Greg Hedgepeth

North Carolina voters will have more to consider than candidates when they head to the polls for this year's general election.

After months of negotiations and delays, North Carolina lawmakers have approved a new state budget, ending a prolonged legislative process that left funding for several key priorities uncertain for over a year. The long overdue $34 billion budget was signed by Governor Josh Stein on July 7, 2026. The spending plan includes investments in public education, infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, and economic development while addressing the state's continued growth and long-term fiscal...

Another public figure. Another microphone. Another cheap shot at a Black woman. Another moment framed as “just a joke,” “free speech,” or “not that serious.”