An aerial view of people standing near destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8, 2024 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
When it came to important stories for North Carolina politics and government, this year rarely let up.
So as 2024 comes to a close, we wanted to look back at some of those that stuck out the most — in particular, those that will continue to impact North Carolinians into the new year and beyond.
We’ll continue to cover government, politics and policy in 2025 — with a long legislative session, a new executive branch and more.
The most deadly and damaging storm in state history left much of western North Carolina in tatters. Recovery is underway — and will continue for years.
State and federal officials mobilized resources to respond to a region not prepared for widespread flooding, while private groups and nonprofits also swarmed to provide aid. Lawmakers convened to approve more than $900 million in aid.
Now, a new governor and his administration will be tasked with overseeing western North Carolina’s rebuild.
Governor-elect Josh Stein has indicated it will be his Number One priority. He’s retained key cabinet officials that have been involved in relief efforts, and has hired staff specifically assigned to Helene recovery.
But it won’t be without challenges. Republicans in the legislature have signaled they are open to working with Stein — but haven’t been afraid to blast Gov. Roy Cooper for what they view as failures in his response.
And Stein will continue to look toward Capitol Hill, pushing for federal aid.
Too many people in western North Carolina are hurting and in need of real support. Congress needs to stop playing games with funding disaster relief. It is past time to act. Folks cannot accept more delay.
— Josh Stein (@JoshStein_) December 19, 2024
This past election cycle brought North Carolina an expensive and controversial governor’s race; constant visits by presidential candidates; and a Supreme Court contest that is still technically ongoing as of late December.
Like it or not, the modern election calendar is almost constant. That means sooner rather than later, we’ll begin seeing the first signs of midterm politicking. What are we watching for?
Republicans touted it as a measured step in their Helene response — and some needed fixes to government. Democrats and opponents decried it as a “power grab.”
Senate Bill 382 — branded as aid for Helene survivors but most prominently a law that shifts executive power — is now in court. How it fares there will have major implications for state government.
The law redirects existing authority from offices soon to be held by Democrats, including Stein, to those that will be held by Republicans. It strips the governor of appointment power for the Board of Elections; curbs the powers of the attorney general; and makes a bevy of changes to election deadlines.
Stein and Cooper have already sued over the law’s provision that makes the Highway Patrol an independent department, as well as the section moving Board of Elections oversight to the Republican auditor’s office.
by Galen Bacharier, NC Newsline
December 27, 2024
by Galen Bacharier, NC Newsline
December 27, 2024
When it came to important stories for North Carolina politics and government, this year rarely let up.
So as 2024 comes to a close, we wanted to look back at some of those that stuck out the most — in particular, those that will continue to impact North Carolinians into the new year and beyond.
We’ll continue to cover government, politics and policy in 2025 — with a long legislative session, a new executive branch and more.
The most deadly and damaging storm in state history left much of western North Carolina in tatters. Recovery is underway — and will continue for years.
State and federal officials mobilized resources to respond to a region not prepared for widespread flooding, while private groups and nonprofits also swarmed to provide aid. Lawmakers convened to approve more than $900 million in aid.
Now, a new governor and his administration will be tasked with overseeing western North Carolina’s rebuild.
Governor-elect Josh Stein has indicated it will be his Number One priority. He’s retained key cabinet officials that have been involved in relief efforts, and has hired staff specifically assigned to Helene recovery.
But it won’t be without challenges. Republicans in the legislature have signaled they are open to working with Stein — but haven’t been afraid to blast Gov. Roy Cooper for what they view as failures in his response.
And Stein will continue to look toward Capitol Hill, pushing for federal aid.
Too many people in western North Carolina are hurting and in need of real support. Congress needs to stop playing games with funding disaster relief. It is past time to act. Folks cannot accept more delay.
— Josh Stein (@JoshStein_) December 19, 2024
This past election cycle brought North Carolina an expensive and controversial governor’s race; constant visits by presidential candidates; and a Supreme Court contest that is still technically ongoing as of late December.
Like it or not, the modern election calendar is almost constant. That means sooner rather than later, we’ll begin seeing the first signs of midterm politicking. What are we watching for?
Republicans touted it as a measured step in their Helene response — and some needed fixes to government. Democrats and opponents decried it as a “power grab.”
Senate Bill 382 — branded as aid for Helene survivors but most prominently a law that shifts executive power — is now in court. How it fares there will have major implications for state government.
The law redirects existing authority from offices soon to be held by Democrats, including Stein, to those that will be held by Republicans. It strips the governor of appointment power for the Board of Elections; curbs the powers of the attorney general; and makes a bevy of changes to election deadlines.
Stein and Cooper have already sued over the law’s provision that makes the Highway Patrol an independent department, as well as the section moving Board of Elections oversight to the Republican auditor’s office.
NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. NC Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Rob Schofield for questions: info@ncnewsline.com.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.
Galen Bacharier covers North Carolina politics and government for NC Newsline.
NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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NC Newsline is a Raleigh-based nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to fearless reporting and hard-hitting commentary that shines a light on injustice, holds public officials accountable, and helps improve the quality of life throughout North Carolina.
We’re part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. (See full republishing guidelines.)
© NC Newsline, 2024
