General Assembly Coverage

North Carolina ranks 29th in public pre-K enrollment, new report shows

More than 21% of North Carolina's four-year-olds enrolled in the state's pre-kindergarten programs during the 2022-2023 school year, up from the prior year but still below the state's pre-pandemic highs, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.

Paul Specht and Emily Walkenhorst, WRAL state government reporters

North Carolina sees slight surplus this year, $1B more next year

Economists for the General Assembly and Gov. Roy Cooper's state budget office now predict collections will exceed revenue budgeted for the year ending June 30 by $413 million, or a 1.2% increase. And state coffers will bring in $1 billion more in the fiscal year starting July 1 than what was anticipated, or a 3% increase.

By GARY D. ROBERTSON, Associated Press

'Stuff that will kill you': NC lawmakers push to ban 'gas station heroin'

The drug tianeptine - which is also known as Neptune's Fix, Tianaa or Zaza - is highly addictive and widely available at convenience stores and vape shops.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

NC lawmakers want to ban gas station heroin

The drug tianeptine is not technically illegal in the state of North Carolina, even though the FDA says it's dangerous.

NC immigrants tout contributions, hoping to head off ICE detainer bill

Advocates for North Carolina's immigrant community - documented and undocumented - used the occasion of tax day Monday to highlight what they say their community's contributions to the state, and to call on lawmakers not to pass a controversial measure requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE.

Laura Leslie. WRAL Capitol bureau chief

Deja vu: NC lawmakers likely to try again to compel sheriffs to work with federal immigration officials

When North Carolina lawmakers return to work April 24, one of their first orders of business is likely to be an familiar one. For the fourth year out of the past five, they're expected to debate whether sheriffs should be required to cooperate with directives from federal immigration officials.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Our school teachers' revolving door

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

New Florida law could make abortions harder to get in North Carolina

A new six-week abortion ban in Florida takes effect May 1. That is expected to cause more women to travel to the Tar Heel State to seek the procedure, leading to longer waiting lists at overloaded providers.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Editorial: Too many mail-in N.C. ballots unfairly rejected, fix it now

Friday, April 5, 2024 -- The General Assembly, as it gathers this spring, needs to re-instate the grace period for receipt of mail-in ballots cast in a timely manner. It is the fair thing to do.

Push to make animal tranquilizer a controlled substance in NC

Health officials spoke to members of the NC House Select Committee on Substance Abuse recently about the dangers of Xylazine. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer commonly used in veterinary medicine that is not approved for use in humans.

Editorial: Dramatic private school voucher expansion still lacks accountability

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 -- North Carolina taxpayers should be able to see how their money is being used, whether it is being used as intended and in an effective manner. Schools that accept vouchers should be required to adhere to the same performance standards, accountability for student performance and hiring of faculty as public schools.

NC child care leader warns of looming financial crisis

A new study shows nearly one in three child care providers in North Carolina could be forced to close this year without additional financial help from the state. Some advocates say a major overhaul is needed to stabilize the system.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol bureau chief

Editorial: Action needed to protect college athletes, integrity of competition from bettors' influence

Monday, April 1, 2024 -- College athletes and the sports they participate in must be free from the undue influences of gamblers who only care about winning money.

A top NC Republican lawmaker announces early resignation

A member of House Republican leadership from Guilford County, Jon Hardister has served in the North Carolina House of Representatives since the 2010 Tea Party wave that swept the Republican Party into power.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Editorial: Shining light on N.C. legislature's public records 'black hole'

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 -- "Lawmakers give new meaning to North Carolina's 'First in Flight' slogan. They changed public records laws to avoid having to comply with them. State leaders now soar in the spirit of the Black Hole Award, an egregious recognition earned by trampling on the public right to information."

NC community colleges seek $100 million more to revamp training

North Carolina community college leaders have a big ask for state lawmakers this year: a $100 million restructuring of workforce training programs.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

Editorial: Stop playing politics. Truitt must stand with Leandro and quality education for all

Friday, March 15, 2024 -- It is easy to be reflexively partisan and serve up stale talking points. Catherine Truitt has an opportunity to take a nobler course - standing for what is right and doing the hard work to provide public schools that truly deliver a quality education for every child.

Moderate Democrats Woodard, Wray lose legislative primaries

Durham state senator Mike Woodard, who lost a bid for mayor in 2023, lost to his Democratic challenger on Tuesday.

Will Doran and Brian Murphy, WRAL

DRAUGHON DRAWS: The sands time, the cost of neglect

Saturday, March 2, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

The Wrap: Primary countdown, sports betting, and who's on the legislative hot seat

The week in North Carolina politics from WRAL's NC Capitol team.

'Abysmal in all caps': NC lawmakers grill state DMV commissioner

State DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin was questioned by a dissatisfied legislative oversight panel seeking details on customer service, modernization, and other issues at the agency.

Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief

NC House panel OKs recommendations limiting power of HOAs

A state House panel has approved a set of recommendations for changes to state law they say would help curb abuses of power by community and homeowners' associations in North Carolina. The proposals will go before the House for consideration.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

MARY ANN WOLF: Education is on the ballot

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 -- North Carolina is ranked at the bottom -- 49th this year -- for school funding efforts. That won't change unless we elect decision-makers who value and prioritize education as a public good essential to the continued progress of our communities.

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Taking the N.C. Supreme Court to school?

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Editorial: Fate of public education rests with state's high court. It must not let our kids down

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 -- The N.C. Supreme Court needs to stand for the future of the state, the promise to our children and a quality education in every classroom and school.