Judge Rules Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Can Remain on NC Ballot as Third-Party Candidate

A Wake County judge has ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can stay on North Carolina's November ballot as a third-party presidential candidate, rejecting the state Democratic Party's challenge. The Democrats argued that Kennedy created a new party, "We The People," to circumvent stricter requirements for unaffiliated candidates, but the judge determined that Kennedy had complied with state law. The ruling allows Kennedy to run as a candidate, with the Board of Elections scheduled to begin ballot printing in mid-August. (News & Observer)

Federal Judge Orders NC to Certify Justice for All Party for November Ballot

A federal judge ordered North Carolina's State Board of Elections to certify the Justice for All (JFA) Party and include its candidates, including presidential candidate Cornel West, on the November ballot. The ruling follows the board's initial rejection of JFA's certification in a 3-2 vote, citing irregularities in petition signatures. The judge found that the board's actions violated the First Amendment, blocking over 17,000 valid petition signatures and disenfranchising voters. The injunction allows JFA candidates to be placed on the ballot, overturning the board's decision. (Carolina Journal)

Court Rulings Highlight Need for Reform in NC Party Certification Process

Two court cases concluded on August 12, allowing the We the People and Justice for All parties to be recognized and included on North Carolina's November ballot, despite facing opposition from the Democratic Party and the State Board of Elections (SBE). Both cases revealed flaws in the SBE's process for certifying new parties, prompting calls for reform. The rulings emphasized that both parties had substantially more valid signatures than required, and the SBE's methods, particularly its flawed survey in the Justice for All case, were criticized for infringing on First Amendment rights. (John Locke Foundation)

North Carolina's Joint Reentry Council Launches Comprehensive Plan to Reduce Recidivism

North Carolina's Joint Reentry Council, established by Governor Roy Cooper, has approved a plan to improve outcomes for the 18,000 prisoners released annually in the state, aiming to reduce recidivism through over 130 strategies. The plan, which aligns with the national Reentry 2030 initiative, includes ambitious goals such as increasing high school degrees or skills credentials for incarcerated individuals by 75% by 2030 and reducing homelessness among former prisoners by 10% annually. Key initiatives have already begun, including training programs for commercial driver's licenses and funding for mental health support for recently released offenders. (WUNC)

Longtime NC Rep. John Faircloth Resigns After 7 Terms in Office

Rep. John Faircloth (R-District 62), who has served the Piedmont Triad region in the North Carolina State House for seven terms, announced his resignation effective September 6. Faircloth expressed gratitude for his career in public service, which included roles in law enforcement, the High Point City Council, and the state legislature. Speaker Tim Moore praised Faircloth’s dedication to his constituents and his commitment to public safety, education, and a free-market economy. Faircloth’s replacement will be selected by the Guilford County GOP, with John Blust already set to run in November. (FOX 8)

Rep. Destin Hall Raises Record-Breaking Funds as He Eyes NC House Speaker Role

Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), a leading candidate to become the next North Carolina House Speaker, has raised over $1.5 million this election cycle, with $1 million donated to the House Republican caucus, setting a new record for a single contribution. Hall, who has the backing of top House Republican leaders to replace Speaker Tim Moore in 2025, is positioning himself to carry on Moore's fundraising legacy as Republicans aim to maintain their slim supermajorities in the state legislature. House Democratic Leader Robert Reives noted the GOP's reliance on top-down fundraising compared to the Democrats' more decentralized approach. (News & Observer)

Former Sen. Richard Burr Plans to Vote for Trump Despite Impeachment Vote

Former Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who voted to convict Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, has announced he plans to vote for Trump in the upcoming November election. Despite his impeachment vote, which he says was based on Trump's actions during the January 6 Capitol insurrection, Burr does not see it as a disqualifier for future support. Burr, known for his bipartisan approach during his Senate career, emphasized the importance of getting things done in Congress and adapting to new perspectives over time. (Spectrum News 1)

Former Sen. Jim Perry Focuses on Family and Advocacy After Leaving NC Legislature

Former state Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) has shifted his focus to family and advocacy for amputees since leaving the North Carolina legislature on July 2. Perry, who announced his departure to prioritize his family's needs, including his daughter Reagan's health challenges, has become passionate about raising awareness of the medical and financial issues faced by amputees. Reflecting on his legislative career, Perry highlighted his work on flood mitigation and hurricane relief in eastern North Carolina as some of his most significant contributions. He remains open but uncertain about a return to politics in the future. (North State Journal)

Senatorial Candidates in NC District 7 Clash Over Defamation Claims in Heated Campaign

Legal teams for North Carolina's District 7 senatorial candidates, Sen. Michael Lee and David Hill, are embroiled in a defamation dispute over campaign ads. Hill's team issued a cease-and-desist order, alleging that Lee's ads falsely claim Hill supports "sex-change surgery for kids." Lee's legal team stands by the ads, citing Hill's past podcast statements supporting gender-affirming care and contending that the claims are accurate. The dispute has intensified the campaign, with both sides debating the implications of the ads and potential legal actions. (Port City Daily)

Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson Accuses Opponent of Involvement in Scrutiny of Wife's Nonprofit

Gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson accused his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, of being involved in the state investigation of a nonprofit run by Robinson's wife, Yolanda Hill. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is scrutinizing the nonprofit, Balanced Nutrition, for delayed compliance reviews and excessive administrative costs. Robinson alleged that Stein’s wife, Anna Stein, who works for NCDHHS, is connected to the investigation, though the agency denies her involvement. The Stein campaign dismissed the allegations as baseless, attributing them to Robinson’s attempt to deflect from issues related to the nonprofit's financial practices. (News & Observer)

Kamala Harris to Propose Federal Ban on Corporate Price Gouging in Raleigh Speech

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to introduce a federal ban on corporate price gouging during her Raleigh speech, aiming to curb rising costs in the meat industry and beyond. North Carolina, a major meat producer, has seen significant price increases in poultry and pork, which Harris attributes to corporate practices. Her proposed policies, which also include restoring and expanding tax credits for families, are positioned as a counter to Republican critiques on inflation and are intended to strengthen federal consumer protection efforts. Price gouging is illegal in North Carolina. (WRAL)

Trump's Asheville Rally

At a campaign event in Asheville, former President Donald Trump aimed to focus on the economy but frequently veered off script, launching personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. Speaking at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Trump contrasted the current economic situation with his presidency while criticizing Harris for not tackling inflation earlier. Though his aides encouraged a focus on economic issues, Trump spent much of his speech targeting Harris and her hometown of San Francisco. The event underscored the tension between Trump's prepared remarks and his tendency to engage in unscripted attacks. (CBS 17)

Mark Robinson and GOP Leaders Rally with Trump in Asheville, Addressing Immigration and Economy

At a rally in Asheville on August 14, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, alongside U.S. Sen. Ted Budd and Rep. Chuck Edwards, spoke to a crowd before former President Donald Trump took the stage. Robinson claimed that his wife’s nonprofit was being targeted by politically motivated investigations, likening it to what he called the "weaponization of government" against Trump. Budd and Edwards focused on immigration and the economy, with Edwards expressing a desire to return to the Trump presidency. (Citizen Times)

Lee H. Roberts Elected as UNC-Chapel Hill's 13th Chancellor

Lee H. Roberts, who has been serving as interim chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since January, has been elected as the university's 13th chancellor by the UNC Board of Governors. Recommended by UNC System President Peter Hans, Roberts brings a background in business, public policy, and public service in North Carolina. His tenure officially begins on August 12, following a national search that attracted nearly 60 candidates. Roberts, a former state budget director and co-founder of SharpVue Capital, is focused on advancing the university's growth and excellence. (University of North Carolina System)

UNC Charlotte Closes DEI Offices Amid Sweeping Policy Changes

UNC Charlotte has closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Identity, Equity and Engagement, and Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion as part of a broader shift in response to the UNC System's repeal of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy. Eleven employees from these offices were reassigned to new roles, with no layoffs reported. The changes align with a new policy titled “Equality Within the University of North Carolina,” which prohibits offices focusing on DEI and restricts the promotion of specific race and sex-related concepts. Funds previously allocated to DEI efforts will now support initiatives related to student success, such as graduation rates and mental health. The university emphasized its continued commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, despite the structural changes. (Charlotte Observer)

Hispanic and Latino Community Discusses Issues at UNCW Event

The Hispanic and Latino community gathered at UNCW on Thursday for a meeting hosted by Governor Roy Cooper’s Advisory Council on Hispanic Latino Affairs. The event, which also involved members from UNCW and New Hanover County officials, served as the council's monthly meeting and a networking opportunity for local community members. Mari McKenzie, a council member, emphasized the importance of such gatherings for discussing and addressing community issues. The event included food, music, and drinks, fostering a sense of community among the attendees. (WWAY)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Unveil Plan to Expand Early College Programs and Restructure Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Superintendent Crystal Hill announced a plan to create 800 additional seats for students at college-based high schools by the 2025-26 school year and to reassign neighborhood school placements for approximately 800 students. The plan includes expanding early college programs to serve grades 9-12 at four Central Piedmont Community College campuses, merging underfilled elementary schools, and restructuring arts and Montessori programs across the district. These changes, some of which stem from the 2023 bond package, aim to enhance academic opportunities and retain students in a competitive educational environment. The board is set to vote on the changes on September 10. (WFAE)

CMS Board Delays Decision on Relocating PACE Academy Amid Concerns Over Timing and Community Impact

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' PACE (Personalized Academic Command of English) Academy, designed to support high school students new to the U.S., faces an uncertain future as the CMS Board voted 8-1 to delay a decision on relocating the program from Waddell High to Garinger High. Originally planned to serve 375 students this year, PACE has struggled with low enrollment, currently serving only 89 students. The proposed move aimed to enhance student experiences by merging PACE with Garinger’s English learner program. However, board members and community advocates criticized the rushed timing of the proposal, just days before the new school year, leaving the program’s future in limbo. The board will reconsider PACE’s location and broader plans for Waddell High during an upcoming review of all magnet programs. (WFAE)

Ballantyne Ridge High School Set to Open, Easing Overcrowding in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is set to open Ballantyne Ridge High School this fall, a $159-million project designed to alleviate overcrowding in the district. The school, which features 100 classrooms and a four-story building to maximize space, is expected to draw new families to CMS. Principal Michael Miliote expressed excitement for the students' first day on August 26, highlighting the anticipation of seeing students' reactions to the new facility. The school will initially serve freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, with a fully staffed team of 130 employees ready for the opening. (WCNC)

Wake County Creates Angel Fund to Address Student Meal Debt

Wake County has established a districtwide "Angel Fund" to help pay for school lunches for students who run out of money, aiming to prevent the practice of serving only fruits and vegetables as an alternative meal. Only 41 to 44 of Wake’s 198 schools are eligible for a federal program this fall that will allow every student to get free school breakfasts and lunches. Currently, 50 schools lack funds in their angel accounts, and another 40-50 have less than $25, highlighting the need for donations. Last school year, 8,000 alternate meals were served due to insufficient funds in students' meal accounts. (News & Observer)

Wake County School Employees Receive Pay Raises, Boosting Minimum Wages

Wake County school employees will see pay raises in their August paychecks, with retroactive increases from July 1 to be paid in September. The raises include a 4% increase in the local salary supplement for teachers and a new minimum wage of $20 per hour for bus drivers and $17.75 per hour for other support staff. The average teacher salary in Wake was $58,331 in the 2022-23 school year, with starting teachers now earning $48,340. These raises were made possible by state and local funding, with the Wake County Board of Commissioners providing a significant portion of the district's requested $63.2 million increase. (News & Observer)

Schools Grapple with Cellphone Policies Amid Growing Concerns

As the new school year approaches, school districts nationwide are evaluating cellphone policies due to concerns about distractions, bullying, and cheating. Wake County schools currently allow individual schools to set their own cellphone rules, leading to inconsistent enforcement. Some districts, like Chatham County, are using Yondr pouches to limit phone access, while others, like Rock Hill Schools, ban phone use entirely. State and national discussions are ongoing, with legislation proposed in North Carolina to study the impact of cellphone use in schools, reflecting broader concerns about the mental health and safety implications of student phone access. (WRAL)

Michele Morrow Advocates for Bible Classes in NC Middle and High Schools

Michele Morrow, the Republican nominee for North Carolina's State Superintendent, expressed support for offering Bible elective classes in all middle and high schools during a conversation at the Republican National Convention. The proposal has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could infringe on religious freedom. While Bible courses are permitted in public schools if taught objectively, concerns remain about potential religious bias. (News & Observer)

Groundbreaking for Affordable Housing in Downtown Durham Marks Major Milestone

A new affordable housing project in downtown Durham has begun, replacing 214 public housing units with 555 mixed-income apartments, including 331 affordable units. The project, supported by a $40 million HUD grant, is a partnership between Durham Housing Authority and HUD. The first phase, Elizabeth Street Apartments, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the entire project slated for completion within two years. The event also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as addressing code violations in existing properties like JFK Towers. (Indy Week)

Decline in Intergenerational Mobility for Low-Income Americans in Major Metro Areas

A recent analysis by the Census Bureau and Opportunity Insights reveals that Americans born to low-income families in 1992 are generally faring worse at age 27 than those born in 1978, with 38 out of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas showing a decline. In the Raleigh metro area (Triangle), the average income for those born in 1992 was $27,700, a 1.3% decrease from the $28,100 earned by those born in 1978, adjusted for inflation. Nationally, the average percent change was a 4.2% decrease, with the Triangle ranking 14th in mobility but 41st in overall income levels. (Axios Raleigh)

NC Community Action Agencies Criticize NCDEQ Over Weatherization Program Issues

The North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA) has raised concerns about the NC Department of Environmental Quality's (NCDEQ) handling of the state's Weatherization Assistance Program, citing reduced communication, funding cuts, and delayed contracts. These issues have led to a backlog of over 2,700 applicants awaiting services. The NCDEQ attributed the problems to a $53.4 million reduction in federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and subsequent budget adjustments. The Weatherization Assistance Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to improve energy efficiency and safety in homes of low-income and elderly residents. (NC Newsline)

Cisco Expected to Lay Off Thousands Amid Focus on AI, Impacting RTP Employees

Cisco is reportedly planning another round of layoffs, potentially affecting thousands of employees, following a February cut of approximately 4,000 jobs. The layoffs, expected as early as Wednesday, are part of a "limited restructuring" to focus more on AI initiatives. Cisco, the fourth largest employer in Durham County, has not commented on the reports. NC State economist Michael Walden noted that AI's rise could lead to significant job displacement in the tech sector, despite Cisco's overall strong performance. The impact on the company's Research Triangle Park campus remains uncertain. (ABC 11)

Natron Energy to Create 1,000 Jobs with $1.4 Billion Battery Factory in Edgecombe County

Natron Energy Inc. will establish the first U.S. sodium-ion battery gigafactory at the Kingsboro megasite in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, creating 1,000 new jobs and investing nearly $1.4 billion. The facility, which will significantly increase Natron's production capacity, supports the state's growing clean energy sector. Salaries for the new positions will average $64,071, well above the county's average wage of $43,183. The project, backed by a Job Development Investment Grant, is expected to boost North Carolina's economy by $3.4 billion over 12 years. (ABC 11)

Bryson City Celebrates Olympian Evy Leibfarth with Parade and Special Day

Bryson City, NC, will celebrate local Olympian Evy Leibfarth on August 14 with a parade and events honoring her bronze medal in women's canoe slalom at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The town will also proclaim the day as Evy Leibfarth Day. Leibfarth, who is the first U.S. woman to qualify for three Olympic whitewater events, expressed her joy in sharing her love for kayaking on the global stage. The celebration will begin with a paddle down the Nantahala River, reflecting Leibfarth’s deep ties to her hometown and the Nantahala Outdoors Center. (WUNC)