Economic Development
WRAL TECH WIRE: North Carolina surges to No. 4 in nation for tech occupations, new report finds
North Carolina’s technology sector is a steadily growing engine for the state’s economy, the ninth annual State of the Technology Industry Report finds.
Education
WRAL: NC school leaders search for new way to measure school performance without socioeconomic bias
The way North Carolina schools are graded is due for an update, state education leaders say. To that end, officials are examining new ways to rate schools, weighing whether to include a host of other metrics — everything from students attendance to electives — to determine what separates good schools from bad schools.
WSOC-TV: Parents worry NC bill would force schools to out gay, trans students
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. Promoted by the sponsors as a means of granting parents greater control over their children’s education and health care, the bill would require schools to alert parents, in most circumstances, prior to a change in the name or pronouns used for their child, although there are exceptions if there’s suspected abuse at home.
WFAE: Surge in NC career credentials pays off for teens and teachers
The number of North Carolina high school students earning credentials that prepare them for careers has rebounded from a pandemic plunge, state officials told the Board of Education this week.
Energy
THE CENTER SQUARE: Infrastructure protection bills alive in both Senate, House
Legislation introduced in the North Carolina Senate would “protect critical infrastructure” by providing a long prison sentence and hefty fine for anyone guilty of damaging an energy facility. Republican Sens. Tom McInnis of Richmond County, Danny Earl Britt Jr. of Robeson County, and Paul Newton of Cabarrus County introduced Senate Bill 58 on Thursday with several co-sponsors, including Democratic Sen. Mike Woodward of Durham County.
Government
THE NEW YORK TIMES: On North Carolina’s Supreme Court, G.O.P. Justices Move to Reconsider Democratic Rulings
On Friday, the court moved to rehear two major voting rights cases that it had previously decided, one striking down a gerrymandered map of State Senate districts and another nullifying new voter identification requirements.
THE CENTER SQUARE: GOP speaker, with a Democrat co-sponsoring, returns 'riot' bill governor vetoed
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore reintroduced a bill this week to increase penalties for rioters and looters, legislation Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed in 2021. The [Speaker] brought out House Bill 40 on Wednesday, along with Democratic Rep. Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County, and Republican Reps. John Sauls of Lee County and Charles Miller of Brunswick County, as well as dozens of co-sponsors.
Healthcare
WRAL: Hospital competition bill could amplify debate over Medicaid expansion, free markets
North Carolina hospitals should lose their legal protections against too much competition, state lawmakers proposed Tuesday in a bill that could affect negotiations over an effort to expand Medicaid.
AXIOS: NC Democrats signal they'll uphold Gov. Roy Cooper's veto
Every Democrat in North Carolina's legislature has signed onto a pair of identical bills that would codify Roe v. Wade, House and Senate Democrats announced in a release Tuesday.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: NC House Republican bill would restrict gender-affirming treatment for minors
A group of Republicans in the state House filed a bill Wednesday that would prohibit medical professionals from providing hormones or conducting medical procedures that facilitate a “minor’s desire to present or appear in a manner that is inconsistent with the minor’s sex.”
Politics
THE ASSEMBLY: Mark Walker Floats a Test Balloon
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, who unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, is seriously considering a run for governor, setting up a potential primary showdown with presumed Republican front-runner Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. In a text message to The Assembly, Walker confirmed he’s taking meetings about a possible gubernatorial run.
Transportation
WCNC: Metropolitan Transit Commission votes on Silver Line route and Charlotte Transit Center design
Charlotte transportation leaders gave an update on the future Silver Line light rail route and the Charlotte Transit Center during Tuesday's Charlotte Area Transit System meeting.
CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD: Congresswoman Foushee gets seat on House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (D, N.C.-Dist. 4) was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the 118th Congress.
