General Assembly

The results of the midterms are still reverberating with members of both parties trying to figure out their next moves. Democrats will now control both houses of Congress and the state House in North Carolina. We discuss how this will impact the balance of power and leadership.

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill is placed on leave, facing an investigation into how the district is run. Monroe City Council votes to reverse course and renew support for the I-77 toll lanes. Charlotte City Council has narrowed down mayoral candidates list. Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup and more.

Leaders with Mecklenburg County, the city of Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools warned that a state proposal to limit property tax increases would strain future budgets.

Phil Berger has conceded. The most powerful politician in North Carolina, after several recounts and election protests, has admitted defeat to his primary challenger, Sheriff Sam Page. Berger has dominated state politics for well over a decade, shaping both policy and power. Now, there’s a political power vacuum.

Lawmakers were back in Raleigh last week. They passed a law in response to the murder of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s Blue Line train in August, but they didn’t tackle the budget and if the House and Senate don’t come to an agreement on Medicaid, thousands could lose access to care. Meanwhile, the redistricting debate could be hitting North Carolina.

With the passage of Mecklenburg's transit bill appearing likely, Mecklenburg County commissioners could vote in early September to place a referendum on a 1-cent sales tax increase on the ballot for November.

As both chambers of the General Assembly negotiate a budget to send to Gov. Josh Stein, we examine the major sticking points in the House and Senate versions. Last Friday, Stein signed six bills into law, but did not take action on a concealed carry bill or two immigration bills. Since taking office, he has yet to issue a veto.

A bill allowing concealed handguns inside private schools passed the state House on Thursday. Republicans defended the bill, saying “good guys” with guns can stop tragedies. Democrats disagreed. Rep. Julie von Haefen voted against the proposal.

Right now, North Carolina's state treasurer cannot choose to invest in digital assets like cryptocurrencies.

Mecklenburg County state representative Jordan Lopez filed a bill Monday to legalize the sale and use of cannabis.