Governor Josh Stein has vetoed several bills that, if passed, would have an impact on North Carolina’s charter schools, environment, and the balance of political power.
Democrats have repeatedly accused Republicans of being so beholden to Trump that they embraced a bill that would harm their own constituents, with cuts to programs that the president had vowed to protect.
Political observers say both parties are recalibrating. Davidson College professor Susan Roberts called Cooper a “real powerhouse” who could bring credibility and experience to the race. Duke University’s Mac McCorkle noted that Lara Trump’s name recognition could clear the Republican field. “It’s Lara Trump’s to refuse,” he said.
“We are in the middle of the worst hunger crisis North Carolina has seen in nearly 20 years,” Jason Kanawati Stephany, Vice President of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, told ABC 11. “Not only are we going to see a worsening of hunger in our community immediately, we’re going to see long-term economic devastation, I don’t think anybody has planned for.”
This month, Governor Josh Stein vetoed three bills, his first time using his veto power since entering office in January. Stein vetoed the following bills: SB 50, Freedom To Carry NC; SB 153, North Carolina Border Protection Act; and HB 318, The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act.
Gov. Stein, who took office in January, issued his formal objections to three measures backed by the GOP, including a bill that would eliminate the requirement for gun owners to apply for and receive a legal permit before carrying a concealed loaded firearm in public.
Minority leader Sydney Batch argued that the people of western NC cannot afford to wait. “Senator Berger wants the legislature to recess for two months while hurricane survivors are still living in uninhabitable homes, facing washed-out roads and waiting for their classrooms to reopen,” Batch said. “He may be ready for a vacation, but our neighbors in western North Carolina don’t get to take a break from this crisis.”
Thousands of people marched, chanted, honked, and carried signs and American flags across North Carolina on June 14 to protest the policies and tactics of President Donald Trump.
The lawsuits claim that lines are so skewed for GOP candidates that many Black voters cannot elect their preferred candidates, violating the Voting Rights Act. They allege the mapmakers at times submerged or spread out Black voting blocs, which historically have favored Democrats, into surrounding districts with White majorities — benefiting Republicans.
North Carolina already faces hunger at alarming levels, particularly in rural and low-income communities. The proposed cuts would mean fewer meals on the table, higher pressure on food banks, and devastating trade-offs for working families. Many food banks are already dipping into reserve funds and calling on private donors just to meet current demand—and they know worse is coming.