Sen. Dan Blue, D-Wake, is the only state lawmaker who’s been in office since the early 1980s, but the former House speaker is no longer serving as Senate minority leader after his fellow Democrats backed Sen. Sydney Batch for that role instead.
The state Senate is expected to vote this week on new regulations for child care facilities. The proposal would allow larger class sizes, among other provisions aimed at increasing access to child care services.
UNC and Duke's health systems are partnering on North Carolina's first standalone children's hospital. Republican leaders said it will be exempt from Certificate of Need.
N.C. Senate leaders are proposing a $32.6 billion budget that includes small raises and bonuses for teachers and state employees, while cutting programs and vacant positions across state government — all as they expand controversial scheduled income tax cuts.