News
NC House passes flag protections, SSN checks, zoning exemptions
The bill curbs flag displays limits, requires licensing boards to verify Social Security numbers, and creates zoning exemptions for state projects in three counties.
News
Appeals Court revives whistleblower lawsuit against NC opioid treatment clinics
The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals will allow a whistleblower to proceed with her federal lawsuit against Acadia opioid treatment clinics in North Carolina. The Asheville clinic’s former assistant medical director accused the company of falsifying claims for federal government payments.
News
NASCAR All-Star race will return to North Wilkesboro
On Thursday, Sen. Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, announced that NASCAR's All-Star race will be returning to North Wilkesboro. This will be the 40th running of the NASCAR All-Star Race.
News
Republican Jeffrey Elmore announces bid for Lt. Governor
Rep. Jeffrey Elmore, R-Wilkes, has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of North Carolina. Elmore is 45 years old and hails from North Wilkesboro, where he lives with his wife and three children.
News
Cooper sanctions Russia, including ban on vodka made in that country
Editor’s note: This story was updated Wednesday, March 2, to include new banned products. Russian vodka is no longer available in North Carolina. The N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, through an executive order, has pulled the products from its more than 430 stores across the state. Executive Order No. 251, which Gov. Roy Cooper signed...
News
Cooper signs bill putting distillers closer to par with wineries, breweries
Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, has signed House Bill 890, omnibus legislation to make changes to laws governing the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. The bill, in large part, aims to level the playing field for distillers, making rules more consistent with those governing breweries and wineries. H.B. 890 was one of nine bills Cooper signed...
News
Governor targets money to revitalize NASCAR tracks in North Wilkesboro, Rockingham
Lawmakers and the governor are moving bills and disclosing recommendations for using money from the American Rescue Plan, some $5.7 billion. The N.C. Senate on Thursday, May 20, passed Senate Bill 172, which would, for example, allocate money for education, child care, and rental assistance, among its myriad provisions. Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, is...
News
CJ politics week in review, Oct. 5-9
Each week, staff at Carolina Journal looks back at the week in N.C. politics and chooses several interesting, relevant stories you may have missed. Cunningham investigation: The U.S. Army Reserve Command is investigating U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham after news broke the Democrat had an affair with a military veteran’s wife, the News & Observer...
News
House passes ABC reforms, bill heads to Senate for concurrence
The N.C. House on Thursday, July 11, after years of contentious debate and myriad failed efforts, were finally able to pass a bill, in an 86-28 vote, that would align craft distilleries more closely with rules governing wine and craft beer. The bill, Senate Bill 290, has already passed the Senate, 39-4, and returns to...
News
Distillery reform ‘game-changer’ passes key Senate committee
A bill that would align laws for North Carolina craft distilleries more closely with rules governing wine and craft beer easily cleared the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, June 18. It now heads to Senate Rules. Senate Bill 290, Distiller Regulatory Reform Bill, would allow N.C. distilleries to sell malt beverages and unfortified and fortified...
News
Conservative GOP incumbents face off in newly drawn SD 45
Republican primary, state Senate District 45 (Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes, and part of Surry counties) Deanna Ballard (incumbent, one term). Education: Belmont University, business degree. Occupation: Director of the Office of the President/CEO for Samaritan’s Purse, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Career highlights: Volunteer for George W. Bush’s Presidential Advance Team, special assistant to...
News
Cheers, N.C.: Governor signs bill easing rules on distilleries into law
Cheers, North Carolina. North Carolina distillers and restaurateurs on Friday evening were toasting Senate Bill 155, which Gov. Roy Cooper has signed into law. Distillers are relieved as much as they are happy. It’s a boon for North Carolina tourism and agriculture. “I am truly elated to hear Governor Cooper has signed S.B. 155 into...
