NC Politics in the News

Agriculture

THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL: Despite challenging times, NC agriculture remains a national leader
As North Carolina navigates the aftermath of a global pandemic along with recent spikes in fertilizer, gas and chemical prices, farmers across the state continue to embody the resilience that has nurtured our deep agricultural roots for centuries. 

NEUSE NEWS: Got to Be NC Festival welcomes guests back May 20-22
The Got to Be NC Festival marks its eagerly awaited return to the fairgrounds May 20-22 following a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Antique tractors, a barbecue buffet fundraiser on May 21, North Carolina food products, rides, games, livestock, kids’ activities, music and entertainment will welcome guests back. 

Economic Development

WRAL TECH WIRE: NC tops nation in economic development for second year in a row
North Carolina ranked first in the nation in an analysis of statewide economic development achievements in 2021. For achievement, the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) received top honors and won Site Selection magazine’s 2022 Prosperity Cup.

WLOS: Foundation lands nearly $1M in grants for economic development along Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured nearly $1 million in grants which will go directly towards enhancing economic development along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina and Virginia counties through which the BRP corridor runs.

Education

WUNC: Takeaways from the latest annual report on North Carolina charter schools
This coming fall marks 25 years since charter schools first began opening in North Carolina during the 1997-1998 school year. While enrollment at traditional public schools fell during the pandemic, the percentage of North Carolina students attending charter schools grew.

WRAL: NC schools get $395.8M for construction, must cover $3.3M for teacher bonus
New lottery-funded grants will contribute to school construction projects in 28 school districts, the state announced this week. The Needs Based Public School Capital Fund, supported by the North Carolina Education Lottery, will provide about $395.8 million to school systems in “economically distressed” counties.

WCNC: North Carolina schools need more money to cover rising fuel costs for buses
The rising cost of fuel is costing schools across North Carolina millions of dollars more than they anticipated to fill up school buses, and now education leaders are considering going to the General Assembly for help. 

Elections

WLOS: Thousands in NC cast their ballots during first few days of in-person, early voting
Just days after in-person, early voting began in North Carolina, more than 66,000 people have cast their ballots. That’s up from over 37,000 people that cast their ballots after the first three days of early voting in the 2018 Primary Election, which was the most recent statewide primary election without a presidential race.

Government

AP NEWS: NC state employees getting extra day off for booster shot
North Carolina state employees will get an extra day of vacation for receiving a COVID-19 booster, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday as state government uses a new incentive to increase vaccination rates. Cooper signed an executive order that provides the leave to permanent, probationary or time-limited workers whose Cabinet-level agencies report to him. 

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT: North Carolina Supreme Court taking over lawsuit on voting for felony offenders
The North Carolina Supreme Court said on Friday it would take over a lawsuit seeking to change when felony offenders can vote again, rather than wait for intermediate-level appeals judges to decide whether it was right for a trial court to loosen restrictions.

Healthcare

WRAL: COVID cases up 28% in NC, officials warn of summer surge
All early warning indicators for COVID are trending upward again in North Carolina, according to the latest report out on Wednesday from the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. These most recent metrics are being released as former White House COVID Task Force leader Dr. Deborah Birx is warning about a possible summer surge.

Politics

WRAL: Beasley braces for US Senate general election, positions herself as NC’s lone moderate
Cheri Beasley, the Democratic frontrunner in the race for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat, is placing a big bet that moderate positions will win over voters in what could be among the most expensive and competitive races in the country this November. 

Transportation

COASTAL REVIEW: NC Ferry Division to celebrate 75th year
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is celebrating 75 years of transporting passengers by ferry in eastern North Carolina. Ferry Division officials will kickoff the festivities at 10 a.m. Monday, May 16, at the Hatteras Ferry Terminal. Area and state transportation leaders will speak about the ferry division’s history, and the newest vessel, the Ocracoke Express, will be christened and opened for tours.

TRANSPORTATION TODAY: North Carolina transportation official advocates for transportation workforce development programs
More federal funding is needed for workforce development, especially in economically-disadvantaged communities, a North Carolina transportation official said.