Bond Proposals
NEWS & OBSERVER: NC House shifts proposed bond vote to 2016 primary
The N.C. House voted Thursday to move a proposed $2.85 billion bond referendum from November to the presidential primary. A final 76-29 vote sent the entire proposal to the Senate.
WRAL: Bond proposals by McCrory, NC House at a glance
A glance at proposed distribution of the proceeds of the $2.86 billion proposed debt package given tentative approval Wednesday by the North Carolina House, with comparisons to the "Connect NC" package offered by Gov. Pat McCrory that would propose nearly the same amount.
Energy & Environment
NEWS & RECORD: Will North Carolina continue making progress on air quality?
The cold shoulder that officials in Raleigh gave the federal Clean Power Plan last week put a spotlight on air quality, something most people take for granted unless they have allergies or a respiratory disease.
Health Care
The state Senate unveiled its latest Medicaid reform initiative Thursday, compromising with the House on a bigger role for provider-led entities, but still insisting on creating a cabinet-level N.C. Medicaid Department.
CITIZEN-TIMES: NC Medicaid says it had $131M in available end-of-year cash
North Carolina's Medicaid agency said Tuesday that it had good financial news at the close of the second consecutive fiscal year, again registering a positive cash balance.
WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL: Local hospitals penalized by Medicare
For the fourth consecutive year, N.C. Baptist Hospital will receive the largest Medicare reimbursement penalty among North Carolina's urban hospitals for the number of its patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge.
ABC 11: Blue Cross of NC seeks 35 percent rate hike on Affordable Care plans
Changes are on the way for thousands of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina customers in 2016.
New Laws
JONES & BLOUNT: McCrory signs 26 bills into law
Gov. Pat McCrory signed 26 bills into law Thursday, most of them non-controversial.
Personnel Changes
WRAL: Governor appoints acting transportation chief permanently
The acting secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation was named to the permanent spot atop the agency on Thursday, a week after the former head suddenly resigned.
WASHINGTON TIMES: NC health agency chief leaving job; Brajer is next secretary
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory's health and human services secretary, who led the department to improved financial footing but was criticized by lawmakers for backlogged computer projects and pricey contractors, is leaving her job.
Public Safety
WRAL: Senate OKs terror claims, armed Guard members
The state Senate on Tuesday approved measures allowing civil claims against a terrorist or accessory and allowing some National Guard members to carry concealed weapons at recruiting centers and offices.
State Budget & Taxes
FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER: Budget delay has ripple effect across North Carolina
The inability of North Carolina's legislature and governor to decide how to spend more than $21 billion of taxpayer money is creating problems throughout North Carolina.
WRAL: Balanced budget amendment gets initial push in NC
North Carolina could become the fifth state to call for an unprecedented national convention of states to draft a constitutional amendment that would require the federal government to maintain a balanced budget.
WSOC: NC senators propose state sales tax compromise
North Carolina Senate leaders are suggesting a new compromise to distribute sales tax throughout the state.
WRAL: NC Senate moves to lock in tax cuts
Republicans in the North Carolina Senate are hoping to write their lower-tax, small-government philosophy into the state constitution.
Transportation
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: Key vote pending on toll lane construction plan
Opponents of toll lanes on Interstate 77, as well as on other highways, have turned their attention to an Aug. 19 vote of a regional transportation planning group, which must endorse a 10-year construction plan for the toll projects to move forward.
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