NC Politics in the News

Economic Development

WRAL TECH WIRE: Surging NC economy rises 4 spots to No. 7 in US, says new report
North Carolina has one of the best state economies in America, according to a new analysis from financial news and information site WalletHub. And this report is based on data compiled before Meta reportedly is preparing to pick Durham as a home for an expansion project.

TRIAD BUSINESS JOURNAL: Toyota battery plant construction at Greensboro-Randolph Megasite could start by month’s end
Toyota said to be within weeks of starting construction of its electric-vehicle battery plant near at the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite.

Energy

THE CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL: Piedmont Natural Gas contracts with Transco on $213M project to boost NC supply
The Williams Cos. plans $212.5 million worth of upgrades to its Transco pipeline in North Carolina to increase deliveries to Piedmont Natural Gas.

Education

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: Despite concerns, NC House votes to let virtual charter schools stay open through 2027
North Carolina’s two popular but low-performing charter schools would be allowed to stay open for at least the next five years under legislation passed by the state House on Thursday. The N.C. Virtual Academy and the N.C. Cyber Academy only have state permission to stay open through the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Environment

WWAY: Bill authorizing waterfront stabilization in Southport passes U.S. House of Representatives
An upgrade could be coming soon to the Southport Waterfront.

The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday night. The bill authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out projects to protect and restore coastal shorelines and riverbanks from erosion and other damage.

MADISON: 5 years into GenX probe, new NC gov’t action plan unveiled
Five years after the state’s initial investigation of GenX turning up in the Cape Fear River, Gov. Roy Cooper and his environmental chief unveiled a three-pronged strategy Tuesday to address further efforts to reduce and remedy a broad category of “forever chemicals” in water sources.

Government

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Done by July 1? Berger hopes NC House, Senate reach budget deal in days, exit soon after
North Carolina state lawmakers are still saying they want to finish up their session by July 1, and that means getting a budget bill done by then, too. Senate leader Phil Berger said Tuesday that he hopes the House and Senate can reach their budget agreement within 10 days. At stake are more raises for state employees and teachers, building and infrastructure projects, and what many people notice most now: high prices everywhere and how much of their money the government keeps.

THE WINSTON SALEM JOURNAL: NC House bill would allow bars to obtain on-premises ABC permits
A bipartisan state House Bill would add bars to the list of public and private venues allowed to obtain on-premises ABC permits. House Bill 1108, with co-primary sponsor Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, was filed May 26. It was placed in the House Alcoholic Beverage Council committee with a recommendation also required from the Finance committee before going to Rules and Operations.

THE CAROLINA JOURNAL: N.C. Senate approves medical marijuana, but questions remain on labeling, limited licenses
In a vote Monday evening, the N.C. Senate gave final approval to legalize use of medical marijuana in North Carolina. The Compassionate Care Act (SB 711) lays out a system with a limited number of licensed producers, distributors who must be associated with those producers, and two boards to regulate the new arena made up of representatives from the law enforcement sector and the N.C. Department of Agriculture, plus cannabis industry experts, doctors, and pharmacists, all appointed by N.C. lawmakers and the governor.

Healthcare

THE CAROLINA JOURNAL: Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act discussed in N.C. House Banking Committee
A discussion was held in the N.C. House Banking Committee Tuesday on the Medical Debt De-Weaponization Act, which is being touted as a law that would protect those who have a hard time paying medical debt. H.B. 1039 is geared toward setting transparent parameters around the provision of charity care and limiting the ability of large medical facilities to charge unreasonable interest rates and employ unfair tactics in debt collection.

Politics

THE NEWS & OBSERVER: NC Democrats, gun-control advocates again seek GOP action
North Carolina Democratic legislators and gun-control advocates pleaded Thursday for Republicans to allow debate and pass measures they say would keep weapons out of the hands of young people and those with mental illness.

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: 7 NC state lawmakers are running for Congress. What you should know about their votes
Seven state lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are hoping to change their legislative status from state to federal this fall. Six Democrats and one Republican made it through their primaries and are on the ballots for Congress in the general election in November.

Transportation

WGHP: No free EV charging without free gasoline, diesel: NC House bill would place limits on car charging stations
There should be no such thing as a free charge for an electronic vehicle unless there is also free gasoline and diesel fuel for all other motorists. That’s the underlying principle of a bill filed in the North Carolina House that would create strict rules for free charging stations for electric vehicles on both private and public property.