This week on The Debrief: The N.C. Senate kicked off the week presenting its version of the state budget and wrapped the week giving it bipartisan passage. The state legislature also voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of SB 20, a measure restricting abortion in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Within minutes, Cooper appealed to donors and took to national news outlets to declare the measure a result of “diabolical gerrymandering.” Meanwhile, 57% of North Carolina voters support restrictions on abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
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State health regulators are asking a judge to pause his consideration of class action status for a lawsuit targeting mental health services provided to North Carolina jail inmates.
Audit: NC community colleges spent Helene funds on stress balls, birdwatching
An audit of $1.25 million appropriated to the NC Community College System for mental health support after Hurricane Helene has turned up some interesting purchases, including rhinoceros-shaped stress balls, foot detox sessions, and guided birdwatching.
Legislators rebut court challenge to northeastern NC Senate districts
Top lawmakers urge the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals to reject a lawsuit challenging two state Senate districts in northeastern North Carolina.
DEQ awards $215M for water projects from Helene damage
On April 16, the State Water Infrastructure Authority and the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $215 million to fund 66 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 26 counties.