Feds Drop $60 Million Lifeline On Storm Slammed South
FEMA approved more than $60 million for recovery and mitigation across multiple Southeastern states, funding debris removal, drainage upgrades and buyouts. Awards will roll out as eligibility is confirmed.
Raleigh Power Play as Lawmakers Say Duke Must Go Nuclear Before Dropping Coal
A rewritten NC bill would bar baseload retirements until regulators approve replacement nuclear capacity, changing Duke Energy’s coal‑retirement roadmap and splitting advocates and critics.
Raleigh Court Slams Door on Voters' Bid for 'Fair Elections'
A 3-0 North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling rejected a bid to recognize a state right to “fair elections,” upholding a dismissal of a high-profile challenge to recent maps. The decision leans on a 2023 state precedent that limits judicial oversight of partisan gerrymanders.
Senators Move to Bench Sports Betting Ads Aimed at Kids
A bipartisan Senate bill would bar targeted sports‑betting ads to anyone under 18 on major social platforms and give the FTC new enforcement powers. Supporters point to research showing high youth exposure to gambling content online.
Raleigh GOP Power Play Puts Four Constitutional Changes On 2026 Ballot
Republican lawmakers filed four proposed state constitutional amendments that would cap the income tax at 3.5%, enshrine farming and right‑to‑work protections, and let the legislature limit local property‑tax increases.
Mountain Rep Chuck Edwards Rocked by D.C. Harassment Ethics Probe
The House Ethics Committee confirmed a probe into Rep. Chuck Edwards over allegations he created a hostile work environment. Edwards says he welcomes the review as reporting details letters, gifts and a Las Vegas trip.
Gaston County Freezes Property Taxes, Floats School Sales Tax Lifeline
Gaston County’s commissioners adopted the FY 2027 budget, holding the property tax at 59.9¢ while shifting big projects to enterprise funds and asking the state to OK a school sales tax. The package adds five positions and prioritizes repairs over new construction.












