Regional

Budget agreement reached

For the first time since 2018, the state Senate, House of Representatives and governor have come to an agreement on a budget. Gov. Roy Cooper signed the $25.9 million budget on Nov. 18. The governor has vetoed previous budgets each year since taking office in 2017.

Business-friendly group's new ratings give GOP advantage with new legislative maps

New legislative election maps would give Republicans an advantage in the 2022 elections. But the GOP would have to win some competitive races to secure majorities in the state House and Senate, according to a newly-released assessment. The N.C.

How inflation may gobble up Thanksgiving budgets

As we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, many of us will give thanks for the chance to spend time with family and friends, and for the indulgent meal. But inflation will take the first bite, making Thanksgiving 2021 the most expensive in history.

Small business bills waiting in Senate Rules Committee

Having trouble getting a hair appointment or other services? There are three bills sitting in the Senate Rules Committee that sponsors say would loosen bureaucratic red tape for some small service businesses. Bill sponsors are eager to see them move before lawmakers adjourn for the year.

New N.C. budget expands school choice

Many North Carolinians breathed a sigh of relief last week when the GOP-led legislature and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper came to terms on a budget for the new biennium. School choice advocates were among them and have plenty to celebrate in the new spending plan.

Forest Service Road 422 (Winding Stairs) Closure/Powerline Installation

The Nantahala Ranger District has issued a Special Use Permit to Duke Energy to install an overhead powerline along Forest Service Road 422 (Winding Stairs Road) that will replace the existing cross-country route.

Odor-Eaters Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall

Odor-Eaters, owned by Blistex Inc., is voluntarily recalling a total of forty-one lots of two Odor-Eaters spray products to the consumer level due to the presence of benzene. Internal testing identified low levels of benzene contamination in specific lots of these aerosol products.