Month: June 2026

1. How $4 billion came off Durham’s tax rolls last year, mostly benefiting corporate landlords—and blowing a hole in the city budget

Lena Geller/Indy Week Property taxes in Durham went up nearly universally last year in the wake of a countywide revaluation. So when City Manager Bo Ferguson announced, last month, that the city faces a $9 million budget deficit due to low property tax revenue—the largest source of income for both the city and the county, […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

2. Too sick to work, but can they prove it? New Medicaid rule worries patients

Ali Swenson/The Associated Press On hot afternoons, DeAnna Brandon’s three dogs zag around while she splashes in a backyard kiddie pool with her grandkids. These are the moments the 48-year-old blood cancer survivor cherishes — and wonders if she will get to have in the years to come. Brandon, who lives in Rockwell, North Carolina, […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

3. Data center moratorium fever for NC local governments

Lucas Thomae/Carolina Public Press Charlotte just became the latest, and largest, North Carolina community to instate a temporary pause on the development of new data centers. Its city council unanimously approved a 150-day moratorium in front of a packed house Monday night, in a scene similar to ones which have played out in town halls […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

6. Ethics, policing policies weighing down Public Safety nominee

Andrew Pomeranz/Carolina Journal Ethics compliance, potential conflicts of interest, and a history of progressive policing policies of Jeffrey Smythe are under review by a North Carolina General Assembly panel ahead of a Senate confirmation hearing. Smythe, former police chief in Burlington, was picked by first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. He was appointed to lead after […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

7. 13K-home development agreement sparks concerns from residents, commissioner

Emily Sawaked/Port City Daily Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on almost 13,000 homes planned for Brunswick County at June 15’s commissioners meeting. The county and Strategic Real Estate Partners have drafted a development agreement and Monday will be the first time the commissioners have taken up the project since it was first […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

8. Spotlight grows brighter, hotter on healthcare CEO compensation

Richard Craver/Charlotte Observer The accelerating consolidation of not-for-profit healthcare systems in North Carolina is magnifying the spotlight on executive compensation. The focus is particularly bright for Eugene Woods, chief executive of Advocate Health, whose fiscal 2024 compensation jumped 39% to $25.87 million as he became the system’s lone chief executive in July 2024. Advocate, based […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

9. Buc-ee’s breaks ground on new Mebane travel center, first in North Carolina

Henry Taylor/WCHL Chapelboro Brisket, beef jerky, fudge and a whole lot of gasoline. Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based gas station chain famous for its ginormous travel centers, is bringing its first North Carolina location to 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in Mebane. The 74,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed by November of 2027. Situated at the […]

Written by on June 14, 2026

1. NC Democrats highlight impacts on state workers’ pay due to years with no state budget

Claire Michal/NC Newsline Nearly 1,000 days since the North Carolina legislature passed its last budget, state Senate Democratic leaders gathered to express frustration Thursday morning that the body is still failing to fulfill its most fundamental function. Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (D-Wake), Sen. Lisa Grafstein (D-Wake), and Sen. Michael Garrett (D-Guilford) spoke about how […]

Written by on June 12, 2026

2. A group formed to advise on Carolina North has some questions for UNC

Jane Winik Sartwell/The Raleigh News & Observer At the first meeting of the Carolina North stakeholder advisory committee, one phrase prevailed: “We don’t know yet.” Carolina North is a 230-acre tract of land one-and-a-half miles north of the main campus, where UNC plans to build a satellite campus. It’s a project the school has been […]

Written by on June 12, 2026

3. Feed solutions company selects Cumberland County for first facility; investing $6.5M and creating 25 direct jobs

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal The Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is excited to announce that Upcycle Feed Commodities has selected Cumberland County for its first manufacturing facility. The project will create 25 direct jobs and invest over $6 million in real estate and equipment. Upcycle Feed Commodities specializes in the manufacturing of animal feed […]

Written by on June 12, 2026

4. Property tax rates are going up in the Triangle. Where is all the money going?

Liz Schlemmer/WUNC News Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties are all raising their property tax rates this year to fund schools and county services. Despite those tax hikes, the counties still don’t have enough money to avoid budget cuts. WUNC Weekend Host Bradley George spoke with Education Reporter Liz Schlemmer about why schools and county agencies […]

Written by on June 12, 2026

5. Jaleeyah’s Law clears House 111-2

Alan Wooten/The Center Square  Prevention of violent crime, protection of the most vulnerable and stronger tools for lawmen and prosecutors are in a North Carolina proposal to crack down on gang violence. Jaleeyah’s Law, named in memory of the Goldsboro 13-year-old killed in December, cleared the House of Representatives 111-2 on Wednesday and next is […]

Written by on June 12, 2026