Opinion

Disappointing primaries lacked substance

Party nominations for North Carolina’s 2024 elections are, for the most part, decided. Just four races remain to be settled in runoffs on May 14. So, would you say you’re generally satisfied or dissatisfied with our primaries this year? Here’s my answer to the question: I’m deeply disappointed. It’s not that all the candidates I...

John Hood
News

Follow the Money: Lawmakers and lobbyists place their bets

In the final days of state budget negotiations, there was a pressurized hush around the legislative complex as lawmakers feuded over the sudden addition of legalizing four casinos to the nearly $30 billion state budget. The issue was pulled from the budget, but it promises to resurface. In our Follow the Money series, we look at the behind-the-scenes lobbying and spending.

Donna King
News

Restaurant groups raise alarm over proposed food tax in Guilford County

Guilford County is considering an additional 1% Prepared Food and Beverage Tax, with the support of Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan. Critics worry that could harm local restaurants as they recovers from the pandemic, while advocates say it will boost revenue for the county.

Katherine Zehnder

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News

The 2023 North Carolina state budget: Here’s what you need to know

Focusing on tax cuts and development projects in the more than $30 billion budget, Tuesday evening the leaders announced that the Senate will vote on the conference report at 2:00 PM Thursday with final votes at 9:30 AM Friday. The House is planning to hold budget votes on the floor on Wednesday and Thursday. Their agreement does not contain legalization for casinos or video lottery terminals.

Alex Baltzegar
News

The Senate gambling on the House to get casinos in NC

Republican leaders have confirmed a new strategy that is expected to get Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, the casinos he wants. That strategy includes a plan to expand Medicaid and legalize casinos in the same bill.

Alex Baltzegar
News

Budget negotiations are in a weird place

House Republicans announced on Tuesday that they will not hold any more votes this week and plan to come back into Raleigh next week. The state budget, originally expected to finalize by the end of June, has fallen victim to differing House and Senate priorities. A quick run of the vote math shows that Republican leaders are unlikely to reach an agreement this month.

Alex Baltzegar