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Education
WRAL-NEWS: Report: Low-performing NC schools should have calendar flexibility
Low-performing schools should be exempt from the state’s academic calendar laws, a new report from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division says.
WINSTON-SALEM JOUNRAL: Bill would change funding system for schools
North Carolina legislators are looking for a new way to budget public school dollars.
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: UNC board reduction bill nears final legislative approval
The Republican-controlled legislature is about ready to send its first bill to new Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper — a measure reducing the University of North Carolina Board of Governors 25 percent by 2019.
NEWS & OBSERVER: Unanimous NC House votes to raise class-size cap to avoid cuts to PE, arts classes
The N.C. House voted unanimously Thursday morning to soften a class-size reduction that school districts said could force them to cut arts and physical education classes.
WRAL-NEWS: Bill proposes major changes to the State Board of Education, including electing members
A bill filed Thursday by three Republican lawmakers seeks to make major changes to the way the State Board of Education is composed, including electing members instead of appointing them, giving the state superintendent voting rights and eliminating the state treasurer from the board.
WRAL-NEWS: State revising proposed mental health policy after outcry from schools
State education leaders are revising a proposed mental health policy for public schools after charter schools and school boards objected to the guidelines, calling them well-meaning but too burdensome and expensive to implement.
Eminent Domain
WRAL-NEWS: House Oks amendment to limit government power to take private land
The N.C. House voted 104-9 Thursday morning to back a proposed constitutional amendment limiting government’s use of eminent domain to seize private property.
HB 2
WNCT-NEWS: Gov. Cooper proposes “compromise” to repeal HB2, GOP disagrees
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday offered what he called a “common-sense compromise” to repeal House Bill 2, but it quickly drew fire from the law’s supporters – and critics.
In the Courts
The Republican-controlled North Carolina legislature can keep for now its authority to confirm Cabinet secretaries of the new Democratic governor, a state judicial panel has ruled.
Leadership Changes
DURHAM HERALD SUN: Durham Democrats pick Black to continue Hall’s term for District 29
The Durham Democratic Party voted Monday night to name MaryAnn Black to fill the term of the District 29 state legislative seat previously held by Rep. Larry Hall, D-Durham, Commissioner Brenda Howerton confirmed.
WRAL-NEWS: Ethics panel highlights potential conflicts for Cooper cabinet
At least four of Gov. Roy Cooper’s cabinet nominees have been cautioned about potential — but not “actual” — conflicts of interest they should steer clear of while serving as the heads of state agencies.
Revenue & State Budget
FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER: NC budget writers meet amid positive revenue signs
North Carolina legislators are getting together to discuss what looks like encouraging state budget prospects for the next two years.
Senate Republican leaders are trying again to cap personal income taxes by amending the state’s constitution.
WRAL-NEWS: House Oks annual required deposit in state reserve fund
The House on Wednesday quickly approved legislation calling for annual deposits into the state’s so-called “rainy day fund.”
Transportation
NEWS & OBSERVER: After outcry, NC legislator drops proposed ban on pets in the driver’s seat
A state legislator said Thursday that he’s withdrawn a bill that would have made it illegal to drive with a pet in one’s lap.
TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL: Here’s Roy Cooper’s shovel-ready infrastructure priorities for NC
Governor Roy Cooper’s office has compiled a list of what his team is calling “shovel ready” infrastructure projects.
Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday named 10 new members to the state Board of Transportation, replacing members with expiring terms who had been appointed by former Gov. Pat McCrory.
WBTV-NEWS: Charlotte may spend $6B expanding rail to airport, suburbs
Charlotte wants to spend up to $6 billion to expand its light rail system to the airport and suburbs not currently served.
NEWS & OBSERVER: Vote on Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit gives Orange County pause
Orange County’s commissioners want more information before voting on the updated $2.5 billion Durham-Orange Light-Rail Transit project and its financial plan.