Josh Stein
Coverage (19 articles)
A SNAP Penalty Could Cost Mecklenburg $30 Million to $42 Million a Year. A November Ballot Question Could Cap How It Pays.
A federal penalty tied to North Carolina's food-assistance error rate could take $30 million to $42 million a year out of Mecklenburg County's budget, and the county will owe a share of it even if its own error rate stays under the federal limit. The county's budget director called it a shift of federal costs onto local residents, from a program funded by income tax onto a county whose revenue levers are "really limited to property tax." Whether the General Assembly must cap property tax is the question on the November 3 ballot.
North Carolina's Budget Gives Charlotte a Choice: Revive the I-77 Toll Lanes, or Repay $64 Million
The regional board that killed the I-77 South toll lanes in May will vote September 23 on bringing them back, under a state budget that told the governments that opposed them to reinstate the project or repay $64 million. The count starts with Charlotte, which controls more of the board's vote than any other member and hasn't said which way it will go.
Raleigh Wants Charlotte to Repay $60 Million for Killing the I-77 Toll Lanes
A bill in Raleigh, written by Sen. Vickie Sawyer, would require the Charlotte-area governments that voted to kill the I-77 South toll lanes in May to repay the state an estimated $60 million, freeze the decision until 2027, and withhold state highway money until it is paid. Mecklenburg commissioners, briefed June 16, called it a retaliatory power grab.
After Ten Months Without a Budget, NC Republicans Found a Framework. Most State Workers Get a Raise Below Inflation.
Senate Pres. Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall announced a budget framework Tuesday afternoon, ending a ten-month standoff. Teachers get an 8 percent raise and a $48,000 starting floor. Most state employees get 3 percent — below the 3.8 percent inflation rate reported the same morning. The income tax steps down through 2034, and a constitutional amendment capping the rate at 3.5 percent goes on the November ballot.
Vi Lyles Will Resign as Charlotte Mayor on June 30. The Race to Replace Her Already Started.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announced Thursday that she will resign on June 30, ending a tenure that began in 2017. Under North Carolina law, the City Council will appoint a Democrat to serve the remainder of her term — and the field is already organizing in public, with former Mayor Jennifer Roberts offering to fill the vacancy and Council Member Dante Anderson breaking for the outsider option. The vote that decides who fills the seat has not been scheduled.
Carla Cunningham Leaves the Democratic Party.
After losing her March primary to Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler by nearly 48 points, the seven-term Charlotte representative re-registered Unaffiliated on Friday. She has not said whether she will caucus with Republicans. Speaker Destin Hall's veto-override math doesn't need her to.
SMBC Group Commits to 2,000 Charlotte Jobs in $76 Million Incentive Deal
SMBC Group, the banking arm of one of Japan's three largest financial institutions, has committed to 2,000 jobs in Charlotte over six years in exchange for an estimated $76 million public incentive package.
What Happened to CATS? How Charlotte's Transit System Went From City Department to Regional Authority
By July 1, 2026, CATS as a City of Charlotte department will cease to exist, absorbed into the new Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority. Here's how Charlotte's transit system went from city department to regional authority — and what it means.
How Charlotte's Transit Tax Works: What You're Paying, Where It Goes, and Who Controls It
Mecklenburg County voters approved a one-cent sales tax increase in November 2025. The PAVE Act splits the revenue 40/40/20 between roads, rail, and bus service — generating roughly $490 million annually. Here is how the money works and who controls it.
Charlotte Democratic Primary 2026: Stein Endorses Challenger to Incumbent Cunningham in High-Stakes House Race
Governor endorses challenger to 7-term Charlotte incumbent who votes with GOP 84% of time. March 3 primary will decide whether Democrats can restore veto power.
Charlotte's $19B Transit Tax Vote: Federal Shutdown and NC Redistricting Set the Stakes
Federal shutdown hits day 34 as Charlotte votes on $19B transit tax. How Washington chaos, Raleigh redistricting, and local politics collide three weeks before Election Day.
No Deal in Raleigh: NC Lawmakers Leave Town With Medicaid Cuts, Pay Raises and Tax Plans in Limbo
NC lawmakers end session with no budget deal — leaving Medicaid cuts, teacher raises, and tax plans in limbo as House and Senate trade blame and head home.
Charlotte at the Ballot Box: When Crime Becomes Currency
Three weeks before one of Charlotte's most consequential elections in a decade, a murder on the Blue Line became the story that wouldn't let go. Somewhere between Iryna Zarutska's death and the November 4 ballot, tragedy was transformed into campaign currency.
Charlotte Voter Guide 2025: Federal Shutdown, Crime Debate, and November Ballot Breakdown
Federal shutdown hits Day 12, Charlotte debates National Guard deployment, and November elections loom. Here's what voters need to know—and do—right now.
Charlotte Police Request National Guard as Teacher Positions Cut: What the City's Priorities Really Are
Charlotte's FOP requested National Guard help while cutting teacher positions. A homicide, missing teen, and billionaire-funded venues reveal what the city values—and what it doesn't.
This Week in NC Politics: Transit Referendum Hits Ballot, Stein Signs Stopgap Budget, School-Choice Veto Sparks Fight
A hard look at the week: Mecklenburg's transit tax hits the ballot, the governor signs a stopgap budget and vetoes a school-choice tax credit, and local transparency fights simmer in Charlotte.
Political Events in Charlotte, NC July 27 - August 3, 2025
From veto overrides to local council contests, Charlotte's political pulse quickened July 27–Aug 3. Here's what mattered and why.
Charlotte politics shake‑up
Five chaotic days shut a violent bar, cleared two town ballots, unleashed a Senate shake‑up, and let lawmakers spike your power bill—all before Charlotte finished its second latte.
Josh Stein Vetoes HB 96, Citing Puppy-Mill Risks Hidden in Squatter Relief Bill
Gov. Josh Stein vetoes HB 96 after a late addition of a pet-shop clause; lawmakers spar over squatter relief and concerns about puppy mills in a session one vote shy of gaining override power.
Other coverage in the Mercury Local network
What Uptown Should Know About the I-77 Toll Lanes Coming Back for a Vote
The regional board that killed the I-77 South toll lanes will vote again on September 23, under a state budget that told opposing governments to revive the project or repay $64 million. Here is what Fourth Ward should know, with the full account at The Charlotte Mercury.
The I-77 Toll Lane Fight Is Back, and Mecklenburg County's Vote Is Part of It
The I-77 toll lanes the regional board killed in May are up for a revival vote on September 23, under a state budget with a $64 million penalty attached. Mecklenburg County is one of the governments deciding. Here is the short version for south Charlotte.
Out Here, Your Town Has a Vote on the I-77 Toll Lanes
Waxhaw, Weddington, and Marvin all have a vote on whether to revive the I-77 South toll lanes, and it comes September 23. Here is what the Marvin-Waxhaw area should know, with the full account at The Charlotte Mercury.