NC Capitol Wrap: Recent Episodes
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WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie, Statehouse Reporter Travis Fain and other members of the NC Capitol team discuss North Carolina politics and state government doings.
Medical marijuana, immigration, gambling updates and a $1 billion state budget surplus could come to dominate the new 2024 North Carolina legislative short session. Plus, Senate leader Phil Berger talks about the future of the ACC and what lawmakers could do to keep UNC and N.C. State together if one tries to leave. PolitiFact NC looks into the 13th District congressional runoff primary, and the NC State Health Plan makes national news with a Senate investigation led by Bernie Sanders.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie wraps up the week on Jones Street, including an investigation into the nonprofit led by the wife of the lieutenant governor. Plus, good news for budget writers, and a look at the state’s take for the first month of sports betting.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits with Gov. Roy Cooper in Raleigh, and two members of North Carolina congressional delegation travel to Ukraine for meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The North Carolina Supreme Court keeps busy with cases on charter schools, voter fraud and alleged racism in local government. Plus the latest updates from EPA Secretary Michael Regan's trip to Fayetteville to talk PFAS, and what NC House Speaker Tim Moore had to say about budget priorities as the legislature prepares to return to session.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran discuss a surge in teacher turnover in North Carolina public schools, and the end of coverage of weight-loss drugs by the State Health Plan. Plus, diversity, equity and inclusion in the UNC system could be in lawmakers' crosshairs this session.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran talk about the terror watchlist suspect whose North Carolina arrest could turn into a referendum on immigration policy, plus the growing national attention on comments made by 2024 candidates Mark Robinson and Michele Morrow. They also discuss updates on the recount and election protests still delaying official results in a closely contested state legislative race.
Donald Trump leads Joe Biden in North Carolina their potential 2024 rematch for president, a new WRAL News poll found. But Republicans don't have the same lead in the race for governor, pitting Democratic nominee for governor Josh Stein against Republican nominee Mark Robinson. In a close primary for a state legislative seat, the Democratic incumbent who appears to have lost is now alleging political shenanigans and "irregularities" may be cause for further investigation. Michele Morrow is making national headlines. And while some of the closest primaries are going to runoffs to pick a winner, one won't: Trump hired Mark Walker to work on his presidential campaign, so that he'd drop his opportunity for a runoff against Trump-endorsed candidate Addison McDowell.
In Season 3 of A Brief History of Triangle Sports, Brian Murphy from WRAL News and Tim Donnelly from 99.9 The Fan explore the history of sports betting in North Carolina. Mobile sports betting is legal today but getting to this point wasn’t easy. Brian and Tim cover the legislative twists and turns on the road to legal sports gambling and how NC’s “new normal” will change sports and sports fans going forward.
All four episodes are available now. Find Season 3 of A Brief History of Triangle Sports in this podcast app.
The week's primary elections brought a spate of upsets by populist conservatives, and that's got the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce concerned. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and State Government Reporter Will Doran look at the biggest surprises and their potential repercussions in November.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy bring you a roundup of the week's crazy election stories, the go-live date for sports betting sites in North Carolina, and a rough week on Jones Street for a couple of Cooper administration leaders.
Dark money seeps into North Carolina primary races from some unexpected places. The decades-old Leandro public education lawsuit is back in court. And state historians unveil research into the enslaved people who built the state capitol building. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran break down the week in North Carolina politics.
President Joe Biden came to Raleigh to talk broadband internet investments and "Bidenomics" before grabbing a milkshake with Gov. Roy Cooper. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran discuss how it foreshadows the messaging we'll be seeing from both sides in the 2024 presidential campaign. The GOP primaries for two wide-open congressional seats are also heating up. Plus, insurance companies are asking for a big hike to homeowners rates, and people are not happy. Could it impact the elections?
On this week's episode of The Wrap, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran have the latest on the multiple lawsuits against the state's new voting maps. Plus: Lawmakers' latest attempts to rein in the power of HOAs, and a look at who's campaigning in North Carolina this week.
With another year nearly over we ask: Who won 2023? WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and State Government Reporter Travis Fain have lots of thoughts, and now you're gonna hear about them! Plus: Another redistricting lawsuit, a candidacy challenge in Wake County and blowback on the push to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot. We also turn our attention to 2024, predicting North Carolina's casino debate will return and that the state's child care shortage will demand attention.
The 2024 primaries are set, and several people surprised North Carolina political observers by opting not to run. Also: There's another Mark Robinson in North Carolina politics now, and this one's a Democrat. Plus: Out with the old and in with the new (again) in the UNC chancellor's office. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break down the week that was in state politics.
UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz is out at UNC-Chapel Hill, reopening North Carolina's long-running conversation on political meddling and fair governance in the state's university system. Plus: It's election filing season! Listen to WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain read a long list of names as candidates sign up for key races. And: Is Jesus Christ going to bring down retribution on Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's political opponents? Tune in.
North Carolina on Friday became the 40th state to expand Medicaid, opening the health insurance program to 600,000 people — many of them the working poor. It brings a multibillion-dollar infusion for the state's health care providers. Also: Gov. Roy Cooper tapped Democratic up-and-comer Jessica Holmes, a former Wake County commissioner, for state auditor's job, which opened after the current auditor decided to resign in the wake of a charge for misusing a state vehicle. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break down the week that was.
State Auditor Beth Wood was indicted this week, accused of using publicly owned vehicles for personal errands — a charge that grew out of the scrutiny she received after wrecking a state-owned car after a December holiday party. After Tuesday’s indictment, Wood, who at one point this year said she planned to run for reelection, announced that she'll resign instead, effective Dec. 15. Also: Democrats rolled in local elections, and new candidates have announced statewide runs ahead of next month's filing deadline. WRAL NCCapitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and State Government Reporter Travis Fain get you all caught up on The Wrap.
North Carolina lawmakers returned to the legislative building this week, maybe for the last time this year, and passed new election maps. Now we wait for the lawsuits. And speaking of lawsuits: A major one is in court next week as Gov. Roy Cooper fights to block the Republican legislative majority from taking away key state appointments. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and State Government Reporter Travis Fain break down all that and more on this week's episode of The Wrap.
The political power play that is redistricting got underway again this week. North Carolina lawmakers will likely have fully approved maps by next week. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break down who wins, and who loses, under the newly proposed voting districts. Plus: More lawsuits, more forever chemicals coming to North Carolina, and a child care funding cliff.
Lawmakers gathered again in Raleigh Tuesday to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes on five bills, taking the Republican supermajority's override record this year to 19-0. But a resolution on the conflict between Israel and Hamas that some North Carolina Democrats refused to sign dominated the discourse this week. Also: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's press conference supporting Israel forces him to address his past comments on the holocaust. And the 2024 game of musical chairs is getting underway as lawmakers work on new election maps. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain get you caught up.
The Wrap turns its attention to Washington, D.C., this week, where the U.S. House of Representatives deposed its speaker and a bow-tied, beer-brewing North Carolinian ended up with the gavel. Plus: The new state budget is law, state lawmakers gather next week for veto overrides and there's another elections lawsuit, with more sure to come. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break it down.
After months of closed-door talks, leaks and rumors, North Carolina has a new state budget packed with priorities backed by the legislature’s Republican majority. In the end, a long-discussed deal to legalize new casinos in the state fell apart. But stay tuned next year; that conversation is sure to return. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Paul Specht walk through what’s in the budget, what’s not, some surprise bills that popped up this week — and why one lawmaker found himself in a supply closet.
State budget talks — including negotiations over a heavily lobbied gambling expansion — broke down this week between the House and Senate. Senate leadership says the House broke its deal. House leadership says the Senate demands just won't pass. Everyone went to their corners for a while, and now that talks have resumed it's not clear when North Carolina will have a new state budget. Plus: Guns on college campuses, election bills and the first 2024 gubernatorial debate. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break it all down.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brian Murphy talk about the push and pull over casinos and video slot machines in lawmakers' negotiations over the state budget. Will the fight over expanding gambling in North Carolina delay the budget another week? Plus, election changes and drama at the State Board of Education.
House Republicans plan to gather behind closed doors Tuesday for a meeting that may go a long way toward deciding whether North Carolina's General Assembly authorizes four new casinos and legalizes video poker machines. Plus: Accusations of bias at the state's highest court, lots of campaign donations flowing as lawmakers weigh gambling and medical marijuana bills, and lots of jockeying as political hopefuls mull 2024 political runs. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break it all down in this week's Wrap.
It sounds like state lawmakers are hammering out final budget details ahead of a vote during the week of Sept. 11. What does that mean for Medicaid expansion? WRAL reporters Travis Fain and Brian Murphy get into it. Also: More national coverage for Mark Robinson and his conspiracy theories, casino plans roll on, and why Democrats may soon have another candidate in the 2024 governor's race.
The North Carolina General Assembly continues to work in fits and starts, churning through veto overrides and a handful of other bills after weeks of calm. Now it looks we're in another dead period with few answers about the overdue state budget. Meanwhile, a fight looms over the continued push to add casinos and expand legal gambling in the state. WRAL state government reporters Will Doran and Travis Fain break down the week that was in North Carolina politics.
A clash over concealed weapons training, and why a national group's bid to get on the 2024 ballot in NC could be in trouble. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran look at the week that was — get you up to speed on the week ahead — in North Carolina politics.
In the course of one legislative session, North Carolina may go from having heavy limits on gambling to allowing sports gambling on cell phones, slot-machine-style machines in restaurants and gas stations and four new casinos. WRAL News reporters Travis Fain and Brian Murphy break down the latest. Plus: state budget news, education policy, a roundup of 2024 political candidates. And are Republican lawmakers about to blow a $13 billion hole in the budget?
With North Carolina lawmakers deadlocked, and vacations looming, it looks like a state budget vote won't come until at least August at the General Assembly. Meanwhile, not much is moving, but we keep hearing about a major push to build new casinos in the state. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break it all down in your weekly look at North Carolina politics.
In terms of drama, North Carolina politics did not disappoint this week. A federal judge said most of North Carolina's new abortion law can go into effect. The legislature passed multiple LGBTQ bills. A powerful state senator pulled a parliamentary manuever to save his medical marijuana bill, the power struggle continues atop the SBI and the U.S. Supreme Court decided two major cases this week out of North Carolina.
Speaker of the House Tim Moore's love life — central to allegations in a new lawsuit against him — sucked a lot of the oxygen out of the room this week at the General Assembly. But the session kept on trucking. Republican lawmakers dropped a surprise abortion bill that looks like it's aimed at derailing a federal lawsuit. Major voting bills moved forward. So did bills limiting care for transgender teens and banning transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams. The state budget is still in limbo, as is the medical marijuana bill. And now it's official: This General Assembly session will continue well into July.
The legislative session is rounding the final turn. Republican lawmakers moved a pair of major election bills forward. Lawmakers, meanwhile, are poised to pass a ban on transgender girls and women playing on female sports teams from middle school through college. The sports gambling bill has been signed (but you won't be able to bet for a while). Plus: Updates on a laundry list of significant bills and a preview of the line of attack against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's campaign, coming from a key Republican consultant.
The legislative session is rounding the final turn. Republican lawmakers moved a pair of major election bills forward. Lawmakers, meanwhile, are poised to pass a ban on transgender girls and women playing on female sports teams from middle school through college. The sports gambling bill has been signed (but you won't be able to bet for a while). Plus: Updates on a laundry list of significant bills and a preview of the line of attack against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson's campaign, coming from a key Republican consultant.
North Carolina Republicans are holding their state convention this weekend in Greensboro and will hear from three presidential candidates. President Joe Biden visited North Carolina Friday. Budget negotiators are taking the weekend off, but chairs hope to have their work done Tuesday. Plus: Sports gambling, Blue Cross bills await the governor's signature and the General Assembly is about to fight an awful lot about election rules.
Plus: A new elections bill dropped this week, tinkering with state voting laws, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina got a big bipartisan vote on its reorganization bill.
On this week's edition of the Wrap, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran talk about a shake-up in the state House GOP leadership, the fight over the future of the state’s largest insurer, and Gov. Roy Cooper’s pivot to the bully pulpit.
Republicans in the North Carolina legislature made quick work of Gov. Roy Cooper's abortion bill override. And new restrictions are scheduled to go into effect July 1. Plus, there’s bipartisan support in the state Senate for a budget proposing lower raises for teachers and state employees than the House backed last month. And will that budget threaten every big city hospital in the state with closure? WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break it all down.
The North Carolina General Assembly largely took this week off. The news did not. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper tried to ramp up public pressure on a handful of key Republicans ahead of Saturday's abortion veto, and the state got three new State Board of Elections members. Also: North Carolina's first Black lieutenant governor has criticisms of the civil rights movement.
Emotional debate and personal stories filled the General Assembly this week as a long-anticipated abortion bill moved through the chambers. In the end, the bill passed along party lines, and it took less than 48 hours. Now we wait for Gov. Roy Cooper's veto and a Republican push to override and make these new restrictions law. Also: Partisan gerrymandering is legal again in North Carolina, and a major gun bill seems to be dead.
The North Carolina General Assembly remains on its rocket sled, churning through legislation, including the series of culture war bills dominating recent headlines. Plus: The Community College System named a new president, beating a push for the General Assembly to take more control of that process. And big money, big business bills to watch (including some likely to move next week). The new farm bill is rolling and ... does someone want to build casinos in some of North Carolina's poorer counties? WRAL's NCCapitol team gets you all caught up on The Wrap.
Every week is a banger in North Carolina politics, but this one outdid itself. State Rep. Tricia Cotham dropped the biggest bombshell in legislative politics in 20 years. The House passed its budget. Half a dozen LGBTQ bills hit. Plus: Bills moved to limit voting by mail, to add a new tax on Uber and Lyft rides and to help the family of a police officer killed in a mass shooting. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break it down in this episode of The Wrap.
The week in North Carolina politics started off in bipartisan bliss with a bill signing ceremony on Medicaid expansion. Then Republicans shut off debate and used a handful of key Democratic absences to override Gov. Roy Cooper's veto on a gun bill. Now it's budget time, and GOP lawmakers hold the cards, empowering them to to drop their policies into a crucial budget plan. It's an offer Democrats can hardly refuse.
Another chock-a-block week in North Carolina politics. Medicaid expansion passed, and on the 13th anniversary of Obamacare, no less. State Auditor Beth Wood pleaded guilty to her hit-and-run charge, and she admitted to having a bit to drink before the crash. Gov. Roy Cooper closed the week by vetoing gun legislation, a veto Republicans will surely try to overturn. And next week brings the House budget. WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break it all down on this week's episode of The Wrap.
WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran break down the week that was in North Carolina politics. Medicaid expansion passed the state Senate. The governor proposed a new budget. Republican lawmakers immediately said it won't pass. Plus: Bills on critical race theory, guns, opioids and gambling.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break down the week in North Carolina politics. This week brought Gov. Roy Cooper's last State of the State speech. Plus, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson reined himself in, but for how long? They discuss progress on the state budget, what to expect when it comes to teacher and state employee raises, and negotiations over Medicaid expansion.
WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain lays out the basics on a long-sought deal to bring billions in federal funding to North Carolina and provide Medicaid health insurance to the state’s working poor. He also gets into budget updates, the timetable for abortion legislation, mounting pressure from evangelicals for a heartbeat bill, medical marijuana and a sobering milestone for child gun deaths.
WRAL state government reporters Will Doran and Travis Fain talk about the rammed SUV carrying House Speaker Tim Moore, culture-war bills that moved this week, and potentially important agency bills that were filed. They also discuss the upcoming state budget and tax news.
This week Laura WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break down another busy week at the North Carolina General Assembly and look ahead to next week. What's next on Medicaid? What sort of raises should state employees and teachers expect? And, after another multibillion-dollar surplus in the state budget, is another tax cut in the offing? They also discuss potential candidates for attorney general.
This week’s episode of The Wrap is double stuffed. WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break down the bills moving in this still-young General Assembly session, and they look ahead to another busy week. Plus: They talk about Gov. Roy Cooper’s boosted national profile, a new candidate for attorney general, State Auditor Beth Wood’s ongoing saga, a crisis in childcare, and the state’s new prowess in growing … corn?
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and State Government Reporter Travis Fain tick through the ever-growing list of bills filed at this still-young legislative session, including the LGBTQ bills that have gotten so much attention. Plus, a lawsuit could lead to a change in when ex-felons can vote again in North Carolina. Also: musical chairs in the capitol press corps.
Bill filing has begun at the North Carolina General Assembly. Plus: Rumors emerge that EPA Administrator Michael Regan might leave the Biden Administration, but North Carolina sources say he won't be running for governor in 2024 — a prospect that once had some Democrats buzzing.
WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Paul Specht discuss the week that was in NC politics. They discuss a hit-and-run charge facing State Auditor Beth Wood. And they get into details about Attorney General Josh Stein's announcement that he'll run for governor in 2024. Meanwhile, legislative Republicans call for a redo at the state Supreme Court, and UNC system President Peter Hans floats professorship reforms.
WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Paul Specht discuss a new rule change will make it easier for House Republicans to override vetoes by Gov. Roy Cooper. They also get into news about North Carolina's professional sports teams wanting a bigger slice of the sports gambling pie. Former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn is also back in the news.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain rewind the last week in North Carolina politics and look forward to next week's start to the new legislative session. Also: An inquiry into retired U.S. Sen. Richard Burr's pandemic stock trades concluded without action, and Duke Energy explains what caused the massive Christmas Eve blackouts in Moore County.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break down the latest in North Carolina's long-running fights over voter identification and redistricting. Plus, the lawyer Republicans love to hate is now on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the state again brings in $1 billion more in tax revenue than expected, and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson towers above other GOP politicians in 2024 polling.
This week on The Wrap, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain break down what’s next in North Carolina’s highly anticipated Moore v. Harper lawsuit, the election law case that was before the U.S. Supreme Court this week. Meanwhile, Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson says he won’t run for reelection. And it looks like six of 10 Council of State seats will be open for the 2024 cycle, which is unusual. Plus, a casino scandal, education policy, state House Democrats announce their leadership team, and North Carolina congressional Republicans move into key positions.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Bryan Anderson look ahead to what's at stake as the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in a North Carolina election law case. Plus, a plan to overhaul teacher licensure gets scaled back, Tillis takes heat for federal LGBTQ marriage law, and Cooper touts electric vehicles for commercial transportation.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Bryan Anderson discuss fallout from the 2022 election. They also get into how Republican officials in North Carolina are responding to former President Donald Trump's entry into the 2024 presidential race, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis's role in a closely watched same-sex marriage bill, Gov. Roy Cooper's political future, and campaign finance news.
Another election is in the books and it was … normal? WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain and WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie break down some of the results, including North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, Wiley Nickel’s big win in the 13th Congressional District, and Republicans falling just one seat short of legislative supermajorities. Plus: With a new state Supreme Court, what happens now on major conflicts before the court? And teacher pay reforms move forward.
WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain run the homestretch of the 2022 general elections and walk through a newsy week in North Carolina politics. Also: The Wrap is podcast only now. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Laura and Travis return as North Carolina's 2022 election season stampedes down the homestretch. Polls, with some outliers, continue to show a tight U.S. Senate race, we preview interviews with Ted Budd and Cheri Beasley and are Democrats suddenly worried about the 1st Congressional District in eastern North Carolina?
For four years North Carolina has had divided government: A Republican General Assembly and a Democratic governor able to veto some of their ideas – 47 of them since 2018. Republicans have a shot at a supermajority this election season, which would moot the governor’s vetoes. Should they get it? Two lawmakers debate: One Republican, one Democrat.
Bonus show! Travis and Laura sat down with Gerry Cohen, the long-time lawyer to the North Carolina General Assembly with a photographic memory. We’d say he’s forgotten more about North Carolina law and politics than most people will ever know, but he doesn’t forget. Make time for this fascinating conversation about Cohen’s 40 years in North Carolina politics, his life and his love of long distance train travel. This is a podcast only interview edition of The Wrap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Topics covered include Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Medicaid deal no closer, no tax break on student debt relief, and our new election education project, NC Votes 101. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis and Bryan return to break down the week that was in North Carolina politics. We’re finally getting a U.S. Senate debate. Bet on abortion being a major topic.
Lawmakers discussed the state’s slow rebuild from Hurricane’s Matthew and Florence this week, and there are some glaring, fixable, issues.
Plus: A who’s who of the GOP’s extreme right wing will be in North Carolina next weekend, we’ve got multiple state Supreme Court election forums for voters to consume and Travis provides a CONVOLUTED update on Medicaid expansion.
Stay to the end to hear North Carolina’s pre-eminent soft drink named and proclaimed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Travis gather again to break down the week that was in North Carolina politics and to ponder: Are all these big wins on economic development a sign that divided government is a good thing for North Carolina?
Plus: Updates from key Republican leaders on Medicaid expansion (spoiler alert: don't hold your breath at least until after the November elections) and tidbits from around the world of North Carolina government and politics, most of which you won't find anywhere else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're heading to the home stretch, folks, and the post-Labor Day campaign season boom is set to begin. In this week's Wrap Bryan and Travis discuss North Carolina's U.S. Senate race, the 13th Congressional District, the Republican push to win super majorities in the state General Assembly and the Leandro case, which was before the state Supreme Court this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Topics on The Wrap this week include abortion, Medicaid expansion, state supreme court ruling on amendments, the lieutenant governor's book, election rules. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's wrap, Bryan Anderson and Paul Specht discuss the Green Party's efforts to get on the 2022 ballot, potential new rules for election observers and a public spat between Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Travis gathered once again to discuss the week that was in North Carolina politics. We're three months from election day. Will there be any debates in North Carolina's U.S. Senate race? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It was a quiet week in North Carolina politics, which means we’ve only got three significant lawsuits to discuss: One on voting, one about whether you’re allowed to lie in campaign ads and one on abortion. Plus: An update on Medicaid expansion talks, and why Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson says that, if he had to do his own taxes, he’d be “going to jail.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a week’s hiatus, The Wrap is back to break down the week that was in NC politics. Travis and Bryan lay out the latest in the fight over abortion rights, including Attorney General Josh Stein’s refusal to back the state’s 20-week abortion ban. We dive into community college and state university system politics, congressional votes on contraception and marriage rights and the sad, mysterious death this week of former NC NAACP President Anthony Spearman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The NC Senate’s top leader, Sen. Phil Berger, sat down with WRAL News this week to discuss the legislative session that recently ended and policies voters can expect if they elect more North Carolina Republicans this November. A list of topics in the 45-minute interview, along with approximate end times for those topics: Medicaid expansion (8:30) Abortion (14:50) Transportation (17:00) Guns (21) Governing (23:30 The 2024 governor’s race (26:35) Schools and LGBTQ issues (30:10) The Pandemic and public health laws (31:55) Future redistricting plans (32:55 Moore v. Harper (35:35) Political power in the Berger family (37:25) Political discourse and social media (39:24) The Jan. 6 hearings (42:02) Medicaid again (end) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's wrap, Laura Leslie and Bryan Anderson discuss which bills stalled during the legislative session, including legalizing online sports gambling and medical marijuana. They also discuss how state lawmakers voted to keep hemp legal in North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s WRAL Laura and Travis break down a seemingly uneventful week at the state legislature and find it was surprisingly busy.
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A long week in North Carolina politics and a long Wrap to get you caught up. Travis and Bryan talk elections, guns and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s recent comments on men, women, churches and leadership. Plus: A rundown of the bills that moved this week at the North Carolina General Assembly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Travis discuss North Carolina lawmakers considering legalizing medical marijuana, the Parents' Bill of Rights, Medicaid expansion and the gas tax rebate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Travis discuss two bills moving forward in the North Carolina Senate: The continuing debate over Medicaid expansion and a controversial bill that would ban teaching of LGBTQ issues to the state's youngest students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Paul look back at North Carolina's primary election results and the big, outside money and media strategies that moved them, and look ahead at the session getting underway next week and some of the pressures lawmakers will be under to come up with higher raises for state employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Saturday marks the final day to vote early in the May 17 primary elections. WRAL capitol bureau chief Laura Leslie and WRAL state government reporter Travis Fain discuss races to watch, predictions for the 13th District, the state Carbon Plan, broadband funds, prison air conditioning, Gov. Roy Cooper's budget and they preview the upcoming legislative session. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week’s edition of The Wrap, Laura and Travis talk through the ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s looming abortion ruling, what to expect from the coming state legislative session and, yes, U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn’s sex life. We’re sorry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WRAL capitol bureau chief Laura Leslie and WRAL state government reporter Bryan Anderson discuss a new GOP-funded attack ad, which calls Rep. Madison Cawthorn a liar. They also discuss Cawthorn bringing a loaded gun to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and accusations he's involved in insider trading. Laura and Bryan also discuss how early voting started this week in North Carolina ahead of the May 17 primary election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Bryan break down visits from the current and previous president, a poll of North Carolina voters, a debate in the GOP Senate primary race, school funding and Mark Meadows in the news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The former president is bringing his rally and endorsement power to play in some North Carolina Congressional races. Laura and Travis break down that influence and the moderate GOP resistance to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bryan and Laura discuss a candidate's comments, job creation and the story occupying all of North Carolina: Duke and UNC in the Final Four. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The lieutenant governor's youthful decision became an issue this week in a campaign season that is heating up in NC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mark Meadows' voter registration could get him in legal trouble, while the road to legal weed in NC gets a little longer. Laura and Travis explain on The Wrap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s Wrap Travis and Laura break down the end of the state’s longest legislative session, ever. Is it time to go full-time? Should lawmakers get bigger salaries? They also discuss Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision to endorse in a Senate Democratic primary … against the incumbent. They talk about former Congressman Mark Meadows’ voter registration issues and, of course, the state’s most famous 26-year-old unlicensed driver, Congressman Madison Cawthorn, makes an appearance, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WRAL's capitol bureau chief Laura Leslie and state government reporter Bryan Anderson talk about who's running for what districts, what's ahead for NC's maps at the US Supreme Court, potential veto overrides and the state's new Russian vodka ban in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis and Bryan break down the week that was in North Carolina politics. The state Supreme Court finalized North Carolina's election maps ... probably. Candidate filing re-opened, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson visited sunny Orlando and a new dark money group popped up in General Assembly politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Travis chat about - what else? - North Carolina's ongoing redistricting process. Plus a little bit about the start to formal Medicaid expansion discussion, the state's current and looming nursing shortage and the politics of mask mandates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Laura and Bryan have the latest on the back-and-forth on voting maps, the legal challenge to Madison Cawthorn's candidacy and how the state spends to help the most needy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's edition Laura and Travis break down oral arguments in North Carolina's ongoing redistricting lawsuit. What can we expect from the state Supreme Court? And when? We speculate! Also: We get into the latest numbers from North Carolina campaigns (spoiler alert: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is a fundraising beast) and talk about the vaccine mandate that wasn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WRAL statehouse reporters Travis Fain and Bryan Anderson break down the week that was in North Carolina politics and look forward to next week's oral arguments in North Carolina's partisan gerrymandering case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis Fain and Bryan Anderson, the newest addition to the NCCapitol team, break down the week that was in North Carolina politics, including the legislature's one-day session to again delay the state's primary elections ... if Gov. Roy Cooper doesn't veto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis and Laura break down the week that was in North Carolina politics, including this week's four-day redistricting trial, questions about what happened to secret maps that trial revealed and a potential step toward Medicaid expansion in the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The primaries may be delayed, but Democrats are shoring up their pick for U.S. Senate. The new state budget includes provisions that expand Medicaid coverage for new mothers and access to lottery money for smaller, poorer school districts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All primaries in North Carolina have been pushed back from March until May as state courts take a look at the new congressional and legislative district maps. Even though the election is delayed, an outside group is cranking up spending in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, mailing a 12-page ad bashing former Gov. Pat McCrory. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed three more bills, including one that would have prohibited elections officials from accepting private donations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers tied up some loose ends and say they're finished with the 2021 legislative session, but they haven't adjourned. Some of the final bills to go through would crack down on local officials who use their positions for financial gain, prohibit elections boards from accepting money from private sources and prevent municipalities from banning natural gas appliances in homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After more than two years without a state budget, officials wasted no time putting one in place. Republican lawmakers continue to push changes to state election laws to combat fraud that Democrats say doesn't exist. Congressman G.K. Butterfield became the latest North Carolina politician to announce his retirement, and the open seats and the new congressional and legislative district maps for 2022 have created a rush among state lawmakers to find the best seat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper doesn't like parts of the state budget, but he says there's enough in there that he likes or the state desperately needs to sign it as soon as the General Assembly passes it this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Republican lawmakers say they plan to vote on the overdue state budget, and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper may actually sign it. One thing not in the spending package is the $1.7 billion a judge ordered moved from state reserves to boost public school funding as part of the long-running Leandro lawsuit. Finally, the new congressional and legislative maps have been out for only a week, and they're already shaking up state politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Republican majorities in the House and the Senate approved new congressional and legislative district maps that favor GOP candidates, and they're already being challenged in courts. There's still no state budget, and odds are there won't be one anytime soon. While no one will gamble on a budget, North Carolina residents could start betting on professional sports if a bill that has cleared the Senate can do so in the House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson continues to elevate his profile before a possible run for governor in 2024. The SEC continues to investigate U.S. Sen. Richard Burr's stock sales during the early stages of the pandemic. And voters give Republican lawmakers a resounding Bronx cheer over their proposed congressional and legislative district maps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Longtime Democratic Congressman David Price won't seek re-election and will retire at the end of 2022, adding another wrinkle to the ongoing redistricting effort. There's still no state budget, but a bill lawmakers passed this week limiting the governor's emergency powers could become a bargaining chip in the negotiations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson says he's talking about LGBT-themed books in schools and not individuals when using words like "filth" and "garbage," but Democrats and LGBT advocates are buying that argument. There's still no state budget more than three months into the fiscal year. But lawmakers and Gov. Roy Cooper were able to agree on a sweeping energy bill, which is now law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some House Republicans continue to believe 2020 election results were fraudulent, and they intend to prove it. A sweeping measure that addresses climate change and how utilities in North Carolina produce and get paid for their electricity is on its way to the governor. And lawmakers will soon start narrowing down which maps they prefer for new legislative and congressional districts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A major overhaul of North Carolina's energy sector is quickly moving through the General Assembly after months of secret negotiations. Redistricting isn't so secret, with open terminals where people can try to draw new legislative and congressional district maps. Trying to get out of jury duty by claiming you're not a citizen? A bill would require local court officials to send your name to state elections officials so it could be removed from voter rolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legislative leaders could soon start negotiating with Gov. Roy Cooper on the state budget. Hundreds of state workers have burned through the 80 hours of pandemic-related leave they were given, primarily by having to quarantine whenever they or someone close to them tested positive for coronavirus. And the conservative John Locke Foundation is going after the North Carolina Association of Educators in a new billboard campaign, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Current and former senators gathered to honor longtime Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, who died last winter. A Senate committee passed a measure that would allow driverless delivery vehicles to operate in North Carolina. State Department of Transportation officials say their long-range list of road construction projects is at least $7 billion over budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed bills that would prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in North Carolina public schools and would increase the penalties for causing extensive property damage or injuring someone in a riot. But he did sign off on loosening a slew of the state's alcohol regulations. Meanwhile, a judge overseeing a long-running lawsuit over improving schools in impoverished districts gave lawmakers a deadline to properly fund schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate passed a bill prohibiting critical race theory from being taught in North Carolina classrooms. The N.C. High School Athletic Association has gotten a reprieve under an updated bill moving through the Senate. And Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law legislation raising the legal age to marry in the state from 14 to 16. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Republican officials insist some North Carolina teachers are trying to "indoctrinate" students with their political opinions, and they want to prevent any instruction through a racial lens in state classrooms. Law enforcement officers will receive more training, and the state will create databases of problem officers under one bill that cleared the Senate, while 6- and 7-year-olds will no longer face prosecution under a second measure. And after years of debate, lawmakers have finally approved changes to the approval process health care facilities must undergo before expanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The odds for legalized sports betting in North Carolina are getting shorter. Gov. Roy Cooper has to decide whether to veto a bill repealing the state's pistol purchase permit system. And lawmakers still aren't sure how to handle video from police bodycams as they advance various reforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
House budget week, policy and rhetoric edition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The House is finally rolling out its proposed state budget. The redistricting process (at least the first iteration) is about to begin. A push to legalize sports gambling in North Carolina has cleared its first hurdle. And mandating coronavirus vaccinations is suddenly a hot-button issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No bans on private ownership of exotic animals, such as Raleigh's notorious zebra cobra, will move through the legislature this year. The effort to dissolve the N.C. High School Athletic Association keeps moving forward. And Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger optimistically predicted an adjournment by the end of August. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A proposal to dissolve the N.C. High School Athletic Association and replace it with a 17-member state commission is on the fast track through the Senate. Senators also advanced a measure to legalize medical marijuana in North Carolina, even after some people suggested the state wasn't charging potential pot providers enough for a state license to do so. Finally, with school around the corner, Gov. Roy Cooper said the statewide mask mandate in schools would be lifted, leaving it up to local districts to decide who needs to wear masks in class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Senate leaders are backing a bill to prohibit public school teachers from promoting critical race theory in North Carolina public schools (even though it's not taught now). A measure that would have made it easier to see footage from police body-worn and dashboard cameras has been dropped for now from a policing reform bill. And House lawmakers are holding a midnight session for a final vote on a complex, controversial energy bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers wrapped up work early for an extended Fourth of July break, but not before advancing bills that would legalize marijuana use in North Carolina to treat a specific list of ailments and would raise the age children could be taken to juvenile court for offenses from 6 to 10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers want to cut the $300-a-week federal supplement to unemployment checks, and the Senate's budget proposal also would slash taxes by an extra $5.2 billion than previously thought. Meanwhile, emotional testimony marks the first-ever legislative hearing for a medical marijuana bill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In addition to tax cuts and raises for teachers and state workers, the hundreds of pages of the Senate's proposed budget include plenty of policy changes. Meanwhile, a House lawmaker says local school districts, not state officials, should decide whether masks should be worn at school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate has rolled out its $25.7 billion spending plan for the coming year, with an emphasis on cutting taxes rather than increasing pay for teachers and state workers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A plan to overhaul North Carolina's power generation landscape in the coming years immediately drew critics, including Gov. Roy Cooper. House lawmakers try yet again to get the outlawed literacy test to vote removed from the state constitution. And a measure that would allow charter buses to serve alcohol rolls on at the legislature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Economists for both the Cooper administration and the legislature agree that the state budget surplus continues to grow, but the governor and Republican lawmakers already disagree on what to do with the money. A bill backers say will cut greenhouse gas emissions in North Carolina by 60 percent over the next decade was rolled out by House members. And Wake County senators don't like Raleigh officials springing a plan to delay elections for a year on local voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The legislature passed a measure that would bar abortions solely because of a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. The Senate gave final approval to a massive tax cut package that will likely be written into the proposed state budget. And a key House member wants to use tax credits to attract large video-gaming conventions to North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legislative leaders agree on how much to spend in the new state budget, while skipping past some of Gov. Roy Cooper's budget priorities. Lawmakers also advance bills that would make impersonating someone online a felony and would give raises to home health aides and nursing home staffers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's been a busy week at the General Assembly with a pileup of action on unemployment benefits, abortion, a DEQ nominee and conversations on the state budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Top Senate Republicans rolled out a proposal to cut individual and corporate tax rates by more than $1 billion a year, but it likely goes further than House GOP members are willing to go, let alone legislative Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper laid out his plans to spend $5.7 billion in federal pandemic relief funds, including money for families, a major broadband expansion and help for struggling restaurants, bars and hotels. Meanwhile, a new bill that cleared a Senate committee would allow some North Carolina cities and towns to push their elections this fall back to next spring because of delays in census data. Finally, former Rep. David Lewis is set to be sentenced on federal charges that he used campaign funds to help his family farm, and it looks like he is probably going to get probation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The House ran another marathon session to clear dozens of bills before the legislature's "crossover" deadline, including one that would allow lawmakers and other elected state officials to carry guns in government buildings and another limiting how schools teach about U.S. racial history in schools. The Senate passed a number of bills on its own, including one to raise the legal age to marry in the state from 14 to 16. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A bill moving in the House would preclude North Carolina public schools from teaching that systemic racism exists in the U.S. The Senate passed the annual farm bill, including a provision that would create blanket permits for hog farms to create methane production operations. Lawmakers could soon be armed inside the legislature under a House proposal. And the zipper-merge would be taught in driver's education classes as the appropriate way to move two lanes of traffic into one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A bill filed by House Speaker Tim Moore that would charge people involved in a riot that causes serious property damage or someone's injury or death with a felony is on a fast track to passage. Two bills restricting abortion – prohibiting them if a fetus has Down syndrome and requiring doctors to care for infants born after a botched abortion – advanced through the legislature. And the House not only approved allowing cities to create "social districts" where people can consume alcohol in public, they also approved doubling the size of permitted growlers for drinking, to 4 liters. That's more than a gallon of beer, for those not on the metric system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Measures making changes to North Carolina's election system advanced in the House, including one bill that would require mailed absentee ballots to arrive at the county elections office by Election Day to count. The House repealed the state system requiring people to obtain a permit from the local sheriff before buying a handgun. And another bill moving through the House would prevent any sort of disciplinary action against state or local government workers for not getting vaccinated against coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With the deadline for policy-related bills to clear either the House or the Senate only nine days away, lawmakers are furiously filing legislation and moving much of it through the pipeline with little discussion. One bill that did get plenty of discussion would ban abortions where the fetus has Down syndrome, which bill sponsors say discriminates against the disabled. Also, scores of people rallied outside the legislature, demanding passage of a proposal that would prohibit businesses, schools and other entities from requiring people to be vaccinated, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Social issues ruled the day at the General Assembly, as bills to increase the age to marry from 14 to 18 and to repeal a law allowing people to sue over adultery both got derailed in committee. Lawmakers also watered down a proposal to allow someone in a same-sex dating relationship to obtain a domestic violence protection order against their abuser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper delivers his biennial State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly, and House Speaker Tim Moore provides the GOP response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A feud within the House Republican caucus spills into the public, some changes are suggested to public records, wounded veterans are honored and one lawmaker keeps pushing for North Carolina to have a 12-month time zone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 2022 primary is still about a year off, but the field for the open U.S. Senate seat is getting crowded. Families criticize lawmakers for trying to put limits on transgender students and athletes. House members back a plan to allow business owners who received PPP loans, including some lawmakers, to deduct the expenses in their state taxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The push for medical marijuana picks up an important backer, the odds on gambling in North Carolina improve and lawmakers continue to push controversial social issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper rolled out a $27.3 billion budget proposal for the fiscal year that starts in July, including raises and bonuses for teachers and state workers. How much of that, plus the governor's renewed call for Medicaid expansion and a major infrastructure bond, come to pass in the GOP-controlled legislature remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the Senate passed legislation to end the practice of prosecuting children younger than 10 in juvenile court, and lawmakers grilled state elections officials over changes they made to absentee voting rules last fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican legislative leaders congratulated themselves after reaching a deal to reopen North Carolina public schools during the pandemic. The mood wasn't so bipartisan in the General Assembly during debates on guns bills and the latest effort to force sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration agents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican legislative leaders reached a compromise to have all public schools statewide offer in-person instruction at least part time within a few weeks. Meanwhile, House Republicans filed a bill to rein in the governor's authority to issue far-reaching emergency shutdown orders, such as the one that kept schools closed for months. And it wouldn't be a week at the legislature without some debate over guns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The General Assembly passed a $1.7 billion pandemic relief package in four days, the State Board of Education adopted new guidelines urging school districts to get students back into classrooms, and lawmakers want to name a new agriculture sciences building after longtime Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate failed once in trying to override the governor's veto of a school reopening bill, so they're trying again. Lawmakers are quickly moving a $1.7 billion pandemic relief package through the General Assembly. And state prison officials misspoke when they told lawmakers that only nonviolent inmates would get out early as part of a legal settlement to improve prison conditions during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The effort to reopen schools now amid the coronavirus pandemic could be derailed, while the push for summer school to help students catch up after months of online classes is advancing. Also, state elections officials say delays in getting census data needed to redraw voting districts makes it impossible for dozens of cities across North Carolina to hold their scheduled elections this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers have passed legislation requiring schools to reopen during the pandemic and are proposing an extended summer school to help students who have fallen behind during months of online classes. Elsewhere, the legislature has gutted its nonpartisan Program Evaluation Division, and the state Department of Health and Human Services was blistered in a state audit over not checking whether Medicaid providers were qualified to treat patients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legislation that would require school districts to provide in-person classes during the pandemic to any student wants them is close to passage. Meanwhile, Gov. Roy Cooper is moving teachers up on the priority list for coronavirus vaccinations. And the state's financial position isn't as dire as many predicted last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legislation started moving this week, including pandemic relief and a push to reopen more schools. Gov. Cooper also pitched bonuses for teachers, many of whom are irritated that they are being asked to return to classes of students without first being vaccinated against coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 2021 legislative session opened with the pandemic and the U.S. Capitol riot on everyone's minds. Legislative leaders say coronavirus vaccine distribution and doling out federal pandemic relief money will be among the first orders of business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elections boards across North Carolina held their canvasses to certify their vote totals, and as updates were sent to the state, the leader in the race for North Carolina Supreme Court changed several times. Also, House Minority Leader Darren Jackson says he won't be in charge of the Democratic caucus in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Republicans scored major wins in statewide and legislative races, while Gov. Roy Cooper was the lone bright spot for Democrats. The results mean the GOP will again control the redistricting process next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The General Assembly adjourned for the year after passing a $1 billion package of pandemic relief, and Vice President Mike Pence rallies abortion opponents in Raleigh two months out from the November election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate passed a package of about $1 billion in federal coronavirus pandemic relief funds, but the measure includes an expansion of the Opportunity Scholarships school vouchers that Democrats despise, setting up a potential fight with Gov. Roy Cooper. The Senate also approved $18 million in incentives for an unidentified "sports championship employer." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Plenty of political- and election-related lawsuits, a new House Rules chairman and new jobs for some former lawmakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers failed to override five of Gov Roy Cooper's vetoes and punted on a sixth. They agreed to indefinitely suspend a state law that makes it illegal to wear masks in public for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, but they couldn't agree on a push to allow school districts the option of using remote instruction for the start of the school year next month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers return to Raleigh for a quick session, but a number of differences remain between the House and the Senate, including whether to continue allowing people to legally wear masks in public during the coronavirus pandemic and whether to allow remote learning off the bat when schools reopen next month. Meanwhile, some bowling alleys rolled a strike in winning their legal challenge to the state's pandemic-related shutdown order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The General Assembly wrapped up its legislative session early Friday after a marathon session where as many things were left undone as accomplished. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper hit the pause button on the state's effort to reopen businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, lawmakers failed in their effort to override Cooper's veto of a measure that would allow gyms and bars to reopen despite his closure orders. And what's a legislative session without a sweepstakes bill? One finally surfaced days before lawmakers are expected to adjourn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The fallout from the weekend removal of Confederate monuments outside the State Capitol – first by protesters and then by order of Gov. Roy Cooper to protect public safety – now includes a holdup on funding for monuments in downtown Raleigh to honor African-Americans. Lawmakers have sent two more bills pushing reopening during the pandemic – one for amusement parks and party venues and the other to prevent July 4th celebrations from being blocked – as Cooper weighs the next steps in the state's pandemic response. A bill directing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal coronavirus stimulus funds, mostly to state and local government agencies, also includes a couple of earmarks for unrelated programs that failed to gain traction on their own before the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Senators say a pandemic isn't a good reason not to celebrate Independence Day, so they passed a measure that would prevent cities from blocking parades or fireworks displays by civic groups. They also passed yet another bill to reopen more businesses during the pandemic – this time amusement parks and entertainment venues, and fairs and carnivals were tacked on as well. But Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed an earlier bill that would have allowed gyms to reopen and bars to serve customers outdoors. And what's a church service without guns? Lawmakers don't want to know, approving legislation that would allow people with concealed carry permits to be armed inside a church even if it's in a school building that the church uses to hold services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A proposed $3.1 billion bond package to pay for school and highway construction and maintenance got preliminary approval from the House. More bills to reopen more businesses amid the pandemic are cropping up – this time it's amusement parks and wedding venues. And lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit state or local government from halting any July 4th fireworks displays or parades because of the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers stripped the governor of some appointments to the board overseeing the Department of Transportation in a measure that would bail out the agency. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen told lawmakers that a great way to limit the spread of coronavirus is by wearing masks, an issue that has become fairly partisan at the legislature. Dozens of prominent attorneys have told state leaders that Confederate monuments outside the State Capitol pose a constitutional problem. And a state bill would allow the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to regulate the sale of ice cream, jello and other foods that contain alcohol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GOP lawmakers are pushing another bill to reopen businesses during the pandemic – this one for bowling alleys and skating rinks. The Senate approved a "mini budget" bill on teacher pay and rolled out one for the Department of Health and Human Services, which would allow the agency's headquarters to remain in Wake County. Finally, two criminal justice reform measures, giving judges more leeway in drug sentences and making it easier for people to expunge old, nonviolent felony charges, are headed to the governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legislative Republicans rolled out the first of what are expected to be several "mini budget" bills, this one on teacher pay for the coming year. Lawmakers also passed a measure that would waive the required road test for a driver's license for some teens during the pandemic. And a key Senate committee says it's time to allow hospital patients to once again have visitors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers are doubling down on efforts to lift pandemic-related restrictions, sending a bill to Gov. Roy Cooper that would reopen bars and gyms days after he vetoed a bars-only measure. Jacksonville, Fla., appears to be the front-runner to grab at least part of the Republican National Convention from Charlotte because of restrictions on mass gatherings. And a "bipartisan" elections bill is anything but as Democratic senators fuss over voter ID provisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate passed a measure that would allow gyms and bars to reopen, despite Gov. Roy Cooper's pandemic-related restrictions. Meanwhile, the Cooper administration ordered an Alamance County racetrack closed for repeatedly defying restrictions and becoming "an imminent hazard" for coronavirus spread. Cooper also formed a task force to find ways to eliminate racial inequity in policing and the courts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Republican-backed bill that would allow bars to reopen during the pandemic by using outdoor seating could set up a veto fight with Gov. Roy Cooper, who ordered bars to remain closed until late June. Meanwhile, the House overwhelmingly passed a series of changes to help with the fall elections as people deal with the virus. Also, the back and forth between the Cooper administration and GOP officials continues over how to hold the Republican National Convention in Charlotte safely during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Several pandemic-related changes to voting by mail and in person during the fall elections are headed to the full House, while the full Senate will consider measures that would allow bars to reopen and restaurants to expand with outdoor seating. Meanwhile, the beleaguered chief of the state unemployment system was unexpectedly replaced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
State Auditor Beth Wood described budgeting problems at the Department of Transportation to a Senate committee, and the Senate's initial budgeting for the coming year drops a suggestion to move the Department of Health and Human Services headquarters to Granville County. Meanwhile, former Raleigh Mayor Tom Fetzer ends his controversial run on the UNC Board of Governors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The coronavirus pandemic has left the state budget with a massive hole that lawmakers will have to fill in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, they also must fix problems at the state Division of Employment Security that have left thousands of people waiting weeks for jobless benefits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
State lawmakers return to Raleigh on Monday for a "normal" short session focused on the budget and various policy initiatives, but don't think the coronavirus pandemic won't color everything that goes on. Meanwhile, plans to reopen N.C. during the pandemic have become a partisan issue, and the investigation into U.S. Sen. Richard Burr's stock sales heats up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the state moves into the first part of a three-stage plan to resume business and social activities during the pandemic, there are disputes over wearing masks and testing prison workers for the coronavirus. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr continues to garner bad headlines for stock sales before the market tanked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
House and Senate negotiators are hammering out details of a $1.5 billion pandemic relief package, but one of the sticking points is a provision allowing restaurants to sell mixed drinks with takeout and delivery orders. Meanwhile, a small group of armed protesters pressed for the state to lift its stay-at-home order. And longtime Senate powerbroker Tony Rand died at age 80. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The House passed its $1.7 billion package of federal coronavirus pandemic relief on Thursday, kicking off negotiations between the House and the Senate over a compromise proposal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate approved its $1.4 billion package of federal coronavirus relief, and House committees have rolled their proposals into an omnibus package that could allow mixed drinks to be sold with takeout orders during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Socially distant lawmakers open a brief session dedicated to coronavirus response, but how quickly they can come to an agreement on how much federal aid money to spend and where to allocate it remain to be seen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers return to session next week and hope to quickly move legislation that will deal with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The overwhelming impact of the coronavirus outbreak on North Carolina, the lack of a runoff in the the Democratic lieutenant governor's race and what some of the evidence from mega-donor Greg Lindberg's bribery trial suggests are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joe Biden's momentum, Dan Forest outperforming Roy Cooper and the rise of "no preference" as a presidential option are among the topics discussed in the wake of North Carolina's "Super Tuesday" primaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
North Carolina's "Super Tuesday" primary is fast approaching, so early voting is wrapping up, presidential candidates are making last-minute campaign stops and millions of dollars in political donations are flowing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Secret recordings played during the bribery trial of a major political donor, the results of a WRAL News poll and questionable campaign ads are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Presidential candidates visiting North Carolina now that early voting has started, criticism over an email and text message blast and Sen. Phil Berger's real estate transactions are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An interesting email found in a document dump, campaign advertising shenanigans in the U.S. Senate race and an unexpected departure from Gov. Roy Cooper's cabinet are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
President Trump's impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate, law enforcement opposition to proposed online lottery games and the latest effort to undo UNC's $2.5 million deal to rid itself of the controversial "Silent Sam" Confederate monument are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lt. Gov. Dan Forest's stance on Planned Parenthood, possible campaign finance troubles for the Sons of Confederate Veterans and a state Senate candidate's position on women in office are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers failing to override a veto on teacher pay raises and bailing on an override vote on the vetoed state budget, along with other actions during the last gasp of the 2019 legislative session are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lawmakers return for a possible one-day session that could include a budget veto override vote and lots of news conferences from special-interest groups pushing their individual agendas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
North Carolina's on-again, off-again requirement for voters to show photo IDs at the polls, the end to a long-running debate over coal ash and checking in on Gov. Roy Cooper's 2016 campaign promises are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The annual airing of grievances for Festivus, who will be on the ballot in 2020 and persistent questions over the "Silent Sam" deal are among some of the issues discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ongoing fallout over UNC's deal to rid itself of "Silent Sam," a lack of transparency over state incentives to Apple and the possible return of former Gov. Pat McCrory in 2020 are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who's in and who's out as candidate filing opens for the 2020 elections, online scratch-off lottery tickets and the controversial deal to get rid of "Silent Sam" are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The investigation into Gov. Roy Cooper's administration's handling of permits for a gas pipeline, the delay in Medicaid managed care and the fallout from the new congressional district map are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A final approval for the new congressional district map and what lawmakers did and didn't accomplish in this year's exceedingly long session are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new congressional district map, money to help ease cash flow problems at the state Department of Transportation and a dust-up over provisions tacked onto a Hurricane Dorian relief bill are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Public criticism of the congressional redistricting effort and possible relief for people trying to recover from Hurricane Dorian are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the 2020 presidential primary and election get near, WRAL will be talking with as many candidates as possible on both sides of the aisle. During his campaign event Oct. 27 in Durham, Vice President Joe Biden sat down with WRAL anchor David Crabtree. This is an extended version of the interviewed that previously aired on WRAL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New congressional district maps and vetoes over teacher pay are among some of the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Closing loopholes in North Carolina's sexual assault statutes, a Republican plan to raise teacher salaries, and an effort to bail Roanoke Rapids out from its losses on the failed Roanoke Rapids Theatre are some of the topics discussed as lawmakers adjourn (sort of) for the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Off-and-on tax cuts, carrots (not apples) tied to teacher raises and disaster relief money are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Utility rates, skeet shooting and absentee ballot rules are among the topics discussed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The death of former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a veto override vote that never came and court rulings on various voting maps are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Voting maps in court and in committee, the balance between tax cuts and raising state pension benefits and the end of legal smokable hemp are among the issues discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inaction on teacher pay, more tax cuts in play, including possible breaks for cemeteries, and cheaper athletic scholarships are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Staffing problems at state prisons, an outsized consulting contract for the Department of Transportation and a painful end to a racing career are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Election security in 2020, ongoing challenges to state voting maps and bacteria and chemicals in North Carolina's water are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Money for DOT and Hurricane Dorian victims, the uncomfortable timing of a political bribery trial and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest's awkward photo op with the president are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The never-ending legislative session, possible teacher raises, more mini-budgets and the House speaker suing Duke Energy are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fixing a DOT cash crunch, the perils of purging voter rolls and multi-year rate increases for Duke Energy are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alleged budget veto threats, more "mini-budgets" and new voting machines are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Cooper's plan to attack climate change, changes at the top of the UNC system and Blue Cross and yet another gerrymandering lawsuit are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A limited Medicaid expansion plan, small-town water woes and a brief hiatus for lawmakers are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New voting maps and new license plates are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The new House district map and the partisan bickering over it is the main topic discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Shouts of "shame" at the legislature, fallout from redistricting and the death of former Supreme Court Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The sound and the fury of a surprise House budget veto override vote, redrawing voting district maps and a phone-throwing incident are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lottery balls in Senate redistricting, more mini-budgets and special congressional elections are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The latest effort at drawing voting maps and more mini budget bills are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Piecemeal budgeting, billboard regulations and construction on a Wake County toll road are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tax refunds, piecemeal budgeting, vetoes and probable cause searches involving hemp are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sheriffs and immigration detainers, smokable hemp and Duke Energy electric rates are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new protest against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and missing data from the background check system for gun purchases are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Access to broadband in rural areas, milk prices and health coverage for self-employed people are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gun control in the wake of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, legalizing fireworks and keeping online teachers on the job are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chaos at the state elections board, the latest in the 9th Congressional District ballot fraud scandal and real layoffs for virtual teachers are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new veto from Gov. Roy Cooper, the ongoing budget impasse and new voting machines are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Twitter war over the state budget, liquor sales, fishing licenses and school safety are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Smokable hemp, phonics and athletic scholarships are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ongoing budget stalemate, a Senate stopgap plan and a possible legislative break to let the impasse thaw during the hot summer are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sniping over the budget standoff, a fight over Airbnb regulations and criminal justice reform efforts are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The on-again, off-again floor sessions, the lobbying and the horse trading involved in negotiating a state budget deal and Medicaid expansion would drive many to drink, so liquor laws are also part of the discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ongoing state budget standoff, a possible breakthrough on Medicaid and electric rates are among some of the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gerrymandering and a dead man's computer files, drinking while shopping and protecting crime victims' rights with no money are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A likely state budget veto, alcohol sales and gerrymandering are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Budget votes, sanctuary cities and smokable hemp are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fights over fish sizes and the state budget are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sheriffs balking at immigration enforcement bill, a debate over fishing and concerns about reporting overdoses are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sniping over the state budget and the new pricing structure for the State Health Plan are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hemp regulations, alcohol sales at college games and the never-ending battle over state legislative district maps are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gun background checks, Senate procedure and one less worry for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Immigration enforcement, handgun purchases and lawsuits by child sex abuse victims are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Opioids and Medicaid expansion, the state budget, distracted driving and coal ash are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recycled TVs, pre-kindergarten needs and chicken "litter" are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ceremonies for the D-Day anniversary and questions over voting maps are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An abortion bill veto, a wind farm ban and possible Russian hacking of election software used in Durham are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ride-sharing safety, conference call mix-ups and state budget frustrations are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A second day of Senate budget debate, a farewell to the state elections director and an upcoming federal trial for a major political donor are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The budget fight in the Senate, hemp vs. marijuana and hog waste are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Surprise budget moves for DHHS and DEQ and a date certain for a veto override vote in the House are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Senate's budget proposal, including raises tax tinkering and other items of note, is discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Landfill regulations, fantasy sports betting and the calculus of a veto override vote are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A legislative hideaway and a casino plan that has elected officials placing opposing bets are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An odd combination of abortion, taxes and beer are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Local taxes, state taxes and a couple of new laws on the books are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tax breaks and local sales taxes, HBCUs, the 9th District primary and a liquor contract are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
School vouchers, erasing old arrest records and an ethics complaint against a longtime senator are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Distracted driving, emotional support animals and a hammer for immigration enforcement compliance are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The rush to beat crossover, a possible challenger for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and how to know when you'ev done too many sit-ups are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The final House budget vote, eating while driving and legislative maneuvering on motorcycle helmets are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The first House floor battle over the state budget, a no-show veto override vote, utility rates and exotic pets are some of the issues discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The not-ready-for-prime-time House budget, the teacher rally and fallout from a veto override vote are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The House budget plan comes out on the eve of a teachers rally, and surprisingly, teacher raises and other education goodies are included. Duke Energy rates and firefighter cancers are also among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More bits of the House budget, destroying seized guns and spiked drinks are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Riding motorcycles without helmets and the first glimpses at the state budget are among the topics discussed as lawmakers start back to work following a spring break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A fight over electric rates, business tax cuts and upcoming congressional primaries are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A permanent Daylight Saving Time, abortion, fishing and beer are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Medicaid expansion by any other name, motorcycle helmets and student IDs for voting are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a Sunday Special edition of TheWrap@NCCapitol, Laura Leslie, Travis Fain and Cullen Browder provide analysis of the federal bribery charges against a major political donor and its impact on state politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The identity of "Public Official A" and a proposed business tax cut are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The political fallout from the federal corruption case involving a mega-donor, a battle between two large lobbying groups over the State Health Plan and sheriffs who don't like to be told what to do are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Federal indictments in a far-reaching political corruption case and the final floor for North Carolina's "Elevator Queen" are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scooters, gay conversion therapy and Wake County elections are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A failed transit project, forcing sheriffs to work with immigration officials and wind farms are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gerrymandering, gun laws and school testing are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Incomplete ballots, lead in drinking water and legislative privilege are among some of the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hemp farming, roofies, the UNC Board of Governors and rape evidence kits are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A school construction splinter group in the House, Larry Nassar's legacy and no more school paddling are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Craft beer, a transparent attempt to limit transparency in the General Assembly and a fight between hospitals and state workers are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Miss America, the possible death of Medicaid expansion and proposed new rules for absentee ballots are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The state's new chief justice, arming school teachers and the pipeline fight that resulted in whistleblower protections for state workers are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gov. Roy Cooper's proposed budget, school safety, frozen treats and more broadcasts of legislative sessions are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Moving DMV headquarters, vehicle inspection fees, paramedics with guns and school construction are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A budding House-Senate fight over school construction and the growing number of health care-related issues pending in the General Assembly are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Criminal charges for the central figure in the 9th Congressional District election fraud hearing, the size of the state Court of Appeals and hands-free calling in cars are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The latest developments in the 9th Congressional District election and investigation and bills on scooters, license plate readers and health care are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some analysis of Gov. Roy Cooper's State of the State address and the Republican response is offered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's still unknown in the 9th Congressional District hearing, and who will run in a new election there, along with a preview of Gov. Roy Cooper's State of the State address are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gun control, possibly toxic stuff in the water and privacy concerns for drivers are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ending gerrymandering, raising the minimum wage and controlling scooters on downtown streets are among the topics of discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The proposed move of DMV's main office, a new chief justice for the state Supreme Court and privatizing alcohol sales are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Interesting bills being filed, the State Board of Elections meeting on the 9th Congressional District investigation and recommendations to improve school safety are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Proposed abortion restrictions, new rules for the House and Gov. Cooper's backsies on an appointment to a state commission are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The proposed DMV headquarters move, "floaters" in the state House and State Fair ticket prices are among the topics discussed in this segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The new power dynamic in the General Assembly and appointees for the restructured State Board of Elections and State Ethics Commission are among the topics discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 2019 legislative session begins in earnest, with a series of news conferences helping set some early agenda priorities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A court ruling in the disputed 9th Congressional District election, Gov. Roy Cooper's administration's efforts to thwart a legislative investigation into the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and a dark-money schmoozefest in Cary are among the topics discussed this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Investigations into House Speaker Tim Moore's dealings, the ongoing dispute over the 9th Congressional District election and an invitation to President Donald Trump are among the items discussed this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The start of the legislative session, a possible increase in bipartisanship and a planned move of the Capitol Press Corps to a smaller, more remote space are among the issues discussed, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The latest on the 9th Congressional District election fraud investigation and Republican Mark Harris' attempts to go to Congress, as well as North Carolina's partisan gerrymandering case going before the U.S. Supreme Court are among the topics discussed this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A look back at some of the highlights and lowlights of North Carolina politics in the past year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices