North Carolina Politics Coverage

Experts warn NC bill could harm LGBTQ youth mental health
Critics of a North Carolina bill that advanced Thursday in the state Senate say it could jeopardize the mental health and physical safety of LGBTQ students who could be outed to their parents without consent.

When can ex-felons vote in NC? High court hears arguments in voting rights case
The state Supreme Court heard arguments in the first political lawsuit before the high court since Republicans flipped control in the 2022 elections.

North Carolina justices consider allowing convicted felons to vote
North Carolina's Supreme Court is deciding whether people convicted of felonies should be permitted to vote if they aren't serving prison time but are on probation or parole or have to yet pay fines.

NC senators want tougher utility attack penalties
Punishments would get tougher in North Carolina for intentionally damaging utility equipment -- like what authorities say happened two months ago when tens of thousands of Moore County residents lost electricity for days -- in legislation filed Wednesday by Senate Republicans.

Hospital competition bill could amplify debate over Medicaid expansion, free markets
Medicaid expansion is expected to be a top focus at the General Assembly this year. A new bill that targets hospitals' legal protections against too much competition could affect those negotiations.

North Carolina Senate leader backs literacy test repeal
North Carolina's most powerful senator expressed interest on Tuesday in deleting a voter literacy test provision from the state constitution -- a relic from the Jim Crow era that while unenforceable has never been removed.

Unanswered crash questions threaten legacy of State Auditor Beth Wood, champion of government transparency
To those who've known State Auditor Beth Wood, her hit-and-run charge -- and slow response -- stands in contrast to the reputation she's built as one of North Carolina's most respected politicians.

State Auditor Beth Wood scheduled to appear March 23 on hit-and-run charge
Wood was charged Dec 12 with misdemeanor hit-and-run resulting in property after a downtown Raleigh crash involving a state-owned vehicle.

Republican lawmakers stop short of calling for State Auditor Beth Wood to resign
Beth Wood faces a hit-and-run charge resulting from the December 2022 crash. On Wednesday, Republican legislative leaders called for answers while stopping short of calling for her resignation.

Controversial bills could resurface in 2023 North Carolina legislative session
The North Carolina General Assembly returned to Raleigh on Wednesday after a two-week January break. Bills on familiar topics are expected this legislative session.

Medical marijuana, race education and guns: NC lawmakers to reconsider controversial bills
The North Carolina General Assembly returned to Raleigh on Wednesday after a two-week January break. Some controversial bills from recent sessions are likely to resurface on this year's agenda, thanks to a shift in the partisan balance of the House and Senate.

State Auditor Beth Wood attended prominent lawyer's party before crash, sources say
Wood faces a hit-and-run charge resulting from the December crash. On Wednesday, Republican legislative leaders called for answers while stopping short of calling for her resignation.

'Get her out of here': Video appears to show State Auditor Beth Wood being ushered from scene of crash
A ride-share driver who caught on video the aftermath of a downtown Raleigh car crash involving State Auditor Beth Wood questions whether others should be held accountable.

Billboard in Franklin Co. calls for resignation of state auditor charged in hit-and-run
A billboard on US-1 in Youngsville is calling for the resignation of State Auditor Beth Wood.

In Depth with Dan: Why NC lawmakers do not vote on every single bill
WRAL anchor/reporter Dan Haggerty explains why North Carolina lawmakers do not vote on every bill considered in the general assembly. WRAL state government reporter Travis Fain explains the history of when state lawmakers would intentionally hold votes on legislation when opposition members were away.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein announces bid for governor
Attorney General Josh Stein on Wednesday announced he is running for governor in 2024. WRAL state government reporter Travis Fain explained what it means for the 2024 gubernatorial race.

Democratic NC Attorney General Josh Stein to run for governor
Attorney General Josh Stein on Wednesday announced he is running for governor in 2024.

On the Record: Prospects of widespread legalized online sports betting in North Carolina
WRAL anchor/reporter Cullen Browder and WRAL Sports investigative reporter Brian Murphy were joined by state Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln County; state Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford; and Kilpatrick, Townsend, & Stockton lobbyist Ches McDowell to discuss the possibility of legalizing online sports gambling in North Carolina.

NC teams, venues now want their own sports gambling licenses -- a change from previous legislation
State lawmakers are expected to consider more legislation to legalize online sports gambling in North Carolina. How the state allocates licenses could be one of the debates.