NC Capitol Wrap Capitol Broadcasting

President Joe Biden visited North Carolina twice this week, and rumors are flying about a trip state lawmakers and lobbyists took to Kentucky. As protesters opposed to Israel's bombing of Gaza replaced the American flag at UNC with a Palestinian flag, state lawmakers are praising interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and pushing a new law to crack down on statements critical of Jews or the Israeli government. State lawmakers also passed bills forcing sheriffs to work with ICE agents and to spend an extra $500 million annually on private school tuition vouchers. And the legislature continues taking a look a college athletics, from sports betting changes to a proposal to force UNC and N.C. State to play smaller UNC System schools in football and basketball.

Medical marijuana, immigration, gambling updates and a $1 billion state budget surplus could come to dominate the new 2024 North Carolina legislative short session. Plus, Senate leader Phil Berger talks about the future of the ACC and what lawmakers could do to keep UNC and N.C. State together if one tries to leave. PolitiFact NC looks into the 13th District congressional runoff primary, and the NC State Health Plan makes national news with a Senate investigation led by Bernie Sanders.

WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie wraps up the week on Jones Street, including an investigation into the nonprofit led by the wife of the lieutenant governor. Plus, good news for budget writers, and a look at the state’s take for the first month of sports betting.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits with Gov. Roy Cooper in Raleigh, and two members of North Carolina congressional delegation travel to Ukraine for meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The North Carolina Supreme Court keeps busy with cases on charter schools, voter fraud and alleged racism in local government. Plus the latest updates from EPA Secretary Michael Regan's trip to Fayetteville to talk PFAS, and what NC House Speaker Tim Moore had to say about budget priorities as the legislature prepares to return to session.

WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran discuss a surge in teacher turnover in North Carolina public schools, and the end of coverage of weight-loss drugs by the State Health Plan. Plus, diversity, equity and inclusion in the UNC system could be in lawmakers' crosshairs this session. 

 

WRAL Capitol Bureau Chief Laura Leslie and WRAL State Government Reporter Will Doran talk about the terror watchlist suspect whose North Carolina arrest could turn into a referendum on immigration policy, plus the growing national attention on comments made by 2024 candidates Mark Robinson and Michele Morrow. They also discuss updates on the recount and election protests still delaying official results in a closely contested state legislative race.