North Carolina

Independent State Legislature Doctrine Could Take Power Away From the People

The U.S. Supreme Court will determine whether state legislatures have the power to regulate congressional elections.

A Plan To Help Public Workers With Autism Succeed—and Fill Jobs Too

The new North Carolina program is meant to assist neurodivergent state employees in achieving professional goals, offering free career coaching and other services.

North Carolina House That Collapsed Into the Sea is a Warning for Millions of Americans

States and the federal government can do more to protect homebuyers, like reforming flood disclosure laws.

North Carolina First State to Prohibit Agencies From Paying Ransoms

State and local government agencies in North Carolina may not submit payments to—or even communicate with—someone who has encrypted their IT systems. Other states are considering similar legislation.

Why This Governor is Optimistic His State Will Soon Expand Medicaid

Gov. Roy Cooper, of North Carolina, noted during a Route Fifty event that Republican opposition in his state is "thawing" when it comes to opening the program to more low-income residents. The state is one of 12 that hasn't expanded Medicaid.

Supreme Court Inches Towards Deciding Whether State Legislatures Can Draw Congressional Districts Largely Free of Court Oversight

Justices declined GOP requests to block court-approved congressional maps in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. But justices punted a bigger question over the role of courts until after the midterm elections.

Vultures Descend on Small Town—and Won't Leave

For nearly a year, officials in Bunn, in northeastern North Carolina, have tried to deter dozens of buzzards from roosting on local buildings. Even propane cannon aren't working.

Voters Have No Clue How Much Money State Lawmakers Make

Registered voters overshot their lawmakers’ annual pay by large margins in a recent survey. When given the correct salaries, respondents were more likely to support pay increases for legislators.

'Vaxfluencers' Getting Residents to Get the Shot

Public health agencies are paying local Instagram and TikTok celebrities to promote Covid-19 vaccines, a relatively new outreach strategy that, so far, seems to be working.

From New Hampshire to California, Parks Departments Embrace Video Games

Esports leagues, where gamers of all ages compete online in tournaments, are an increasingly popular programming choice for parks and recreation departments.

North Carolina Just Can’t Divorce Adultery Law

A legislative committee deadlocked on a proposal to abolish a law that allows residents to sue a person for having an affair with their spouse. Only six states permit the practice.

In America, Covid Vaccine Eligibility Is a ‘Crazy Quilt’ of State Rules

Across the country, a mishmash of rules to qualify for the Covid-19 vaccine is creating difficulties for people seeking the shots.

States Offer Perks to Inmates who Get the Covid-19 Vaccine

North Carolina is the latest state to offer incentives—commissary credits, bonus visits and early release—to motivate inmates to receive vaccination shots.

In One State, a Racial Equity Task Force Suggests 100 Ways to Change the Criminal Justice System

North Carolina’s task force released a sweeping report calling for changes in policing and the courts.

A New Day for Queer People in the South

North Carolina’s ban on local protections for LGBTQ people expires today. But more fights lie ahead.

Why One Election Official Blocked Her Mother's Mail-In Ballot

Sara Knotts, elections director for North Carolina's Brunswick County, helped her mother complete her mail-in ballot. But then Anne Ashcraft died three weeks before Election Day, making her vote ineligible under state law.

North Carolina Will Help Test College Students for Covid-19 Ahead of Holidays

The state will distribute more than 74,000 rapid antigen Covid-19 tests to colleges and universities.

Republicans Maintain Advantage in Control of State Legislative Chambers

Democrats failed to make major inroads in state legislative races, in many places leaving them at a disadvantage in the upcoming redistricting process.

North Carolina Law Enforcement Spray ‘Pepper-Based’ Vapor on People—Including Children— Marching to Polls

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Kansas recalls license plates with a lettering combo that could be read as a racial slur … Colorado will send out $375 payment to unemployed residents … Louisville police officer sues Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend for allegedly shooting him.

How One Rural County Struggles to Find Polling Places

In a North Carolina county, polling places shuttered, and voter turnout decreased.