Antitrust Lawsuit Against Duke Energy Reinstated
There is evidence that Duke was able to give discounts to the City of Fayetteville by charging higher prices than needed to other customers, generating funds that would balance out the loss.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-8.png)
Aborto y Justicia Reproductiva en 2024: Un Panorama Actual
En Estados Unidos, la revocación de Roe v. Wade en 2022 ha creado una situación fragmentada con leyes sobre el aborto que varían ampliamente entre estados.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-23-24-7.png)
Gov. Cooper Expands Contraceptive Access For Medicaid Participants
Gov. Roy Cooper has announced that North Carolina Medicaid will now cover the over-the-counter contraceptive pill Opill at no cost to Medicaid users.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Green-Morrow.png)
In Superintendent Race, Experience and Equality Squares Off Against Ignorance And Division
The jaw-dropping contrast of the candidates is a crystal clear reflection of the Presidential election: an insurrectionist who threatens violence against her opponents and wants to dismantle and defund our institutions and a public servant with area expertise who believes in the promise of a multi-racial democracy.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-7.png)
Republican Nominee that Attended Jan. 6 Insurrection Called for Trump to Use Military Force to Remain in Office
Michele Morrow has been making headlines after a video resurfaced showing her calling for former President Donald Trump to use military force to remain in power after losing the 2020 election.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-1.png)
Republican NC Senate Candidate Stacie McGinn’s Involvement with Far-Right Extremist Organization Makes Her Unfit for Office
Stacie McGinn proudly advertises her connections with Moms for Liberty, including speaking at their events, telling voters she “collaborated” with them to write the anti-LGBTQ+ “Parents Bill of Rights,” and posting celebratory photos of herself with the leader of a local chapter.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-2.png)
The Devastating Cost of Republican’s Project 2025 Plan for North Carolinians
The plan, spearheaded by the right-wing Heritage Foundation, gives a guideline for the next Republican president on how to take away power from everyday people to give politicians, judges, and corporations more control over our way of life.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-3.png)
Despite Closing its Canton Mill, NC Company Argues It Shouldn’t Repay $12 Million in Incentives
“Pactiv Evergreen’s closure of the Canton paper mill was a gut punch to our state’s economy and the people of Canton and Haywood County,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “This company broke its commitment to keep the mill open and the state is taking action to hold them accountable.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-4.png)
AG Josh Stein Announces ‘The Biggest Antitrust Victory In A Generation’
While the decision dealt a blow to Google’s multi-billion-dollar advertising empire, Josh Stein emphasized that it represents a major triumph for individual privacy and marketplace competition.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-9.png)
Party Switcher Tricia Cotham Hopes Voters Have Short Memory
Tricia Cotham’s party switch gave Republicans a supermajority in the North Carolina General Assembly and allowed them to override a series of Governor Cooper’s vetoes.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-10.png)
La Conexión entre las Políticas de Inmigración del Proyecto 2025 y la Deportación Masiva Actual
El Proyecto 2025, una iniciativa que se perfila como un cambio drástico en la política migratoria, está empezando a tener un impacto significativo en cómo se abordan las deportaciones en el presente.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-6.png)
As a new school year begins, NC completes full revamp of how it teaches reading
State officials recently announced that during the 2023-24 school year, only 58% of third graders met reading benchmarks. The trend worsens as students get to high school, as only 33% of 9th graders in North Carolina can read proficiently.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-16-24-8.png)
A Religious Experience Like No Other: Down Home NC’s ‘Revival Reimagined’
With less than three months until Election Day, organizations across North Carolina are thinking outside the box to get folks fired up to vote.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lisa-Stone-Barnes.png)
NC GOP Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes is a MAGA Extremist Who Lied to Voters About the Impact of Our State’s Abortion Ban
Republican state Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes voted for the state’s 12-week abortion ban (and the veto override) and then lied to her constituents, telling them the ban would “expand the rights of women.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sen-Michael-Lee-1.png)
NC GOP Sen. Michael Lee’s Anti-Abortion Views Are Too Extreme For New Hanover County
State Sen. Michael Lee has voted to restrict abortion rights seven times in the last several years. That’s despite campaigning on a promise to “oppose an extreme ban on abortion.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mo-green.png)
In North Carolina Superintendent Race, the ‘Soul of Public Education’ is On the Ballot
“The very soul of public education is on the ballot and it’s going to take champions of public education to meet this moment,” Democratic candidate Mo Green said.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Robinson-smoke-mirrors.png)
New Ad Displays Mark Robinson’s Hypocrisy Around Abortion
Republicans, from Trump to Mark Robinson, have been running away from their anti-choice records, hoping voters will overlook their controversial stance against reproductive rights.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Erin-Pare.png)
Wake County Right-Wing Extremist Erin Paré is Seeking Re-Election in House District 37
Originally elected to the state House in 2020, Erin Paré is the lone Republican representing Wake County in the NCGA. Her political career has been marked by her support for legislation that focuses on right-wing culture war issues.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/medical-debt.png)
Biden-Harris Administration Enables Medical Debt Relief Plan For North Carolinians
The Biden-Harris administration approved a plan under which NC will give hospitals additional Medicaid funds if they forgive the medical debt of approximately 2 million residents. The plan has the potential to relieve as much as $4B in medical debt from the last decade.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dominion-energy-gasline.png)
Person County Residents Rally Against Proposed Gas Facility
“These chemicals cause cancer, these chemicals cause a multitude of other diseases. These chemicals damage our environment,” resident Jill Hoffman declared at a heated public hearing.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Harris-Enthusiasm.png)
Kamala Harris Revitaliza la Participación Juvenil en Carolina del Norte: Un Nuevo Impulso Político
Desde que Kamala Harris fue anunciada como la candidata presidencial, la participación de los jóvenes Latinos en Carolina del Norte ha experimentado un notable aumento.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Robinson-gets-charter-cash-1.png)
Both a ‘Thank You’ and an Investment, Charter School Groups Donate $65,000 to Mark Robinson’s Campaign
Charter One is a national organization that manages charter schools across the country and many schools in North Carolina, including the schools Mark Robinson’s wife Yolanda is involved with.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/New-apartments.png)
New Affordable Apartment Complex Now Open on the Eastside of Greensboro
The Lofts at Elmsley Crossing feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and garden-style apartments. Five percent of the units are handicap accessible and another five percent are designed for those with mobility impairments.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-1-24-1.png)
The Race for NC Labor Commissioner: MAGA Extremist Luke Farley Would Fight for Corporations, Not Workers
Despite running to represent millions of our state’s workers, Luke Farley is anti-worker, anti-union, anti-minimum wage, against COVID-19 mandates of any kind and is even opposed to federal heat safety regulations for workers.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-1-24-2.png)
Republican House District 115 Candidate Ruth Smith Won’t Say Where She Stands on the Most Important Issues Facing NC
Ruth Smith has been a personal injury attorney for more than 20 years and in 2016 expanded her practice to include conservative causes and organizations who often file lawsuits claiming “reverse racism” – discrimination against white clients.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-1-24-3.png)
Nonprofit Run By Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Wife Owes The State $132,000
The NCDHHS report outlines erroneous billing issues, record-keeping, bookkeeping and monitoring violations. It also alleges that Robinson’s wife, Yolanda Hill, improperly hired a family member.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-1-24-4.png)
In A Critical Swing State, VP Harris Gives North Carolina Democratic Voters A Jolt
Coined the “defibrillator to the Democratic Party,” Vice President Kamala Harris has re-energized youth, Black and Latine voters across the country, according to national polling.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Melinda-Bales.jpg)
North Carolina Voters Deserve To Know Where NC House Republican Candidate Melinda Bales Stands On Reproductive Rights
Melinda Bales lists four priorities on her website. One important topic that Bales seems to avoid, however, is reproductive rights. Her website makes no mention of where Bales stands on the issue, and she has yet to divulge her stance publicly.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-1-24-5.png)
North Carolina Secures $50 Million Grant to Combat Climate Change and Enhance Environmental Resilience
The funding, which aims to reduce air pollution, enhance environmental justice, and bolster climate resilience, is seen as a vital step in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ncv-8-1-24-7.png)
A Year Later, North Carolinians Are Still Paying the Price of the NCGOP’s Building Code Bill
The changes to the state building code block updates that were previously approved by the state’s Building Code Council – updates that would make North Carolina homes sturdier and more efficient.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-5.png)
North Carolinians Deserve To Know Where Republican NC Senate Candidate Ashlee Bryan Adams Stands On Protecting Reproductive Rights
Ashlee Bryan Adams is firmly in the MAGA Republican camp and would likely vote in lockstep with the state GOP’s right-wing policy priorities.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-10.png)
Wake County State Senate Candidate Scott Lassiter Tied to Groups Who Support Extremists Michele Morrow, Mark Robinson
Despite being a school vice principal, it’s hard to imagine Scott Lassiter voting for public school funding knowing he supports right-wing extremist state superintendent candidate Michele Morrow and has ties to the anti-public education group endorsed by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-11.png)
President Joe Biden Puts Country Before Self
A chorus of Americans have offered their gratitude to President Biden for his courageous decision to end his candidacy, creating the space for Vice President Harris to defeat Donald Trump. In stepping aside, he has put not only the Democratic Party ahead of his ambition but the future of the country.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-8.png)
North Carolina Ranks 33rd In Women’s Health And Reproductive Care
North Carolina ranked 33rd in women’s health and reproductive care outcomes. In terms of maternal health, NC’s rates for maternal deaths while pregnant and infant mortality were both above the national average.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-7.png)
Project 2025 Would End Local Weather Reports
Should Trump take the presidency, Project 2025 recommends that the National Weather Service “should fully commercialize its forecasting operations.” Effectively privatizing weather data could hinder everyday Americans’ access to weather data.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-6.png)
Lt. Gov Robinson Responds to Ads Featuring His Comments About Women Keeping Their ‘Skirt Down’
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is addressing recent ads that highlight his statements on abortion, including remarks about women not being “responsible enough to keep your skirt down.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-4-e1722276068766.png)
Gov. Cooper Announces $253 Million Investment to Ensure Clean Drinking Water for NC Communities
The funding will facilitate a range of initiatives, including the construction of new facilities, upgrades to existing water systems, and the removal of harmful contaminants.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-6.png)
Track and Field Coach George Williams to be Honored with Highway Interchange Dedication
The Coach George Williams Interchange will be located at the junction of New Bern Avenue and Interstate 440, a tribute approved by the NCDOT following a request from the Raleigh City Council.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-3.png)
Climate Crisis May Force Princeville to Relocate; FEMA Grant Offers Lifeline
The idea of relocating Princeville first came about after Hurricane Matthew. The state stepped in to help, buying 53 acres of vacant land near the town and providing funds to town leaders to plan a new mixed-use neighborhood.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-2.png)
North Carolina Democrats Leading The Way in Fundraising; Republicans Falling Behind
North Carolina has a busy ballot this November, with candidates running for high-profile positions such as Labor Commissioner, State Superintendent, Attorney General, and Governor.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-9.png)
NC A&T’s Library is one of the 63 Grantees of the Digital Champion Grant
North Carolina A&T State University’s library, the F.D. Bluford Library, was awarded a $300,000 digital champion grant from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (NCDIT).
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-9.png)
Wake County Republican NC House Candidate Mike Schietzelt Has Ties to Jan. 6 Insurrection, SCOTUS Ruling Overturning Roe v. Wade
Republican Mike Schietzelt, a 37-year-old married father of four who served in the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and currently works as a litigation attorney at a Raleigh law firm. Voters should be cautious about buying into what Schietzelt (pronounced Sheet-zelt) is selling. It’s easy to be fooled when reading what he thinks about providing more funding for our public schools or supporting efforts to keep our air and water clean. Once you scratch below the surface and look deeper into his background, the picture of who he is as a candidate becomes clearer – and it’s not pretty.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-12-24-7.png)
Republican Rep. Allen Chesser Supports Extreme Policies To Restrict Personal Freedoms And Make North Carolinians Less Safe
One of the far-right Republican legislators up for reelection is Rep. Allen Chesser, who has represented the 25th district in the North Carolina House since 2022. While endorsing Chesser, Destin Hall, the House member presumed to become the next Speaker of the House, stated that Chesser’s reelection is “vital in ensuring we are able to keep our super majority in the next election”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-8.png)
“All of these individuals are deserving of clemency” Governor Roy Cooper pardons four North Carolinians, commutes four others
Governor Roy Cooper has recently reduced the sentence of four north carolinians and pardoned four others. In a press release on the matter, Cooper disclosed that the pardons and commutations came after an intense review of each case.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-7.png)
The key to safer schools? Michele Morrow thinks it involves cameras in bathrooms
Michele Morrow, the North Carolina Republican running to oversee the state’s public school system, is no stranger to controversy. A far-right conspiracy theorist known for her calls for the pay-per-view execution of elected officials, Morrow is working to rebrand herself as a public safety candidate.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-5.png)
By Stalling Compliance with PFAS Regulations Republicans May Cause Rate Hikes for NC Residents
North Carolina residents are facing a growing health risk and a potential financial burden as state regulators delay setting limits on harmful chemicals known as PFAS.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-23-24-1.png)
Party-switching Republican Frank Sossamon runs for re-election
For those familiar with Tricia Cotham, Frank Sossamon’s story might sound similar. Sossamon, a reliable Democratic primary voter for over two decades, abruptly changed his party registration to Republican after 2020. He then ran for a seat in the State House as a Republican, won, and has been a reliable vote for the party’s far-right policy priorities ever since.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-4.png)
In Just 7 Months, NC’s Newly Expanded Medicaid Enrolls 500,000
More than 500,000 North Carolina residents have enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program since its launch about seven months ago, officials announced recently.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-3.png)
School districts and families push back against school calendar law
A resistance to a controversial school calendar law is growing amongst school districts across North Carolina. Currently, the state’s school calendar law favors the travel and tourism industry’s preference of a break that encompasses August.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-2.png)
State Board of Education looks to drop entry exam requirements for prospective teachers
Source: WRAL With teacher turnover rates hitting new highs, the State Board of Education is seeking ways to address the shortage. In the past week,
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-18-24-1.png)
$800 for an Office Stool, $7,500+ on Dinners, Fuel: Taking a Look at NC Republican Rep. Ken Fontenot’s Questionable Campaign Spending
First-term state House Rep. Ken Fontenot (R-Wilson) shares the same views as Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson when it comes to abortion and education. And it turns out that he has something else in common with Robinson – they both seem to be “not very good at math” and confused about what purchases they’re legally allowed to make using campaign contributions.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-12-24-2.png)
NC Republican Rep. Ken Fontenot Shares Same Views on Abortion, Education as Far-Right Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson
Ken Fontenot is not a household name in North Carolina. Still, for the people who live in House District 24 – which covers all of Wilson County, plus a small section of Nash County – it’s a name they should familiarize themselves with.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv7-12-24-8.png)
Gun Violence Epidemic Officially Declared A Public Health Crisis
Following another weekend marked by shootings that left dozens of people dead or wounded, the U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-12-24-8.png)
The Hope Bus in Asheville, North Carolina: Funding Counseling Sessions for Food and Beverage Workers throughout the City
Outside of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in the South Slope of Asheville, North Carolina, you will find a bus. This is the Hope Bus.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-12-24-6.png)
Last Dam Removed On Watauga River In Decades-Long Effort
After decades of work, environmental groups finally achieved a major victory for the Watauga River. On July 2nd, the last dam on the waterway, Shull’s Mill Dam, began to be dismantled. This marks a significant milestone in the restoration of the river’s natural flow, stretching from its headwaters near Boone, North Carolina all the way to Watauga Lake in Tennessee.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-12-24-4.png)
Former State Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr Thinks Plaintiffs Should Appeal “Fair Elections” Lawsuit Dismissal
Former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr announced this week his intention to appeal a three-judge panel’s decision to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that partisan gerrymandering results in unconstitutional elections. However, he plans to discuss the matter with the plaintiffs first.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ncv-7-12-24-3.png)
Abortion Bans, Clinic Closures Cause Decrease In Contraceptive Accessibility
States with highly restrictive abortion bans have seen a significant drop in prescriptions for birth control and emergency contraception, according to a new national study.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-8.png)
Catawba Nation And Lumbee Tribe Gather To Celebrate New Relationship Between Nations
The Catawba Nation and the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina signed a landmark agreement that represents a new relationship between the two nations.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-6.png)
Busted? NC Lawsuit Ties Casinos, Campaign Money, And Defamation Claims
A lawsuit filed by former Rockingham County Commissioner Craig Travis claims that a dark money political group, along with the Berger family, ended his political career as retribution for not supporting a plan to build a Stokesdale casino.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-5.png)
Possible Conflict of Interest as Blue Cross Blue Shield Cancels Screening of Documentary Linking NC Hog Farms to Health Problems
North Carolina’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross BlueShield, abruptly canceled a planned screening of “The Smell of Money,” a documentary that explores the health risks associated with industrial hog farming in the state.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-4.png)
Biden Announces New Plan To Keep Families Together Via Path To Citizenship For Undocumented Spouses
President Biden issued an executive order in June that would allow the undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency and eventual citizenship without having to first depart the country.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-3.png)
Proposed NC Bill Takes Aim At Mail-In Voting, Local Government Powers, And Use of AI In Political Ads
Significant changes to North Carolina’s election rules were introduced recently in a state Senate committee.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-9.png)
Newly Approved Grants Bring Millions In Investments And Jobs To Rural NC Communities
Last week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced 20 grants aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting over 800 new jobs to rural communities across the state.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-2.png)
Fayetteville State Free Summer School Initiative Brings Record Number Of Enrollment
In its fourth year, Fayetteville State University’s universal, free summer school initiative has reached record enrollment for the second consecutive year.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-1.png)
In First NC Attorney General Debate, Rep. Jeff Jackson Uses Rep. Dan Bishop’s Own Tweets to Prove He’s Unqualified for the Job
The two candidates running to be the next attorney general of North Carolina are white male lawyers from the Charlotte area who currently serve in the U.S. House of Representatives – and that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-26-24-7.png)
ProPublica Investigation Reveals How the NC Supreme Court’s Republican Majority is Playing Politics With the Judicial System
One judge, without legal justification, arrested the parents of child sex assault victims for bringing them to court late. Another judge’s actions in court resulted in the fatal police shooting of a defendant – in the courtroom. Neither Republican judge was reprimanded despite the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission’s (JSC) recommendation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-8.png)
Robots On NC Beaches Leading By Example
Summertime at many of the beautiful beaches in North Carolina is one of the main reasons people from all over the county come here every summer. The emerald ocean waters, beautiful sandy beaches, and local seafood are some of the reasons you find our beaches listed yearly as the best in the country.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-7.png)
North Carolina House Bill Targets PFAS Polluters to Safeguard Drinking Water
In a decisive move aimed at tackling water contamination issues, the North Carolina House has unveiled a crucial legislative proposal targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) polluters.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-6.png)
Biden Administration Announces Plan To Remove Medical Debt From Credit Reports
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed new federal regulations this month that would prohibit including current and future medical debt on credit reports.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-5.png)
Protest Over Corporate Landlords Erupt In Charlotte
A protest erupted near the Charlotte Hills Mobile Home Park leasing office in East Charlotte recently. Tenants are standing up to corporate landlords, asserting that housing is a basic right for everyone.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-4.png)
NC LGBTQ Advocates Push Back Against Discriminatory Bills Amid Pride Month
As a host of anti-LGBTQ bills are introduced across the U.S., advocates, elected leaders and communities are centering discussions surrounding key issues throughout Pride Month.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-3.png)
Lack Of Child Care Options Is Costing North Carolina Billions Of Dollars
As federal pandemic funds are set to expire for childcare and early education, a new study highlights the impact a lack of child care access will have on North Carolina’s economy.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-2.png)
NCGOP Lawmakers Argue Voters Have No Right to Fair Elections as They Try to Get Gerrymandering Suit Tossed
North Carolina’s political maps, gerrymandered in Republicans’ favor to an extreme degree, were back in court earlier this month as GOP state lawmakers sought to have a lawsuit thrown out because, as they argued, voters have no right to fair elections.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-21-24-1.png)
Right-Wing Extremists Create ‘Project 2025’ Plan to ‘Dismantle the Federal Government’ – and its Impact Would Decimate Education in North Carolina
With the stated objective of fighting against the extreme right-wing Project 2025 agenda for a second Donald Trump presidency, a group of U.S. House Democrats has come together to launch a task force to stop the plan from taking hold should the twice-impeached convicted felon win November’s election.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/reentry-nc-voices.png)
Re-Entry and Re-Acclimation: NC Hotline Offers Assistance, Resources to the Formerly Incarcerated
Recidivism Reduction Educational Programs Services (RREPS) is a nonprofit that aims to “address systemic injustices and unconscious biases within the judicial system with direct and/or indirect methods.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-7.png)
‘We’ve Got To Do Something’: Governor Roy Cooper Commits To Further Improving Public Safety In 2024
Governor Roy Cooper has vowed to use his last year in office to continue making North Carolina a safer place to live.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-6.png)
NC Democrats Propose State Constitutional Amendment Expanding Public Records Access
Earlier this month, Democrats in the North Carolina General Assembly introduced House Bill 1075 and Senate Bill 911 that would amend the state constitution to guarantee the right to access public records and meetings. The proposal is a direct challenge to a provision Republican lawmakers added to last year’s state budget that allows them to hide legislative records from public scrutiny.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-5.png)
NC Restrictions On Abortion Pills Struck Down By Federal Judge
The laws for obtaining mifepristone, medication to terminate a pregnancy, in North Carolina are changing.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-4.png)
Republican-Led New Hanover County School Board Strips Classrooms Of Student Art And Family Photos
A new controversial policy came out of the New Hanover County Board of Education’s latest meeting earlier this month. The right-wing led school board voted 4-1 to pass a policy that would strip classrooms, school grounds, ball fields and buses of staff family pictures, student art and any materials that represent other nations.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-3.png)
Chapel Hill Receives Funding To Build New Affordable Homes
Fifty-four new affordable homes will be built in Chapel Hill, as the town received $14.8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to finance the construction.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-2.png)
Newly Uncovered Facebook Posts Show Mark Robinson Using ‘British Cigarette’ as Euphemism For Homophobic Slur
North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is no stranger to posting hateful anti-LGBTQ+ content on social media, but more highly offensive posts written by him have recently been uncovered by The Advocate.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-14-24-1.png)
State Board of Elections Approves Early Voting Sites, Hours Early To Ensure Expanded Access For North Carolina Voters
The North Carolina Republican Party and its two Republican members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) are up in arms after the board approved counties’ early voting plans three months earlier than usual, NC Newsline reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-1.png)
Josh Stein Frames Governor’s Race Against Mark Robinson as an Election to Determine Our Future Rights in NC
“[North Carolina can be] a state where we invest in public education, not one that slashes funding from our public schools. A state where we stand up for our fundamental rights like voting rights and women’s rights, not one that sends us back to the 1960s,” AG Josh Stein said at the NC Democratic Party convention.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-10.png)
New Josh Stein Ad Focuses On Mark Robinson’s Comments Blaming Women for ‘Killing’ Babies Because They Can’t ‘Keep [Their] Skirt Down’
Josh Stein’s new ad, titled “Listen,” is part of a seven-figure buy by his gubernatorial campaign. The ad attacks Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s views on abortion – using nothing but Robinson’s own words.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-2.png)
North Carolina Could Lose Hundreds Of Child Care Centers Unless Legislature Takes Action
If Congress fails to renew funding by June 30, almost 3 in 10 child care centers throughout North Carolina will be forced to close once the pandemic-era grants expire.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-3.png)
Latine Advocates and Health Experts Push Back Against Harmful ICE Bill
Recent studies have shown the negative impact on health outcomes and access to care for communities targeted by immigration/law enforcement bills like HB 10.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-5.png)
Effort to Restrict Public Access to NC Autopsy Reports Dropped in NC Senate
A proposal that aimed to restrict public access to autopsy records has been removed from the bill where it was originally included. However, it might reappear in the future, according to one of its sponsors.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-4.png)
NCGOP Rallies Around Trump, Despite His 34 Felony Convictions
North Carolina Republicans, led by Mark Robinson, have doubled down on their support for the convicted felon. Taking cues from Trump himself, Robinson immediately posted baseless allegations on social media after the verdict.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-7.png)
Resilience Exchange Website Offers Resources For North Carolinians To Respond To Climate Change
The NC Resilience Exchange, created by the N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency, offers a variety of resources to help communities prepare for and respond to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-8.png)
It’s Snakebite Season and the Snakes Ain’t Playing Around: What You Need to Know If You Encounter a Snake
Did you know North Carolina leads the nation in snakebites involving venomous and non-venomous snakes annually?
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-5.png)
North Carolina Dems Fighting To Save Affordable Internet Program
While Democrats are fighting to save the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Republicans have remained quiet and noncommittal as to whether they would support extending it. This is especially noteworthy, as 53% of ACP beneficiaries in our state live in GOP districts.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-9.png)
Another House Along North Carolina’s Coast Has Collapsed Into The Atlantic Ocean
Source: The Associated Press In Rodanthe, a house has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean. The collapse of the unoccupied, privately owned home occurred on the
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-6-7-24-6.png)
Winston Salem State University’s RAMSES Scholarship: Filling the Need in Special Education
Starting this fall, Winston-Salem State is offering funding to qualified teachers and students, who are and want to be special education teachers. The scholarship program is called the RAMSES scholarship.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/campaign-finance-nc-voices.png)
GOP lawmakers sneak campaign finance changes into unrelated bill
The NC Senate Republicans’ proposal, attached to an unrelated and also controversial bill to ban non-medical masks in public, would change campaign finance law to allow more dark money donations.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-11.png)
NC Attorney General Sues Pactiv Evergreen For Closure Of Paper Mill, Breach Of State Agreement
Attorney General Josh Stein has sued Pactiv Evergreen for abruptly closing down their paper mill in Canton North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-10.png)
Rebuilding Black Wall Street in Asheville, North Carolina
During Memorial Day weekend of 2024, the city of Asheville hosted GRINDFest for the fourth year in a row.
GRINDFest is an annual free three-day festival that is dedicated to celebrating Black business and entrepreneurship in Asheville, North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-9.png)
Eastern NC Residents Fight To Remove Confederate Monument To “Faithful Slaves”
After decades of advocacy, residents in Tyrrell County have filed a federal lawsuit to have a Confederate-era monument removed from outside the county courthouse.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-8.png)
Popular Beach Shade Takes Over NC Beaches
If you stroll along the North Carolina coastline this summer, you’ll likely find a striking sight: vibrant blue and turquoise canopies dancing in the breeze.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-6.png)
NC House Committee Votes To End Automatic Removal Of Some Criminal Records, Backtracking On Bipartisan 2020 Law
Four years ago, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bipartisan law to direct state officials to develop a process so that criminal charges that are dismissed or result in “not guilty” or “not responsible” findings are deleted from a person’s record without the need for a formal request.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-4.png)
NC Attorney General Joins 29 Other States In Live Nation Lawsuit, Alleging Illegal Monopoly
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has joined a lawsuit accusing Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster of illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry, particularly ticketing services for concerts.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-3.png)
Advocates Call On Legislature To Invest In Period Supplies In Schools
Last week, advocates across the country participated in Period Poverty Awareness Week, a national call to action to view menstrual supplies not just as health necessities but as fundamental educational tools.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-2.png)
Migrant Worker’s Death on Farm Owned by NCGOP State Sen. Lisa Barnes’ Family Leads to Nearly $190,000 in Fines
The Nash County farm owned by the husband of Republican North Carolina State Sen. Lisa Barnes is facing nearly $190,000 in fines from the NC Department of Labor after an investigation found Barnes Farming committed multiple violations that played a role in the heat-related death of a migrant worker from Mexico last year, WFAE reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ncv-5-31-24-1.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Says Republicans ‘Were Right About HB2’ – a Law That Cost NC $3B+ in Lost Business
House Bill 2, better known as HB2 or the “bathroom bill,” is back in the news in North Carolina, and could be back in the law books if Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson wins the gubernatorial race in November, according to a speech he made in May.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-1.png)
Forecasters Predict The Most Active Hurricane Season Ever And Here’s Why
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its forecast, indicating an 85 percent likelihood of more named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes compared to the average season.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-2.png)
‘Massive Voter Education And Mobilization’: AG Josh Stein, And GA Sen. Raphael Warnock Rally Faith Leaders Ahead Of November Elections
A group of faith leaders gathered at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte for a campaign event for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-3.png)
Advocates Hold “Day Without Childcare” To Push Lawmakers To Address Funding Needs
Across the state of North Carolina there are around 5.000 child care centers serving over 200,000 children. With fewer companies offering remote work, leaving scores of individuals returning to office, and a growing population in the state, the importance of childcare is obvious to many. However, many childcare centers in the state are at risk of closing their doors, permanently.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-4.png)
On Brown’s 70th Anniversary, Study Finds That NC School Segregation Is Worsening
A study by NC State shows schools across the state are more segregated now than in the 1980s. The study found that in 2021, 13.5% of the state’s public schools were intensely segregated schools of color. These schools also had high rates of free and reduced-price lunch recipients – nearly 83% – which indicated a further segregation based on poverty level.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-5.png)
Abortion, Voting Rights Groups Invest In North Carolina Supreme Court Race
The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, a group that fights for fair legislative maps, and Planned Parenthood Votes, the health care organization’s political arm, are teaming up to invest in state supreme court races in North Carolina as well as Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Texas. The groups plan to spend $5 million across the states to fund digital ads, canvassing operations, and get-out-the-vote efforts, they announced earlier this month.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-6.png)
NC Lieutenant Governor Candidate Hal Weatherman Has a Funny Name But His Right-Wing Politics Are No Joke
There are few better names for a TV meteorologist than Hal Weatherman. Unfortunately, for North Carolinians, this Weatherman won’t be providing the seven-day forecast because he is a right-wing extremist politician who could be our state’s next lieutenant governor.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-7.png)
Carolina Core Revs Up as Electrification Takes Center Stage In The “Epicenter Of Clean Energy”
The Carolina Core, the heartland of North Carolina, is emerging as a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-8.png)
UNC Board Cuts Funding For Diversity Programs
As North Carolina’s public university system prepares to vote on revising its diversity policy, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees voted recently to cut funding for diversity programs in next year’s budget.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-9.png)
On One-Year Anniversary Of NC’s Abortion Restrictions Measure, Advocates Rally To Reject Anti-Abortion Candidates
On the anniversary of the Republican-led state legislature voting to increase restrictions on abortion in North Carolina, groups opposed to the ban held a press conference to underscore the measure’s impact.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-24-24-10.png)
NC Republicans Are Trying To Pass Another Bill Taking Away Your Rights – This Time Banning All Masks in Public
Republicans in the North Carolina Senate have once again passed a bill that will take away North Carolinians’ freedoms, this time passing a ban on anyone wearing masks in public – even for health reasons.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-20-24-6.png)
The P.O.O.F Teen Center in Durham: Inspiring Local Teens to be Entrepreneurs
As violence intensifies in Durham, North Carolina, POOF Teen Center, a local nonprofit strives to pour into the young people of the city by providing life skills for their futures.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-20-24-5.png)
NC Chief Justice Won’t Say Why He’s Removing Judges From Leadership Positions
North Carolina Chief Justice Paul Newby won’t explain why he replaced Mecklenburg County’s top district court judge, Elizabeth Trosch. Newby chose to designate District Court Judge Roy Wiggins as chief, removing Trosch from the position she held for four years.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-20-24-4.png)
City Of Raleigh Puts $5 Million Into Addressing Homelessness
It was announced Tuesday May 7th that the Raleigh City Council will be starting a new program to tackle homelessness.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-20-24-3.png)
North Carolina’s Average Teacher Pay Ranking Dropped, New Reports Finds
According to a new report, North Carolina fell two spots in annual teacher salary rankings, dropping to 38th in the nation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-20-24-2.png)
NC Gubernatorial Candidates Offer Two Different Visions For Public Schools
Gubernatorial candidates Josh Stein and Mark Robinson addressed educators and community leaders from across North Carolina at the Public School Forum of North Carolina’s annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast earlier this month.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-20-24-1.png)
NC Republicans’ Fast-Tracked Anti-Semitism Bill Would Define Their Own Gubernatorial Nominee As An Anti-Semite
Earlier this month, a group of Jewish, Muslim and Christian activists gathered outside the North Carolina General Assembly to protest a bill that would codify a controversial definition of antisemitism into law.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-8.png)
The Biden Administration wants to reclassify marijuana, what this means for North Carolinians
Last year the Department of Health and Human services recommended a reclassification of Marijuana to the Drug Enforcement Administration at the request of President Biden.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-9.png)
Some North Carolina Abortion Restrictions Ruled Unlawful
Some of North Carolina government’s restrictions on dispensing abortion pills, such as requiring that doctors prescribe and provide the drug to the patient in person, are unlawful, a judge ruled on Tuesday.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-7.png)
President Biden Announces Investment Into Clean Water In Wilmington
In his first visit to Wilmington, North Carolina, President Joe Biden highlighted the importance of clean water infrastructure.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-6.png)
Criminal Justice Advocates Lobby For “Second Chance” Bills At NCGA
North Carolinians from around the state gathered in front of the General Assembly on April 30 for the annual Second Chance Lobby Day to draw attention to the hurdles that previously incarcerated people can face when trying to re-enter society.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-5.png)
Proposed Bill Would Allocate $50 Million To Remove PFAS From Fayetteville Drinking Water
A bill introduced in the state senate recently proposes allocating $50 million in state funds to the Fayetteville Public Works Commission.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-4.png)
Durham Officials Testing For Possible Lead Contamination At Playgrounds In Five Parks
Just months after 35 Durham park areas were fenced off due to possible lead contamination, Durham Parks and Recreation is temporarily closing 5 playgrounds to conduct further tests for lead contamination.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-3.png)
NC Democratic Leader Warns Of Further Abortion Restrictions
The North Carolina General Assembly’s short session officially began on April 24, with big budget ticket issues at the top of mind.
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Voting Rights in NC Could Be in Trouble if Election Denier Dan Bishop Wins AG Race
North Carolina U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, an election-denying, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-reproductive rights, pro-insurrection right-wing Republican is the NCGOP’s nominee to be North Carolina’s next attorney general, and a win would likely result in new, more serious attacks on our voting rights.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-10-24-1.png)
National Education Association’s New US Teacher Pay Rankings Show Mostly Bad News for NC Educators
A new report released earlier this month by the National Education Association (NEA) had some good news – and bad – regarding teacher pay in North Carolina, The News & Observer reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-10.png)
“I Believe I Did The Right Thing” North Carolinian Who Struck Officer With A Pole At Capitol Sentenced To Six Years In Prison
On April 23, 2024 a North Carolina man was sentenced to 6 years of prison for assaulting police officers during the January 6th Capitol riot.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-9.png)
The NCGA is Back and Republicans Have a Lot of Plans – What Will it Mean for You?
On April 24, the North Carolina General Assembly returned from a six-month break to begin an impactful legislative session.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-8.png)
Raleigh Man Hopeful Looking To Hurdle His Way To The Paris Olympics
Summer is just around the corner and that means the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France will commence.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-7.png)
New Report Shows North Carolina Has Cleanest Air in Decades
A new report by the American Lung Association shows North Carolina air particle pollution levels are low, and the North Carolina Division of Air Quality says that the state’s air is the cleanest it’s been in decades.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-6.png)
Biden Administration Moves To Protect Privacy Of Abortion Seekers
The Biden administration announced new regulations this April to strengthen privacy protections for abortion patients and health care providers.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-5.png)
Federal Judge Strikes Down NC Law On Prosecuting Ex-Felons Who Voted Before 2024
A federal judge has put a stop to the enforcement of a North Carolina law that had severe penalties for individuals voting while still on probation or parole for a felony conviction, even if they mistakenly violated the voting law. This decision has been welcomed by advocacy groups representing low-income residents and Black union members. However, the ruling only addresses certain claims of illegal voting that occurred before 2024.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-4.png)
AG Josh Stein’s Lead Widens In Governor’s Race, New Poll Finds
As the gubernatorial race heats up, a new poll shows where North Carolina voters stand months ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-3.png)
Nonprofit Operated By Mark Robinson’s Wife Flagged For Discrepancies By DHHS
Documents obtained by NC Newsline and The News & Observer reveal issues surrounding a nonprofit operated by Yolanda Hill, the wife of Republican gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-2.png)
Gov. Cooper Says NCGOP’s Private School Voucher Program Will ’Choke the Life Out of Public Schools’
North Carolina’s two-year budget was passed last year after months of Republican delays – and without Gov. Roy Cooper’s signature – but the legislature is now back for this year’s “short session,” which will give lawmakers the chance to tinker with the budget.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-5-3-24-1.png)
Political Arm of Planned Parenthood to Spend Record-Setting $10 Million in North Carolina to Get Pro-Choice Democrats Elected
Considering North Carolina’s status as one of the most important battleground states in the country, it’s no surprise that political organizations, donors and candidates’ campaigns are planning to spend big bucks here ahead of November’s election.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-4-26-24-9.png)
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Programs and North Carolina Public Schools
In the midst of the UNC System Board of Governors actively considering removing Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) programs from North Carolina public universities, Guilford County Schools’ (GCS) Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is making strides to make sure that every student is included.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ncv-4-26-24-8.png)
Gov. Cooper Advocates For Congressional Funding To Secure Internet Access For Millions Of North Carolinians
According to WTVD, Governor Roy Cooper raised the need for digital connectivity at this year’s Semafor World Economy Summit. The summit is one of the most critical economic gatherings for world and national leaders.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-1.png)
Rising Seas, Not Subsidies, Driving NC Coastal Property Values
A new study reveals that rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change, are having a significant impact on the economic landscape of North Carolina’s coast.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-2.png)
Immigrant Advocacy Groups Celebrate Community, Warn Against ICE Bill
Advocates for North Carolina’s immigrant community gathered this Tax Day to tout the contributions immigrants make to the economy and warn against a bill Republicans are trying once again to pass this legislative session.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-3.png)
NC Justice Department Partners With US Department of Transportation to Protect Airline Passengers Rights
North Carolina officials have teamed up with the federal government to hold airlines accountable for their misconduct.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-7.png)
Biden-Harris Campaign And Activists Sound The Alarm On Black Maternal Health Crisis
Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year from April 11-17 to bring attention and action in improving Black maternal health.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-4.png)
‘These Races Matter’: North Carolina Group Aims To ‘Flip’ State Courts
Less than two months after the primary, groups across the state have turned their attention to the November general election.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-5.png)
NC Supreme Court’s Republican Justices Are Ignoring Judicial Ethics and Playing Favorites
It’s good to have friends in high places, and it’s especially true when those friends are state Supreme Court justices who have no judicial ethics and who also happen to be ruling on your case.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-26-24-6.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Claims That Beating Your Child is ‘a Form of Love’
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson seems to dislike a lot of things – the LGBTQ+ community, powerful women, Black people, public schools, Jewish and Muslim people, a woman’s right to choose, and paying his taxes – but if there’s one thing he does seem to like, it’s expressing his belief that beating children is “a form of love.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-5.png)
AG Josh Stein Announces End of Rape Kit Backlog
On Tuesday, Attorney General Josh Stein announced that North Carolina has successfully cleared the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. Since 2017, Stein has made it a priority to address this issue, aiming to ensure justice for survivors.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-8.png)
Tornado Outbreak 13 Years Ago Is A Reminder To Be Prepared For Violent Spring Weather
North Carolina has seen some extreme weather over the years. Our history is well documented with the destruction of hurricanes over the years.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-7.png)
Landmark EPA Regulations Will Make Drinking Water Safer in North Carolina
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a historic step to safeguard drinking water across the United States by setting the first-ever national limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These man-made chemicals have been linked to various health problems and have contaminated water supplies nationwide, including North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-6.png)
Key Republicans Endorse Far-Right Extremist Michele Morrow In State Superintendent Run
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore and a pair of top Republican donors are lining up behind Michele Morrow, despite her long history of deeply troubling statements – including one calling for the televised execution of President Barack Obama.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-4.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Has a History of Attacking Powerful Black Women
At a time when women’s freedoms are under attack, the Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has nothing to offer except hate, belittlement and degrading politics.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-3.png)
North Carolina’s Young Voters Can Shift The Political Landscape
In the 2022 midterm election cycle, young voters turned out in historic numbers and helped Democrats stave off the Republican red wave. For 2024, Democrats are hoping youth voters can deliver once again, as elections across the country have highly competitive races.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-2.png)
Wake County Named 1 of 13 Most Important ‘Battleground Counties’ in the Country Ahead of November’s Election
North Carolinians know how important their votes are when it comes to presidential elections because North Carolina is one of the most important battleground states in the nation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-19-24-1.png)
April Quinnipiac Poll Shows Biden, Trump in Dead Heat; Stein Leads Robinson by 8%
North Carolina is perhaps the most important battleground state in this November’s election and if President Joe Biden wins here, it makes it nearly impossible for Donald Trump to win without upset victories in traditionally blue or blue-leaning states.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Florida-2.png)
Florida Abortion Ban Threatens Already Strained North Carolina Healthcare System
The Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling this month allowing a six-week abortion ban to go into effect starting May 1. The extremely restrictive law – which bans abortion at a stage when many women do not even know they are pregnant – will have a wide-ranging impact not just on Florida, but the entire South.
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When Will North Carolina See A Total Solar Eclipse Again?
The days leading up to the Great American Solar Eclipse 2024 saw many people making plans to witness history that doesn’t happen that often. Some people went as far as taking vacations from work and traveling to cities that have the best view of the solar eclipse.
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Clean Energy Boom Boosts North Carolina’s Economy
North Carolina is poised for a major economic boost thanks to a surge in clean energy investments, according to a new analysis by E2, a nonpartisan group of environmental business leaders. The report examines nine clean energy projects announced in the state since the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022.
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“Underpaid And Underappreciated”: NC Teachers Turnover Rates Rise
In North Carolina, investment in public schools has declined dramatically over the last decade. Some of the deepest cuts made by the Republican-led General Assembly have resulted in worsening school facility conditions, lackluster teacher pay, and an ever-increasing staff turnover rate.
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NC Lawmakers Request Funding For Child Care & Mental Health Facilities Facing Staff Shortages
State health officials briefed a legislative oversight committee on Tuesday, highlighting the urgent need for increased funding to address critical staffing and financial deficits confronting childcare and mental health facilities in North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stein-Vision-Of-Future.png)
“I’m Fighting For You — All North Carolinians”: Josh Stein Offers Hope In Gubernatorial Race
North Carolina’s governor race is becoming the most watched in the country. A recent poll from Quinnipiac University shows Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, at 52% among registered voters and Republican Mark Robinson, who serves as lieutenant governor, behind with 44%.
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Biden Campaign Opening 10 Field Offices in NC as They Set Their Sights on Winning the Tar Heel State
With the presidential election less than seven months away, President Joe Biden’s campaign is picking up steam in North Carolina as his team here recently announced the opening of 10 new field offices in the state, Axios reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robinson-Wife.png)
Mark Robinson’s Wife Suddenly Shuts Down Nonprofit Amid Attacks From Conservatives, Questions Over Pandemic Loans
The wife of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is facing scrutiny after suddenly announcing the closing of her controversial nonprofit, likely at the end of April, The Assembly reported.
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Keeping the Legacy of Happy Hills Alive For Generations to Come
The African American historic neighborhood, Happy Hills, in Winston Salem, North Carolina is in the process of revitalization.
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North Carolina Surpasses Electric Vehicle Registration Goals Two Years Early
North Carolina has achieved its electric vehicle (EV) registration goals two years ahead of schedule, according to a press release from Governor Roy Cooper’s office.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-1-24-6.png)
Attorney General Stein Files Brief In Support Of Protecting Emergency Abortion Care
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein filed a friend-of-the-court brief along with a coalition of 24 other attorneys general at the end of March, imploring the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a ruling that requires Idaho hospitals to provide emergency abortion care.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-1-24-5.png)
President Biden And Harris Tout Healthcare And Expanding Access During North Carolina Stop
Last month, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris promoted their healthcare agenda in Raleigh, arguing that Democrats are committed to preserving access to care amid Republican attacks.
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Attorney General Stein And Charlotte Leaders Combat Growing Fentanyl Crisis
Last week, state and local leaders held a press conference to lay out their efforts to mitigate the fentanyl epidemic.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-1-24-2.png)
With the Release of Beyoncé’s Latest Album, Let’s Take a Look at Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s One-Sided Beef with Queen Bey
Beyoncé’s highly anticipated country-influenced album “Cowboy Carter” was released on March 29 but there’s at least one North Carolina politician who, despite his apparent appreciation for country music, certainly won’t be listening.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-1-24-1-1.png)
Leaked Audio: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Told Group He Wants to Defund Public Education
North Carolina may be in the bottom five in the nation when it comes to education funding, but it sounds like Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson won’t be content until we are dead last in all the rankings.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-4-1-24-1.png)
Wolfpack Women’s & Men’s Teams Dance On To The Final Four
The N.C. State Wolfpack owns the college basketball world right now. The men’s and women’s teams came into their respective NCAA Basketball Tournaments and put the college basketball community on notice. Both teams will play in the Final Four with a chance of being crowned 2023-2024 national champion.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-9.png)
Relentless Erosion Unearths Cold War Secrets at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The exposed area reveals remnants of a Cold War-era military facility, raising new environmental anxieties. Park officials report “petroleum odors and sheen” emanating from the site, believed to be leaking from buried structures used by the Navy and Coast Guard.
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US Forest Service Issues A Warning To Rogue Trail Builders In Pisgah National Forest
The National Forest Service is on a mission to crack down on these illegal trails. Their reasoning is rooted in the very essence of their duty: to protect the delicate balance of nature within these treasured lands.
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Bob The Cat Is Back With Another Chapter Of Twists And Turns
If you have been following along over the past few months you may recall a story that has all the twists and turns fitting for a Netflix series. This story features “Bob the Cat” and his adventures from Kansas to North Carolina which included a name change and an intense custody battle.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-6.png)
Meet Mo Green, The Democratic Nominee For NC Superintendent
Maurice “Mo” Green won the Democratic primary and is the former superintendent of Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in the state. Green was also the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a foundation that awards grants supporting public education.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-5.png)
New Poll Shows Abortion Rights Key Factor In NC Lt. Governor’s Race
North Carolina voters oppose the 12-week abortion ban passed by Republicans last summer by a 13-point margin (49% oppose / 36% support) and that they are less likely to vote for candidates who support it (42% less likely / 27% more likely).
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-4.png)
First Lady Jill Biden Uplifts The Need For Women’s Health Research
For North Carolina, the Biden Administration has recognized the Research Triangle Park as a potential leader in women’s health research.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-3.png)
President Biden Latest Student Loan Cancellation Brings Relief To 78,000 Public Service Workers
The public service workers who will receive the debt forgiveness are teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other public servants, who are eligible for relief.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-2.png)
Michele Morrow Again Under Scrutiny for Past Social Media Posts on Transgender Kids, QAnon Conspiracies and More
It has become very clear, very quickly just how unqualified Morrow is to be running the state’s public schools or to be in any position of power. She’s become so toxic that the North Carolina Republican Party, who have embraced Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and his hatred of the LGBTQ+ community and just about everyone else, is now too afraid to say whether they support Morrow.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ncv-3-29-24-1.png)
Citing Mark Robinson’s Rhetoric, Gubernatorial Nomination, Connecticut is Now Trying to Lure NC Businesses to Move
The lawmakers cited Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Republican gubernatorial nomination, his desire to ban abortion, and his history of monstrous comments about the LGBTQ+ community, women and others as the reason why North Carolina businesses may be open to moving.
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This Spring Will Be North Carolina’s Loudest Since 1803
Two separate broods of cicadas, Brood XIX and Brood XIII, are primed to emerge from their slumber at the same time. This is a rare event that hasn’t happened since 1803!
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Righting the Wrongs of Environmental Injustice in Greensboro
Greensboro’s Bingham Park was once a landfill and an incinerator. The landfill operated there from the 1920s to 1950s. Toxic waste from the landfill directly seeped into the groundwater and the soil of the land.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-20-24-6.png)
VP Harris Makes Historic Visit to Abortion Clinic, Underscoring Importance of Reproductive Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris visited an abortion clinic in Minnesota earlier this month, a first for any U.S. President or Vice President.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-20-24-5.png)
AI Supercharges Threat of Election Disinformation in 2024
The advancement of AI is exponentially amplifying the threat of election disinformation globally, according to the AP. Now, even individuals armed with just a smartphone and a devious imagination can easily produce convincing fake content aimed at manipulating voters.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-20-24-4.png)
Blue Ridge Parkway Receives Much Needed Funding Boost From North Carolina Drivers
The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is getting a much-needed boost thanks to North Carolina drivers. A specialty license plate program dedicated to the parkway has brought in over half a million dollars.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-20-24-3.png)
AG Josh Stein, Rep. Deb Ross Push For IVF Protections Following Controversial Alabama Supreme Court Decision
Joined by Attorney General Josh Stein and Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Democratic leaders are calling on state legislators to write protections for IVF into state law.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-20-24-2.png)
New NCGOP Election Law Impacts Voters During Primary, Throwing Out 1,000 Mail-In Votes
North Carolina’s new Republican-backed law eliminated the three-day grace period for counting properly postmarked mail-in ballots and blocked voters from dropping off their mail-in ballots in person at one-stop, early voting sites.
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NCGA Republicans Given ‘Black Hole Award’ for ‘Unethical and Shadowy Governance’ After Changing Public Records Law
#NCGA lawmakers are “shirking their moral and constitutional duties as public employees to inform their constituents what they are doing with taxpayer time and money while on the clock,” said the SPJ’s Tim Gruver.
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With 3 NC Teams in Both Tourneys, Let the (March) Madness Begin!
The state of North Carolina has a total of six (Duke, UNC, N.C. State) men’s and women’s teams vying for a chance to be national champions in their respective sports.
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Advocates Push Back Against Harmful Anti-LGBTQ+ Measures in Virtual Town Hall
In response to several discriminatory laws passed in North Carolina, the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) and Equality NC held a virtual town hall on supporting young LGBTQ+ North Carolinians.
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Biden Administration Caps Credit Card Late Fees at $8
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) estimates that capping fees at $8 will save American households over $10 billion annually by slashing fees from an average of $32.
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NC’s Public Schools Could Soon Be Led By MAGA Extremist Who Doesn’t Believe in Public Education
Michele Morrow, who wants to be in charge of NC’s public schools, has called teachers “groomers” and said they’re training kids in “transgender theory.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-15-24-2.png)
Fired Police Officer, Indicted Anti-CRT Johnston County School Board Member Advances to November Election After Primary Win
Anti-CRT Johnston County school board member Ron Johnson, who has been censured twice, fired from his job as a police officer and is facing extortion charges, could be reelected in November.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-15-24-3.png)
Matthews Commissioners Push Back Against ‘Disgusting And Hate-Filled’ Comments
Earlier this month, a handful of individuals connected to the Town of Matthews’ Board of Commissioners Zoom meeting to share public comments. However, the individuals took turns sharing hate speech targeted toward the LGBTQ+ community and the Jewish community.
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Oak Island Beach is Once Again Eroded and Must Look 18 Miles Offshore to Replenish its Sand
Replenishing the sand, a common practice, is proving difficult. Nearby sources are running low, forcing them to look further – a staggering 18 miles offshore.
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In Latest Uncovered Misogynistic Rant, Robinson Roots For ‘America Where Women Couldn’t Vote’
Mark Robinson has called women “whores,” argued that women shouldn’t be leaders, joked about domestic violence, and defended the likes of Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-15-24-6.png)
ECU Mobile Clinic Fights Rural Health Gap, School Suspensions, Inequality
Over the past three years, ECU medical students have provided free physicals for hundreds of school children. It’s an extension of a public school telehealth program that converted a university bus to a mobile clinic in 2020.
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Sports Betting is Live in NC, Here’s What You Need to Know Before Placing That Bet
This new venture is expected to generate significant revenue, which has been traditionally spent in other states such as Virginia and Maryland. Eight operators, along with their partners, are now accepting bets.
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‘Mark Madness’: Advocates Statewide Decry Mark Robinson’s Extremism
Dubbed “Mark Madness,” North Carolinians and the Coalition Against Robinson’s Extremism (CARE), launched a statewide campaign to educate voters about the troubling history of the Trump-backed nominee.
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Hundreds Mourn Deaths by Poverty Outside NC Legislature, Vow Action
“Poverty and low wages are violence, a deeply deadly violence,” said Rev. William Barber III. “America must face not just poverty in America, but poverty in America. The uniqueness of the poverty here, which is greater than any of the other top 25 industrial countries of the world.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-8-24-5.png)
In Durham, VP Kamala Harris Announces $32M in Funding for Women- and Minority-Led Businesses in NC
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Durham’s historic Black Wall Street district where she announced that the Biden-Harris administration will be awarding $32 million to women- and minority-led businesses in North Carolina.
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Black Faith Leaders Urge Colleagues to Speak Out on Social Justice Issues
“Because what would the Dr. King say? That injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere? Yes, we have to be that kind of moral voice that protects that justice and liberty for everybody,” said Rev. Chalice Overy.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-8-24-3.png)
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Major Investments Toward Rural Communities, Infrastructure
As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, 216 projects in 45 states will receive funding from the USDA to bring high-speed internet, clean, safe water, and economic growth to rural communities.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-8-24-2.png)
The National Media Has Found Out About Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson – Can He Handle the Criticism?
Mark Robinson recently complained about the media’s coverage of his speeches. Much like his idol, Donald Trump, Robinson is a thin-skinned master of dishing it out and then complaining about the response.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-3-8-24-1.png)
Attorney General Josh Stein Convenes With Triad Law Enforcement to Discuss Fentanyl Crisis
N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein urged the state legislature to increase funding to address the growing fentanyl crisis in the Triad.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-2-27-24-10.png)
How Does Public Education Prepare Our Children To Lead In The Future?
What is the goal of our public education? Is it to prepare our children to lead in the future? Or is it to protect them from a past we all need to learn from?
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-2-27-24-9.png)
Major League Baseball In North Carolina? It’s Possible.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is expanding and two North Carolina cities are being considered to become the home of a brand new Major League team. Both Raleigh and Charlotte are pitching to MLB decision makers to bring a new team to their growing cities.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-2-27-24-8.png)
Wake County Schools Considering Suing Social Media Companies Over Student Mental Health
The Wake County school board is contemplating the possibility of taking legal action against social media companies, contending that the psychological damage caused by their apps necessitates school intervention, according to WRAL
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Cold Stuns Turtles Off NC Coast As Climate Change Shifts Currents
The NC Coast Guard recently released 81 rehabilitated turtles from North Carolina’s Sea Turtle Assistance & Rehabilitation Center on Roanoke Island that were rescued from the coast.
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Alabama Court Declares That Frozen Embryos Are Children, Using Strikingly Similar Rhetoric To NCGOP
The all-Republican Alabama Supreme Court ruled 8-1 this month that frozen embryos are children and thus people can be held liable for destroying them.
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EPA Finalizing Rule To Officially Designate PFAS As Hazardous Substances
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a rule that will designate two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals as hazardous substances, making polluters financially liable for cleaning up contamination.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ncv-2-27-24-3.png)
Right-Wing Film On 1898 Wilmington Massacre Focuses On White Couple’s ‘Love Story’
The Raleigh-based right-wing think tank John Locke Foundation recently released a short film about the 1898 Wilmington massacre that focuses on a “fast-paced love story” between a white couple, and not on the mass murder of the city’s Black residents
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Republican-Leaning New Hanover School Board Censors Teachers In New Policy
Since Republicans took over the New Hanover County School Board, numerous controversial policies have been pushed by right-wing board members, including a revision to their latest measure, Policy 7205.
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NC Supreme Court Hears Latest Arguments In Landmark School Funding Case
Late last month, the North Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the long-running Leandro education case. The Feb. 22nd hearing marked the fifth appearance of the 30 year-long case in front of the high court.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ncv-2-27-24-1.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Accuses Media of Mischaracterizing His Views – Despite Video, Audio Proof
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson played the victim in his CPAC speech last week, claiming that the media is unfair to him by reporting what he says.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ncv-2-23-24-2.png)
Leaked Audio: Mark Robinson Says Only Some People Should Be Allowed to Vote Early, Calls 17-Day Early Voting Period ‘Outrageous’
In the audio clip, Mark Robinson told supporters there should be “one day to vote” and called the state’s 17-day early voting period “outrageous.”
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Huge Indoor Sports Facility Coming To Raleigh. But What Sports Will Be Played There?
Raleigh will be home to the largest indoor pickleball and golf facility in North Carolina. The 71,000-square-foot facility will be located near downtown.
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New, Survivor-Led Service Answers Addiction, Mental Health Crisis in NC
“When you’re in a tough spot, sometimes the best person to talk with is a person who has had similar experiences,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ncv-2-23-24-7.png)
Anti-Abortion Activists Plot For Sweeping New Restrictions Under A Potential New Trump Administration
Former Trump administration officials and allies are planning new ways to restrict abortion rights if the former president returns to power, involving sweeping new restrictions and arcane legal theories.
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App State, ECU Join State Initiative Supporting Aspiring Teachers
Participants in the Teaching Fellows program commit to repaying forgivable loans by teaching in North Carolina’s public schools after graduation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ncv-2-23-24-5.png)
Pittsboro Battles Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water, Blames Upstream Polluters, Indifferent Lawmakers
Pittsboro is taking legal action against Apollo Chemical, which discharged 1,4-dioxane into residents’ drinking water, and major PFAS manufacturers like Chemours and DuPont.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ncv-2-23-24-4-1.png)
109-Year-Old NC Resident Casts Vote On 1st Day Of Early Voting: ‘I Think It’s An Example To All Of Us’
A Tufts University study found that millennial and youth voters make up the largest, racially diverse group of potential voters in North Carolina, however, they have the lowest voter turnout of any generation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ncv-2-23-24-3.png)
National Report Gives North Carolina An ‘F’ For Voter Access
The Institute for Responsive Government has examined the NCGOP-held legislature’s policies and determined that their measures restrict voters.
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NC Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. Won’t Recuse Himself from Leandro Case Despite His Father’s Involvement
The plaintiffs in the case, which include families and school boards in five lower-income counties, had requested that Justice Phil Berger Jr. recuse himself from the case due to his father’s involvement.
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Gen Z and Millennial Voters Want Politicians to Talk About Mental Health
A Harvard Youth Poll revealed that almost half of Americans under 30 reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless, with 56% experiencing nervousness, anxiety, or unease multiple times a week.
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Making History in Black History Month: Bump.Baby.Bliss
Unfortunately, here in North Carolina Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
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NC Man Attempts New World Record with Coloring Books
With over 1,286 pages currently filled, Mount Olive’s Scott Britt is attempting to color his way into the Guinness Book of World Records.
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Knowledge Of Pregnancy Correlates With Abortion Support, New Study Finds
“We found that people who had a better understanding of pregnancy were more opposed to legislation restricting access to abortion,” Steven Greene, co-author of the study and a professor of political science at NC State said.
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Advocates File Complaint Over Discriminatory ‘Parents’ Bill Of Rights’ Law
The Campaign for Southern Equality, an Asheville-based nonprofit, filed the complaint late last month, alleging that North Carolina’s adoption of the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” law has resulted in policies and practices that discriminate against LGBTQ students.
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Attorney General Josh Stein Joins Coalition to Protect Abortion Pill Access
“No woman should ever have to worry about whether she can get the medication she needs,” stated Attorney General Josh Stein. “I will continue to do everything in my power to stand up for women’s reproductive freedoms.”
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Biden Infrastructure Law invests $1.4 Million in Pocosin Lakes Boardwalk
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced a $1.4 million grant to overhaul the Scuppernong River Boardwalk at the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
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NC Attorney General Josh Stein, USDOJ Settle With First National Bank Over Its Discriminatory Lending Practices In 2 Major Cities.
Thanks to North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein and the U.S. Department of Justice, First National Bank of Pennsylvania (FNB) will pay out $13.5 million for participating in lending discrimination in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in two major metropolitan areas of North Carolina, Reuters reported.
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Mark Robinson Says Trans People Should ‘Find a Corner Outside’ If They Want to Use the Bathroom – or Get Arrested
Judging by his recent campaign stops, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has been feeling nostalgic lately – nostalgic for a time in North Carolina’s recent past when NC Republican leaders told transgender people which bathroom they could use in public spaces.
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The Story of Granville Street Park in Oxford Shows the Power of Organizing in Rural NC Communities
No one would have blamed you for looking at the muddy grass, cracked blacktop, rusty playground equipment, and the two spots where basketball hoops stood more than 20 years ago at Granville Street Park in Oxford, and thinking to yourself, “This park has seen better days.”
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Here’s Your Guide To Black History Month Events Happening Around The Triangle
Black History Month is a time of celebration and remembrance. Throughout North Carolina there are many events to celebrate the month.
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Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Rise on East Coast Amid Rising Water Temperatures
Alarming new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a disturbing trend: cases of the deadly flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus have doubled on the East Coast compared to 2022.
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Local Armadillo Corroborates Punxsutawney Spring Prediction
If you distrust the latest forecast from the perennial spring predictor and crepuscular yankee prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, his 2024 forecast of an early spring was corroborated by NC’s own Sylvia the Armadillo.
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Governor Cooper Joins Reproductive Freedom Alliance Amicus Brief in SCOTUS Case Targeting Mifepristone
Recently Governor Roy Cooper joined the Reproductive Freedom Alliance in filing a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to safeguard access to mifepristone, an FDA-approved abortion medication, according to NC Newsline.
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Ex-Republican NC Supreme Court Justice Files Lawsuit Against NCGOP Over Maps That Violate Right to Fair Elections
At this point, it’s not surprising when Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly have another election law, redistricting, or voting rights lawsuit filed against them, but the latest one is a bit unique.
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Access To Obstetric Care In Rural North Carolina Dwindles, Even As Abortion Restrictions Have Made Demand Rise
More than a third (35%) of rural North Carolina hospitals don’t offer maternity care, according to a new report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.
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National Election Model with 95% Accuracy Predicts Biden’s Reelection Thanks to Wins in NC, Other Swing States
One of the top storylines in every presidential election since President Barack Obama’s victory in 2008 has been, “Will North Carolina go blue again this time?” The answer has been “No” every time, but this year could be different – at least according to a recent national model forecast.
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Sensible Book-Ban Policy By Winston-Salem/Forsyth School Board Angers Moms For Liberty Members
Last week, individuals who vehemently protested a sensible new policy regarding formal book ban requests in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools were essentially creating a commotion without substance, according to the News & Record.
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Republicans In North Carolina Are Taking Unprecedented Steps To Lock In Political Power, New Report Says
North Carolina is increasingly becoming ground zero for the counter-majoritarian movement designed to “lock in political minority rule and slow the nation’s progress,” according to a new report from the Center for American Progress.
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NC Gambling to Debut in March, in Time for NCAA March Madness
The NC State Lottery Commission has officially announced that sports betting will debut in North Carolina on Monday, March 11th at 12:00 p.m.
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Testing By The Guardian Reveals PFAs Emissions From Chemours Plant May Be Higher Than Reported
In 2019, a consent order was issued requiring Chemours to reduce air emissions from its Fayetteville Works plant by at least 99%.
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Racial Equity Task Force Releases Latest Report Highlighting Accomplishments
During its annual planning meeting last week, the N.C. Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice released its 2023 year-end report; summarizing its work and making recommendations for the future.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Doubles Down on Banning Abortion While Pretending That’s Not What He’s Doing
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson doesn’t believe that abortions should be legal under any circumstance and he has expressed those views multiple times. But now he’s trying to pretend he doesn’t remember his past statements on abortion at the same time that he’s reiterated those beliefs on TV and in interviews.
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NC Democrats Push For Transparency In Redistricting Process
Last week, North Carolina Democrats introduced a bill in Congress that would require transparency in the redistricting process.
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NC Faith Leaders Hold Rally Outside NCGA in Support of Abortion Rights
On Jan. 22, pro-choice Americans marked 51 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion and gave women the right to bodily autonomy. On June 24, anti-choice Americans will no doubt celebrate the fact that it has been two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe
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Holding Duke Energy Accountable For Power Loss In Durham On Jan. 17th: Here’s How To File A Claim And A Complaint
During the same week in January, when all Durham residents were experiencing extremely cold temperatures that dipped into the 20s
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Warming Up Your Car Might Be A Myth. Or Is It?
Unless you have been under a rock you would know it’s winter time in North Carolina. To many this means that cold weather and the chance from snow is the highlight of the season.
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NC Educators Join California, Oregon, as Early Adopters of AI in Schools
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction just joined the Federal Department of Education, The Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the nation’s largest school district in advocating for Artificial Intelligence in the classroom
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New Hanover County Takes Legal Action Against PFAS Manufacturers and Sellers
New Hanover County is suing over a dozen companies responsible for contaminating the area’s drinking water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board Takes Stand Against Parents’ Bill of Rights to Protect LGBTQ+ Students
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board defied state law on Thursday by not mandating schools to inform parents when their students express a desire to be recognized by a different name or pronoun at school, according to the News & Observer.
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Federal Judge Blocks Controversial Same-Day Registration Change
A federal judge blocked a portion of state Republicans’ controversial elections’ law that could prevent many North Carolinians from exercising their right to vote.
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Mark Robinson Says He ‘Doesn’t Recall’ His Extreme Statements on Abortion – But We Do
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is the favorite in North Carolina’s GOP gubernatorial primary and just like other Republicans, such as N.C. Sen. Ted Budd, Robinson has essentially stopped talking about abortion, or “the a-word,” as he now calls it.
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Abortion Rights To Take Center Stage This Election Cycle
President Biden and Democrats across the country held a series of events this month to highlight the fight for abortion rights as the nation marked what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade on January 22.
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President Biden Announces Investments In High Speed Internet For Rural North Carolina
President Joe Biden made a stop in North Carolina last week, where he unveiled investments towards expanding high-speed internet access to an additional 16,000 households and businesses.
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4 Right-Wing Extremists Among 5 Running in New Hanover County GOP’s School Board Primary
Right-wing extremists in New Hanover County, one of the most politically evenly split counties in the state, are once again trying to take over the school board, even with Republicans now having a majority on the board.
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Neo-Nazi with History of Felony Convictions Gets OK to Run for NC House on GOP Ticket
Republicans in Rockingham County and the state party were left reeling last week after county and State Board of Elections officials cleared a neo-Nazi with a history of felony convictions to run for state House despite late attempts by the GOP to have the candidate removed, The News & Observer reported.
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Beach Sweeping Robot Deployed in New Hanover County
It’s the Roomba of the Beach! Except it’s the size of a lawnmower, carefully remote controlled, and on a strict diet of cigarette butts, microplastics, and other seaside pollutants.
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North Carolina pharmacists train to become birth control providers
After House Bill 96 went into effect in February 2022, pharmacists in North Carolina gained the ability, after training, to provide hormonal contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription to both adults and minors who have parental consent.
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Increase Of Mass Shootings In North Carolina Underscores The Urgent Need Address Gun Violence
North Carolina experienced a dramatic rise in mass shootings in 2023, with 33 incidents shattering past records.
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VP Harris Announces $285 Million For Mental Health Care in Schools
During her recent visit to North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a new funding initiative of $285 million for mental health care in schools, according to Courthouse News Service. This funding, a component of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, is designed to enhance access to mental health resources for students across the nation.
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Attorney General Stein Pushes Back Against GOP Legislators’ Attempts to Stop Education Funding Plan
Next month, the North Carolina Supreme Court is scheduled to hear whether the state must pay nearly $700 million to fund long-awaited public school investments, as ordered by a trial court.
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Dudley Flood Center highlights education equity gaps in latest report
A local center is hoping to create change for the more than 42 geographically diverse school districts around North Carolina.
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NC Voters Still in the Dark About 2021 Investigation into Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Campaign Finance Irregularities
It’s been nearly three years since government accountability advocate Bob Hall filed a complaint with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) over several possible irregularities in Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s campaign finance reports and the public has still yet to receive any answers.
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What’s Going on with the Confederate Monument in front of Gastonia’s Courthouse?
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Monday, January 15th, several groups in Gastonia, North Carolina are fighting tirelessly to remove a Confederate monument, which stands outside the Gaston County Courthouse.
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Latest report shows U.S. job market ended off on a high note in December
The latest reports surrounding the job market showcases the resilience of the U.S. economy.
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NC Voting Rights Orgs in Court to Fight Against Felony Disenfranchisement
North Carolina’s disenfranchisement laws, which bar individuals convicted of felonies from voting until certain conditions are met and make it a serious crime for someone to vote while still on probation or parole for a felony conviction, continue to cast a long shadow over the state’s political landscape.
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5,000 free NCDHHS tests for RADON, The Invisible Carcinogen Affecting 73% of NC
Have you checked your home for radon? Governor Cooper thinks you should. Alongside the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Cooper declared January
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“People’s Tour” encouraged Eastern North Carolinians to weigh in on environmental concerns
Environmental groups and community partners collaborated this fall to produce the “People’s Tour,” an opportunity for Eastern North Carolinians to share their thoughts on various
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National report finds North Carolina schools lack nurses, social workers, and additional support staff
A recent report found that North Carolina schools are failing to meet the nationally recommended ratios of school counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and school social workers.
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NC County’s Elections Director With 30+ Years of Experience Says the State’s Elections System is Secure, Accurate
Terrence Meyers has been helping run elections in one way or another since 1987, first in his native Maryland and, since 2018, in Chowan County, according to The Daily Advance.
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Duke Energy’s Texts Spark Concerns, Apologizes for Blackout Buzz
Confusion sparked like a flickering power pole light after Duke Energy urged customers to conserve electricity earlier this month due to cold weather. Many, still scarred by 2022’s Christmas Eve’s outages, feared rolling blackouts were brewing again.
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The future of NC same-day voter registration lawsuit is back in the hands of a federal judge
For years, North Carolina voting rights groups, advocates, and voters have fought back against state Republican’s voter suppression efforts. In their latest attempt, Republicans passed a controversial elections law that could prevent many North Carolinians from exercising their right to vote.
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NC Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby is Using the Court to Settle Personal Political Feuds
Chief Justice Paul Newby’s tenure on the North Carolina Supreme Court has been marred by accusations of politicization and a disregard for judicial impartiality.
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NC school districts roll out new policies under the controversial Parents’ Bill of Rights law
Months after its passage, the North Carolina Republican’s version of the Don’t Say Gay bill has been retooled by school districts across the state, and in the coming weeks, parents can expect to see changes regarding information about their student.
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Republicans Like Mark Robinson Are Still Lying About Jan. 6 Insurrection 3 Years After Attack on US Capitol
In the lead-up to North Carolina’s 2024 gubernatorial primary election, a stark divide between the Democratic and Republican candidates on their views of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol remains evident.
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Massive, Nine Ton Dragon Statue Debuts at NC Chinese Lantern Festival
If you missed the fireworks on New Years Eve you can ring in 2024 with the dazzling NC Chinese Lantern festival in Cary, featuring 40 new handcrafted lantern displays and a 21 foot tall dragon.
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Bioprocessing Training Hubs Launched in NC by Historically Minority-Serving Institutions
A coalition comprising six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), along with the state’s sole Historically American Indian University (HAIU), has been established to enhance accessibility to the biopharmaceutical industry, according to WUNC.
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Court Rules Texas Can Ban Emergency Abortions, Despite Federal Guidance
A federal appeals court ruled this month that Texas hospitals cannot be required to perform emergency abortions to stabilize the life of a patient, despite federal guidance that advises the contrary.
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NC’s Minimum Wage Workers Won’t Be Getting a Raise – For the 15th Consecutive Year
It may be a new year, but it’s the same old story for around 55,000 of North Carolina’s minimum-wage workers because – for the 15th straight year – the NC General Assembly did not pass a wage hike for them, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.
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State Board Of Elections Approves More Student And Government ID Cards For Voting In 2024 Elections
More eligible North Carolinians will have access to the ballot box this year, as the State Board of Elections added to the list of approved student and employee IDs that can be used to vote in the upcoming election.
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Ghost Forests Haunt North Carolina Coast, Leaving Eerie Skeletons in Their Wake
Ghost forests are becoming increasingly common along the North Carolina coast, where areas of dead or dying trees are spreading at an alarming rate. Once vibrant woodlands, these landscapes are now battlegrounds between land and sea, succumbing to the relentless encroachment of saltwater and the intensifying impacts of a warming planet.
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Chimney Rock Rings with Christmas Cheer as Santa Repels Down The Rockface
The crisp mountain air of Chimney Rock State Park crackled with festive anticipation earlier this month. It was Old Saint Nick’s annual pilgrimage, and the 26th year running promised a day of Christmas magic, chimney practice, and enough cocoa to warm even the Grinchiest of hearts.
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She Built This City: An Organization Creating a New Narrative for Women and Girls in North Carolina
If you are not familiar with the North Carolina based nonprofit, She Built This City, it is time to start checking this organization out.
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Movies Filmed In North Carolina That You Should Add To Your Watch List
North Carolina is known for many things that the world loves us for. We have the best rivalry in sports in Duke/UNC. Don’t worry this is not about picking sides. We have an arena with the reputation of being the loudest arena in the NHL in our Carolina Hurricanes. We have the highest population of HBCU undergrad students in the country. Our mountains and beaches are top notch and our cities and towns have their own unique beauty. Last but not least we’ve given the world Krispy Kreme, Pepsi, Texas Pete and BBQ and we are talking pork not a damn grill.
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Disney Magic Is Making Its Way To A North Carolina Community
Ever wanted to live at Disney? Now you can– at a new community being built in Chatham County.
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NCDOT Approves Renaming I-77 Exit in Davidson for Local NBA Legend Steph Curry
A highway interchange north of Charlotte is being renamed after Davidson College and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, according to ABC-7 San Francisco.
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Charlotte Hospitals Refuse Charity’s Efforts to Erase Medical Debt
Earlier this year, Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem gained national recognition for an exceptional act: erasing nearly $3.3 million in medical debt for 3,355 local families living below the poverty line.
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Governor Cooper, President Biden Announce Over A Billion Dollars In Grants For New NC Train Routes As Ridership Soars
North Carolina’s 3,254 miles of railroads are about to grow thanks to a gaggle of government grants. The largest is $1.09 billion dollar share of
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Parents And Advocacy Groups Push Back Against NCGOP’s Parents’ Bill of Rights
North Carolinians, local school boards and education advocates have pushed back against state Republicans Don’t Say Gay law, also known as Parents’ Bill of Rights.
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Mark Robinson Calls GOP Competition ‘Cowards,’ Says Jesus Will Get ‘His Vengeance’ on Them
For perhaps the first time, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson aimed his hate and vitriol at his fellow Republicans. It happened while speaking in a church at a Davie County GOP Christmas event earlier this month, WRAL reported.
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Voting Rights Groups Find Hiccups With New Photo ID Law Implementation
This year marked the first time photo ID has been required for North Carolina voters casting ballots since a similar law was temporarily in effect for the 2016 primaries.
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Climate Change Already Hitting North Carolina Hard, New Report Warns
North Carolina is facing the harsh reality of climate change head-on, with many of the impacts predicted in a new federal report already being felt across the state. The Fifth National Climate Assessment paints a stark picture of a warming world, and the Southeast, including North Carolina, is no exception.
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Gov. Cooper Urges Federal Government To Ensure Over-The-Counter Birth Control Is Affordable And Accessible
Governor Roy Cooper joined five other state governors serving on the Executive Committee of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance in sending a letter this month to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, urging the federal government to take steps to ensure over-the-counter (OTC) birth control will be covered by private health insurance plans and Medicaid at no-cost to the patient
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Newly Released Audio Shows Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Belief That the 2020 Election Was Stolen
Undeterred by the more than 90 criminal charges twice-impeached former President Donald Trump is currently facing in multiple jurisdictions for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is sticking by his man and supporting Trump’s theories.
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New Jobs And Private Investments Coming To 10 Rural NC Communities
Governor Roy Cooper announced the approval of 10 grants requests to local governments that are aimed at strengthening rural communities. According to the governor’s office, these grants include a commitment to create a total of 316 jobs and will attract approximately $40.8 million in private investment.
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NC Attorney General Josh Stein Joins Federal Lawsuit Targeting NCAA Over Transfer Rules
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is taking part in a federal antitrust lawsuit that is targeting the NCAA over its transfer eligibility rule, arguing that it illegally restrains college athletes’ ability to switch to another school and immediately start playing, The News & Observer reported.
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Duke’s Mayonnaise, Pop-Tarts And Birmingham, Alabama, College Football Bowl Season Is Here.
The 2023 college football regular season has come to an end. The post season is upon us and there is much to talk about. If you have been under a rock lately you will know that Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama will play for a chance to be crowned national champions. Alabama was the final team making the top four after an impressive victory over defending national champions Georgia. Undefeated Florida State of the ACC was left out of the playoff with a 13-0 record but given their best play Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury, the committee did not think they were one of the four best teams in the nation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-8.png)
Days Before Medicaid Expansion Began in NC Trump Said He’s ‘Seriously’ Considering Repealing the Law That Made it Possible
Just days before North Carolina expanded Medicaid to 600,000 more North Carolinians, twice-impeached former President Donald Trump took to social media and threatened to take away health care from millions of Americans, should he beat President Joe Biden next November, WXII reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-7.png)
Hundreds More Jobs Coming To North Carolina, As Lithium Battery Manufacturer Sets Up In Davidson County
More new jobs are coming to North Carolina, as Davidson County was selected for a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, providing 352 jobs to the area.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-5.png)
Top 5 Ranking Of Places Where North Carolina Renters Are The Most Overextended
Across the country, both renter and homeowner costs have been increasing in the last decade, even after adjustment for inflation.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-4.png)
EPA Reverses Course On Importing PFAS Into North Carolina From Chemours
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has abruptly reversed its approval of Chemours’ plan to ship GenX-laced wastewater to its North Carolina plant for recycling, citing inaccurate information provided by the chemical giant.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-3.png)
New NC Laws Addressing Race, Guns in Church and Protesting Took Effect on Dec. 1
Multiple new laws and sections of laws took effect in North Carolina on Dec. 1 and they will impact how we live our lives, including what we are allowed to talk about at work, how we make our voices heard at protests, who gets to vote in our elections and when, and where people will be allowed to carry firearms.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-2.png)
Raleigh Landlord License Hangs In The Balance Following History Of Excessive Charges Towards Tenants
An extensive investigation, conducted by local news stations, exposed a North Carolina landlord’s exuberant charges and questionable practices towards former tenants; catching the eyes of both the state Department of Justice and Attorney General’s office.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-12-8-1.png)
Three-Judge Panel Gives Gov. Cooper Temporary Win in Unconstitutional Elections Law Case
Gov. Roy Cooper was recently handed a temporary win in court by a majority-Republican three-judge panel over his request to block a new elections law, SB 749, before voters head to the polls in 2024, WRAL reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-12.png)
Rain Brings Temporary Relief, But North Carolina’s Drought Persists
Recent rainfall has brought a welcome respite to parched North Carolina, but it is far from enough to end the ongoing drought that has gripped most of the state. While nearly 2 inches of rain fell before Thanksgiving, it is still significantly below the 7 inches of rain needed over 30 days to alleviate the drought.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-11.png)
Rural Health Care Providers Laud Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid Expansion, which went into effect December 1, is expected to have big benefits for rural areas in North Carolina, according to healthcare providers who work in those parts of the state.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-10.png)
After Lengthy Legal Fight, Rare Bob Ross Exhibition Premieres in NC
A new exhibition featuring Bob Ross’s iconic, cheerful landscapes is open at the Mims Gallery in Rocky Mount, NC until January 4th, 2024.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-9.png)
NC Again at Risk of Winter Energy Crisis After Power Companies Fail to Make Grid Improvements
If you thought that perhaps things had changed and utilities companies had made improvements since last year’s cold snap resulted in rolling blackouts on Christmas Eve in North Carolina, well, you would be wrong.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-8.png)
White House Welcomes A North Carolina Fraser Fir As The Official Christmas Tree
An 18-and-a-half-foot tall Fraser fir from Cline Church Nursery in Fleetwood, North Carolina, has become this year’s White House Christmas Tree.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-7.png)
NC AG Josh Stein Wins Case Against Loan Company That ‘Trapped Students With Illegal Loans’
State Attorney General Josh Stein announced days before Thanksgiving that he had won a court order against Prehired, a student loan company, that will give 22 North Carolinians justice – and debt relief, WITN reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-6.png)
Experts And Advocates Raise Alarms Over New North Carolina Drug Law
A new state law that aims to strengthen penalties for illegal drug distribution will take effect this month. While the Republican-sponsored law offers harsher penalties, substance use experts, advocates, and health care professionals are raising concern over its harmful impact.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-5.png)
New Race Modifications on Birth, Death Certificates for American Indians in North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently announced new race modifications becoming available for American Indians on birth and death certificates in the state, according to WGHP.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-4.png)
Attorney General Josh Stein Sues Flooring Company For “Defrauding” North Carolinians
Last week, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein filed a lawsuit against Flowers Flooring in Cornelius for allegedly defrauding North Carolinians. According to the lawsuit, the flooring company accepted payments for materials that were never delivered or floor installations that were not started or completed.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-3.png)
‘People Are Just Angry’: Hundreds of Guilford County Schools’ Nutrition Workers Go On Strike Over Wages
Many Guilford County Schools’ cafeteria workers walked off the job and went on strike for several days last week as they demanded higher wages after rejecting a new payment proposal by the district, Triad City Beat reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-2.png)
Small Town NC Black Residents Demand Accountability Over Contaminated Soil And Water
For over 100 years, Alcoa produced aluminum at its plant in Badin, North Carolina. Since its opening in 1917, the company was found to have dumped hazardous waste without regulation until 1980 when the first Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulation declared waste material called spent potliner a hazardous waste, according to Salisbury Post.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NCV-11-30-1.png)
2 Black NC Residents File Lawsuit Claiming NCGOP’s State Senate Map Violates the Voting Rights Act
Two Black northeastern North Carolina residents filed a lawsuit on Nov. 20 seeking to invalidate the state Senate redistricting plan that the Republican-controlled General Assembly passed in October, NC Newsline reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-3.png)
North Carolina’s Climate Crisis: A Tale of Drought, Wildfires, and the Urgent Need for Action
The parched lands of North Carolina are bearing stark witness to the intensifying climate crisis. For months, the skies have remained stubbornly dry, casting a pall of drought over the state. Asheville has not seen a significant downpour since late August, leaving its rain gauge yearning for a replenishing shower. The situation is echoed across the state, with Hickory, Southern Pines, and Reidsville all reeling from rainfall deficits.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-7.png)
The Arc of Greensboro: Building Connection in Community for Those With Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Since 1953, the Arc of Greensboro has been connecting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with their greater community. This member-based nonprofit works hard to showcase and educate the public on why those who have disabilities deserve to be treated with respect. In addition, this organization works tirelessly to show that those with disabilities have something extraordinary to offer the world around them.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-6.png)
Party switcher Tricia Cotham will run for reelection to the N.C. State House
State Representative Tricia Cotham, who in April gave Republicans a supermajority in the legislature by switching parties from Democrat to Republican, will run for reelection next fall in the newly redrawn House District 105 in southern Mecklenburg County.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-5.png)
Women’s high school wrestling is growing in a special way in one NC county
One of the fastest growing women’s sports in the country has finally been classified as a sport in North Carolina. Womens high school wrestling is now in 41 states with nearly 50,000 student-athletes participating, that is a 880% rise in participation since 2005. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association sanctioned the sport in April 2022.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-4.png)
Parents & Teachers Unite to Fight for Public Schools
North Carolina parents and educators are banding together to demand more resources and support for public schools. “Public School Strong” is an emerging group with over 500 members from various regions across the state. According to WRAL News, the group held a rally in Raleigh on Wednesday, November 15th. The parents and teachers marched and presented Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt with their survey showing that most North Carolinians support public schools.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-2.png)
State Department of Health and Healthcare Providers Prepare for Dec. 1 Medicaid Launch
In just a few weeks, Medicaid expansion will take place in North Carolina, giving more than 600,000 people access to healthcare coverage for the first time.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-21-1.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Returns From ‘Political Trip’ to Israel That He Used as Cover For His History of Antisemitism
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has now returned from his trip to Israel, a visit that he made in an attempt to show that he’s not antisemitic – despite all the evidence showing that he is antisemitic.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-12.png)
Black Friday Shopping Is Here, Please Don’t Be An Idiot This Year
This week many folks will take much-needed time to rest, relax, eat, watch sports, and spend time with loved ones. Some folks will be working during holidays so send special love and energy to those people. Then you have the folks that are looking forward to just finding the best deals for holiday gifts or just for themselves.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-11.png)
Drought Reveals Early Desegregated Town, Lost Beneath Jordan Lake
As drought chokes 63% of the state, the waters at Lake Jordan State Park have receded to reveal the remnants of lost towns drowned beneath the waters.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-10.png)
Republican Abortion Ban Continues To Have Stark Impact Across NC
In the two months after state Republicans implemented a sweeping abortion ban, the number of abortions performed in a formal healthcare setting in North Carolina declined substantially, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-8.png)
NC County Responds To Lawsuit By Residents Over Casino Rezoning Plan That ‘Stinks To High Heaven’
Earlier this month, Rockingham County officials responded to a lawsuit that was filed over a proposed site for a Las Vegas-style casino resort that was approved by county commissioners who seemingly tried hiding the rezoning plan from residents for months, WGHP reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-7.png)
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein Sues Company Over Allegations Of Inflating Food Prices.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joined the United States’ civil antitrust lawsuit against Agri Stats, Inc. for collaborating with chicken, pork, and turkey processors to artificially inflate food prices.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-6.png)
Over 300,000 North Carolinians Receiving Notifications of Full Medicaid Benefits Ahead Of Expansion
More than 300,000 North Carolinians can expect a phone call, text message or email in the coming days, as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is contacting people eligible for full NC Medicaid benefits starting Dec. 1.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-5.png)
2022 Congressional Race Loser Bo Hines Moves Across the State to Run For Congress Again
MAGA extremist, trust fund kid and former NC State football player Bo Hines, who lost last year in North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District race, moved across the state to run in the Republican primary for the U.S. House again next year, Axios reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-4.png)
Watauga County Using Millions In Settlement Money To Fight Opioid Epidemic
Funding from a historic opioid settlement is going towards the development of new programs to combat the growing opioid epidemic plaguing North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-3.png)
‘Grins and Glocks’: Raleigh Orthodontist Gave Handguns to Patients Who Got Invisible Braces
A Wake County orthodontist with offices in Raleigh and Wake Forest made international news earlier this month when he gave away Glock 19 handguns to patients getting Invisalign teeth-straightening treatments.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-2.png)
Following Concerns From Gov. Cooper And State Officials, EPA Pauses Chemours Waste Import
Earlier this month, Governor Roy Cooper sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan strongly urging EPA to reverse its decision to allow shipments of waste material containing GenX from the Netherlands to North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-17-1.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Calls Durham Protesters ‘Human Speed Bumps,’ Admits Trip to Israel Was Only For ‘Political’ Purposes
While appearing in the pulpit of a Winston-Salem church earlier this month, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson told worshippers his thoughts on peaceful protests in Durham and also announced a political trip to Israel, CBS 17 reported.
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GHOE vs NCCU vs CIAA Rivalry Week Wrapup, The Biggest Winners And Losers Of The Weekend
As the 2023 college football season enters the home stretch here in North Carolina, there are two events that everyone looks forward to around here. One of those events is homecoming and the other event is playing your biggest rival. Nothing is greater than great weather to flashback to memories while on campus and seeing old friends. On the other hand, having bragging rights over friends that attended your rival school is also rewarding.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-9-11.png)
NC WILDFIRES BURN THOUSANDS OF ACRES, PROMPT STATE EMERGENCY
Flames, firefighters, and emergency decrees are blanketing Western North Carolina as state and local officials work to maintain multiple large wildfires.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-9-10.png)
Republican Legislators Funnel Millions Of Dollars To Unaccountable, Misleading Anti-Abortion Centers
Since 2013, the Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) has been directing taxpayer money to fund crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs). CPCs, which work to dissuade pregnant people from terminating their pregnancies, are notorious for lying to women about the safety and potential risks of abortion.
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Partisanship Grows In School Board Elections Across The U.S., And North Carolina
A tiny but extremely vocal minority has fueled the manufactured outrage against educators, students and public education in the last few years. The peddling of misinformation and extremist rhetoric has helped bolster changes in the classrooms and the makeup of school boards across the country.
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Judicial Panel Gives Gov. Cooper (Partial) Victory Over Republican Legislators In Separation of Powers Lawsuit
A three-judge panel granted Gov. Roy Cooper a partial victory over Republican legislators earlier this month, WRAL reported.
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New Report Highlights Teacher Vacancy Challenges Across North Carolina
A new report by The Public School Forum of North Carolina highlights the ongoing challenges with teacher recruitment and retention across the state.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-9-6.png)
Gov. Cooper Proclaims November As American Indian Heritage Month
At the start of this month, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed November as American Indian Heritage Month in honor of our nation’s first inhabitants.
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Federal Judge to Rule Soon on Judicial Commission’s Investigation Into NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls
North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls has been spending extra time in court recently as she’s in the middle of a lawsuit against the NC Judicial Standards Commission (NCJSC) that is investigating her for comments she made about biases at the high court.
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NC Republicans Mix Medicaid Expansion Measures with Personal Agendas
Medicaid expansion is expected to roll out next month, bringing health care coverage to more than 600,000 eligible North Carolinians. As the Dec. 1 launch date comes closer, mental health services, doctors, and nurses are also expected to see big changes.
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Some NC School Districts Are Pushing Back On Lower Graduation Requirements Pushed By Republicans In The Legislature
Last week, the State Board of Education passed new policies that are set to go into effect for the upcoming school year. Under the new state budget, school districts are required to offer a sequence of courses that would allow high school students to graduate in three years instead of the traditional four years.
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Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time? No One Can Seem to Agree on What We Should Do With Our Clocks
Whether you’re a fan of the switch from daylight-saving time back to standard time or not, we still “fall back” and then “spring forward” every year in most of the United States – and a new poll shows that North Carolinians aren’t too crazy about the time change, The News & Observer reported.
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Just 23 Minutes After Announcing Congressional Run, Tim Moore’s GOP Primary Opponent Attacked, Called Him Corrupt
It took less than 30 minutes from the time North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore announced his run for Congress to when the first attack was made against his campaign – and it came from within his party, according to The News & Observer.
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One Raleigh Man Is Making The World A Little Bit Cleaner: One Trash Bag At A Time
Gus Vandermeeren is breaking records in North Carolina. So far, he has collected 6,272 bags of trash and counting. By far, he has collected the most trash compared to any other volunteer in North Carolina’s adopt-a-highway program.
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Charlotte Will Host Bowl Game Normally Played In The Bahamas
The 2023 college football season is coming down to its final weeks. Many teams are still in the hunt for a college football playoff spot. Many of our local teams are looking to get their sixth win to become bowl eligible. Duke and UNC have qualified with six wins while NC State, Wake Forest and App State are on the brink of qualifying. Our friends at ECU and Charlotte are not having the seasons they imagined.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-3-12.png)
Wawa Plans 80 New N.C. Locations, Challenging Rival Sheetz
North Carolina is the next battleground state for America’s second most important race… best regional gas station.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-3-11.png)
New UNC Study Finds Genetic Link For Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) can be inherited, according to a new research study from the UNC School of Medicine that analyzed data from tens of thousands of women.
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Want to Buy an Electric Vehicle? You Could Get $7,500 Tax Credit in Cash
Electric vehicle ownership in North Carolina has surged in the last two years. According to the Independent Tribune, North Carolina has over 70,000 registered electric vehicles as drivers across the state have taken advantage of EV-related tax credits included in the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
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Governor Cooper Rolls Out Funding Towards Free or Reduced-Price School Meals
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced plans to direct $1.4 million in federal funding to help schools expand breakfast programs. The funds will be used to provide grants for school districts and charter schools to help expand student participation in school breakfast programs, according to the governor’s press release.
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Battles Over New NC Laws on Voting, Elections Boards, Public Records and Redistricting Will Move to the Courtroom
North Carolina legislative Republicans overrode 19 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes during this year’s session but the fight over some of these laws is far from over due to lawsuits that have been filed and others that will be filed soon.
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Over 90 Acres of Land Transferred to North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Recently Three Rivers Land Trust (TRLT), a Salisbury-based conservation group, transferred 92 acres of forest to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The property is located in Montgomery County, near Troy, NC.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-3-6.png)
Mark Robinson Facing Backlash (Again) Over (Even More) Antisemitic Facebook Posts
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is once again in trouble for things he has posted on social media and once again it’s his antisemitic views that are in the media spotlight – this time, it’s for Facebook posts recently uncovered by Jewish Insider.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-3-5.png)
NC House Speaker Tim Moore Appoints Former Chief of Staff to Serve 7-Year Term as Superior Court Judge
A UNC-Chapel Hill administrator who worked on a failed multi-million dollar deal with the North Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) over the university’s Silent Sam Confederate statue is set to become a Superior Court judge, according to The News & Observer.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NCV-11-3-4.png)
North Carolina Schools Receive Federal Grants To Tackle Teacher Shortages
Late last month, the U.S. Department of Education announced that North Carolina has been rewarded with $24 million in grants to schools to recruit and retain teachers.
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With Newly Conservative-Leaning Supreme Court, NCGOP Move To Redo Education Lawsuit
The conservative-leaning state Supreme Court has agreed to Republican legislative leaders’ request to revisit a landmark education lawsuit.
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Proposed Solar Farm in Pitt County, NC to Cover Nearly 1,000 Acres
A new solar farm is being proposed for Pitt County, North Carolina that would cover nearly 1,000 acres. The project, being developed by Cypress Creek Renewables, would be one of the largest solar farms in the state.
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NC County Commissioner Leaves Republican Party, Says NCGOP Is Only ‘Concerned With Power’
A Cabarrus County Commissioner announced in October that he was quitting the North Carolina Republican Party and changing his affiliation to unaffiliated due to the party’s thirst for power and nothing else, he said in a video, The Charlotte Observer reported.
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Candy Corn Named Most Popular Halloween Candy In North Carolina According To Instacart
Trick or Treat time is right around the corner or depending on when you read this story it may have already passed. There are a few things you need for a successful Halloween such as a costume, good PREMIUM candy and time to watch your favorite horror film.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-11.png)
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Increasingly Target Supporters In An Attempt To Silence LGBTQ+ Allies
A troubling new report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) highlights a new trend among those seeking to attack the LGBTQ community – attempts to silence supporters of LGBTQ people.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-10.png)
Small NC Town’s Ex-Police Chief Facing Federal Charges for Conspiring to Get Machine Guns, Other Firearms
Former police chiefs in two states, including North Carolina, are facing federal charges in Maryland in connection with a conspiracy to illegally obtain machine guns and other firearms, Maryland Matters reported.
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Gov. Cooper and Advocates Criticizes Duke Energy’s Short-Term Clean Energy Plan
Governor Roy Cooper and advocates are condemning Duke Energy’s latest proposal that relies on short-term solutions to meet the state’s net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
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NCGOP’s Gerrymandered State Voting Maps Are Now Law; Voting Rights Act Lawsuits Likely to be Filed
North Carolina Republicans last week passed into law their latest congressional and state voting maps – maps that are so extremely gerrymandered that it’s likely they’re illegal.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-7.png)
According to NC Republicans, “Separation of Church and State” Only Applies to Non-Christian Religious Groups
Historically, the Republican-controlled NC state legislature has included millions for fake abortion clinics in our state budgets, and after months of delays, the newly passed state budget for 2023-24 is no different. Nearly $26 million in funding is headed to a variety of religious organizations, including direct grants to specific churches as well as even more funding for fake abortion clinics often called “crisis pregnancy centers”.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-6.png)
Report Finds Students With Disabilities And Students Of Color Are Punished More
A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union found that students of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately referred to law enforcement in North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-5.png)
Chemours to Import “Forever Chemicals” Waste from Netherlands to North Carolina
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authorized Chemours to import up to 4.4 million pounds of waste containing GenX, a type of “forever chemical,” from its facility in the Netherlands to its plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-4.png)
Under Republican Leadership, ‘The Guardrails Are Off In North Carolina’
As a recent News & Observer editorial highlights, Republicans have relied on a strategic plan to dismantle democracy for decades. In North Carolina, Republicans have worked endlessly to disenfranchise voters across the state, with one judge ruling that an NCGOP voter ID law targeted “African-Americans with almost surgical precision” — making it harder for Black North Carolinians to vote.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-3.png)
‘Whores,’ ‘Communists,’ ‘Anti-American’ and Comparisons to Hitler: Looking at Mark Robinson’s Misogynistic Facebook Posts
If you know the kind of man Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is then you know that he is a conspiracy theorist who believes women can’t be leaders and has concluded that “we are called to be led by men.” What you might not know is just the extent of his clear disdain for women.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-2.png)
Gun Violence Data Highlights Need for Safety and Prevention Measures in NC
North Carolina has seen an increase in gun violence, with firearms becoming the leading cause of death for children. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 1,839 deaths occurred in North Carolina due to firearms in 2021; marking the state for the 19th highest rate in the country.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-27-1.png)
Gov. Cooper Files Lawsuit Against NCGOP Over ‘Unconstitutional’ Elections Board Bill
Gov. Roy Cooper is suing Republican legislative leaders over changes made to the State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and county boards of elections after Republicans overrode his veto of Senate Bill 749.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NCV-10-20-12.png)
Mysterious boom shakes homes and businesses but who’s to blame, USGS decides
It’s October and we all know it’s the month of spooky things, candy and our favorite horror movies. One thing for certain, North Carolina has a long history of spooky places along with weird occurrences that till this day can’t be explained. One of those unexplained events happened this month in the town of Hillsborough, which is about 40 minutes northwest of Raleigh.
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Worker Heat Protections are at the forefront of Labor Commissioner Race
Some of the year’s hottest weather occurred throughout the summer in North Carolina, with temperatures reaching high 90s and heat indexes pushing over 110. The extreme heat is a risk for workers across the state, especially as North Carolina has little to no regulations to protect workers.
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Pro-Democracy Groups Sue Over Voter Suppression Bill; Other Groups File 3 More Lawsuits
At least four lawsuits challenging North Carolina Republican-backed laws aimed at changing election rules in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election have now been filed.
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Gender Affirming Care Ban for Minors Challenged in Federal Court
National and local LGBTQ+ groups have sued North Carolina over the ban on gender affirming care for minors passed by Republicans earlier this year. The lawsuit was filed in federal court by Lambda Legal and several other groups on the grounds that House Bill 808 violates the 14th Amendment by discriminating against transgender individuals and infringes on the rights of parents to make medical decisions with their children, according to the News & Observer.
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North Carolina Republicans Use Budget to Block Local Plastic Bag Bans
The Republican-led North Carolina legislature has blocked local governments from banning single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. The provision was inserted into the state budget, which was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper in September.
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Republican NC Treasurer Dale Folwell Slams NCGOP Legislators For Exempting Themselves from Public Records Law
Republican North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell hit out at the Republican-controlled General Assembly after they passed a budget that included a provision restricting access to public records, NC Newsline reported.
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Johnston School Board Policy Update Could Impact School Library Books
Johnston County School board members have voted to approve book bans in not only classrooms but school libraries. The Joco school board, which has made headlines in the last few years, approved the removal of any books with LGBTQ content from elementary school libraries due to North Carolina’s new Don’t Say Gay law.
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NC Republicans Override 5 More Gov. Cooper Vetoes; At Least 5 Lawsuits Filed Over NCGOP Bills
North Carolina Republicans have now overridden five more of Gov. Roy Cooper’s legislative vetoes, marking the 19th time they have blocked the governor’s vetoes during this session – but Democrats, advocates and pro-democracy groups are fighting
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Medicaid Expansion to Launch December 1 in North Carolina
After being held up for months by state Republican lawmakers’ protracted dispute over the state budget, The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has gotten the final federal approval to launch Medicaid Expansion.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s History of Antisemitism, Holocaust Denialism Once Again in the Spotlight
Robinson’s antisemitism isn’t some big secret – he’s openly spread hate about Jewish people on his social media pages dating back more than five years ago, as well as through speeches and interviews.
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North Carolina set to become key 2024 battleground state for Democrats
As we inch closer to 2024, North Carolina is emerging as a key battleground for the upcoming elections. With an ever-changing demographic, and the possibility of another round of Republican-leaning congressional maps, North Carolina has become one of the most competitive battleground states.
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UNCG Budget Challenges: Is Your Academic Program Safe from Elimination
Since the beginning of October, there have been many rumblings about budget challenges at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). In order to
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What You Need To Know Before Heading To The North Carolina State Fair
Well it’s October and fall is here so you know what time it is. Yep, it’s time for confusing North Carolina weather where you wake up at 7 am and it’s 40 degrees out so you dress accordingly. When you make your return back outside around 3pm and it’s freaking 80 degrees out. Make sure you take care of your wardrobe and mental and physical health during the season change.
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Abortions In North Carolina Have Sharply Declined After Republicans Implemented Sweeping Ban
In the month after Republicans in the state legislature implemented a sweeping abortion ban, abortions in the state have fallen 31%, according to a new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute.
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Judicial Group Being Sued by NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls Files Motion to Dismiss Her First Amendment Lawsuit
The North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission (NCJSC) filed a motion in federal court earlier this month to dismiss a lawsuit against them that was filed by Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls.
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Gun Violence Impacts Another NC High School Football Game
Gun violence is on the rise at high school football games, and its worrisome trend is impacting several local high schools.
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Ethics Investigation: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Failed To Disclose His Wife’s Role On Charter School Boards
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has admitted to making a “mistake” and violating a state law regarding ethics and disclosures, an investigation by WBTV has revealed.
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Local Parents Rally Against Discriminatory Don’t Say Gay Law
Several school districts are still weighing in on the implementation of Parents’ Bill of Rights, also known as North Carolina’s Don’t Say Gay law. While school officials across the state work on policy revisions, North Carolinians and local groups are condemning the enforcement of the controversial law.
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State Budget Includes Massive Investment In North Carolina’s Mental Health Services
The latest North Carolina state budget included massive investments in mental health services, in part thanks to federal Covid relief funds, as well as the $1.4 billion sign-on bonus the state received for expanding medicaid. Legislators worked closely with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley and visited patients and providers across the state for their input, according to NC Health News.
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New Report Sheds Light On Industrial Farming’s Disproportionate Impact On Non-White Communities
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is reviewing general permits that regulate hog farms, cattle farms, and poultry farms. The current review also includes permits for digester operations on hog, cattle, and wet poultry farms. That does not include the largely unregulated poultry farms in the state.
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You Likely Missed Your Chance to Give Feedback on NC’s New Voting Maps – and That’s Exactly What the NCGOP Wants
Public hearings on redistricting came and went in the span of three days in three different parts of the state during the last week of September. If you blinked, you missed it – and that’s the way Republican lawmakers like it.
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Experts Concerned With GOP Laws Targeting Sex Education in Classrooms Across the US
Federal grants meant to help monitor teens’ sexual behaviors and try to lower rates of teen pregnancy and STDs are now being rejected by state and county agencies as sex education in America is under attack from Republicans.
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Local Universities Roll Out Free Tuition Program For North Carolinians
For those seeking higher education, the financial burden of tuition has always been a major concern. However, local universities are hoping to make obtaining a college degree more affordable by offering free tuition.
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Inflation Reduction Act Helps Local Businesses Turn Green
August marked the first anniversary of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a landmark clean-energy law that includes providing tax credits to help consumers buy electric vehicles and companies produce renewable energy.
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Hogar del Inmigrante: A Winston-Salem non-profit providing support to Latino Communities in the Triad
Since 2020, Hogar del Inmigrante has been working tirelessly to fill the gap in resources for Hispanic and Latino communities in the Triad. So far, the non-profit has helped more than 3,000 families in need.
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It’s time to leaf
It’s officially Fall season here in North Carolina. The North Carolina State Fair is upon us and we are excited. Just sitting here thinking about all that good looking forward to the food that will make me run to the gym the following week. We can’t forget the rides and games that drive people through the gates every year.
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North Carolina Water Systems Detect PFAS Levels Above EPA Standard
Eleven public water systems in North Carolina have detected levels of the toxic compound PFAS above the EPA’s proposed maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt). This information was revealed through the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), which requires public water systems to sample for certain unregulated contaminants, including PFAS.
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Amid Opioid Crisis, Mobile Clinics Provide Access to Treatment to NC Communities
According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, overdose deaths in the state increased by 22% in 2021, to more than 4,000. For 2022, data from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner showed a 7% increase in suspected overdose deaths.
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North Carolinians speak out against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s cruel comments on gun violence
Voters across the state are voicing their concern over Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s long history of disturbing comments regarding guns and mass shootings.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Uses Photo of Speech at Pro-Bidenomics Company to Attack Biden, AG Josh Stein
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s 2024 gubernatorial campaign team has been able to prevent Robinson from showing up and stumbling through primary debates, but they weren’t able to prevent him from using a pro-Bidenomics company to try and attack the president and Democrats, the American Independent reported.
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Efforts to Weaken the Governor’s Powers continue in the new state budget
Since 2016, North Carolina Republicans have continued efforts to change the rules in their favor and undermine gubernatorial authority, with the latest state budget adding to the list.
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Gov. Cooper Vetoes GOP Bill Giving NCGA Authority To Rule On Contested Elections
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has officially vetoed two dangerous bills that were passed by Republican supermajorities in the legislature and focused on making it harder to vote and taking away powers from the governor.
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Migrant Worker Dies In Extreme Heat At Farm Owned By Republican State Sen. Lisa Barnes’ Family
The death of a migrant worker from Mexico at a Nash County farm on a near 100-degree day in early September is under investigation by the North Carolina Department of Labor – and it has a connection to a Republican state senator and her family.
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Federal Judge Blocks Two Provisions Of New NC Abortion Ban
US District Judge Catherine Eagles recently issued an order blocking two provisions of North Carolina’s new abortion ban from taking effect during an ongoing lawsuit. According to the Associated Press, nearly all the restrictions put forth by NC Republicans, such as the ban on abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, are still in place and aren’t being specifically challenged at this time.
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Just A Few Parents Are Responsible For The Majority Of Book Bans In The U.S.
This year, Banned Books Week arrives amid a tumultuous time for communities, schools, and libraries fending off the ever-increasing right-wing campaign to remove books from shelves.
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Newly Approved Teacher Raises Are A “Slap In The Face” For North Carolina Teachers
Late last month, the Republican-led General Assembly passed the state’s new $30 billion budget; leading to the long-awaited expansion of Medicaid and the controversial private school vouchers program.
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Voters Across NC Rip Republicans Over Redistricting in 3 Public Hearings
North Carolina Republican leaders are gearing up to gerrymander the state’s congressional and legislative voting maps in their favor as they turn their focus from delaying the budget toward redistricting.
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Meow, The Cat Custody Fight Continues!
A few weeks ago we brought you the story of a cat custody battle between two owners in Kansas and North Carolina. When we left you we just knew this cat fight had been resolved. But there has been an added twist to the cross-state battle for our adventurous furry little friend. Bob was a stray cat found in Kansas by a family ten years ago. The family took him to the local vet in Kansas and no microchip was discovered so they decided to keep him.
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New Abortion Law Puts A Strain On North Carolina’s Much-Needed Health Care Professionals
NCGOP’s extremist policies on abortion access are driving out hundreds of much-needed medical professionals from the state. Currently, more than 90% of counties are considered “primary care shortage areas”, and over a quarter of counties lack a single OB-GYN, according to The News & Observer.
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Rising Gun Violence Impacts Friday Night High School Football In NC
Four in 10 Americans think schools in their communities are not safe from gun violence, according to a PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll.
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Federal Appeals Court Takes Up Transgender Health Coverage Case From North Carolina
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Richmond, heard oral arguments earlier this month in two cases involving the coverage of gender-affirming care by state health plans, one in North Carolina and one in West Virginia.
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NCGOP Passes Bill Giving Them Control Of Elections And Some Appointment Powers
On the same day North Carolina Republicans finally approved a state budget (after delaying it for 80+ days), they also passed legislation that strips authority from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
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Millions In Federal Grants To Address High Maternal Mortality Coming To NC
Soon North Carolina will be receiving millions of dollars from the federal government to help address the worsening maternal health crisis the state has seen. The $4 million grant is part of the US Health Resources and Services Administration’s plan to address maternal mortality nationwide, according to the News & Observer.
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North Carolina Launches Climate Action Corps In Support Of President Biden’s Latest Effort To Fight Climate Change
Last week both President Joe Biden and Gov. Roy Cooper announced plans to create a Climate Action Corps both nationally and in North Carolina.
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Local Organization Is Helping To Boost Youth Voter Turnout
Many political experts predicted a red wave throughout the 2022 midterm election cycle, however, youth voters delivered for democracy; blocking numerous Republicans wins.
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Republican Leaders Insert Provision Into NC Budget Shielding Themselves From All Current, Future Public Records Requests
Included within the $30 billion North Carolina state budget, which has now become law, is a provision allowing lawmakers to exempt themselves from the state’s public records law and keep their own records secret.
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NC Rep. Terence Everitt’s Office Moved to Basement Supply Closet by Tim Moore in ‘Act of Petty Revenge’ and ‘Attempt to Distract’ From Budget
Nearly a month after asking the Wake County District Attorney to investigate Republican House Speaker Tim Moore for possible corruption charges, Rep. Terence Everitt (D-Wake) learned that Moore had moved his office to a basement supply closet, The News & Observer reported.
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Sen. Phil Berger’s Casino Push Blows Up in His Face As Poll Shows 55% of GOP Primary Voters Don’t Want Him Reelected
As if Senate leader Phil Berger’s push to repay his casino buddies for lining his pockets with campaign cash over the past few years by tying casino legalization to Medicaid expansion didn’t blow up in his face badly enough on its own, a new poll shows that he’s now at risk of losing his primary race next year, CBS 17 reported.
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Biden-Harris Administration Takes Steps To Combat Gun Violence
Last month, President Biden announced the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The new office will take steps in reducing gun violence, and implement and expand upon key executive and legislative action which has been taken to save lives.
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Rethinking Policing: Greensboro’s Office of Community Safety
After a tumultuous 2020 of many senseless killings of Black people by armed officers, and the several demands to defund the police, many cities across
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It’s time to have a chat about North Carolina Barbecue
It is time to have a serious conversation about barbecue!
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Local Elections are Happening Now: Here is What You Need to Know
Did you know that local elections are happening right now in North Carolina?!
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Over 30,000 North Carolinians Lost Medicaid Coverage During August Due To NCGA Republican’s Budget Delay
According to The Winston-Salem Journal, an additional 31,526 North Carolinians lost their Medicaid coverage at the end of August
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NC Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby Behind ‘Political Hit Job’ Against Justice Anita Earls, Democratic Lawmakers Say
North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby is personally behind the effort to investigate a fellow Supreme Court justice who spoke out against racial and gender biases within the state court system, a Democratic lawmaker claimed earlier this month, WRAL reported.
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North Carolina Is At “Moderate Risk” of Election Denialism Jeopardizing 2024 and Beyond
A new report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) rates North Carolina at “moderate risk” of election denialism jeopardizing future elections
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NC Republicans’ “Don’t Say Gay” Law Is A Burden For School Districts
In the past few weeks, school districts across the state have struggled to implement provisions included in Senate Bill 49, also known as North Carolina’s version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
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Lt. Gov Mark Robinson Raffles Off AR-15, Handguns On Same Day as Anti-Gun Violence Rally Hosted by Students
The 2024 gubernatorial race is in full swing in North Carolina and finding himself millions of dollars behind his likely Democratic opponent in fundraising, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson held a VIP fundraiser last weekend where he raffled off multiple guns.
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William Peace University Addresses Rising Mental Health Concerns Of Students
In recent years, mental health and wellbeing has become increasingly relevant in discussions around education, both in K-12 and university settings. According to a recent study, roughly 70% of students in bachelor’s degree programs contemplate dropping out of college due to emotional stress.
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Wall Street Buyout Puts Further Challenges Towards Homeownership in North Carolina
According to a report by The New York Times, large out-of-state investors have bought up middle- and working-class neighborhoods across the state. The Wall Street takeover of local communities is coming at an expense for many homeowners in North Carolina.
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UNC Students Speak Out After Tim Moore Says Students Should Carry Guns On Campus
Students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been busy over the last several weeks demanding that legislators in Raleigh take action to stop easy access to guns and find a way to deal with gun violence across the state.
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North Carolina Parents Come Together to Push Back Against Right-Wing Group
In recent years, extremist groups have set up shop in hundreds of school districts in the U.S. – pushing the wave of book bans, erasure of school curriculum, and measures targeting Black and LGBTQ+ students.
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It’s Time We Start Fighting For Our Public Schools: HEAL Together NC Is Doing Just That
For the longest while in North Carolina, K-12 public schools have been on the struggle bus.
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AG Josh Stein Gets Another Win for North Carolinians After Taking on Google Over ‘Anticompetitive Conduct’ In Company’s App Store
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein can mark himself down for another win on behalf of North Carolinians after being part of a bipartisan group of attorneys general who came to an agreement with Google over “anticompetitive conduct involving the Google Play Store,” WRAL reported.
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Bill Currently In NCGA Could Make Rooftop Solar More Affordable For North Carolinians – But One Senator Thinks It’s Socialism
A bill currently in the North Carolina General Assembly would increase the state’s cap on leases for rooftop solar panels, a move that could help more people and businesses take advantage of the lower cost of electricity without paying full price for the panels and installation, The News & Observer reported.
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Amid New School Year, NCGOP’s “Don’t Say Gay” Law Will Harm LGBTQ+ Students
Last month, Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system became one of the first districts in the state to implement measures from North Carolina’s very own version of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
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Your Voting Experience Can Still Go Smoothly Despite NCGOP’s Best Efforts to Make It Difficult
As much as Republicans in the North Carolina legislature hope that you can’t (or won’t) vote due to all of the restrictions and barriers they have put in place – such as voter ID – it’s possible to make your voting experience smooth and easy.
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Anti-Abortion Centers In The Triad Rake In Big Money
With the dismantling of Roe v. Wade and the passage of an extreme abortion ban in North Carolina, pregnant people in the state have found themselves with limited options for accessing reproductive healthcare.
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North Carolina Public Schools Infrastructure Issues Stem from NCGOP Neglect
Classrooms across the state, particularly in Wake County schools, are feeling the impact of inadequate investments. For years, state Republicans have failed to pass state budgets that include meaningful investments towards the public school infrastructure – leading to numerous school districts facing out of date facilities.
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Local Advocate Says State Abortion Ban Leads to Chaos, Danger to North Carolinians
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, 22 states have banned or passed laws restricting abortions. For North Carolina, a 12-week abortion ban went into effect in July, further limiting access to reproductive health care for millions in the southeast.
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One Parent’s Complaint Leads To Book Ban In New Hanover County
Recently, the New Hanover County school board voted to temporarily remove the book “Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, And You” from their district’s classrooms following a complaint made by one parent. The decision came after a five-hour public hearing where Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust and Assistant Superintendent Dawn Brinson argued against Katie Gates, the lone complainant and parent of a former Ashley High School AP Language and Composition student.
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Democrats Call Out NCGOP for Holding Up Medicaid Expansion; NCGOP Now Tying Medicaid to Casino Legislation
Once again, North Carolina Republican leaders are proving that they have the wrong priorities. In order to pass a sweetheart deal for himself and a few of his legislative buddies, Berger wants to gut Medicaid expansion from the budget.
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One Parent’s Complaint Leads to Book Ban in New Hanover County
The decision to ban the book “Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, And You” was made after a five-hour public hearing where the district superintendent and assistant superintendent argued against the ban.
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Gov. Cooper And Education Leaders Advocate For Protecting Public Schools
At a roundtable discussion last week, local education leaders and Governor Roy Cooper called for state lawmakers to include meaningful investments towards public schools in the budget.
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North Carolina Braces for Stronger Hurricanes as Climate Change Fuels Storms
Hurricane Lee set a record as the fastest system to intensify from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic’s history. This is yet another example of how climate change is affecting the lives and livelihoods of North Carolinians.
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Custody Battle Continues Over Bob the Cat
There’s a cat custody battle brewing between two people in two different states. Does Bob/Maui the cat belong in Kansas or in North Carolina? A court may have to make that decision.
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Toxic Mold Causes Delay to School Year in Yet Another Consequence of Disinvestment in NC Public Schools
The Alamance-Burlington School System had to delay the start of the school year two times due to toxic mold present in at least 25 of its 37 schools.
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Republican NC Congressman Threatens to ‘Defund’ Cherokee Tribe Over Cannabis Legalization Vote
Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards is threatening to “defund” the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for their vote to legalize adult-use cannabis on their tribal lands, The News & Observer reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NCV_09-5-8.png)
Right-Wing Intimidation Efforts Sweep School Districts Nationwide
Since 2021, right-wing groups and extremist politicians have spearheaded efforts to intimidate educators on the national and statewide levels. According to a study by PEN America, more than 400 pieces of “educational intimidation” pieces of legislation have been introduced since 2021.
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Gov. Roy Cooper Announces $1 Million to Bolster School Bus Driver Training
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recently announced that he is allocating $1 million in federal funding to bolster school bus driver training.
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Gov. Cooper Endorses Attorney General Josh Stein in 2024 Governor’s Race
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has endorsed Attorney General Josh Stein in the state’s 2024 governor’s race, according to WRAL.
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NC High School Principal’s Racist Response on Facebook to UNC Campus Shooting Goes Viral
A Wayne County high school principal received swift backlash after posting a racist response to the UNC-Chapel Hill shooting on her personal Facebook page following the Aug. 28 fatal shooting in a campus lab, CBS 17 reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NCV_09-5-5.png)
Unreturned Paperwork Leaves Thousands Of North Carolinians Without Health Coverage
According to a report by N.C. Health News, more than 68,400 North Carolinians have lost Medicaid since the state resumed terminations in June — and 87% were the result of procedural reasons, also referred to as unreturned paperwork.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NCV_09-5-3.png)
New Hanover County School Board Votes To Ban ‘Stamped’ From Classrooms
In recent weeks, New Hanover residents have come out to the NHC school board meetings to protest the banning of “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” from one high school’s curriculum.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NCV_09-5-9.png)
Mark Robinson Takes a Page Out of The Budd/Trump Playbook by Not Bothering to Show Up at Debates
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is taking another page out of the Donald Trump/Ted Budd “Political Playbook” by not bothering to show up for a Republican primary debate, WGHP reported.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NCV_09-5-2.png)
Fatal Shooting on UNC’s Campus Serves as a Reminder to Students, Parents That Gun Violence is Now a Part of Everyday Life in America
On Aug. 28, UNC-Chapel Hill was the site of what has become all too common an occurrence in America – a school campus on lockdown and an active shooter on the loose.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NCV_09-5-1.png)
NC Republicans Sham Investigation Of Justice Earls Underscores Their Unchecked Power
In less than a decade, Republican politicians across several states, including in North Carolina, have led efforts to transform state supreme courts in their favor. In recent years, North Carolina Republicans have injected partisan politics into the judicial system; passing laws that would undermine the court’s impartiality, and place judges on the bench that will adhere to their bidding.
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Freedom Park Opens In Raleigh, First Of Its Kind
If you find yourself in downtown Raleigh between the General Assembly and the Governor’s Mansion, you may see there’s been a new addition to the area. Freedom Park is officially open to the public in downtown Raleigh. The park which sits on an acre of land is the first park in North Carolina dedicated to the African American struggle.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/09-12-1.png)
How Is Your Local High School Teaching Financial Literacy?
Did you know it is a requirement in North Carolina for students to complete a financial literacy course to graduate from high school?
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Facing Criticism, Robinson Tries To Backpedal On His Well Documented Positions On Abortion, Education
Mark Robinson has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame since his defiant defense of gun rights at a Greensboro City Council meeting went viral in 2018. In two years, Robinson went from an armchair observer to Lieutenant Governor, and since then, Robinson’s star has only shone brighter among right-wing circles.
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Gov. Cooper Condemns Republican’s Dragged Out Budget Negotiations
The state is closing in on another month with a budget. Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper underscored the impact of yet another delay – urging state Republicans to pass the state budget, which would close the healthcare coverage gap for many and give raises to thousands of North Carolinians.
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NCGOP’s Casino Gambling Discussions Held Behind Closed Doors, Poll Shows Residents Want a Say
While powerful state Republicans may be pushing hard to legalize casino resorts in North Carolina, a recent poll shows the overwhelming majority of residents want a say in the decision, according to a report from Casino.org.
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Can NC Expect A Legal Challenge To Gender-Affirming Care Ban?
As of August 16, when the state House and Senate overrode the veto of Governor Roy Cooper, North Carolina became the 22nd state in the United States to ban gender affirming care for minors, according to the News & Observer.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/09-7-1.png)
Recently Passed NC Voter Suppression Bill Has Election Deniers’ Fingerprints All Over it
An “election integrity” bill that recently passed through the Republican-controlled North Carolina General Assembly – and was vetoed by Gov. Roy Cooper – has clear ties to the same people who tried overturning the 2020 presidential election.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/09-6-1.png)
Republican Assault On Education Is Forcing Teachers To Leave The Profession
Back to school season in North Carolina is bringing forth many new challenges for educators, students, and parents. On top of shortages, school districts are
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/09-4-1.png)
North Carolina Local Economies Greatly Benefit from National Parks
National parks in North Carolina generated nearly $2.5 billion in visitor spending in 2022, supporting nearly 40,000 jobs and contributing $3.96 billion to the state’s economy according to recent analysis.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/abortion-ban-harms-biz.jpg)
Republican Abortion Ban Harms Local and Small Businesses
Since the introduction of abortion bans during the latest legislative session, businesses across the state have condemned efforts to strip away reproductive freedom.
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NC Bill Would Allow More Teens To Be Tried As Adults And Roll Back Privacy Protections
A new bill signed into law last week will make major changes to state laws related to juvenile justice. House Bill 186 would roll back privacy protections for juveniles accused of serious crimes; allowing law enforcement to release names, photos, alleged offenses and statements.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/09-1-1.png)
Gov. Cooper Vetoes Voter Suppression Bill
Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed a voter suppression bill passed in late August by Republicans in the state House and Senate, but it’s only a matter of time before the legislature overrides his veto and puts numerous anti-voting laws on the books in North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-8-1.png)
New Slate Of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Is An Embarrassment To North Carolina
Earlier this month, Republican lawmakers overrode Governor Cooper’s vetoes and passed a slate of anti-LGBTQ bills targeting vulnerable children. The laws include a ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids, a ban on trans girls playing women’s sports, and a requirement that schools out trans kids to their parents.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-12-1.png)
Football Is Family, Like Really Family, For One NC High School Team
High school football season is underway here in North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-7-1.png)
Despite Opposition From Residents and Some Party Members, NCGOP Leaders Continue Push to Pass Casino Bill
Many Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly, including House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, are working hard to legalize casino gambling in parts of North Carolina.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-11-1.png)
Medicaid Delay Puts Thousands More North Carolinians At Risk of Losing Coverage
For thousands of North Carolinians, Medicaid expansion can’t come soon enough.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-6-1.png)
NC House Democrats And School Board Members Call On Republicans To Stop Delays And Pass A Budget To Support Education
North Carolina’s traditional calendar schools are now back in session and many don’t have enough teachers or bus drivers to properly operate, all because Republicans in the legislature can’t do their job and agree on a state budget, Democratic lawmakers and school board members have said.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-5-1.png)
Record Investment In Clean Energy For NC Following First Year Of Inflation Reduction Act
Following the first year of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest federal investment in climate and clean energy ever, a new report from the American Clean Power (ACP) Association shows a surge of investment in North Carolina’s economy.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-10-1.png)
School Bus Driver Shortage Impacts School Districts Statewide
Amid back to school season, states across the country are facing a severe shortage of teachers and bus drivers. According to a report by USA TODAY , all 50 states have seen at least “one instance of a major school bus driver shortage” so far this year.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-9-1.png)
Gov. Cooper Vetoes Yet Another GOP Attempt to Undermine Governor Powers
Last week, Governor Roy Cooper vetoed a bill that would transfer some of the governor’s powers to the Republican-led legislature, calling it “unconstitutional.”
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-4-1.png)
Mark Walker Launches Attacks on Mark Robinson’s Financial Woes as NC Republican Gubernatorial Primary Heats Up
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is facing a crowded primary on his way to seeking the Republican nomination for Governor. And his fellow candidates are not content to make it easy for him.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-3-1.png)
New Data Predicts Close To 50 Days A Year Of 100+ Heat Index For North Carolina By 2050
A new ABC11 analysis of climate data shows that North Carolina’s summers are becoming hotter and more frequent, and this is having a major impact on the state’s agriculture industry.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-2-1.png)
Without State Budget, School Districts Face Uncertainty
As back to school season is in full swing, many school districts are having to navigate without a budget, impacting school staff and educators across the state.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-1-1.png)
Override Votes Prove NCGOP Cares More About Attacking LGBTQ+ Kids Than Paying Teachers, Expanding Medicaid
“The legislature finally comes back to pass legislation that discriminates, makes housing less safe, blocks FEMA disaster recovery funding, hurts the freedom to vote and damages our economy,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-9.png)
Black Maternal Health In North Carolina: A Conversation That Is Past Due
Source: Editorial Board Here in North Carolina Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. What a powerful
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-10.png)
Chronic School Absences Show NC Students And Schools Need More Support
According to The News & Observer, over 30% of North Carolina students are chronically absent from school — nearly double the rate prior to the pandemic.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-1.png)
Right-Wing Extremist Charlotte Church, Pastors Donate Thousands of Dollars, Provide Home for Mark Robinson’s Hate
For someone who considers themselves a man of God, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson sure has a strange way of showing acceptance and love for others.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-12.png)
Far-Right Extremism Shakes Up Orange County Schools; Undoing Years Of Progress
Source: The Assembly Orange County is the latest example of growing extremism in school boards across the country. A new school board composed mostly of
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-2.png)
Settlement Between Burlington, Haw River Assembly Will Help Reduce ‘forever Chemicals’ In Rivers, Drinking Water
Source: News & Observer New environmental requirements in Burlington, thanks to a settlement agreement between the city and a Haw River protection nonprofit, will have
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-3.png)
North Carolina Nurses Are Stepping Into Reproductive Rights Advocacy With New Group
Established this past May, a new advocacy group composed solely of nurses will be advocating for the reproductive rights of all North Carolinians, according to NC Health News.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-4.png)
Voters Once Again Choose Abortion Rights
Source: News & Observer Earlier this month, voters in Ohio rejected a proposal that would have raised the threshold for amending the state constitution from
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NC Republicans Pass Voter Suppression Bill That Eliminates Mail-In Ballot Grace Period
“Right now, legislative Republicans in North Carolina are pushing an all-out assault on the right to vote…” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-5.png)
Statewide Town Halls Bring North Carolinians Together to Demand Change
More than 400 people have attended the first five of the 19 scheduled town halls, with local state lawmakers invited to each town hall. No Republican lawmakers have attended the town halls, but seven Democrats have.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-6.png)
Study Shows NC A&T Has Huge Positive Economic Impact On North Carolina
A new study by economists from N.C. A&T found that the university has a statewide economic impact of $2.4 billion. The effect is comparable to the creation and support of 17,337 jobs.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-8.png)
‘Let Freedom Read’: Wilmington Residents Push Back Against Book Ban Efforts
Outside far-right groups like Moms for Liberty and Pavement Education Project, have set up shop in school districts across the country, including in New Hanover.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NCV-8-18-7.png)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Calls Climate Change ‘Junk Science,’ Educators ‘Liars’ for Teaching About It
Mark Robinson is not known for keeping his thoughts and opinions to himself when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, women, reproductive rights, Jewish people, Democrats and many others. The same goes for his views on climate change.
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North Carolina’s Close Call With a Nuclear Bomb
A military B52 Bomber carrying two 2.4 megaton nuclear bombs crashed in a field near Goldsboro, killing all eight of the crew on board. As the plane crashed one of the bombs parachuted into the mud while the other slammed into the ground.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/southside-asheville.jpg)
Learning From Our Past: An Insight into Southside, A Historic Black Neighborhood in Asheville
Prior to the 1960s and urban renewal, the Southside neighborhood of Asheville was a bustling Black economic center in the East Riverside community.
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In Wake of Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action, Local Universities Look For Ways to Maintain Student Diversity
According to one analysis, states that tried eschewing race-based admissions even prior to the Supreme Court ruling have not seen success in their diversity efforts.
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Indigenous Communities Raise Concerns About Dangerous Pollutants in the Cape Fear River
For the Cape Fear Band of Skarure and Woccon Indians, the Cape Fear River has been a vital lifeline for food. While the state’s largest river system represents a crucial resource for food, it has also become a basin of toxic chemicals.
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Job Market Remains Resilient; Unemployment Rates Dip
In North Carolina, the unemployment rate fell to 3.3% for June, while the number of employed people in the state grew by 14,580, according to Associated Press. Earlier this year, Gov. Roy Cooper called for an increase in unemployment benefits.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/trump-indictments-nc-connection.jpg)
Taking a Look at the North Carolinians Caught Up in the Donald Trump Indictments
The twice-impeached disgraced former president was recently indicted for a fourth time in the last five months, bringing the total number of charges across all four cases to 91. Multiple North Carolinians are also facing charges.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/dan-bishop-running-for-AG.png)
Election Denier, Anti-LGBTQ+ Right-Wing Extremist US Rep. Dan Bishop Wants To Be NC’s Next Attorney General
One of North Carolina’s most grotesque politicians, U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, an election-denying, anti-LGBTQ+, anti-reproductive rights, pro-insurrection right-wing Republican has announced that he is running for N.C. Attorney General.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/veto-overrides-and-budget-delays.png)
State Republicans Delay Budget and Votes for Another Week
“It looks like [Republicans’] vacations are more important than keeping rural hospitals open and making sure students have teachers and bus drivers,” said Jordan Monaghan, Gov. Roy Cooper’s spokesperson.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/video-gambling-and-casinos.png)
NC Appeals Court Hands Video Gambling Companies Another Loss as Republicans Work to Legalize Sweepstakes Games
House Speaker Tim Moore told reporters that there’s support in the Republican House caucus for video lottery terminals.
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Paid Parental Leave Rules Now in Place for NC School Employees
The new rules provide eight weeks of paid parental leave for full-time employees who give birth after July 1. Part-time employees will be given prorated amounts of leave.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Calls 3rd Trump Indictment ‘A Joke’ As He Continues to Attach Himself to Disgraced Ex-President
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson called the latest Trump indictment – four counts for trying to steal the 2020 election – “a joke.”
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North Carolina Voters Can Get a Free Photo ID Card – Here’s How
The State Board of Elections announced that registered voters who do not have an acceptable identification card for voting can now go to their county board of elections office to get a free ID.
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New Hanover County Residents Protest Far Right’s Latest Book Ban Attempt
Since last fall, one parent, Katie Gates, has pushed for the book “Stamped” to be removed from lessons and school libraries. Gates claimed the book shows “disrespect for our nation and the Bible.”
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Ashe County Leaders Build Model to Address Ever-Growing Child Care Needs
According to a national survey, North Carolina’s child care system mirrors what’s happening across the nation, as low worker pay, staff shortages and high tuition impact access to quality child care for millions.
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Election Boards Across the State Push Back Against Harmful Election Law Changes
In a unanimous vote, the Pitt County Board of Elections sent state legislators a letter asking them to consider “unintended consequences” if they adopt new elections laws.
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Right-Wing Extremist Rep. Keith Kidwell Announces Run for NC Speaker of the House
State Rep. Keith Kidwell, a right-wing extremist Republican representing Beaufort County, has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next North Carolina House Speaker.
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Hog Industry in Eastern North Carolina Continues to Dump Waste in Waterways
In May 2022, a biodigester at White Oak Farm in Wayne County collapsed, spilling nearly a million gallons of hog waste, including feces and decomposing carcasses, into nearby wetlands.
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Expert Proposes National Cooling Standard During Record-Breaking Heat
Source:NC Newsline This summer has consisted of consecutive days of record-breaking heat across the country. While North Carolina is certainly no stranger to hot and
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Need an ID to Vote? 17 NC Counties Have No DMV Office, Nearly Half of DMVs Have No Appointments Available
Source: NC Newsline If you want to vote in this fall’s municipal elections – and in 2024’s presidential election – you will need an ID
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ReAwaken-America.jpg)
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson No Longer Appearing at Traveling Conspiracy Theorist Event in Las Vegas
Even though Mark Robinson will no longer be attending a conspiracy theorist event, it doesn’t change the fact that these are his people and he shares many of their beliefs.
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As State Republicans Drag Out NC Budget, Medicaid Expansion Remains on Hold
Last week, Republican legislative leaders suggested a possible vote when the General Assembly resumes business the week of Aug. 7. However, House Speaker Tim Moore has recently gone so far as to say that there’s “no chance” a budget will pass this month.
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NC Republicans Don’t Care About the Repercussions of Cutting Taxes – But You Should Care
Gov. Roy Cooper’s top budget officials said in July that the Republican Senate’s effort to accelerate tax cuts ahead of the current schedule would cost the state $13 billion annually by 2030.
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Amid A Wave of Anti-LGBTQ laws, Access to Critical Health Care Disappears
Recent laws banning trans youth from accessing gender-affirming care have dissuaded some health care providers from offering mental health services and other medical care.
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N.C. Democratic Party Chair Highlights Importance Of Rural And Youth Outreach
“Rebuilding and reenergizing the trust that rural communities had in the Democratic Party at one point in time” is a top priority, said new NC Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton.
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Over 40 NC Education Leaders Condemn Republicans Plan to Dismantle Public Schools
Along with Medicaid expansion advocates, educators across the state are joining the call for state Republicans to prioritize long-standing unmet needs.
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Despite ‘Agreement’ on Teacher, State Employee Raises, No Budget Means No Raises, No Medicaid Expansion
Source: The News & Observer Budget discussions at the legislature have been on hold for weeks as North Carolina Republicans granted themselves extra vacation after
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Amid GOP Push For Voter Restrictions, Rowan County Residents Advocate For Voting Accessibility
Source: Salisbury Post As state Republicans push forth measures to make it harder for North Carolinians to vote, residents in Rowan County are speaking out
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GOP Activists Sue NCGOP Over Party Chair Election That Lacked Security, Allowed Fraudulent Votes
For all the talk about “election integrity” and “secure elections,” the North Carolina Republican Party apparently can’t even figure out how to run their own
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UNC System President Receives Bonus Larger Than His Base Salary
The UNC Board of Governors has approved a whopping $475,200 bonus for UNC System president Peter Hans, according to News & Observer. Considering that Hans’
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Stalled Republican Budget Talks Results in Thousands Of North Carolinians Without Health Care Coverage
“Making Medicaid Expansion contingent on passing the budget was and is unnecessary, and now the failure of Republican legislators to pass the budget is ripping health care away from thousands of real people,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.
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Gov. Cooper Vetoes Bill That Would Allow Charter Schools to Receive Taxpayer Money for Construction, Renovations
Perhaps the biggest change HB 219 would make is that it would allow charter schools to ask for and receive taxpayer money for expenses such as construction, renovation or building purchases.
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NC Republican Tax Plan Could Divert Millions From Public Schools, Communities
According to Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration, state Senate Republicans’ tax cut plan would lead to a revenue loss of $13 billion for the state by the 2030-31 fiscal year.
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NC AG Josh Stein, VP Kamala Harris Meet at White House to Discuss Fight Against Fentanyl
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson recently attacked Stein for suing the pharmaceutical companies responsible for the spread of the opioid crisis. Robinson said Stein should be going after drug dealers and not pharmaceutical companies. Stein is focusing on both.
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Make Room For Some Unlikely Equipment the Next Time You Head to The North Carolina Mountains
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission wants you to snorkel and they have created a snorkeling trail to encourage underwater recreation in the mountains.
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North Carolina Again Named America’s Top State For Business
With the NCGOP failing year after year to fully invest in public education, the passage of an extreme abortion ban, and an ever-growing health care coverage gap, CNBC notes that these factors, and more, could negatively impact the state’s business success.
House Speaker Tim Moore Won’t Run for Reelection as Speaker – Is US Congress His Next Step?
For those wondering why Tim Moore would give up so much power, there have been rumors for years that he has his eyes on running for U.S. Congress.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Attacks AG Josh Stein for Securing $1B for NC From Opioid Companies
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson who is running for governor in 2024, recently attacked NC Attorney General Josh Stein for suing the pharmaceutical companies responsible for the spread of the opioid crisis.
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FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill, Increasing Reproductive Health Care Access
The approved medication, known as Opill, will go a long way in increasing reproductive health care access for uninsured individuals, and those unable to afford doctor visits.
![](https://ncvoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/John-Bradford-no-ethics.jpg)
Ethics Complaint Filed Against NC Republican Who Would Directly Benefit From Bill He Wrote
Action NC filed the complaint against Rep. John Bradford, saying that he has a conflict of interest with a bill that he filed earlier this year because it could bring him business if it becomes law.
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Thanks to Chemours, the Fish in the Middle and Lower Cape Fear River Are Unsafe to Eat
North Carolina state health officials recently announced that children, women under age 44, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not eat many species of fish caught in the Middle and Lower Cape Fear River.
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Election Officials and Democracy Advocates Lambaste NC GOP’s Anti-Voter Legislation
Senate Bill 747, Senate Bill 749, and House Bill 772 have the potential to “confuse, alienate and disenfranchise voters” according to the League of Women Voters.
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American Rescue Plan Funding Aims to Close Digital Divide in NC
“State and federal partnerships are critical to helping us close the digital divide and we are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for this historic investment to expand high-speed Internet access in North Carolina,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.
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Bill Introduced by NC Republicans Would Restrict Minors’ Mental Health Privacy Rights
Senate Bill 90 requires that parental consent would be required in order for minors to receive mental health counseling – unless the minor believes they’re a danger to themselves or others.
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NC Republican’s Budget Delay Increases Hardships Across the State
Lawmakers in the General Assembly are out of Raleigh for another week, as the state budget remains without any votes. According to Fox8, Republican House
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NCGOP’s Dangerous, Controversial Public Education Bill is Likely Dead – For Now
A controversial education bill that was even more extreme than the outrageous legislation that usually gets filed by North Carolina Republicans is likely dead –
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It’s sunflower season at Dix Park – Get your camera ready!
It’s time for the Dix Park sunflowers to bloom and people are already excited for what this year’s edition of nature has to bring.
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Lt. Governor Robinson Speaks at Far-Right ‘Moms For Liberty’ Summit
Robinson spoke for 30 minutes and touched on a range of baseless conspiracy theories, from railing against a “climate change cabal” to calling detractors of Moms for Liberty “paid protestors” to claiming lawmakers in North Carolina want him to “die in his sleep.”
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“Diversity No Matter What” Campaign Launched by NAACP After SCOTUS Decision
“Let’s be clear – Black America is in a fight for our lives. The NAACP has been at the forefront of this battle for more than a century and we’re not backing down,” NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson said.
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It’s Not Just Our Rights But Our Clean Air and Water That the NCGOP is Undermining
House Bill 600, which its sponsors call the “Regulatory Reform Act,” environmentalists are calling it “a polluters’ wish list.”
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National Media Continues to Focus on Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Hate-Filled Past – and Present
A new Vanity Fair article looks at what we here in North Carolina have known for years – Robinson is a right-wing MAGA bigot and would be a disaster for our state if he becomes our next governor.
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NC Republicans’ Delay Puts Thousands of Uninsured North Carolinians in Limbo
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and state Democrats have called out Republicans’ delay, urging lawmakers to separate Medicaid expansion from the state budget.
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SCOTUS Ruling Striking Down Affirmative Action Will Make Universities Less Diverse, Experts Say
The number of Black and Hispanic students attending state universities has dropped in states that have tried to increase diversity at schools without using race-based admissions policies.
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Following Investigation, NC Private School Must Pay Back Thousands of Dollars
As state Republicans attempt to push their private school voucher program, at least five schools have been removed from the program for a multitude of different violations.
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NC Senate Bill Would Legalize Happy Hour Specials, Allow ABC Stores to Open on Sundays
If passed, SB 527 would allow counties and municipalities to decide if they would like to keep their ABC stores open on Sundays. It would also allow happy hours and delivery alcohol.
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UNC-Chapel Hill to Host its First European Soccer Match
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan Stadium has hosted some great football matches over the 95 years of its existence, but the stadium will be hosting another type of football in July when historic soccer clubs Chelsea and Wrexham face off in a friendly preseason matchup.
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NC Republicans’ Extreme Education Bill Could Cost the State Funding
State Republicans’ push to enact an extreme education bill may cost the state federal funding.
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Universities, Local Governments Advocate For Students, Employees to Use Their IDs When Voting
Twenty-two private universities, including Duke, Wake Forest, St. Aug’s, Elon, and Shaw, and 15 of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges, have applied to have their student IDs approved for voting.
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Republicans in NCGA Want To Override Gov. Cooper’s Vetoes of 3 Anti-Trans Bills
Last week while legislators were off for the Fourth of July holiday, Cooper vetoed three anti-LGBTQ+ culture war bills – House Bill 574, House Bill 808 and Senate Bill 49. Republicans plan to override Cooper’s vetoes soon.
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Down Home North Carolina: An Organization that Talks the Talk and Walks the Walk
For those who are not familiar with this community-oriented organization, this organization deliberately walks in its mission of building power for working families in North Carolina.
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No more chicken at Bojangles?! What???
Bojangles CEO Jose Armario told QSR Magazine that he would really like to get out of the chicken business. What does that mean?
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Advocates Raise Alarms Over Crucial Funding Drying Up For Child Care Programs
Thousands of child care programs and jobs across the state could soon be in financial limbo as a federal grant that delivered millions in funding will end in December.
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Durham’s HEART Program of Unarmed First Responders to Expand
The Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Team, or HEART, currently employs about 20 people who range from EMTs to admins to clinicians who aim to assist and de-escalate 911 calls that relate to mental health issues.
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Republican Anti-Voting Measures Target Emerging Youth Voting Power
The Washington Post reported that a major Republican legal strategist pitched a plan to reduce voter access and turnout – and it included targeting students and young people across North Carolina and other states.
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VP Kamala Harris Visits Charlotte on 1-Year Anniversary of Overturning of Roe v. Wade, Pledges to Continue to Fight for Abortion Rights
Vice President Harris told a crowd of supporters that the Biden administration will continue to stand up for abortion rights even as Republicans across the country and in North Carolina work to take away those rights.
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NC Public Safety Leaders Call For Action Amid Rise in Violent Threats Against Schools
Nearly 200 mass violence school threats were made across the state last year, with criminal complaints for threats up more than 37% above pre-pandemic levels.
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State Democrats and Advocates Condemn Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care
“..Trans children … disproportionally commit suicide and there is tons of data that says when they have access to this care, the chances of them committing suicide decrease by more than 50%,” Sen. Sydney Batch said during a Senate hearing.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Officially Endorses Twice-Impeached, Federally Indicted Ex-President Trump in 2024 Presidential Race
Robinson likes to act like he doesn’t give in to pressure from any outside forces, but his endorsement of Trump came just a week after other Republicans running for governor criticized him for his hesitation to endorse.
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NC House, Senate Nearing Agreement on Anti-LGBTQ+ ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ Legislation
The bill would require public schools to get parental permission for everything from anonymous student surveys to counseling appointments. And it would allow parents to complain to the state if they feel schools aren’t obeying the law.
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Democrats in the NCGA Reaffirm Their Commitment to Reproductive Justice
Republican leaders have made it clear that the imminent abortion ban is just the beginning of their plans to restrict reproductive freedom in the state.
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NC House, Senate Approve Last-Minute Changes to Unconstitutional Abortion Law at Center of Lawsuit
While working to pass last-minute changes to unconstitutional parts of the law, Republicans also voted to table without debate 12 Democratic amendments that addressed a variety of those issues.
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Duke University Just Became More Affordable For Students In The Carolinas
The university announced a new financial aid grant to any undergraduate from NC/SC to be admitted into Duke tuition-free with a family income of $150,000 or under. That in itself is an amazing announcement.
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What Does It Mean To Be Free?
This year North Carolina’s Republican supermajority has been wreaking havoc in our state by stripping our freedoms one by one.
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Lawsuit: Charlotte Teacher Fired For Teaching Middle Schoolers About Racial Injustice
Markayle Gray, an English teacher, was fired in February. He claims his dismissal came after white parents complained about him teaching the novel “Dear Martin” to his middle school students during Black History Month.
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NCGOP’s ‘Mainstream’ Abortion Ban Supported by Only One-Third of North Carolinians
North Carolina Republicans recently descended to new levels of delusion when they called their rushed and archaic abortion ban “mainstream,” “common-sense” and “reasonable.”
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Save the Pollinators: Celebrating Bees in NC
Did you know that there are over 3,600 native bee species in the USA? Or that 85% of all flowering plants rely on pollinators for reproduction, and 67% of agricultural crops depend on pollination, so we can thank bees for one in the three bites of food we take?
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Gov. Roy Cooper Announces $8 Million in Rural Economic Development Grants for 29 Local Governments
Nearly 30 local governments in rural areas across North Carolina were awarded grants that will help boost local economies. The grants come from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund (RTGF), which helps support rural economic development projects in the state.
Lawsuit Claims Speaker Tim Moore Used His Power to Get Cary Man’s Wife to Cheat and Engage in ‘Degrading Sexual Acts’
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, a man known for his thirst for power, is once again accused of abusing his power – this time for sexual favors, according to a new lawsuit.
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Some in NCGOP Are Concerned That Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Horrific Views Will Catch Up With Him in Governor’s Race
Those in the NCGOP who fear that Robinson’s awful views on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, public education and abortion will sink him in the general election are trying to figure out a strategy to knock him out of the race but have come up empty-handed so far.
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Gov. Roy Cooper Slams NCGOP Bill Banning Workplace Discussions of Race, Equity, Inclusion
Under the bill, beginning on Dec. 1, anyone entering a state government workplace would be prohibited from trying to convince “employees to believe they should feel guilty or responsible for past actions committed by people of the same race or sex.”
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Season Four of Netflix Hit Show ‘Outer Banks’ Filming Around Wilmington This July
Season four filming of Netflix hit show Outer Banks will be filming in the greater Wilmington area this July. Check the casting call sheets because extras are needed for filming.
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Lawmakers Debate Improvements to North Carolina’s Mental Health System
The budget proposed by Gov. Roy Cooper included an investment of $1 billion in a three-part plan.
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Supreme Court Decision on Alabama Voting Maps Could Shake Up North Carolina
The Supreme Court decision on Alabama redistricting may breathe new life into states like North Carolina, which is facing anti-voter measures by Republicans, a gerrymandering case and an upcoming round of redistricting.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Quietly Deleted Facebook Post Calling School Shooting Victim a ‘Crisis Actor’ – But He Won’t Apologize
While targeting a school shooting survivor on Facebook, in a recently deleted response, Robinson agreed with a comment that survivor David Hogg was a paid crisis actor.
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Gov. Roy Cooper and AG Josh Stein Lead Effort to Prevent More Gun Violence With Safe Storage Initiative
A report from the Child Fatality Task Force found that from 2012 through 2021, more than 600 children ages 17 and younger died from firearm-related injuries in the state.
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Biden Centers Military Families in Latest Visit to North Carolina
“The reason we’ve been able to sustain that force year after year, decade after decade, is because military spouses, caregivers, and survivors have answered the call as well,” President Biden stated.
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Proving That Their ‘Big Tent’ Isn’t So Big, NCGOP Censures Sen. Thom Tillis For Supporting Marriage Equality, Immigration Reform
The NCGOP voted to censure Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis for being too “liberal” on gay marriage, immigration and gun control.
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North Carolina and Florida Leaders Join in Condemning Extremist Republicans Robinson and DeSantis
“Republican leaders, like Mark Robinson and Ron DeSantis, are taking us farther and farther away from what most people in North Carolina, Florida and all over the United States are willing to tolerate,” stated North Carolina state Sen. Graig Meyer.
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Gov. Roy Cooper Pledges Investments Toward Addressing Teacher Shortage
Gov. Cooper announced $3 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) will cover licensure exams for future public school teachers.
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Days Before Being Charged in Federal Court, Trump Pledges to Endorse Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Gubernatorial Campaign
Trump called the anti-LGBTQ+, misogynistic, antisemitic, anti-education, anti-choice, pro-gun, Christian nationalist lieutenant governor “one of the great stars of the party, one of the great stars in politics.”
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NCGOP Advances Two Bills to Overhaul North Carolina Elections
One proposal would establish additional barriers to early voting such as new restrictions on same-day registration and mail-in voting. The measure also seeks to make it easier for people to accuse others of committing voter fraud.
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State Regulators Tell Winston Weaver to Assess Contamination at Second Site, Half a Mile From Scorched Production Facility
After a fire broke out at Winston Weaver Co.’s primary production facility, state regulators are raising questions about a second site just half a mile away.
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NC Republican’s Private School Voucher Program Would Benefit Existing Private School Families While Neglecting Public Schools
Senate Bill 406 and House Bill 832 would use taxpayer dollars to support Republicans’ “Opportunity Scholarships” for wealthy families and those already enrolled in private schools.
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Top NC Republicans Including Moore, Berger, Robinson Received Nearly $900K in Illegal Donations From Video Poker Industry, Complaint Claims
A complaint filed in late May accuses the video poker industry of illegally giving nearly $900,000 to committees and candidates – including Phil Berger, Tim Moore and Mark Robinson – between 2019 and 2022.
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Republicans in NCGA Negotiating on Bill That Would Take Appointment Powers from Governor, Give Them to Legislators
The House proposal and a version passed by the Senate in April would let legislators and Council of State members make most of the appointments to key commissions instead of the governor.
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Americans Agree: Teachers Are Underpaid and Overworked
Recent NPR/Ipsos polls found that parents, educators, and Americans across the board agree that teachers are overworked and underpaid.
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Gov. Cooper Announces Program to Increase Internet Connectivity
Gov. Roy Cooper visited Charlotte recently to kick off closing the digital divide for people living in affordable housing thanks to an FCC Grant of
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North Carolina’s Prominent Military Base Sheds Confederate Namesake, Becomes Fort Liberty
Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the United States, has officially been renamed Fort Liberty. In an effort to become inclusive and
Gov. Cooper Announces Program to Increase Internet Connectivity
Gov. Roy Cooper visited Charlotte recently to kick off closing the digital divide for people living in affordable housing thanks to an FCC Grant of
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Fort Bragg to drop Confederate namesake for Fort Liberty, part of US Army base rebranding
Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the United States, has officially been renamed Fort Liberty. In an effort to become inclusive and
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Students And Young Farmworkers Renew Calls To Oppose Harmful ICE Bill
Students and young farmworkers from across the state are condemning the discriminatory House Bill 10, which would require sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs
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NCGOP Once Again Lets Their Racism Show, This Time With a Racist Tweet About Rev. William Barber II
The North Carolina Republican Party is in trouble – again – for letting their racism show out in the open. Just a week after two
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NC Pediatrician Shares Sobering Facts About Gun Violence
A report from the Child Fatality Task Force found that from 2012 through 2021, more than 600 children ages 17 and younger died from firearm-related injuries in NC.
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3 Months After Passing NC Senate, House Now Discussing Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill
Medical marijuana legalization is one of the highest polling programs in North Carolina and there is significant support among all political groups.
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Rev. William Barber, 100+ Protesters Show Up at NCGA to Protest Republicans’ Horrendous Budget Bills
“We know they might outvote us but that’s not why we mobilize,” Barber said in his speech. “We mobilize so what they’re doing is not done in the dark… We’re going to wear your hind parts out on Election Day.”
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Black Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates in NC, Across the South Are the Worst in the Nation
In Florida and North Carolina, the Black infant mortality rate is more than twice as high as it is for white babies. North Carolina ranks as the 10th worst state for infant deaths.
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NC Republicans’ Private School Voucher Bill Would Be A Disaster For Public Education
Senate Bill 406 would divert over $2.2 billion of taxpayer money for private school vouchers over the next 10 years.
NCGOP’s New Voting Bill Was Taken Nearly Word-for-Word From Group Run by Election-Denying Trump Lawyer
North Carolina Republicans are working in lock-step with Donald Trump’s election deniers to silence voters in our state.
NCGOP’s Extreme Abortion Ban is Just the Beginning, Party Leaders Say
North Carolina’s extremist Republican-controlled legislature passed a 12-week abortion ban last month – but that is likely only the beginning of the restrictions we could see in our state.
Union County Parents and Students Fight Back Against Extremism Through Pride Rally
Parents have said that the proposed change by the Union County Board of Education is a front to ban books with LGBTQ characters.
Wake County Program Provides Free Preschool for Struggling Families
The North Carolina Early Education Coalition states that pre-K education better prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
‘That’s a Slap in the Face’: NC Republicans Undermine Teacher Pay
A report from the National Education Association found that North Carolina ranks 34th nationwide in average teacher pay and 46th in beginning teacher pay.
Industrial Waste Seeps into Every Aspect of Life in Robeson County
Robeson County not only has one of the highest populations of people of color in North Carolina, but it is also one of the most polluted in the state.
Majority of North Carolinians Want Child Care Investments, New Survey Finds
A survey from The NC Chamber Foundation found that nine in 10 voters say taking action to ensure that more working families have access to affordable, quality child care should be an important priority this year.
8 North Carolina College Baseball Teams Selected into Tourney
Our great state has eight teams hoping to lift that NCAA trophy in Omaha, Nebraska, this June.
Pender County Schools Removes 8 Books From Shelves, Allowing Extremists to Dictate What is Acceptable for All Kids
The Pender County school district has now officially joined the ranks of school districts across the country to ban books thanks to pressure from extremist groups.
Investments Towards Offshore Wind Farms Would Bring 85,000 Jobs to North Carolina
The clean energy industry could bring up to 85,000 jobs by 2035 and would support President Biden’s administration’s effort to develop 30 gigawatts of U.S.-based wind power by 2030.
What’s Going on at the Former American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro?
DHHS has named the former Hebrew Academy Greensboro Piedmont Academy. It will be used as transitional housing and a school for unaccompanied immigrant children who come into the United States illegally.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Called the Civil Rights Movement a Communist Plot, Greensboro Sit-Ins a ‘Ridiculous Premise’
At the same time Mark Robinson was mocking children who had survived a school shooting, he was also going on conspiracy theorist podcasts to trash the Civil Rights Movement.
Attorney General Josh Stein Hosts Forum to Discuss Threats to Child Well-Being
“We need to adequately fund our schools so that there is a qualified and well-prepared teacher in every classroom and a principal like that in every school,” AG Josh Stein said.
AG Josh Stein, With Numerous Victories Under His Belt, Says He Wants to Take on More ‘Big Fights’ as NC’s Next Governor
“I have been fighting for the people of North Carolina as their attorney general, taking on big battles for them and winning — whether it’s opioids, or e-cigarettes or sexual assault kits or child safety, or clean drinking water,” AG Josh Stein told Axios.
The Deadly Impact of Republicans and Gun Enthusiasts’ Most Beloved Weapon
“It is a weapon of war that is really only suitable for soldiers in a combat zone,” Lindsay Nichols, policy director for the Giffords Law Center, told NBC News. “Its ability to kill a lot of people quickly is the reason why we want it banned.”
Trans Rights Advocates, Doctors Continue to Push Back Against the NCGOP’s Hateful Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
According to a study by the Williams Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles, gender-affirming care is under attack in 30 states, which puts around 150,000 transgender children at risk of losing their access to care.
NC House & Senate Budget Proposals Fail to Address State’s Most Important Needs
Gov. Roy Cooper said the Senate’s proposal is a “historic disaster for public education” because “It fails to fund basic needs and will force school leaders to cut everything from bus routes to courses.”
NC Republicans Strip Funding From Public Schools in Expanded Private School Voucher Program
The highly controversial program proposed in North Carolina has been met with pushback from educators, advocates, and parents, calling for further investments in public schools.
New Virginia Casino Leads to Mixed Feelings for North Carolina’s Leaders
Greater Carolina released a study suggesting that Virginia casinos could gain up to $259 million annually from North Carolina residents.
NC Sen. Michael Lee is Just Another Anti-Abortion Extremist
Sen. Lee was a deciding vote on the bill that will impose often insurmountable barriers on early abortions. In doing so, he voted in lock-step with far-right Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly in an effort to decimate reproductive freedom in our state.
Amid GOP Attacks, Majority of LGBTQ+ Youth Are Unable to Get Mental Health Care
While the NCGOP pushes for bills that blatantly discriminate against trans youth and target LGBTQ youth, an alarming statistic underscores the impact of these evergrowing attacks.
Big Government NCGOP Trying to Step In and Take Control of Nash County School Board
Earlier this month, the Nash County Board of Education passed a resolution by an 8-3 vote condemning a state Senate bill that would take away the voices of Black members of the board.
North Carolina Community Pushes Back Against Election Deniers
Jerry Forestieri and Timothy DeHaan were dismissed by the N.C. State Board of Elections during a hearing held earlier this year, after they were found to have “violated their duties as county board members to comply with laws as they exist.”
Small Towns in Eastern NC Want Something Done About Constant Rotting Animal Waste Spilled on Roadways
Residents in Sampson, Duplin, Cumberland, Anson, Union, Gaston, Catawba and Cleveland counties have expressed concerns about the growing problem of animal carcasses and waste being dumped on the roadways in their communities.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Repeatedly Attacked School Shooting Survivors in ‘Undignified and Grotesque’ Social Media Posts
His posts on the Parkland school shooting mostly targeted a group of surviving students who had called for more gun control measures after a former student murdered 14 students and three staff members with an AR-15-style rifle.
A Breakdown of Gov. Cooper and NC House Leaders’ Proposed State Budgets
Cooper’s 2023-2025 budget is titled, “First in Opportunity,” which builds on the state’s success and “once-in-a-generation” opportunity by investing in families, businesses, and communities across North Carolina.
Bill to End NC’s Concealed Carry Permit Shelved – For Now
While the measure sailed through two House committees with ease, it’s now doubtful that the bill will be passed this legislative session after the planned House floor vote on it was canceled.
NCGOP Rep. Fontenot Compares Life-Saving Gender-Affirming Care to Government Medical Experiments
Rep. Ken Fontenot (R-Wilson) compared gender-affirming care to the Tuskegee medical experiments of the 1930s and the sterilization of poor women in North Carolina in the 1960s.
NC Republicans’ Abortion Ban Threatens North Carolinians and Health Care Providers
Gov. Roy Cooper has stated that he will veto the harmful bill, and called upon Republican lawmakers who had campaigned to protect reproductive health to break from their party and uphold the veto.
The Soccer Tournament is Coming to Cary This June
This world-class soccer tournament features 32 teams playing for a chance to win the top prize of $1 million dollars. The playing format is 7-on-7 soccer, so it will be a fast-paced event.
Check Out This NC Festival Guide Before Making Your Summer Plans
In North Carolina, warm weather means it’s time for festival season throughout the state.
Wave of Trash Washed Up On Outer Banks Beaches is Linked to US Navy, National Park Service Reports
According to National Park Service officials, the trash, made up of plastic, metal, paper, and textile fabric, began appearing on April 27 and was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector North Carolina.
Gun Deaths Cause Highest US Child Mortality in More Than 50 Years
The number of children and teens under 18 who died from guns spiked by 50% between 2019 and 2021, according to the Pew Research Center.
North Carolina Public Schools and Students Would Be Left Behind in New GOP Private School Push
Advocates have argued that private school vouchers would divest hundreds of millions of dollars from public schools that better serve all of their students, and the vouchers wouldn’t cover the full cost of tuition at most private schools.
Will NCGOP’s Slate of Anti-Trans Bills Lead to HB2-Level Fallout For North Carolina?
HB2 is still considered a “lingering socioeconomic shadow over North Carolina” and SB 631 “puts us on the path where we risk our No. 1 ranking as the state best to do business in,” said Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake).
NC Republicans Who Campaigned On Protecting Abortion Access Now Have a Chance to Keep Their Promises
Republican Sen. Mike Lee and Republican Reps. Ted Davis, John Bradford and Tricia Cotham campaigned on either supporting abortion rights or on not further restricting them – they all voted for the extreme 12-week ban.
NC House Republicans give health care providers a license to discriminate
A bill backed by NC House Republicans would allow health care providers, institutions and insurers to refuse care to any patient on religious, moral or ethical grounds.
Amid Mental Health Crisis, Medicaid Expansion Would Take Steps In Addressing Needs
As national and statewide reports have seen a rise in youth suicides and a severe shortage of mental health care services, investments from the passage of Medicaid expansion are crucial and come at an important time.
NC’s Right-Wing Supreme Court Re-Decides 3 Cases, Sets Voting Rights Back Decades, Allows Extreme Partisan Gerrymandering
Despite rulings only a few months ago by the then Democratic-controlled state Supreme Court, the new 5-2 right-wing court made the extremely rare decision to re-decide cases on voter ID, voting rights for people convicted of felonies and redistricting.
‘Forward Together, Not One Step Back!’: Rev. Dr. Barber Reignites Moral Monday Movement
“We will not allow the clock to be turned back on our democracy, for our hard-fought gains to vanish, or for our children to have less democracy, less rights, less environmental justice than we do today,” Rev. Dr. Barber wrote.
2 Books Banned in Cumberland County Schools With Many More Targeted
The book review committee decided to remove “Push” by Sapphire as well as “Sex is a Funny Word” by Cory Silverberg.
Bipartisan Bill To Limit Aggressive Medical Debt Collection Tactics, Cap Debt Interest Passes Senate Committee
The Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act, would prohibit medical debt collectors from foreclosing on property or garnishing wages. It also caps the interest on medical debt.
Bipartisan Group of Ex-NC Governors Call Out NCGOP for Trying to Take More Powers From the Governor
Former Govs. Jim Hunt (D), Jim Martin (R), Mike Easley (D), Bev Perdue (D) and Pat McCrory (R) sent a letter to Republican leadership expressing their concern over SB 692.
Parents Of Trans Youth Respond To NCGOP’s Anti-Trans Legislation: ‘Children Will Die If These Bills Go Through’
Out of 140,000 middle and high school athletes in NC, there are approximately 15 transgender students who have been cleared to play on a team that matches their gender identity – that means that 0.01% of these student-athletes are transgender.
Bill to Establish State Policy on Environmental Justice Introduced in NC House
House Bill 689 would require state agencies to consider the cumulative pollution burdens on underserved neighborhoods when planning and approving new projects.
Judge: North Carolina Still Owes Hundreds of Millions in Public School Funding
Judge James Ammons Jr. sided with low-income schools and state officials over state lawmakers, who have failed to fund its obligations for the long-running Leandro education lawsuit.
Abortion Bans Put A Strain on OBGYNs and Residency Applicants
According to an analysis from the Association of American Medical Colleges, new doctors applying to medical residency programs were more likely to avoid practicing in states with the most stringent abortion restrictions.
Attorney General Josh Stein Leads Efforts to Combat Growing Fentanyl Crisis
According to NCDHHS records, 4,041 people died from an overdose in 2021, marking it the highest-ever number of overdose deaths in NC. AG Stein is leading the fight against the fentanyl crisis.
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Despite Well-Known History of Hate Speech, Mark Robinson Still Has Support of Mainstream Republicans in Race for Governor
His habit of saying homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, antisemitic, anti-science and/or racist things has some in the NCGOP worried – but that hasn’t stopped others from lining up in support.
Discriminatory Bills Attacking Trans Youth Pass in NC Senate and House
“Here we go again, waging culture wars on the backs of children,” stated Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Durham) during the floor debate in the Senate.
Major Archaeological Discovery Made In Waters Of Lake Waccamaw
A team of archaeologists and community members of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe discovered a 1,000-year-old canoe buried beneath Lake Waccamaw. The group was able to safely remove this piece of history from the lake.
We Are The Change For A Better Tomorrow
2023 has been a bleak year. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? Where is the hope we are desperately looking for? We are that hope.
Republicans on NC Supreme Court Invent Way to Grant Themselves New Power, Throw Out Precedent
The Supreme Court’s new powers were invented by the five Republican justices when they handed down a ruling on a case about a fired Durham police officer.
Advocates and Health Professionals Across the US Call for Investments Toward Black Maternal Health
North Carolina advocates and health care professionals from across the state have called for policy changes that would center increased resources, investments in midwifery and doula care, and awareness of maternal health disparities.
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Actions Show NRA Money is More Important Than Saving Lives
The NRA Political Victory Fund spent more than $82,000 on mailers and other efforts to get Mark Robinson elected in 2020, according to state campaign finance records.
NC Democrats Propose Investments Towards Accessible, Affordable Transportation
The Transportation for the Future Act would shift the transportation department’s priority from car and truck transportation systems to projects that would improve local communities’ transportation.
A Texas-Based Crisis Pregnancy Center is Set to Receive Millions From NC
In 2017, our state budget included $600,000 for a Texas-based “crisis pregnancy” center over two years. Since then, the state has given them nearly $6 million more. Why?
Despite Promises From a Decade Ago, NCGOP’s Tax Policies Have Only Increased the Burden on Middle-Income Families
Thanks to NCGOP policies, lower-income earners in North Carolina are now paying a larger share of their income in taxes than those with higher incomes.
North Carolina Business Leaders Advocate For Teacher Raises, Increased School Funding
A group of North Carolina CEOs are once again advocating for an increase in funding for Pre-K, along with higher teacher pay.
NC Attorney General Josh Stein Joins Other States In Fighting Back Against Abortion Pill Ban
“Abortion is a deeply personal decision and is an issue that people have wide-ranging opinions. But, ultimately, that’s a decision that women should have the freedom to make for themselves,” said AG Josh Stein.
ACLU of North Carolina Files Federal Lawsuit Against State’s Vague, Racist New ‘Anti-Rioting’ Law
“North Carolinians could be arrested and prosecuted under the act even if their own actions were entirely peaceful,” ACLU-NC’s lawsuit states.
New Poll Shows Rep. Cotham’s Constituents Feel Betrayed By Switch to GOP
According to PPP, 59% of District 112 voters agree with the statement that “Cotham’s decision to switch parties is a betrayal to voters.”
Flooding Isn’t Just A Coastal Problem – Western NC Communities Come Together To Plan For Resilience
Most people probably think of the coast when they think of flooding caused by severe storms, but Western North Carolina has seen its share of damaging and deadly floods.
What Texas’ Ruling On Abortion Pill Access Means For North Carolina
In North Carolina, abortion care and Mifepristone are still safe, legal, and available for in-state, and out-of-state individuals. Attorney General Josh Stein is helping lead the charge to make abortion pill access easier for patients.
North Carolina Students Join Nationwide Walkout To Protest Gun Violence
“It’s sad. It’s disheartening,” Jordan Parker, a senior at Durham School of Arts, told WRAL. “I’d like to see a difference – more legislation on guns. We need change. We’re calling for it.
NCGOP’s ‘Election Integrity’ Bill Would Result in Thousands of Voters Having Their Ballots Thrown Out
In 2020, more than 11,000 valid ballots came in during the post-Election Day grace period. Under HB 304, none of those votes would have counted.
North Carolina Earns “F” Grade In Meeting Youth Mental Health Needs
According to the 2023 Child Health Report Card, North Carolina is not adequately meeting the mental health needs of our state’s children.
New Republican Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Are Bigotry Disguised As Concern
North Carolina Republicans have filed six bills restricting gender-affirming care for trans youth and banning sports participation.
Republicans Attempting to Take Away Appointment Powers From Gov. Cooper in Effort to Install More Extremists
Senate Bill 512 takes appointments held by Cooper, a Democrat, and moves them to the NCGA where Republicans are in control. The legislation impacts nine boards.
‘If We Can’t Ask Questions, to Me That’s a Scary Place’: NC Republicans Want to Control History Courses in Universities, Colleges
North Carolina’s very own GOP-led General Assembly is attempting to use its political power to influence content taught in local universities.
Rep. Tricia Cotham Must Resign After Betraying Her Constituents By Switching To The Republican Party
Rep. Tricia Cotham ran on a platform of protecting abortion rights, gun reform, health care as a right and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. She has thrown all that out by switching to the NCGOP.
Anti-CRT Johnston County School Board Member, Ex-Cop Charged With Extortion, Obstruction of Justice
An anti-CRT Johnston County school board member and ex-Smithfield police detective is facing multiple charges for what the state has called “an act of personal retaliation.”
Humans Aren’t The Only Ones That Call North Carolina’s Coast A Vacation Destination
Did you know the waters off North Carolina’s coast are a popular vacation destination for sharks in the winter and spring months?
‘Every Vote Makes A Difference’: NC Legislators’ Failure To Show Up Has Long-Lasting Effects
House Reps. Tricia Cotham, Cecil Brockman and Michael Wray could have prevented the repeal of our state’s pistol permit law. Instead, they chose to skip work and miss the vote.
Coalition Of NC Progressive Groups Are Standing United In Defense Of Democracy
Called The People’s Coalition, progressive groups are mobilizing as this year’s legislative session is marred by discriminatory bills spearheaded by state Republicans.
NC Association of Educators Endorse Attorney General Josh Stein for Governor
“Josh Stein is a proven champion for pro-public-school policies and has the best interests of our students, public school communities and staff at heart,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly.
NCGOP Pushing Bill That Would Require Students to Learn Whitewashed Version of History
What HB 187 is truly about is power – the power for Republicans to dictate what history is taught to our children and how it’s taught.
NC History Teacher Pushes Back Against Classroom Censorship Bill
House Bill 187 is the latest legislation on the state level to limit classroom discussions on race, gender, and sexuality.
NC Republicans’ Bill Shifting $1B from Public Schools to Private Will Hit Rural Schools the Hardest
House Bill 420 would allow all families to use taxpayer dollars to fund tuition at private and parochial schools. Unlike public schools, these schools have no requirements to demonstrate students are learning.
3 NC House Republicans Introduce Bill to Ban Abortion
North Carolina Republicans filed their latest abortion restrictions with House Bill 533. The bill has been described as “disturbing legislation” designed “to control women’s bodies” by U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning and advocates.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Tells NC Churchgoers ‘God Formed Me’ to Fight Against LGBTQ+ Rights, Visibility
Robinson claimed during a March church service in Mooresville that God created him to fight against the push for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, saying that America is turning into a “hellhole” because of it.
Nothing stops Amazon driver from delivering package – not even Raleigh police
A video showing an Amazon delivery driver dropping off a package during a police standoff in a Raleigh neighborhood has gone viral on TikTok.
NC Democrats Continue Fighting the Good Fight; Introducing Another Bill to Codify Abortion Access Protections
The bill is titled Remove Barriers to Gain Access (RGB) Act and it would legalize abortion until viability, as outlined by Roe v. Wade. HB 439 would also abolish the 72-hour waiting period.
NC Democrats Introduce Bill Providing Paid Family and Medical Leave, $15 Minimum Wage, Child Tax Credits, and More
House Bill 569, also known as the “Working Families Act,” would address topics such as paid family and medical leave, affordable housing, affordable child care, child tax credits and the minimum wage.
Growing Urban-Rural Education Divide Reflects Years of State Republicans’ Neglect
School systems, such as Wake County, are using their local education funds, to restore benefits cut by state Republicans, re-implementing a pay boost to teachers and other staff with advanced degrees.
‘Mommy, why are they telling me to cut my hair?’
Edward, a 7-year-old member of the Lumbee Tribe, and Logan, a 6-year-old member of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of North Carolina, are being told to cut their hair by their school.
Does North Carolina’s Carbon Plan Measure Up To New UN Climate Report?
According to a new UN-backed report catastrophic global warming is quickly approaching unless immediate and radical action is taken.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s Bigoted Beliefs Endear Him To Right-Wing Christian Nationalists
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is likely to announce soon that he will run for governor in 2024 and due to the importance of the race, the national media is finding out what we here have known for years now – Robinson is a far-right Christian nationalist bigot.
After Years Of Republican Opposition, North Carolina Approves Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Roy Cooper signed the long-awaited Medicaid expansion bill into law, expanding much-needed health care coverage to more than 600,000 North Carolinians.
OBGYNs, Doctors Visit Legislature To Call For Abortion Protections
With state Republicans pushing forth abortion bans, medical professionals across the board have sounded the alarm surrounding the impact of erasing reproductive health care access.
Durham Residents Call for Expanding Unarmed 911 Response Program
The overall goal of the HEART program is to limit potentially dangerous interactions with police, as well as connect Durham residents to mental health resources and follow-up care.
Outside Far-Right Group Calls For The Banning Of 7 Books From Pender County Schools
An outside far-right group, Pender County Concerned Citizens, asked for 40 books to be removed from Pender County schools. In the last week alone, seven books were pulled from four schools in the county.
NC Democrats, Advocates Push Back Against Republicans’ Attempts to Accelerate Elimination of Corporate Income Tax
At 2.5%, North Carolina already has the lowest corporate income tax rate of the 44 states that have such a tax, according to the Tax Foundation.
Duke Energy Requests Huge Rate Hikes In NC, Continues To Push For Using More Fossil Fuels
“If you have a bad day at work, do you storm into your boss’s office and demand a raise? This is what Duke is doing,” said the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters’ Dan Crawford.
NC House Passes Bill Seeking to Control How Educators Can Teach About History, Race, Gender
The legislation, ironically titled the “Equality in Education” bill, would censor how NC educators teach their students about 13 specific concepts and would silence Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ voices and stories.
NC House members take extraordinary measures to vote to uphold Governor’s veto on gun bill
Less than 48 hours after the horrific Nashville school shooting that claimed the lives of six people, including three elementary school students, North Carolina Republican
Retired Winston-Salem Firefighter Turns 101 But His History Will Live Forever
Retired Winston-Salem Fire Sergeant Robert Grier was one of eight African-Americans to integrate the Winston-Salem Fire Department in 1951. Happy birthday, Sgt. Grier!
Gov. Cooper Calls for Increase in NC’s Unemployment Benefits and Investments in Job Training
The increase would be the first in more than a decade, and the governor’s proposal added a $91 million change in how the state’s unemployment system is financed that’s meant to boost job training programs.
‘The Call Is Coming From Inside The House’: How Extremists Are Spreading Hate In NC, US
Extremist groups are growing rapidly in North Carolina and throughout the country. According to a federal report released earlier in March, hate crimes hit a record high in 2021, increasing more than 33% over 2020.
North Carolina’s School Meal Debt Hits Record High, Advocates Call For Permanent Free Lunch
Following the success of the pandemic-era federal policy that expanded free school meals, state Democrats introduced bills in the House and Senate that would have established permanent universal free school meals.
Gov. Cooper Expands State Job Opportunities, Ends Degree Requirement For State Job Applicants
More North Carolinians will have access to job opportunities after Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order for state job openings to no longer require higher education degrees.
Big Government Republicans Create Law Forcing Guilford School Board To Seat Teacher Accused Of Racism
The school board rejected Guilford County Schools teacher Michael Logan four different times, citing concerns about racial prejudice…so Republicans created a law forcing the board to seat him.
Rodanthe, North Carolina Loses Another Home To The Rising Ocean
Another home has collapsed into the ocean in Rodanthe, North Carolina. The incident occurred on March 13, when the home, located on the beachfront, was swallowed by the relentless waves of the Atlantic.
Abortion Ban In North Carolina Will Push Away Future Doctors, Health Care Professionals
As the NCGOP pushes for abortion bans, medical students are joining doctors and medical professionals across NC who are sounding the alarm about the harmful impact of erasing the crucial reproductive health care option.
NC House Speaker Tim Moore, Republicans Pass Controversial Gun Bill Without Allowing Debate Or Amendments
Senate Bill 41, also known as “Guarantee 2nd Amend. Freedom and Protections,” passed the House by a 70-44 vote and was sent to Gov. Roy Cooper. The governor vetoed SB 41 shortly after it arrived on his desk.
Retired Teacher Pushes Back Against State Republicans’ Anti-Education Bill
House Bill 187 seeks to censor educators from teaching about experiences and stories told across history, particularly from Black, Brown and LGBTQ+ voices.
Gov. Cooper’s Budget Would Provide Funding For The State’s Top Priorities While Still Saving Billions
Cooper’s budget addresses what should be bipartisan priorities – funding for schools that will provide students with a good education and teachers with higher pay, infrastructure, healthcare, plans for attracting new businesses, and so on.
NC Republican Rep. Jeff Zenger Threatens To Sue His Own Small Town For Denying Development Plans, Walks Away With Nearly $2M
Angry that the town council denied his development plans, Rep. Zenger threatened to sue Lewisville for $8M, more than the town could afford. He walked away with $2M after a settlement.
Gov. Cooper Proposes Average Raises Of At Least 18% For Teachers, Principals
Teachers in North Carolina continue to be some of the worst-compensated in the country and Gov. Roy Cooper is trying to fix that by calling for double-digit raises for teachers.
Gov. Cooper Urges Full Funding of Leandro Plan, Avoidance of Culture Wars in State of the State Speech
During his State of the State address, Gov. Cooper touted North Carolina’s booming economy, clean energy efforts and the recent progress made toward Medicaid expansion, which has since been passed.
Weaver Fertilizer Plant’s Unsafe State of Disrepair Likely Contributed to The Dangerous Fire
Just over one year ago, the Weaver Fertilizer plant in Winston-Salem was the site of a massive ammonium-nitrate fire that destroyed the plant’s buildings and forced over 6,000 residents to flee their homes.
Gov. Cooper Creates New Office to Address Violence Prevention
The creation of this new unit of NCDPS comes at a time when Republicans in the General Assembly are working to weaken gun laws.
Conservative State Supreme Court Blocks School Funding In Leandro Case
In November, the then-Democratic-controlled Supreme Court had voted 4-3 to increase funding in adherence to the Leandro plan.
Amid Mental Health Crisis, National 988 Suicide Hotline Expands Services For LGBTQ+ Community
The 988 suicide prevention hotline, aimed at helping LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, is expanding its services by rolling out 24/7 text message and chat services amid a mental health crisis.
In A Bipartisan Effort, State Lawmakers Push For Child Care Investments
Three bills, announced at a press conference earlier this month, would address childcare gaps by allocating funds for subsidies and grants for childcare centers.
Preventing the Death of the Next Lanceford Ross Williams
On March 1, Lanceford Ross Williams was shot and killed on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Greensboro. Those who knew him personally remember his big smile and larger-than-life personality that lit up the streets of downtown Greensboro.
Politico Calls The 2024 Race For NC Governor The ‘Most Important’ In The Country
One of our state’s most important races is being called the “most important” in the country in the 2024 election. The race? The likely gubernatorial matchup between AG Josh Stein and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
Conservative NC Supreme Court Continues Its Assault On Democracy By Making Rare Move To Rehear Recently-Decided Voting Rights Cases
Last week the North Carolina Supreme Court made the extremely rare move of rehearing two voting rights cases they decided just a few months earlier.
Attorney General Josh Stein Kicks Off New Program To Address Food Insecurity In NC
“Helping those who are hungry is always important, but right now it is urgent. We in the legal community here in North Carolina can make a real impact fighting hunger in our state,” stated AG Josh Stein.
State Sen. Rachel Hunt To Run For Lieutenant Governor
State Sen. Rachel Hunt, a Charlotte Democrat, said she’s running for lieutenant governor to bring “honor and integrity back to the office.”
Let The (March) Madness Begin!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and no, we are not talking about anything December-related. It’s March Madness!!!
Former US Sen. Rick Santorum Joins NC’s Top Republicans to Call For Constitutional Convention
Those opposed to a convention of states have said that convening one would lead to a free-for-all of amendments that could lead to extreme changes to the government.
Medicaid Expansion Announcement Brings Relief To State Doctors, Advocates
Medicaid expansion would also expand much-needed healthcare access for rural communities, create tens of thousands of jobs, and make investments in the state’s hospitals.
House Education Committee Hears Bill to Censor Race Discussion in Classrooms
The state House Education committee held a hearing on House Bill 187 this week, a bill that would ban K-12 schools from teaching about systemic racism.
Republicans Have Introduced More Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills In The Last 2 Months Than In The Last 5 Years Combined
Republican lawmakers across the country have introduced more anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the past two months than in the last five years combined.
Speaker Tim Moore, In His 11th Term In The NCGA, Wants Term Limits For Congress – But Not For Himself
Moore, who is now in his 11th term in the General Assembly and was named speaker for an unprecedented fifth term, is seemingly only OK with limiting others’ powers and not his own.
North Carolina High School Students Rally Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies, Gun Violence, Sexual Assault
Over the past month, high school students from across the state have been using their voices and their experiences to demand change.
Children In North Carolina Are At 51% Higher Risk Of Death By Firearm Than The National Average
According to a shocking new report from the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, in 2021 children here were 51% more likely to die from gun violence than children in the U.S. as a whole.
The Impact Of Republicans Choosing Corporations Over The North Carolina’s Children
According to a report, lawmakers here continue to divert public funds from vital services the government provides, such as funding public schools and providing clean drinking water, to the pockets of out-of-state corporations and the wealthy few.
NC Doctor Pushes Back Against Abortion Access Hurdles, State Republicans Want To Uphold Barriers
“We know from years of research and use that medication abortion is safe and effective – there’s no medical reason for politicians to interfere or restrict access to it,” said Orange County OB/GYN Dr. Amy Bryant.
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Don’t Buy His New Persona – Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Is Still Full of Hate
Robinson used his “State of the State” response as an opportunity to debut a new, less extreme persona – but don’t buy it. He’s still as full of hate as ever.
NC Democrats Propose Legislation To Protect Our Freedom To Vote
The Freedom to Vote Act aims to protect free and fair elections in North Carolina through a series of measures such as reducing voter intimidation and ending gerrymandering.
Elizabeth City State Women’s Wins 1st CIAA Tourney; Winston-Salem State Men’s Wins 13th CIAA Tourney
Elizabeth City State defeated Shaw University 55-40 in the championship game and Winston-Salem State beat Lincoln University in a close matchup, 62-57.
Cumberland County Bus Drivers Hold ‘Sick-Out’ Protest Over Low Pay
Eighteen Cumberland County bus drivers demanding higher pay held a “sick-out” in late February. In November 2021, nearly 30% of Cumberland County buses missed their route when drivers held a sick-out protest.
‘Doctors Do Not Want These Laws’: State Doctors Call Out The Dangers Of Abortion Restrictions
“We adamantly oppose any new abortion restrictions,” a letter signed by more than 1,000 North Carolina healthcare professionals stated.
North Carolina HBCU Students Call For Lawmakers To Make Equitable Investments
On “Advocacy Day,” students encouraged lawmakers to “respect the rights of HBCU students to have a voice in our democracy.”
House Speaker Tim Moore Lies About 2020 Raleigh Protests While Pushing Racist ‘Anti-Rioting’ Bill
Last month, while pushing a racist and undemocratic “anti-rioting” bill, NC House Speaker Tim Moore flat-out lied when he said that people died in Raleigh’s 2020 George Floyd protests.
After Years Of Stalling, State House And Senate Agree On Medicaid Expansion
“Since we all agree this is the right thing to do, we should make it effective now to make sure we leverage the money that will save our rural hospitals and invest in mental health,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
6 NC Sheriffs Speak Out Against NCGA Bills Forcing Them to Act as ICE Agents
“[T]these bills set a precedent requiring that we prioritize voluntary immigration enforcement at the expense of local law enforcement priorities,” sheriffs from Wake, Durham, Mecklenburg, Orange, Buncombe, and Wilson counties wrote.
Raleigh Lawmakers Want To Ax Earth Science From NC Schools
Eliminating earth science from the curriculum would mean that students would not learn about climate change and how their actions impact the environment.
Attorney General Josh Stein is Seeking to Establish Fentanyl Control Unit
The goal of the Fentanyl Control Unit that AG Josh Stein hopes to create would be to help local district attorneys handle large-scale fentanyl trafficking, wiretap, and overdose cases
Gun Safety Advocates, Organizers Say They Are ‘Appalled’ By NCGA’s Reckless, Dangerous Gun Legislation
“Why on earth would you choose to repeal one of the life-saving laws that we have, that has been proven to prevent gun violence…?” asked Becky Ceartas, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.
NC House Republicans Trying For 3rd Time to Pass Bill Forcing Sheriffs to Act as ICE Agents
Forcing local sheriffs to do the federal government’s job also puts an undue burden – administrative and financial – on the departments. Laws such as HB 10 can lead to serious, expensive litigation.
North Carolina HBCU Partners With Delta Airlines With Careers In Mind
Elizabeth City State University recently announced a partnership with Delta Airlines that will provide graduates an expedited path to being employed by the Atlanta-based airline.
US Soccer Considers Relocating To Cary
Cary is no stranger to being the hub for national sports teams. USA Baseball chose Cary as its home and HQ back in 2007. Cary is also the home of WakeMed Soccer Park where North Carolina FC and the NC Courage play.
New Report Highlights Barriers Facing North Carolina’s Latine Students, Families
According to a report released by LatinxEd, Latine students and families across the state face significant equity gaps in educational outcomes, from kindergarten readiness to education beyond high school.
EPA’s Michael Regan Calls For Stronger Water Protection Rules During Visit To NC
“The laws of this country allow for chemical compounds to be put out in the atmosphere and in our water without having to prove that they are not harmful,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
Historians Warn Conservative Group Moms For Liberty Shares Ties To White Supremacy
A group of historians recently noted how conservative women have succeeded for over half a century in using their identities to push a very discriminatory and harmful agenda.
Gov. Cooper Announces $7.7M Mental Health Program for State Colleges, Universities
The UNC System will build upon the previous $5 million plan from May 2021. The goal is to work with the North Carolina Community College System to reach colleges and universities throughout the state.
New Bipartisan Bill Would Make Happy Hour Even Happier for Business Owners and Consumers
The current law, which dates back to Prohibition, makes the sale of discounted alcoholic beverages illegal in the state.
Wake County’s Only House Republican Files Bill to Make Democrat-Controlled County Board of Commissioners Nonpartisan
This is not the first time state Republicans have tried changing how Wake County commissioners are elected. The party has been at it since Democrats took control of the board in 2014.
Republicans Ignore North Carolinians’ Interests On Abortion Access
A new poll from Meredith College finds that most North Carolinians support preserving the abortion rights currently enjoyed or expanding them.
‘Book Killers’: NC Schools See An Uptick In Book Challenges
Another wave of book bans is making its way across public schools in North Carolina. Many of these book challenges are being prompted by far-right education groups.
NC Medical Cannabis Bill Has A Chance Of Passing; Activists Say It’s Too Restrictive
The Compassionate Care Act would legalize medical cannabis for people who have certain specific health conditions, including cancer, ALS, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Activists say the bill is too restrictive.
NC House GOP Dismisses Democrats’ Bill Blocking Corporate Landlords From Buying Up Too Many Rental Homes
House Bill 114 filed by Democrats would limit how many houses large corporations can rent out in some of the state’s fastest-growing counties. Republicans have already dismissed the idea.
Despite Growing Needs, NC Republicans Request High Court to Backpedal On Leandro Ruling
North Carolina Republicans are once again pushing for their newly elected Republican-majority high court to reconsider a decision: Leandro, the state’s long-running education case.
North Carolina’s Transgender Youth React To Legislation That Targets Their Identities
Among other things, SB 49 would force teachers to out their gender-questioning students to their parents, creating a dangerous and dehumanizing environment for LGBTQ+ students.
North Carolina Takes A Step Towards Medicaid Expansion, Proposal Passes In The House
According to the U.S. Census, North Carolina has a higher percentage of uninsured residents compared to the national average. Currently, the state remains one of 11 states that has not expanded Medicaid.
Right-Wing NC Supreme Court Acts On ‘Raw Partisanship,’ Poses Challenge For Fair Voting Maps Advocates
“For this Court to reopen rulings just weeks after they were decided is unprecedented and appalling,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
Leaked Documents Show Right-Wing NC Supreme Court Making Plans to Take Power Away From Lower Courts
A leaked document from the North Carolina Supreme Court obtained by WRAL highlights a right-wing power grab that has been under discussion since just days after Republicans won a majority on the court last November.
Leader Reives Is Committed To Keeping NC House Democrats United
Despite the razor-thin margin, House Minority Leader Robert Reives remains upbeat according to the Assembly. As leader, Reives is tasked with keeping House Democrats unified.
NCGOP Fast-Tracks Racist, Vague ‘Anti-Riot’ Bill In Attempt To Stifle Free Speech
The NCGOP has fast-tracked a racist and undemocratic “anti-rioting” bill meant to stifle free speech and allow protesters to be punished with mandatory jail time just for being arrested.
NCGOP Ignores Democrats’ Commonsense Gun Proposals, Pass Bills Making It Easier To Buy Handguns
Republicans in the legislature last week passed several bills that would loosen gun restrictions and they did so during the same week that at least six guns were found at schools in central North Carolina.
NC Republicans Use State Board Of Education For Their Latest Attempt To Limit The Governor’s Powers
Republicans have introduced a bill that would strip away the governor’s ability to appoint State Board of Education members and fill vacancies on the Council of State and in the court.
NC Republicans Introduce Bill To Push Back Judicial Retirement Age To Keep Right-Wing Judges On The Bench
Republicans are proposing a bill that will push back the state’s mandatory judicial retirement age in order to keep the NC Supreme Court chief justice and a state Court of Appeals judge on the bench.
Raleigh Preps For NHL Outdoor Stadium Series
Outdoor hockey is coming to Raleigh for the first time ever this Saturday. The 2023 Stadium Series, one of the NHL’s biggest events will be played at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Senators Reintroduce Bill That Would Legalize Medical Cannabis in NC
Only 13 states in the U.S., including North Carolina, do not have a medical cannabis program. Recreational cannabis is legal in 21 states and D.C.
Treasurer Folwell’s Fight Against Transgender State Employees Continues
Gender-affirming care is life-saving and all state employees deserve proper health care and to be accepted in their workplace. Dale Folwell disagrees.
NC Supreme Court Hears Ex-Felon Voting Rights Case, Decision Could Disenfranchise 56,000
The Republican-controlled high court is considering a decision that will determine whether North Carolinians on probation will keep their right to vote or if they are going to be disenfranchised again.
Smithfield Once Again Responsible For Hog Waste Dumped Into Local NC Waterways
A Smithfield subsidiary, Murphy-Brown Farm, is being investigated for discharging an estimated 30,000 gallons of hog waste into a nearby creek.
NC Attorney General Josh Stein Won’t Defend Abortion Pill Restrictions
Stein said North Carolina’s “restriction of women’s use of the prescriptions they need to exercise their reproductive freedoms violates federal law and the Constitution.”
Speaker Tim Moore’s Latest Power Grab
Since losing his veto-proof supermajority in 2018, North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore has gone to great lengths to hold on to power to advance his agenda.
Advocates and Legal Experts Express Concerns Over Renewed State Supreme Court Hearings
The North Carolina Supreme Court, which flipped to a Republican majority in November’s elections, announced that it would rehear a redistricting case and a voter ID case without providing any reason why.
North Carolina Teacher Vacancies Increased, Republican Political Attacks One Of The Reasons
“North Carolina’s teacher shortage is the predictable result of the General Assembly’s 12-year crusade against teachers,” wrote Kris Nordstrom, a senior policy analyst in the North Carolina Justice Center’s Education & Law Project.
North Carolina Democrats Stand United On Protecting Abortion Access
Every Democrat has signed onto a pair of bills, filed in the NC House and Senate, as the Codify Roe and Casey Protections Act, which would protect access to abortion care in North Carolina.
NC Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton Compares the End of Slavery to Efforts to Ban Abortion
North Carolina Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton compared the end of slavery to the right-wing effort to ban abortion during his appearance on “State Lines” on PBS North Carolina.
NC Democrats Fight For Parents’ And Students’ Rights
Democrats in the state House and Senate have come together to craft a pair of bills aimed at protecting the rights of students and parents.
Chetola Lake Polar Plunge Benefits Western North Carolina Charity
On a cold North Carolina day in the mountains, people young and well-seasoned gathered at Chetola Lake dressed as everything from a polar bear to the Macho Man Randy Savage.
Advocates Call For Much-Needed Investments Toward Special Education Classrooms, Educators
Although the shortage of special education teachers isn’t new, the need couldn’t be any more urgent.
As Many As 300,000 North Carolinians Could Lose Medicaid Insurance Within The Next 18 Months
Less than 18 months from now, as many as 300,000 North Carolinians could be without their Medicaid coverage – unless legislators choose to expand coverage.
Outer Banks Leaders Say ‘Our Hands Are Tied’ When It Comes To Addressing Erosion
The Outer Banks are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to their geography. The barrier islands are less than three feet above sea level and are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
NC House Democrats Introduce ‘Fair Maps Act’ To Combat GOP Redistricting, Gerrymandering
The Fair Maps Act, would amend the state Constitution by removing the redistricting power from legislators and instead giving it to an independent commission made up of regular North Carolinians.
An Increasing Number Of North Carolina Students Can’t Afford School Lunch
According to the US Census Bureau, the free school lunch program helped millions of children throughout the pandemic, with child poverty going down by 46% in 2021 alone.
Sen. Michael Lee Is Following The Far-Right Education Playbook Embraced By States Like Florida
Instead of working to fund NC’s K-12 schools, which are the least funded in the U.S., Sen. Michael Lee is more concerned with targeting LGBTQ+ kids by following in the far-right footsteps of states like Florida.
After Elections, The Makeup Of The State Legislature Has Shifted. Here’s A Look At The New General Assembly
This election also brought forth historical wins, as based on General Assembly library records that go back to 1921, Democrats put more women than men in the legislature.
NC Doctor Sues Over State Restrictions on Abortion Pills
A North Carolina OB/GYN with a practice in Orange County is suing in federal court over the excess restrictions our state imposes on providing abortion pills.
Republican Members Of New Hanover School Board Push Restrictions For Transgender Athletes
Currently, transgender high school students have to undergo a lengthy process under the state’s high-school athletic association policy.
NY Times Editorial Calls Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson ‘Anti-Gay, Anti-Science, Antisemitic’
“Do people want somebody prosecuting the culture wars when there’s a hurricane?” Duke professor Mac McCorkle asked. “We haven’t had a shouter as governor, well, ever.”
Advisor to House Speaker Tim Moore Resigns After Discovery of Pro-Confederacy, White Supremacist Postings
An anonymous email sent to the media highlighted a General Assembly staffer’s past racist views and “pro-white” internet posts and resulted in the resignation of one of Speaker Tim Moore’s employees.
Health Experts, Parents, And Teachers Warn Bill Could Harm LGBTQ+ Mental Health
“My professional opinion as a licensed clinical psychologist is that this bill will make our children less safe,” said Dr. Sarah Wilson, an assistant professor at the Duke University School of Medicine.
University World Games Coming to North Carolina
North Carolina was awarded the right to host some of the top collegiate athletes in the world. The University World games will be coming here in the summer of 2029.
NC Triangle Part of $250M Fidelity Initiative To Help Black and Brown Students Graduate College
The program will provide scholarship funding, mentorship and career guidance, as well as internships and job placement services.
New Poll Finds A Majority Of North Carolinians Support Medicaid Expansion
A new poll, released by the American Cancer Society, found that 8 out of 10 North Carolinians said that expanding Medicaid is important to them and that they support expanding the program.
North Carolina To Receive Billions From Federal Government For Infrastructure Improvements
The money being given to states will pay for more clean energy, road repairs, bridges, upgraded and updated sewer and water systems, and more high-speed internet access to rural areas.
New Report Links Abortion Bans and Anti-Worker Policies
States with abortion restrictions or bans have lower wages, weaker labor standards, and higher levels of incarceration, according to a new Economic Policy Institute report.
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Trump Use Funeral Of ‘Diamond’ To Attack Media, Immigrants
The death of a right-wing political commentator in January brought two of the most extreme and disgusting American politicians to Fayetteville – Donald Trump and Mark Robinson.
NC Lawmakers Working On Bipartisan Legislation To Address Power Substation Attacks, Security
Two electrical substations in Moore County were badly damaged in shooting attacks in early December. On Jan. 18, a transformer in Randolph County was destroyed by gunfire.
North Carolina Ranks At The Bottom For K-12 Public School Funding
Out of all 50 states and D.C., North Carolina was ranked 48th for funding level, with a cost-adjusted, per-pupil funding level $4,695 below the national average.
NC Republicans Request Supreme Court To Rehear Decision On Redistricting, Voter ID
Just months after Republicans won a majority on the state Supreme Court in November’s election, Republican leaders in the General Assembly are asking the high court to throw out last year’s decision on redistricting and voter ID.
AG Josh Stein Already Has Millions Of Dollars On Hand, Gubernatorial Endorsements from 150+ Officials
Attorney General Josh Stein’s campaign announcement video took direct aim at Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and his history of disgusting and offensive views.
NC Democrats Introduce Bill To Protect Reproductive Rights, Abortion Access
Exactly 50 years since the inception of Roe v. Wade, North Carolina Democrats are pushing forth abortion safeguards amid an ever-growing effort by Republicans to strip away reproductive rights.
Wilmington Just Keeps on Winning: Riverwalk In The Running For Nation’s Best
A few weeks ago we told you about Wilmington being rated as one of the best beer cities in the country. This week we can
North Carolina Adds To Growling List Of States Banning TikTok From State Devices
Citing security concerns, North Carolina became the latest state to ban the use of TikTok on state phones and devices. In an executive order signed
The Plan For North Carolina To Have Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050
Right before the new year, North Carolina released a plan to reduce North Carolina’s carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and get to net zero
Research Finds Gaps In Access To Domestic Violence Agencies For Rural, Spanish-Speaking Communities
UNC researchers are sounding the alarm surrounding the barriers Spanish-speaking communities face when accessing domestic violence resources.
Sports Betting Bill That Failed in NCGA Last Year Could Pass With Bipartisan Support in 2023
North Carolina Republicans have a supermajority in the state Senate and are one seat shy of having one in the House, too, but that doesn’t
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Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson Keynotes Anti-Abortion Rally In Downtown Raleigh
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, despite the fact that he paid for his now-wife’s abortion in 1989, believes that people should have no right to an abortion – no matter the circumstances.
Madison Cawthorn Fails NC One Last Time Before Becoming Florida’s Problem
The people of North Carolina can now officially say goodbye to Congressman Madison Cawthorn. During his one and only term, Cawthorn made the news repeatedly
Republican-led New Hanover County School Board revisits sports participation for LGBTQ students
In its first major vote in the new year, Republicans on the New Hanover County school board are already pushing forth a right-wing agenda, voting
NC House, Senate Republicans May Have Difficulty Finding Agreement On Abortion Ban
After the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade last summer, multiple southern states passed extremely strict abortion rules, leaving North Carolina as the only
Surge Of North Carolinians Are Training To Support Abortion-Seeking Patients Post-Roe V. Wade
Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, North Carolina abortion rights groups have seen an uptick in North Carolinians wanting to become abortion doulas.
State Board Of Education Urges Lawmakers To Pass Much-Needed Public School Investments
Education leaders across the state are urging lawmakers to adequately invest in public schools, ultimately pushing for the complete funding of the Leandro plan.
North Carolina has its very own Alaska in Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain has a history of frigid temperatures and high winds as it is one of the most extreme weather places on the east coast.
Big Changes Coming to North Carolina’s State Health Plan
An estimated 740,000 people, including teachers, their dependents, retirees, and more, will be affected by the change in insurance that’s coming up.
Duke Energy Apologizes For Christmas Blackouts
On Christmas Eve 2022, North Carolinians not only experienced record-breaking cold weather but thousands of folks also spent hours without power.
Healthcare Protections Expanded For Nursing, Pregnant State Workers
An omnibus bill signed by President Joe Biden at the end of 2022 will provide new healthcare protections for workers who are pregnant or nursing.
NC Elections Officials Vote To Hold Hearings On Removal of Election Deniers From Surry County Elections Board
Complaints had been filed against two Republican members of the Surry County BOE, Jerry Forestieri and Tim DeHaan, for their refusal to certify the 2022 election.
Still No Answers Or Leads 6 Weeks After Moore County Power Grid Attacks
It has been more than six weeks since gun-wielding vandals opened fire in an attack on Duke Energy power substations in Moore County and we still have no answers about what happened.
Racist Columbus County Sheriff Quits For Second Time
Ex-Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene has resigned for a second time following controversy over recordings of racist remarks about Black people he made in phone calls to a former captain.
NC’s Role In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Still Being Uncovered 2 Years Later
Within the next few weeks, multiple North Carolinians who have been accused or convicted of crimes related to the insurrection will either be brought to trial or sentenced for their role in the attack.
Newly Appointed Judge Is The Latest Update In Long-Running Leandro Education Case
For the second time, Chief Justice Paul Newby has chosen a former classmate and friend to oversee a hugely important education funding case.
NCGOP Wants To Use New Legislative Session To Subvert Democracy, Create Chaos
Tim Moore is making a workplace that is inhospitable to working parents, those with health problems, caregivers, and others by dismantling important rules and disregarding precedent.
NC Receives Federal Grant to Replace Aging ‘Lifeline’ to Outer Banks
“It is one of the few options residents and visitors have for accessing our far eastern counties, and this bridge replacement will serve our state for decades to come,” Gov. Roy Cooper said.
Omnibus Spending Bill To Send Millions To North Carolina
Just before the end of 2022, a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill was signed into law by President Biden. North Carolina will see $240.7 million being put to work in the state.
Leandro, Teacher Pay And Republican Power Grab Remain Key Topics In Upcoming Legislative Session
On top of pushing controversial salary measures, education leaders focused on shifting more power from the State Board of Education to state superintendent Catherine Truitt, in a bid to push forth more Republican measures.
NC Cities Makes List for Best Places for Beer Drinkers
From the mountains in Asheville to the coast in Wilmington, you can find many things while taking a trip east or west on Interstate 40 in North Carolina. One of those things? Great breweries.
Tough Battles Ahead in NC Legislature in 2023
It’s not entirely clear yet what legislation Republican leaders will try to advance first, but it’s well-known which issues will be fought over at some point in this year’s session.
Gov. Cooper’s Office Announced A Record Number Of New Jobs In 2022, Continuing To Invest In NC’s Future
The state has announced a record number of new jobs, increased access to higher education, and made investments in critical infrastructure such as broadband access.
Resolutions for North Carolina Politicians in 2023
Here at NC Voices, we’re thinking about resolutions – ones that our politicians in North Carolina should address in this new year.
Checking Out The Top 10 Most-Read Stories On NCVoices.com
Come take a trip down memory lane with us and see what readers were most interested in reading in 2022.
‘Die Hard’ is a patriotic holiday film
For the record, Die Hard IS A HOLIDAY FILM! Anyone that thinks or feels differently probably doesn’t know what is categorized as a holiday film.
Your Post-Holiday Christmas Tree Can Be Put To Good Use
Once the season is over what do we do with the tree? Rather than just tossing the tree after the season ends, families can choose to put it to good use in a number of ways.
Cape Fear Festival of Trees to be Held at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The festival has been a holiday staple for more than 30 years. LifeCare, a nonprofit focused on providing health services to people with serious illnesses, will be raising money via donations.
WilmingtonNColor Tour Seeks To Highlight The History Of Wilmington’s Black Community
Most Americans know nothing of the Wilmington coup and racial massacre, and even students in Wilmington today are not often taught their own city’s painful history.
Lt. Governor Mark Robinson’s Year In Review
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson spews so much hate, constantly, that it can be hard to keep track of just how many times he’s embarrassed the state.
Biltmore Estate Goes All-Out For The Holidays
If you are looking for a reason to go to the North Carolina mountains during the holiday season look no further than Asheville and the Biltmore Estate.
Where To Celebrate Hanukkah Across North Carolina
Here is a list of some free events to celebrate Hanukkah coming up around North Carolina.
Volunteers Archiving Racism Written Into Durham Land Deeds
A team dubbed “Hacking into History” is working to collect and archive racial covenants, or racist restrictions, that have been written into legally binding land deeds in Durham.
Guilford Extremist Education Group ‘Take Back Our Schools’ Disbands
An extremist education group in Guilford County known for being anti-mask, anti-vaccine, anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-CRT has shut down.
Moms For Liberty And The Far-Right’s Effort To Reshape Public Education
Education in the United States is under profound attack from right-wing extremists. Extremists are attempting to reshape our public schools.
North Carolina’s Midterm Elections Have Been Certified – Without Any Issues
More than 3.7 million North Carolinians voted in this November’s midterm election and they did so with essentially no issues at all, state elections officials said.
NC Teams Bowl Their Way Into The Postseason
This college football season has been a great year for teams in North Carolina.
State Board Of Education Votes For Pilot Program Of Proposed Merit Pay System For Teachers
The North Carolina State Board of Education voted during their December monthly meeting to move forward with a pilot program of a recently proposed licensure and pay model for teachers.
North Carolina Has One of the Worst Teacher-Student Ratios in America
North Carolina has just nine teachers for every 1,000 people in the state. It’s the 11th-worst teacher-to-student ratio in the country, according to new data.
Guilford County School Board Pushes Back Against Book Challenge
A challenge against a book that started six months ago came to a close recently, as the Guilford County School Board voted to keep ‘Salvage the Bones’ in schools.
Gov. Roy Cooper Working To Speed Up NC’s Transition To Electric Vehicles
Gov. Roy Cooper is working to make sure that North Carolina has a smooth, and quick, transition to getting more zero-emissions vans, trucks and buses on our state’s roads.
Republican In-Fighting Takes Centerstage After Tillis, Burr Vote To Support Same-Sex Marriage
North Carolina’s two Republican senators, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, both voted to support the bill and protect both same-sex and interracial marriages.
The Future Of Elections Could Be Decided In Moore V. Harper Case
Legal experts, former attorneys, judges, and activists across the country have signaled that the case could spell the end of democracy in the United States.
Meet New Democratic U.S. Rep.-Elect Don Davis From NC’s 1st Congressional District
North Carolina voters rejected the Trump-endorsed and Jan. 6 participant Republican candidate Sandy Smith, choosing to elect Democrat Don Davis.
Meet New Democratic U.S. Rep.-Elect Jeff Jackson From NC’s 14th Congressional District
Jeff Jackson, a former Army Reserve soldier who served in Afghanistan, and is now a North Carolina Army National Guard major and an attorney, won the newly created district with 57% of the votes.
The Word of Mark Robinson
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has become widely known for his anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, his anti-Semitic remarks, and his claims that the United States is a “Christian nation.”
As Gun Violence Increases, Gov. Roy Cooper Pushes For Change
In North Carolina, more than 1,700 firearm-related deaths happened in 2020, with 116 North Carolina children dying of a firearm-related injury in 2021, according to NCDHHS.
Meet New Democratic U.S. Rep.-Elect Wiley Nickel From NC’s 13th Congressional District
North Carolina’s delegation in the next session of the U.S. House of Representatives will consist of seven Democrats and seven Republicans, a fitting split for such a politically “purple” state. Wiley Nickel is one of those seven Democrats.
Meet New Democratic U.S. Rep.-Elect Valerie Foushee From NC’s 4th Congressional District
Valerie Foushee has served in the North Carolina General Assembly since 2013, most recently serving as a State Senator in District 23. Now she’s headed to Congress.
State Court Ruling Unlocks The Right To Vote For Thousands Of Formerly Incarcerated North Carolinians
A North Carolina superior court ruling earlier this year restored the right to vote to more than 50,000 North Carolinians on parole and probation.
Supreme Court Set To Hear Oral Arguments In NC Case That Could Change Elections, Voting Forever
Wednesday is the day that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a North Carolina case that could be the beginning of the end of democracy in our country.
NC’s Pisgah National Forest Provides Christmas Tree For US Capitol Display
This year’s tree was cut from the Pisgah National Forest on Nov. 2. Fraser firs were previously harvested from NC national forests in 1974 and 1998. This year’s tree, named Ruby, is a 78-foot red spruce.
Meet Representative-Elect Diamond Staton-Williams
Diamond Staton-Williams, who is currently serving on the Harrisburg Town Council, ran for Cabarrus County’s District 73 in the NC House and defeated her Republican opponent Brian Echevarria.
Taxpayer Dollars Fund Anti-Abortion Movement In North Carolina
North Carolina is one of just eight states in the country that funnels federal money intended to help needy families to crisis pregnancy centers.
How Expanding Medicaid Would Improve Healthcare Equity For All North Carolinians
Why is Medicaid expansion important for North Carolinians? Will it make a difference for those in the state? The short answer is yes.
School Districts Across NC Are Short On Money When It Comes To Students With Special Needs
Multiple North Carolina school districts are facing funding shortages when it comes to supporting students with special needs.
North Carolina Psychiatrists Sound The Alarm Around Youth Mental Health Crisis
According to the CDC, an increasing number of people are reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression nationwide, with the pandemic’s effects on mental health impacting young people the most.
Speakers Warn Of Parallels Between Today’s Extremism And 1898 Wilmington Massacre
Speakers in Wilmington warned of parallels between today’s hate groups and threats to democracy during a town hall to commemorate the 124th anniversary of the massacre and coup d’état.
Corruption, Controversy, And Soccer In November – This Is Your 2022 World Cup
FIFA is no stranger to controversy as the FBI indicted nine FIFA Officials and five corporate executives with charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies in 2015.
It Might Be A Gobble Of A Time Trying To Find A Bird This Year
With supply chain shortages and the strain of the bird flu, turkey could be hard to come by, or you should at least be prepared to pay more than normal this year.
Democrats Can Thank Young Black And Latino Voters For Holding Off Right-Wing ‘Red Wave’
Data from Tufts University showed that young, diverse voters between the ages of 18 and 29 had the second-highest youth voter turnout in nearly 30 years.
The Fight For Abortion Access In North Carolina Continues
In North Carolina, Democrats in the legislature were able to win enough seats to protect Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto power – giving hope that the crucial reproductive health care will remain in the state.
NC Supreme Court Affirms Ruling That DuPont Tried Avoiding Liability For Poisoning The Cape Fear River
“People have to be able to trust that the water they drink is safe. We allege that DuPont and Chemours have dumped forever chemicals into the Cape Fear River – and we intend to hold them accountable for the damage that they’ve caused,” said Attorney General Josh Stein.
GOP Control Of State Supreme Court Puts School Funding In Jeopardy
“To go back and change a historic decision so quickly would really damage the legitimacy of the court,” stated Matt Ellinwood, director of the Education & Law Project at N.C. Justice Center.
Gov. Cooper Calls For Change in UNC Governance System Suffering From Too Much Political Influence
For years, faculty at some UNC campuses have complained about political pressure coming from the board, including former UNC system president Erskine Bowles.
New Right-Wing Groups Seek To Control School Boards
In addition to targeting discussions of race and history, Moms for Liberty has also demonized discussions of gender and sexual orientation in schools.
Incumbents And Newcomers Split Guilford County’s School Board Races
Across races in Guilford County, incumbents retained many of their seats, with the school board race being no exception.
Wake County Voters Reject Far-Right School Board Takeover
Wake County voters rejected the far-right’s attempt to seize control of the school board, keeping a Democratic majority.
NC Democrats Successfully Protect Gov. Cooper’s Veto Power
North Carolina Republicans have fallen short of their goal of regaining a supermajority in the General Assembly. Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto power will be protected for the remainder of his second term.
Voters in NC’s 13th Congressional District Reject MAGA Extremist Bo Hines, Elect State Sen. Wiley Nickel
Democrats got a huge win and gained a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives after state Sen. Wiley Nickel defeated 27-year-old MAGA extremist Bo Hines in the 13th Congressional District.
Progressives, Many Republicans Join Forces In Opposition To NC Elections Case Being Heard By US Supreme Court
Dozens of influential groups and political figures have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs regarding the Moore v. Harper Supreme Court case that originated in North Carolina.
Record Numbers of LGBTQ+ Candidates Ran For Office in 2022
This year in the United States, more than 90 candidates who identify as LGBTQ ran for Congress, more than ever in history and a 16% increase from the 2020 election.
Columbus County Sheriff Resigns Weeks After Audio Of Racist Tirade Released – But He Remains On The Ballot
Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene resigned from his position in front of a packed courtroom in mid-October, several weeks after tapes containing racist remarks he made were released.
Guilford County School Board calls for investigation against far-right education group
“Take Back Our Schools” is known for its controversial statements and for sharing anti-LGBTQ+, anti-CRT and discriminatory posts on its social media platform.
Protest Filed Against Anti-Choice Candidate E.C. Sykes For Lying About Where He Lives; Future Of Abortion At Stake
The state constitution requires that all candidates for the General Assembly establish residency one year prior to the election. E.C. Sykes does not live in the district he’s running in.
North Carolinian’s abortion access hinges on key legislative races
State Sen. Sydney Batch’s opponent Republican Mark Cavaliero, is anti-abortion and supports defunding the state’s largest abortion provider.
Real Housewives Fans Organize For 2022 Midterm Elections
“We aren’t going to organize every ‘Housewives’ fan, but people come from all walks of life and there’s a subsection of fans who wanna get political, wanna get active,” said the Working Family Party’s Nelini Stamp.
School Board Election Could Determine Book Censorship In Classrooms
In North Carolina, far-right education groups such as Moms for Liberty and NC Values Coalition have led the charge in banning LGBTQ+, and Black and Brown-authored books.
Future Rights On The Line In Judicial Elections In NC, Four Other States
North Carolina’s Supreme Court races will most likely determine the future of reproductive rights, voting rights, public education and more in our state.
Human Rights Campaign Launches Six-Figure Ad Buy In North Carolina, Other Key Swing States
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in the U.S., has recently launched a six-figure ad buy in key swing states including North Carolina.
New School Bonds Seek To Address Long-Standing Wake County School Needs
In this year’s midterm elections, Wake County voters will have the opportunity to vote on two countywide bond measures that take a step toward addressing issues facing schools.
Lt. Gov Mark Robinson Continues Preaching Hate
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has repeatedly claimed the U.S. is a Christian nation and has used his beliefs to make transphobic comments.
Upcoming Election’s Most Important Issue Isn’t Getting Talked About Enough
People who wanted to dismantle our system of government could soon be the ones in charge of it. North Carolinians could send as many as 10 seditionists to Washington this November.
Out-of-State Patient Seeking Emergency Care Highlights Impact of Abortion Bans
Just recently, a Tennessee doctor made a critical choice to save her patient’s life by sending her six hours away to North Carolina to receive an emergency abortion.
Campaign Donations Tell A Tale: Billionaires Love Ted Budd
You may not know their names, but some of the country’s richest people are funneling millions of dollars into Ted Budd’s U.S. Senate race against Cheri Beasley, according to Forbes.
Guilford School Board Races Highlight Contrast Between Far-Right-Backed Republican And Equity-Driven Democrat Candidates
A slate of Republican school board candidates are running on extremist platforms against Democrats for control of Guilford County’s school board.
Despite Election Year Promises, Majority of Republican Legislative Candidates Would Support Abortion Restrictions
Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, states across the nation have instituted extreme abortion bans and North Carolina has remained a safe haven for many in need of reproductive care across the southeast.
Personal Abortion Stories Taking Center Stage In Midterm Elections
Some of the most powerful ads this election cycle have been centered around real women telling their personal abortion stories.
NC Democrats’ Calls For Gun Reform Ignored By NCGOP In Wake Of Raleigh Mass Shooting
According to WRAL, Democrats say that Republican leaders have refused to discuss gun safety and won’t even listen to proposals for “common-sense” gun safety laws.
Spooky Places To Visits In The Triangle
Looking for somewhere spooky to go this weekend? You’re in luck.
Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice to be Extended by Gov. Cooper
Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced that he would be signing an Executive Order next month that will extend the work of the Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice.
These 4 Races In The Charlotte Area Could Determine Who Controls The NC Legislature
A handful of races in the Charlotte area could tip the scales and give Republicans a supermajority in the state legislature.
Claims Made By ‘Election Integrity’ Group Debunked By State Board Of Elections
Many claims made by NC Election Integrity Team on the members-only section of their website have been fact-checked by the State Board of Elections and deemed partially or completely false.
Meet Downtown Raleigh’s Very Own ‘Duck Man’
Tyler Allen, a biologist and graduate of N.C. State University, can be seen casually walking the streets of downtown Raleigh with his herd of ducks.
NC’s 13th Congressional District Race Could Be The Closest In The Country
According to The Washington Post, both Democratic and Republican strategists have said internal polling shows the race is “dead even” between state Sen. Wiley Nickel and MAGA challenger Bo Hines.
Fate Of Key Issues Will Be Decided In NC Supreme Court Elections
The future of abortion access, voting rights, fair maps, and many other issues are at stake in this year’s state Supreme Court elections.
Hispanics Make Up Nearly 11% Of NC’s Population But Only 1% Of Candidates Running For Election
Currently, 14 Latinos hold political office in the state – with none at the congressional level.
A Majority Of Americans Support Protections for Same-Sex Marriage
According to a recent Meredith College poll, a majority of Americans are against removing the rights of same-sex couples.
A Look At NC’s Legislative Races And What’s At Stake This November
There’s a chance that North Carolina voters will give Republicans supermajorities in the NC General Assembly, which would leave Gov. Cooper powerless to stop the NCGOP.
Superintendent Catherine Truitt Hires Known Right-Wing Commentator as Advisor
Reports that North Carolina Superintendent Catherine Truitt has brought in Terry Stoops as an advisor have sparked questions about the controversial new hire – with local educators condemning the decision to hire a well-known right-winger.
Republicans Running For NC Supreme Court Support ‘Originalist’ Philosophy Of Justices Thomas, Scalia
Two Republicans running to be on the NC Supreme Court believe in “originalism” — the idea that their decisions should be based on what the founders thought more than 230 years ago.
Ted Budd’s Debate Answers On Marijuana Legalization, Opioid Crisis Show How Out Of Touch He Is
Ted Budd doesn’t seem to be aware that his position on marijuana legalization is way out of the mainstream and doesn’t even match what his fellow North Carolina Republicans believe about the issue.
Far-Right Education Movement Seeking Control Of New Hanover Schools
It’s no secret that Republicans are exploiting division and the pandemic to attack public schools, educators, and families under the guise of “parental rights.”
Republican Candidate E.C. Sykes Could Be ‘Deemed Ineligible’ For Hotly Contested Legislative Race
A 118-page protest alleges in painstaking detail that E.C. Sykes has continued to reside in a home he rents in Raleigh rather than the address he is registered to vote at.
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Rep. Jeff Zenger Accepted Thousands In Campaign Cash From Developers, Introduced Bills To Benefit Them
Rep. Jeff Zenger, a general contractor and developer, has accepted thousands of dollars in campaign cash from other developers – and has introduced bills to benefit them.
NC Proud Boy Pleads Guilty to Seditious Conspiracy
Jeremy Joseph Bertino, 43, plotted with other members of the far-right Proud Boys to violently stop the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election.
Meet The Extremist Republicans Running For Guilford County School Board
All four Republican candidates for Guilford County school board are backed by a right-wing group called Take Back Our Schools. The group has campaigned with Lt. Governor Mark Robinson.
Planned Parenthood Investing $5M to Protect Abortion Rights in North Carolina
Planned Parenthood Votes and Planned Parenthood Action PAC North Carolina announced a $5 million investment into NC legislative races in order to protect Gov. Cooper’s veto power over restrictive abortion laws.
NC Democrats Have The Opportunity To Elect More Women Than Men in the State Senate
If Democrats secure 21 seats in this year’s midterm elections, 12 seats will be held by women.
In North Carolina’s U.S. Senate Race, Beasley and Budd are complete opposites
The highly talked about race between Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd underscores a deep contrast in the policies and positions the parties are taking.
NC Cases On Affirmative Action, Federal Elections To Be Decided By SCOTUS
Affirmative action and fair federal elections are two extremely important issues that are under threat by the right-wing U.S. Supreme Court – and both of these cases originated in North Carolina.
2 NC Supreme Court Races That Will Determine State’s Future Tighten As Election Day Gets Closer
State judicial races often get ignored or forgotten about by voters and the media, but the decisions made by these elected officials often have massive implications that are felt for years.
Gov. Roy Cooper Puts Marijuana Legalization Back In The Spotlight
Gov. Roy Cooper is pushing state Republican legislative leaders to legalize marijuana possession in the state.
QAnon Conspiracy Theorists Feel Right At Home While Attending Wilmington Budd-Trump Rally
QAnon followers seem to be very publicly attending Donald Trump rallies, including his September rally in Wilmington with Republican Senate candidate Ted Budd.
It’s NC State Fair Time and NC Voices Has You Covered
It’s fall and it’s mid-October so that can only mean one thing around these parts: it’s North Carolina State Fair time!
Protecting Abortion Rights Is Moving Young Women Voters To The Ballot Box
Exactly half of registered voters say they are more motivated to vote in the midterm elections than they were in previous elections, with abortion rights driving that motivation.
State Senate Candidate Mary Wills Bode Will ‘Work Tirelessly’ To Ensure Access To Reproductive Healthcare
Mary Wills Bode told The News & Observer that investing in education, cutting taxes for working families, and ensuring access to reproductive healthcare would be among her top priorities as a state senator.
State Republican Policies Are Responsible For Teacher Shortage
A survey from the North Carolina School Superintendents Association found that 98 of 115 school districts who responded reported having 11,297 unfilled educator and staff positions – and Republicans are at fault.
Former Fayetteville City Council Member Val Applewhite Seeks NC Senate Seat In Cumberland County
Gov. Roy Cooper knows he can trust Val Applewhite to support his leadership. Cooper said Applewhite “isn’t afraid to stand up to right-wing Republicans.”
A Legacy Of Integrity: Justice Sam J. Ervin IV Seeks Second Term On The North Carolina Supreme Court
Justice Sam Ervin IV comes to the bench with a wealth of experience and has built a reputation for his legal decision-making, receiving endorsements from dozens of attorneys, reproductive rights advocates, environmentalists and many other groups.
North Carolina’s Future Depends On The Outcome Of 2 State Supreme Court Races
Democrats currently hold a 4-3 majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court but Republicans could find themselves with a 5-2 advantage after November’s election – a chilling scenario for anyone concerned about their rights and freedoms.
Valerie Jordan Is Running For The NC Senate Because ‘People In Eastern North Carolina Have Been Left Behind For Too Long’
Valerie Jordan grew up tobacco farming in Warrenton, North Carolina, and has worked to protect her community from a young age.
Meet the Republicans Running for New Hanover County School Board
Notably, all four Republican candidates for the New Hanover County School Board are endorsed by a far-right group called Tide Turners NC.
Judge Lucy Inman Hopes To Bring Collaboration, Experience To The State Supreme Court
In her run for the Supreme Court, NC Court of Appeals Judge Lucy Inman has received endorsements from numerous retired and former judges ranging from the state Supreme Court to district courts.
New Ad Highlights How Ted Budd’s Family Took Advantage Of Farmers
Ted Budd and his father Richard were named defendants in a case that accused them of fraud and faced them with a possible $15 million judgment against them.
Your Guide To Fall In The NC Mountains
The long warm days of summer are over for North Carolina and fall is upon us. The team at NC Voices wanted to share a few fall guides to help plan your fall visit to western North Carolina.
Elections Complaint Filed Against Right-Wing Wake County School Board Candidate
Right-wing Wake County school board candidate Steve Bergstrom is facing an election complaint that claims they lied about where they live and also violated campaign finance report laws.
Future Of Reproductive Rights In NC Could Be Determined By Key Legislative Races
As Republicans across the U.S. roll out anti-abortion measures, including in North Carolina, voters will have a chance to defend their rights at the ballot box in November.
New Ad From Planned Parenthood Highlights Anti-Abortion Candidate Mark Cavaliero
Planned Parenthood Votes South Atlantic has released a new video highlighting the dangers of electing Mark Cavaliero, Republican candidate for NC Senate District 17 in Wake County.
Rep. Rachel Hunt Will Bring Strong Support Of Reproductive Rights To NC Senate
Pro-choice Democrat Rachel Hunt, the current North Carolina House representative for District 103, is now running for state Senate in District 42 in Mecklenburg County,
Your Guide To Surviving Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming week is around the corner and the gang here at NC Voices thought we should give you a few pointers to ensure you survive your weekend of fun.
NC Republicans Must Act To Exempt Student Loan Forgiveness From State Income Taxes
NCGOP leaders approved tax exemptions for those who received forgiveness from their PPP loans. They refuse to do the same for those with student loan debt that has been forgiven.
House Republicans, Including All 9 From NC, Voted Against Legislation To Prevent Another Coup Attempt
All nine NC Republicans in the U.S. House voted against closing 135-year-old loopholes in the Electoral Count Act. The loopholes are the same ones “that Donald Trump and his allies exploited in their plot to overturn the [2020] election.”
NC Sheriff Suspended, Under Investigation By SBI After Racist Recordings Released
Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene has been suspended and could be out of a job soon following the release of audio recordings where he was captured making racist comments about Black people to a sheriff’s captain.
Reproductive Freedom Is On The Ballot This November. Sen. Sydney Batch Is Ready To Defend It.
Sen. Batch is running for re-election in North Carolina Senate District 17 in southern Wake County. Batch has served in the General Assembly since 2019 and has been an ardent supporter of reproductive rights.
Ted Budd’s Wilmington rally with Trump proves his acceptance of ex-president’s extreme, dangerous rhetoric
With footage of QAnon salute and an allusion by Trump to a racial slur, Ted Budd’s appearance at the Wilmington rally speaks to his acceptance of extremist behavior.
Retired Army Colonel And Former Educator Marcia Morgan Running For NC Senate
Ret. Army Col. Marcia Morgan believes that women’s rights are under attack and says she would not support extreme abortion restrictions. Her opponent, Sen. Michael Lee, has voted to restrict abortion at least five times.
Taking A Look At Progressive Candidates For New Hanover County School Board
We’re taking a look at the platforms of three progressive Democrats who are running for the New Hanover County School Board: Dorian Cromartie, Veronica McLaurin-Brown and Judy Justice.
Republicans Continue To Support, Push For More Book Bans Despite Widespread Unpopularity
A recent poll commissioned by the nonprofit EveryLibrary Institute found that 75% of voters are opposed to the right-wing efforts underway to ban books – and that they will consider those bans when voting in the midterm elections.
Just A Handful Of Legislative Races Will Determine If Abortion Remains Legal In NC
Gov. Roy Cooper must keep his veto power in order to prevent abortion from being even more severely restricted in North Carolina — or outright banned.
New Ad From Planned Parenthood Highlights EC Sykes’ Anti-Abortion Views
Abortion is on the ballot in North Carolina and EC Sykes has made his position against it very clear.
Surrounding Communities Alarmed As GenX Polluter Plans Expansion
The expansion move by Chemours, who has for years endangered families surrounding their plant by releasing toxic chemicals into the Cape Fear River, has alarmed communities and activists.
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Lt. Gov Robinson’s Extreme Rhetoric is Wrong for North Carolina
Abortion banned. Same-sex marriage outlawed. Children no longer taught certain subjects in school. Loosened gun restrictions. This is what a North Carolina under a Gov. Mark Robinson would look like.
Right-Wing Extremism On The Rise In North Carolina
In North Carolina, extremism is ever present in the state’s Republican Party. As right-wing extremism grows post-Trump era, North Carolina will continue to witness the impact of continuous violent, divisive rhetoric.
North Carolina At The Center Of US Supreme Court Case Dubbed The ‘Death Knell Of Democracy’
The GOP in North Carolina would rather sow chaos in our system and weaken our democracy to the point of breaking than be beholden to the voters by fair and constitutional maps.
Gov. Cooper Calls On General Assembly To Waive Tax On Student Loan Forgiveness
It is time for the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly to take measures that not only benefit businesses and corporations, but also the people.
Ted Budd Works In His Own Best Interests, Not North Carolina’s
If elected to the U.S. Senate, Ted Budd will keep doing what he’s always done: vote against the interests of regular working people in North Carolina while voting to keep himself wealthy.
When It Comes To Investing In North Carolina Schools’, Will State Republicans Take Action?
The newest chapter in the state’s 28-year-old education case started in late August and continues with several hurdles coming its way.
Bomb Threatened HBCU In North Carolina To Recieve Grants
The U.S. Department of Education has announced grants for two HBCUs that received bomb threats this year. Fayetteville State is one of the schools receiving the grants.
Polls In NC, Across The US Show Abortion As The Top Issue Among Likely Voters
According to a recent poll of likely voters in North Carolina, the issue they’re most concerned about is the economy but the issue most likely to get them to actually cast a ballot is abortion rights.
Throwing Belief In States’ Rights Out The Window, Ted Budd Supports Sen. Graham’s Bill Outlawing Abortion Nationwide
Ted Budd, who is running for U.S. Senate in North Carolina, has previously said abortion is a states’ rights issue – and now he’s supporting a bill banning abortion nationwide.
NC Supreme Court Races Could Decide The Fate Of Election Laws, Reproductive Rights
Two contests for the state Supreme Court could decide everything from how elections are administered to reproductive rights for North Carolinians.
State Nonprofits Bring Awareness to the Dangers of Partisan Judicial Elections
A coalition calling itself Fair Courts NC just finished touring the state to bring awareness to the dangers partisanship poses in North Carolina’s judicial system.
Ted Budd Reveals His Own Failures To Prevent Child Abuse While Attempting ‘Gotcha’ on Gov. Cooper
Ted Budd has a history of voting against bills that would protect children from sexual and physical abuse.
Senate Delays Vote To Codify Same-Sex Marriage Until After Midterm Elections
Instead of bowing to a far-right doctrine of intolerance and government control, it’s time lawmakers put away partisanship and ensure our freedoms remain intact now and for future generations.
New Veterans Affairs Policy Sidesteps State Abortion Bans
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced a new policy under which the VA will now be able to provide abortion counseling and, in certain cases, abortions to pregnant veterans and veteran beneficiaries.
Extremist Wake County School Board Candidate Wants Teachers To Carry Guns, Calls Schools ‘Socialistic Indoctrination Programs’
Right-wing extremist Wake County school board candidate Michele Morrow said at a debate recently that she believes teachers should be allowed to conceal carry guns in schools.
Alamance-Burlington Superintendent Removes LGBTQ+ Book
The Alamance-Burlington Schools superintendent’s removal of the LGBTQ+ book, “Gender Queer” is the latest in a series of books and material being challenged by conservatives.
Voters Aren’t Buying Republicans’ Softened Anti-Abortion Stance
As prominent anti-abortion Republicans attempt to scrub away their extremist views, others are attempting to backpedal their tone towards anti-reproductive rights through a “more reasonable” approach.
So Far In 2022: Lt. Gov. Robinson Has Spent The Most Of Any Republican Statewide Candidate Or Officeholder
The top spender among Republican statewide candidates and officeholders was none other than Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Notably, 2022 is not an election year for Robinson.
Valerie Jordan Will Remain On The 2022 Ballot Despite Republican’s Political Theater
Valerie Jordan’s residency was challenged by Republican opponent Bobby Hanig because she spent nights in Raleigh, away from her district.
North Carolina Ranks In Top 10 For Oath Keepers Membership; 3 NC Politicians On The List
Information that leaked last week showed more than 1,000 registered members of the extreme right-wing Oath Keepers militia group here in North Carolina.
Anti-Abortion Rhetoric Scrubbed From Bo Hines’ Campaign Website
Amid growing voter backlash against the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many extremist Republicans, including NC-13 Republican candidate Bo Hines, are attempting to scrub their websites of their anti-choice stance.
NC Senate Candidate EC Sykes Campaigns On Banning Abortion
Republican candidate EC Sykes is running for an open seat in the North Carolina State Senate in District 18, composed of portions of Wake and
Sen. Michael Lee Has Repeatedly Voted Restrict Abortion Access In North Carolina
The US Supreme Court recently voted to overturn Roe v Wade, ending federal protections for abortion access and yielding the power to ban or protect
Senator Bobby Hanig Opposes Expanding Healthcare Access In Eastern North Carolina
Republican Senator Bobby Hanig, representing North Carolina Senate District 3, has spent four years in the General Assembly standing in opposition to policies that would
NCGOP’s refusal to properly fund public schools is leading to a double crisis
North Carolina schools are facing a double crisis thanks to the failure of state Republicans to fund public education and pay teachers and staff a fair wage.
In North Carolina, Reproductive Health Access Will Be Decided In Down Ballot Races
Currently, Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto power is all that stands in the way of new legislation that would restrict abortions even further.
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NC Lt. Gov. Robinson Wants Science And Social Studies Out Of Elementary Schools
Seemingly determined to keep his name in the news, Robinson has once again made headlines, this time for his calls to remove history and science from the elementary school curriculum.
Amid Calls To Fund Public Education, Landmark Leandro Case Heads Back To State Supreme Court
The landmark decades-old education case landed before the North Carolina Supreme Court last Wednesday, with renewed demands toward the state adequately funding public schools.
Student Debt: Living Off Ramen Noodles For Four Years Is Not A Viable Option
According to the News & Observer, the cost of tuition and fees for college 50 years ago was less than $500, compared to $7,000 – $9,000 today.
Berger, Moore Clarify Their Preferences Regarding Abortion Despite Repeatedly Voting To Restrict It
Under their leadership, Republicans have increased waiting periods to obtain an abortion, cut funding for abortion providers, and even forced doctors to share private, medical information with the state.
‘Judges Don’t Wear Red Robes Or Blue Robes’: Advocates Fight For Fair And Non-Partisan Courts
Over the last month, the Fair Courts NC coalition toured the state to draw attention to the destructive role partisanship has played on state courts in the last decade and to call for judicial reform.
Raleigh area hoops star and head coaches host back to school events for local youth
NBA star John Wall, Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan and NC Central head coach LeVelle Moton held events giving kids in the community everything they need for the new school year.
Extreme Right-Wing Groups Endorse Nearly All GOP Candidates in Wake County School Board Race
Instead of divisive vitriol, our educators and children need support and resources, not political games that only use them as pawns rather than building them up in order to thrive.
Fentanyl is the ‘epidemic within the opioid epidemic’
A synthetic opioid created in the 1960s, fentanyl is primarily used in anesthesia and pain management, particularly after surgeries and cancer treatment.