Jeff Jackson Outraises Dan Bishop in North Carolina Attorney General Race

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson has significantly outpaced Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop in fundraising for the North Carolina attorney general race, raising nearly $4.2 million in the second quarter compared to Bishop's $1.4 million. As of June 30, Jackson had $5.67 million in campaign funds, while Bishop had $2.65 million. The race, expected to be one of the most expensive on the ballot, mirrors the fundraising trends seen in other key North Carolina races, with Jackson maintaining a consistent lead since the campaign's start. (News & Observer)

Legal Dispute Over Attack Ad in North Carolina Governor's Race

The North Carolina governor's race between Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has escalated into a legal dispute over a Stein campaign ad. The ad criticizes a former childcare center owned by Robinson's wife, leading to a series of legal exchanges between the two campaigns. Robinson's lawyers claim the ad contains false information, while Stein's campaign defends its accuracy, citing violations documented by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The dispute echoes a similar controversy from Stein's 2020 campaign for attorney general. (News & Observer)

Mark Robinson Shifts Stance on Abortion in New Campaign Ad

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor, released an emotional TV ad in which he and his wife discuss their decision to have an abortion 30 years ago. Despite his previous hardline stance against abortion, Robinson now supports the state's current 12-week ban with exceptions. His campaign spokesperson emphasized that, as governor, Robinson would work to support women and families who choose life. The ad appears to be an effort to appeal to a broader range of voters, as polls show a majority of Americans support abortion rights. Meanwhile, Robinson's Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, continues to highlight Robinson's past extreme statements on abortion in his own campaign messaging. (Axios Raleigh)

North Carolina's Early Literacy Success Tied to Science of Reading Legislation

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt credited the Excellent Public Schools Act for North Carolina's kindergarten through third-grade students outperforming the national average in literacy assessments for three consecutive years. The 2021 legislation, signed by Governor Roy Cooper, mandates literacy instruction based on the science of reading, which includes phonics and other research-backed methods. Truitt highlighted significant gains among all student subgroups and emphasized the importance of continued support for effective reading instruction as her term nears its end. The success contrasts with Cooper's previous veto of similar legislation in 2019, which critics argue delayed the benefits of these reading methods. (Carolina Journal)

State Auditors Review Spending of $25 Million Grant Given to U.S. Performance Center

The U.S. Performance Center in Charlotte, which received $25 million from North Carolina's state budget to become a hub for producing Olympians, is under scrutiny for its spending practices. A review revealed questionable expenses, including $67,000 on hotels, $55,000 for vehicle loans, and $34,000 for meals and entertainment, along with payments for late taxes and penalties. The state’s Office of State Budget and Management has initiated an internal audit of the center’s expenditures, and a related nonprofit, the N.C. Sports Legacy Foundation, is also under review. The foundation received $30 million in state funds last year, despite previously reporting minimal revenue. Concerns have been raised due to the involvement of individuals active in Republican politics and connections to a federal grand jury subpoena involving another earmarked nonprofit. (News & Observer)

North Carolina Receives $57 Million Federal Grant to Upgrade High-Voltage Transmission Line

North Carolina has secured a $57 million federal grant to upgrade the Lee-Milburnie high-voltage transmission line between Raleigh and Goldsboro, with Duke Energy covering the remaining project costs. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the grant as part of an effort to boost grid resilience and support renewable energy integration. The upgrade, involving advanced conductors, will double the line's capacity, enhancing the reliability of the grid and facilitating the addition of 1,600 megawatts of solar energy and 250 megawatts of energy storage. The project, expected to be completed by December 2030, will help reduce power outage durations and prepare the grid for potential offshore wind energy transmission. (News & Observer)

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claims Surge Ahead of August Deadline

Hundreds of thousands of claims have been filed by Marine Corps veterans, family members, and others affected by toxic water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, ahead of the August 10 deadline. The water, contaminated with harmful chemicals from 1953 to 1987, has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. Over 385,000 claims have been submitted so far, with more expected. The claims process, established by a 2022 act of Congress, allows claimants to seek settlements from the Navy or pursue lawsuits if settlements are unsatisfactory. Early test cases, or "bellwether trials," are set to begin later this year to help determine settlement values, but many affected individuals, like Parkinson's patient Catherine Songer, are seeking justice rather than large financial settlements. (WUNC)

North Carolina Lawmakers Urge Judge Not to Block Voter ID Law Before November Election

North Carolina legislative leaders are urging a federal judge not to block the state’s photo voter ID law, which has been in effect since 2018, just weeks before the November 2024 election. They argue that changing the law so close to the election would cause confusion and administrative challenges. The law is currently under review by U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs, who is expected to rule on its constitutionality. Critics argue the law is discriminatory, while lawmakers defend it as necessary for election integrity. The case has a complex legal history, including previous rulings by state and federal courts. (Carolina Journal)

North Carolina eCourts Expansion Targets Statewide Rollout by 2025 Amid Legal Challenges

North Carolina’s eCourts system will reach all 100 counties by October 2025, with the next phases starting in October 2024 and continuing through mid-2025. The digital court records system is currently operating in 38 counties, covering nearly half the state’s population. The system's rollout, managed under a contract with Tyler Technologies, is projected to save over $6 million due to vendor delays. Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit challenging the eCourts implementation continues, though key state and local officials have been dropped from the case. The eCourts system aims to replace the paper-based system, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors in court operations statewide. (Carolina Journal)

UNC-Chapel Hill Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts Among Finalists for Permanent Role

Lee Roberts, interim chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill, is one of four finalists for the permanent chancellor position, with a decision expected soon. Roberts, a former state budget chief and investment manager with limited academic experience, has garnered both support and criticism during his interim tenure. While praised by some for his management skills and willingness to engage with campus stakeholders, others have expressed concerns about his political connections and the handling of campus protests. The selection process, perceived by some as predetermined, raises questions about transparency and the future direction of the university. (The Assembly)

Debby Downgraded but Continues to Lash East Coast with Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Tornadoes

Tropical Storm Debby, now downgraded to a tropical depression, continues to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, and tornadoes to the East Coast, with severe impacts in the Carolinas and beyond. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced an increase in National Guard deployments and resources as the state faces extensive flooding and power outages. Maryland’s Annapolis experienced significant flooding, while South Carolina saw numerous water rescues and road closures. The storm, which originally made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, has so far claimed at least eight lives, including a woman in North Carolina struck by a falling tree. As Debby moves up the coast, forecasters warn of ongoing flood risks and potential tornadoes through the weekend, particularly along the Interstate 95 corridor and in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. (WRAL)

North Carolina Ramps Up Response to Tropical Storm Debby as Power Outages and Flooding Persist

In response to widespread impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced an increase in National Guard personnel to 374 to aid in recovery efforts. The state has restored power to 142,000 people, though 125,000 remain without electricity. As Debby moves through the state, heavy rainfall and flooding are the primary concerns. Thirteen local shelters are open, 28 county States of Emergency have been declared, and voluntary evacuations are underway in parts of Brunswick and Moore Counties. The storm made its second landfall in South Carolina and is expected to weaken as it moves into central North Carolina. (CBS 17)

Waynesville Proposes Zoning Changes to Increase Affordable Housing Options

Waynesville town planners are considering a proposal to amend zoning rules to allow manufactured homes as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on certain residential properties. This change would enable homeowners to add additional, smaller dwellings on their land, particularly in areas where manufactured housing is already permitted. The proposal, aimed at addressing the growing need for affordable housing, would require ADUs to have a permanent foundation and a HUD stamp, while excluding campers or RVs. The initiative supports the town’s goals of smart growth and increasing housing options for residents. (ABC 13)

NC Wildlife Commission Approves Limited Flounder Fishing Season for September 2024

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has approved a temporary amendment allowing recreational flounder fishing on two weekends in September 2024. Anglers will be permitted to fish in Inland Fishing Waters and Joint Fishing Waters on September 1-2 and September 7-8, with a limit of one flounder per day and a minimum size of 15 inches. This decision, following a review of data and public feedback, was made to balance resource management with public interest, despite the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries' initial decision to close the recreational flounder season in 2024. The NCWRC is also requesting an accelerated shift in flounder harvest allocations to allow for a more extended recreational season in the future. (WWAY)

Gov. Tim Walz Chosen as Kamala Harris’s Running Mate, Thrusting Minnesota Leader onto National Stage

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been selected as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in the 2024 election, elevating him from regional politics to a potential national leadership role. Known for his relatable personality and progressive achievements, Walz has impressed Democrats with his ability to communicate effectively while pushing back against Republican policies. His tenure as governor has been marked by both crisis management, including during the George Floyd protests and the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant legislative successes such as expanding family leave, legalizing marijuana, and advancing renewable energy. As a former teacher and National Guard member, Walz is expected to help Harris appeal to middle-class voters in key battleground states. (NC Newsline)

Andrew Capobianco Concludes Olympic Journey in Men's 3-Meter Springboard at Paris 2024

Andrew Capobianco of Holly Springs, North Carolina, wrapped up his Olympic journey at the 2024 Paris Games, finishing 15th overall in the men's 3-meter springboard semifinal. Despite strong performances, including an 83.60 on his final dive, Capobianco could not advance to the final round. The two-time Olympian, who previously won silver in the synchronized springboard at Tokyo 2021, reflected on his journey, citing challenges with injuries and confidence. Capobianco’s family, watching him compete in-person at the Olympics for the first time, expressed immense pride in his achievements and representation of their family and North Carolina. (Herald Sun)