Bucking Tradition
State House leaders are moving ahead with a budget next week, even though the Senate hasn't yet sent theirs over. Meantime, Senate Leader Phil Berger says there may not be a comprehensive spending plan this year.  It's tradition at the North Carolina General Assembly that the two chambers alternate taking the first crack at the biennial budget. In 2021, it was supposed to start in the Senate. But the two chambers' leaders have been deadlocked since April over how much the budget should spend. View Article.

The Infamous 100-County Tour
One hundred. A perfect test score. A great sprint distance. A figure so important it has its own emoji. And, as anyone who studied North Carolina history in the fourth grade remembers, the number of counties in the state.  Perhaps it’s something about the round number that has attracted political candidates for more than 70 years, at least, to the ambitious but achievable goal of visiting them all. View Article.

Are You Ready for Some Football?!
Bank of America Stadium announced on Monday afternoon it will open at full capacity for events including the 2021 Carolina Panthers season.  A list of guidelines for reopening at full capacity have been announced.  Masks will not be required, nor will proof of vaccination.  The 2021 Carolina Panthers 17-game schedule was released earlier this month.  It will be the first time in league history that each team will play 17 games. View Article.

Memorial Day Remembrances
Wherever you are this Memorial Day weekend, please take time to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. View Article.