North Carolina lawmakers are considering new regulations on data centers alongside protections designed to shield ratepayers from rising utility costs tied to expanding energy demand. At the same time, the State Board of Elections is requesting $60 million from lawmakers for a major statewide election system overhaul. Forecasters are also predicting a below-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, though officials continue urging residents to prepare ahead of the summer. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss several major cases before the North Carolina Supreme Court, including disputes over Currituck County taxes, cannabis odor regulations, and Duke Energy rates. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has unveiled a new statewide economic development plan.

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North Carolina officials are taking legal action to reclaim the failed VinFast factory site after the company’s highly anticipated project stalled, raising new questions about economic development incentives and accountability. Meanwhile, Memorial Day travelers in North Carolina are seeing high prices at the gas pump. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a judge approving an agreement between Republicans and the State Board of Elections tied to removing noncitizens from voter rolls. Plus, a new survey finds nearly half of Americans do not know the true reason Memorial Day is observed.

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North Carolina lawmakers are advancing a major slate of constitutional amendments through the House, including proposals focused on limiting taxes and government growth. Debate on the House floor also centered around levy limits and broader property tax reform efforts as Republicans continue pushing long-term tax restraint measures. Meanwhile, the House voted to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of the federal school choice tax credit bill, keeping the legislation alive as it heads to the Senate.

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The North Carolina House is preparing for major votes on proposed constitutional amendments aimed at limiting both income and property taxes, setting up high-profile fiscal debates in Raleigh. A House committee has also approved a move that would make the State Board of Education an elected body rather than appointed. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order focused on tackling the state’s growing housing affordability crisis. On the economic front, global instability is raising concerns about disruptions to the fertilizer supply chain, which could impact North Carolina agriculture. Lawmakers are expected to take up several major measures during a busy day at the General Assembly.

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A stronger-than-expected revenue forecast is giving Republican lawmakers new momentum in their push for additional tax cuts in North Carolina. Meanwhile, a man is facing a federal indictment in North Carolina over alleged Facebook threats targeting President Donald Trump. In agriculture policy, senators have filed a proposed right-to-farm constitutional amendment, aiming to strengthen protections for farmers and agricultural operations. At the same time, NCInnovation is weighing a more private future amid threats that lawmakers could claw back part of its public endowment funding. Lawmakers are also moving closer to approving a constitutional amendment that would cap North Carolina’s income tax rate.

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The North Carolina Supreme Court has declined to rehear the long-running Leandro education funding case, effectively closing the door on another round of legal arguments in the decades-old dispute. Meanwhile, applications for $221 million in USDA Hurricane Helene relief funding have been extended through June 12 to give more farmers and landowners time to apply. Senate Republicans are also advancing a proposed right-to-work constitutional amendment, reigniting debate over labor policy in the state. In financial education news, the State Treasurer is rolling out new internships and student clubs aimed at boosting financial literacy. Lawmakers are also moving forward with a K-12 funding formula study and an “education wallet” pilot program through the Senate.

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New results from the May Carolina Journal Poll provide a broad snapshot of North Carolina politics, including voter views on the direction of the state and country, along with job approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Governor Josh Stein. The poll also measures the generic ballot for the General Assembly and offers an updated look at the high-profile U.S. Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley. Other findings focus on voter opinions regarding property tax reform, Certificate-of-Need laws, Opportunity Scholarships, and North Carolina liquor laws. Meanwhile, the Senate health committee has advanced a targeted repeal of portions of the state’s CON law.

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Senate Republicans are proposing a constitutional amendment to lower North Carolina’s income tax cap to 3.5%, continuing the push for long-term tax reductions. At the same time, new data shows Pitt and Orange counties have some of the least affordable energy prices in the state, raising concerns over utility costs. In congressional politics, ratings in North Carolina’s 11th District are shifting toward Democrats amid an ethics probe involving Congressman Chuck Edwards. Lawmakers are also revisiting the concept of a property tax levy limit as debate over local taxes intensifies. Meanwhile, the Senate Majority PAC has announced a $31.4 million investment backing Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign, signaling how competitive the race is expected to become.

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North Carolina House and Senate leaders have announced a new state budget framework, outlining agreements on key issues after months of negotiations and stalemate. Meanwhile, renewed scrutiny is falling on COVID-era prison releases under former Governor Roy Cooper, with lawmakers and critics raising fresh public safety concerns. In redistricting news, challengers have dropped their case against two northeastern North Carolina Senate districts, ending another legal fight over legislative maps. Separately, an investigation in Pilot Mountain has led to the indictment of the town’s former manager, adding to a growing list of local government accountability cases.

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State Auditor Dave Boliek is continuing to investigate soaring autism therapy costs amid growing concerns about potential Medicaid fraud and abuse. In politics, new NRCC polling shows Republican Laurie Buckhout and Democrat Don Davis locked in a dead heat in one of the state’s most competitive congressional races. A new study also finds cellphone bans in schools are producing slow but measurable improvements in student behavior and learning. Meanwhile, a court has rejected key Trump tariff claims while dismissing challenges brought by North Carolina and several other states. Lawmakers are also preparing for another busy day at the General Assembly.

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