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North Carolina House Delays Vote on Hemp Ban Amid Industry Advocacy

North Carolina House Delays Vote on Hemp Ban Amid Industry Advocacy

The North Carolina House of Representatives has postponed a vote on a bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products until November. This decision follows significant advocacy from the hemp industry, which argues that the proposed legislation could severely impact the state's $4 billion hemp industry. The bill, House Bill 328, aims to ban the sale of hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC, as well as restrict sales of certain hemp products to individuals under 21. Law enforcement leaders support the bill, citing concerns over the accessibility of these products to minors. However, hemp business owners and advocates argue that the bill's low THC threshold would effectively ban most hemp products, threatening jobs and businesses. House Speaker Destin Hall stated that the delay is intended to allow further examination of the issue to avoid unintended consequences.
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North Carolina Faces Local Opposition to Data Centers Amid Economic Growth

North Carolina Faces Local Opposition to Data Centers Amid Economic Growth

North Carolina is experiencing significant local opposition to the development of data centers, despite the state's strong economic growth. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley is navigating this challenge as part of Governor Josh Stein's 'First in Opportunity' economic plan, which aims to boost rural communities. The state is home to 96 data centers, with major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft operating facilities. However, residents in over 20 communities have opposed new data centers due to concerns about power and water consumption, as well as noise. This opposition has led to the cancellation of several multibillion-dollar projects. Despite this, North Carolina continues to attract business investments, with a record number of jobs and investments reported this year.
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North Carolina House Approves Bill to Ease Postelection Challenges, Sparking Concerns

North Carolina House Approves Bill to Ease Postelection Challenges, Sparking Concerns

The Republican-led North Carolina House has approved a bill that would make it easier for residents to challenge votes and for county boards to invalidate ballots, raising concerns about potential postelection chaos. The bill allows challenges to early voters' ballots up to three business days after an election, with county election boards able to invalidate votes by a simple majority. Currently, challenges must be filed the day they are cast, and precinct officials decide the matter on the same day. The bill also gives the state auditor new powers to audit election results, a move criticized by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who plans to veto the law. Critics argue the bill could politicize election administration, while supporters claim it would strengthen state elections.
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North Carolina Lawmakers Halt Civil Legal Aid Funding, Nonprofits Seek Solutions

North Carolina Lawmakers Halt Civil Legal Aid Funding, Nonprofits Seek Solutions

In North Carolina, recent legislative changes have led to the cessation of funding for civil legal aid nonprofits through the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program. This decision, made by Republican lawmakers, has left organizations like Legal Aid of North Carolina and Pisgah Legal Services scrambling for alternative funding sources. The IOLTA program, which has been a crucial funding mechanism for over 40 years, was frozen last year due to concerns about the funds being used for political purposes. Despite an audit showing compliance with grant requirements, the program was eliminated in the latest state budget. This has resulted in significant financial challenges for legal aid organizations, which provide essential services to low-income residents.
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House Democrats add 12 solidly Trump districts to their midterm election target list

House Democrats add 12 solidly Trump districts to their midterm election target list

House Democrats are adding a dozen Republican-held seats to their list of targets for the November midterms
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
No charges for Asheville Police officers in June shooting

No charges for Asheville Police officers in June shooting

Prosecutors will not charge Asheville police officers who shot a man armed with a knife during a June incident.
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High-Speed Chase in North Carolina Ends with Arrest

High-Speed Chase in North Carolina Ends with Arrest

Michael Hawks, a 24-year-old man, was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase in Lenoir County, North Carolina. The chase began when Hawks was clocked at 81 mph in a 60 mph zone on Highway 11. He attempted to evade law enforcement, reaching speeds of 130 mph before being apprehended in front of the Eastern Correctional Institution. Hawks faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing to elude arrest, speeding, and reckless driving.
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Lawmakers Propose Federal Buffer Zone Legislation to Protect Religious Institutions

Lawmakers Propose Federal Buffer Zone Legislation to Protect Religious Institutions

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Representative Brad Knott (R-NC), and Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY) are set to introduce the Right to Worship Act, a federal bill aimed at establishing a 100-foot buffer zone around religious institutions. This legislation seeks to prohibit activities that disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship during services. The bill is a response to increasing concerns over violent demonstrations, particularly those with anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments, occurring outside synagogues and other religious sites. The proposed legislation includes provisions for fines and allows impacted individuals, the Department of Justice, or state attorneys general to file lawsuits under the statute. The bill also aims to protect non-disruptive First Amendment activities.
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Spectrum Internet Outage in Buncombe County Caused by Vandals, Reward Offered

Spectrum Internet Outage in Buncombe County Caused by Vandals, Reward Offered

A Spectrum internet outage in Buncombe County, North Carolina, was caused by vandals who cut fiber optic cables, disrupting phone service and other communications. The outage affected access to county phones and services, although 911 services remained operational. Spectrum has offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest. The incident is part of a broader trend of criminal attacks on telecommunications infrastructure, which have increased significantly in recent years. Spectrum's technical teams are working to restore services, and the company is urging anyone with information to contact them or local law enforcement.
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Rep. Virginia Foxx Engages in Significant Stock Trading with $ARLP

Rep. Virginia Foxx Engages in Significant Stock Trading with $ARLP

Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from North Carolina, has been actively trading stocks of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. ($ARLP) over the past six months. According to recent reports, Foxx made two purchases of $ARLP stock, each valued at up to $30,000, on February 13 and May 15, 2026. Additionally, she executed a sale of the same stock worth up to $50,000 on June 18, 2026. These transactions are part of a broader pattern of congressional stock trading, which has seen $ARLP stock traded three times by members of Congress in the same period. The trading activities of congressional members are tracked and reported by platforms like Quiver Quantitative, which provides insights into the financial moves of lawmakers.
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Severe Storms Threaten North Carolina with Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds

Severe Storms Threaten North Carolina with Flash Flooding and Damaging Winds

North Carolina is facing a severe thunderstorm risk on Sunday afternoon, with potential flash flooding and damaging winds. The storms are expected to affect areas between eastern Surry and western Stokes counties, extending into Patrick County, Virginia. Heavy tropical moisture from the Gulf has already caused significant rainfall, leading to flash flood emergencies and water rescues. The forecast predicts continued high humidity and daily rain chances throughout the workweek.
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North Carolina Audit Reveals Inconsistencies in Childcare Center Compliance Visits

North Carolina Audit Reveals Inconsistencies in Childcare Center Compliance Visits

A recent audit by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Child Development and Early Education has uncovered inconsistencies in compliance visits to childcare centers. The audit found that these visits often followed predictable patterns, contrary to state policy, which requires unpredictability to ensure effective oversight. The report highlighted that some centers still operate under outdated quality ratings, potentially misrepresenting their current standards. Additionally, there were delays in notifying parents about health violations, such as lead hazards, which could impact children's health. The Office of the State Auditor recommended changes to the scheduling policy and emphasized the need for management accountability. However, the division disagreed with the findings, asserting that their practices align with policy intent.