NC Governor Archives

New North Carolina governor sues over more laws meant to weaken him

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is suing again over more recent laws from state Republicans that erode gubernatorial powers. The Democratic governor filed a lawsuit against House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger late last week. One provision forces him to fill Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies from lists offered by the political party with which a departing judge or justice was affiliated. The other would give one of three Utilities Commission appointments earmarked for the governor to the state treasurer. Stein and predecessor Gov. Roy Cooper already filed lawsuits against other power-shifting provisions approved in December.… Continue Reading

Approaching winter weather cancels North Carolina inauguration ceremony

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s public inauguration ceremony scheduled for Saturday for new Gov. Josh Stein and other statewide elected officials has been canceled because of approaching winter weather. The state inaugural committee announced the decision Wednesday. It was supposed to be held on the grounds of the old Capitol building in Raleigh. Stein and Council of State members were to be sworn in publicly. A little snow with sleet and freezing rain is anticipated for Friday and Saturday. Stein and several Council of State members already have taken their official oaths in private or in small ceremonies. A block party for Saturday also was canceled but may be rescheduled.… Continue Reading

After fighting virus, storms and Republicans, departing North Carolina Gov. Cooper focuses on wins

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper leaves his job next week after eight years. It’s a span in which the southern Democrat picked his moments against a Republican-dominated legislature to win big on expanding Medicaid and on requiring cleaner energy. State law barred Cooper from seeking a third consecutive term. Now the 67-year-old Cooper must decide whether to run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. He tells The Associated Press that he’ll take some time to “think about how I can best contribute to the things that I care about.” Cooper’s national profile grew during this year’s presidential campaign, launching him into the conversation as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris.… Continue Reading

A power grab by Republicans in North Carolina becomes a referendum on democracy in the states

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Democrats in North Carolina were celebrating big wins in the swing state after the November election, including victories for governor and other top statewide offices. But the political high didn’t last long. Republican lawmakers are stripping away these newly elected officials’ powers through a series of wide-ranging changes while anticipating they’ll lose their veto-proof majority next year. Critics say the moves were rushed through without any chance for public comment or analysis and undermine the will of the voters. But they have few options for undoing them, with Republicans controlling the legislature and having a majority on the state supreme court.… Continue Reading

Next North Carolina governor names 7 Cabinet secretaries, with 2 current department heads

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein has announced several of his Cabinet secretary choices. Stein revealed appointments to seven departments Monday. They include two holdovers from outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration, as well as what his transition team says are the state’s first Latino and first Indian American secretaries. The Cooper secretaries that will stay on are poised to go to new agencies. Reid Wilson will move to environmental quality and Pamela Cashwell to natural and cultural resources. Cabinet members are subject to state Senate confirmation. Stein is expected to get sworn in early in the new year.… Continue Reading

Governor presents Hurricanes’ coach Rod Brind’Amour with North Carolina honor

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour was presented with the state’s highest honor by Gov. Roy Cooper after Sunday’s 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brind’Amour received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is given to people who have made significant contributions to the state and their community. Cooper was in the Hurricanes locker room prior to the game to read the starting lineup before returning amid the postgame celebration. The 67-year-old Cooper has long been a supporter of the Hurricanes and frequently attends home games.… Continue Reading

Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power-shifting law could be first of many

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect Josh Stein have challenged a portion of a law just enacted by the Republican-dominated General Assembly that erodes Stein’s powers and those of other top Democrats elected last month. The lawsuit filed Thursday in state court focuses on a provision that would prevent Stein from picking his own commander of the State Highway Patrol. More court challenges are likely because the bill enacted Wednesday with a veto override seeks to weaken Stein and others elsewhere. Later this month, Cooper leaves office after eight years. Republican lawmakers didn’t immediately respond to the lawsuit.… Continue Reading

After 1 year, Medicaid expansion in North Carolina nears its enrollment goal

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Enrollment in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults has nearly reached the state’s goal of 600,000 in only a year. So says Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration, which reports that over 590,000 are enrolled in Medicaid expansion. At the start of expansion in December 2023, Cooper’s administration had estimated 600,000 would be reached within two years. Cooper celebrated the enrollment news and other health care accomplishments during a speaking event in Greenville. The Democratic governor leaves office at the end of the month after two terms. He’s also citing more money for mental health treatment and an effort to rid hospital patients of medical debt.… Continue Reading

North Carolina’s governor has vetoed a GOP bill that would weaken his successor and other Democrats

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed Republican-backed legislation that weakens the powers of several Democrats slated to hold statewide offices next year. Republicans will try to override the veto next month, but it’s unclear whether they’ll have enough votes to do so. The bill would move appointments to the State Board of Elections from the Democratic governor’s office to the now-Republican state auditor. It also erodes the powers of the attorney general, superintendent of public education and the lieutenant governor. The bill also contains some relief provisions for areas impacted by Hurricane Helene but most of that money can’t be spent until the General Assembly reconvenes.… Continue Reading

CNN wants the North Carolina lieutenant governor’s defamation lawsuit against it thrown out

November 22, 2024 11:03 am

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — CNN wants a defamation lawsuit against it filed by North Carolina’s lieutenant governor dismissed. Mark Robinson filed the suit against the network for its report saying he once made explicit posts on a pornography website’s message board. The September report nearly led to the collapse of the Republican’s campaign for governor. Robinson ended up losing that race earlier this month. He sued in October and said, in part, the network failed to verify the posts. CNN’s filing on Thursday in federal court said that Robinson presented no evidence that the network believed its story was false or aired it recklessly. The report also detailed how they connected Robinson to a username on the website.… Continue Reading