Pardon Our Dust
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2017 Long Session Outlook
WITN-NEWS: NC General Assembly returns to work this week
After a two-week hiatus, the North Carolina General Assembly returns Wednesday to begin its two-year session in earnest, with Republican leaders already at odds with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.
Condolences
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: Ruth Samuelson, former lawmaker, dies at 57
Ruth Culbertson Samuelson, who entered politics and rose to its top ranks in North Carolina before walking away three years ago, has died at 57.
Economy
WRAL-NEWS: Revenue picture remains good for NC government
North Carolina tax collections continue to outpace budgeted expectations at the fiscal year’s halfway mark, improving the chances for a surplus when the year ends in June.
Education
NEWS & OBSERVER: NC schools say they may cut arts, PE to meet new class size limits
School systems around North Carolina are warning they may have to cut arts and physical education programs in elementary schools this fall if state lawmakers don’t back off on new limits that would make class sizes smaller.
NEWS & OBSERVER: Survey: People like public universities in North Carolina
Ahead of the legislative session, a just-released survey shows robust support for public universities, along with concern that their funding is at risk.
Health Care
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN TIMES: WNC flush with opioids as officials seek solutions
Even as the national opioid crisis worsens, Western North Carolina doctors are prescribing increasing numbers of opioid pills.
NEWS & OBSERVER: Cooper calls on public health workers to help expand Medicaid
Gov. Roy Cooper delivered a speech to a conference of public health officials on Thursday, asking them to help convince lawmakers to expand Medicaid coverage. “I need your help,” Cooper said.
In the Courts
BURLINGTON TIMES NEWS: In NC, state law increasingly refereed with a gavel
As North Carolina’s political split widens, state business is increasingly being refereed with a judge’s gavel.
The U.S. Supreme Court justices offered no clue Thursday as to whether special elections ordered for North Carolina in 2017 will move ahead.
WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL: Court hearing set on NC Medicaid expansion
A federal judge has set a Jan. 27 hearing to address legal complaints surrounding Gov. Roy Cooper’s attempt to expand the state Medicaid program.
Leadership Changes
NEWS & OBSERVER: NC’s new attorney general, Josh Stein, makes his first hires
New N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein has named a mix of Department of Justice veterans and private practice attorneys as his top aides.
BLUE RIDGE NOW: Rep. Hamilton picked for Cooper Cabinet agency
New Gov. Roy Cooper plucked up another legislator to serve in his Cabinet, naming a House member Thursday to lead the department that manages North Carolina’s parks, protects natural areas and preserves the state’s history.