Brandon Kingdollar

ncnewsline.comAfter NC lawmakers pull plug on civil legal aid, nonprofits are left searching for solutions • NC NewslineThe budget makes North Carolina the only state in the country with neither state funding for legal aid in civil cases nor support from IOLTA.

My very last story for NC Newsline: Read how legal nonprofits are coping with the General Assembly’s elimination of millions in IOLTA grants for civil legal aid.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

3 Aug

North Carolina is now the only state with no funding for civil legal aid after lawmakers axed millions for nonprofits that help low-income residents. ncnewsline.com/2026/08/03/a... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comTwo North Carolina US House races are now toss-ups, top forecaster says • NC NewslineNC Democrats are closing the gap in two key congressional races, forecasters say, despite a new map aimed at boxing them out of close seats.

1 Aug

North Carolina Democrats are closing the gap in two key congressional races in the state, political forecasters say, despite a new district map passed last year aimed at boxing them out of close House seats.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC Senate advances controversial but slimmed-down elections changes • NC NewslineThe state Senate stripped some of the most contentious provisions from a state House elections bill, but left in place provisions requiring elections officials to remove noncitizens from voter rolls a...

28 July

The state Senate stripped some of the most contentious provisions from a House elections bill, but left in provisions to vet voter rolls for noncitizens and require post-election audits. ncnewsline.com/2026/07/28/n... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comICE expected to open mass detention facility in NC, sparking anger, pushback • NC NewslineOn its website, GEO Group recently published a job posting for a “facility maintenance manager” for Rivers Correctional Institution in Hertford County, a privately owned prison that has been empty for...

24 July

ICE is set to reopen an eastern North Carolina private prison as an immigration detention center. Here’s what you need to know:

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNew $2.3M ad campaign ties Whatley to convicted sex offender as NC's US Senate race tightens • NC NewslineA Democratic-aligned political group is launching a $2.3 million ad campaign targeting Whatley over his ties to sex offender Harvey West.

24 July

A Democratic-aligned political group is launching a $2.3 million ad campaign targeting Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley over his ties to Harvey West, a longtime party fundraiser and convicted sex offender. ncnewsline.com/2026/07/24/n... By @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comGuilford Board of Elections declines to adopt 2026 early voting sites at NC A&T, UNC Greensboro • NC NewslineThe Guilford County Board of Elections voted for an early voting plan that does not include sites at North Carolina A&T and UNC Greensboro, despite requests by students at the schools.

21 July

The Guilford County Board of Elections voted Tuesday in favor of an early voting plan that does not include polling places at North Carolina A&T and UNC Greensboro, despite repeated student calls to keep in place campus sites used in the 2024 general election. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comCooper's money lead over Whatley continues to grow in NC's US Senate race • NC NewslineFormer Gov. Roy Cooper is the third leading fundraiser of the 2026 U.S. Senate midterms with roughly $35 million this cycle.

17 July

Former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is the third-best fundraiser of the 2026 U.S. Senate midterms, with roughly $35 million so far this cycle — more than three times the total of his opponent, Michael Whatley, who has brought in a little over $11 million. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNew poll shows Whatley within striking distance of Cooper as GOP support coalesces • NC NewslineGov. Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by four percentage points in a new poll from Public Policy Polling, showing a competitive race.

14 July

Gov. Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by four percentage points in a new poll from Public Policy Polling, which shows a race that remains competitive as voters begin to tune into the campaign. ncnewsline.com/briefs/new-p... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.com‘Garbage and lies’: Senate candidate Michael Whatley lashes out at media as campaign flounders • NC NewslineAs unflattering stories emerged, Whatley withdrew from the media, cutting reporters from invite lists and retreating to friendly outlets.

13 July

Whatley has increasingly withdrawn from nonpartisan media, cutting reporters out of event invitation lists and retreating to friendly, right-leaning podcasts and outlets where he can avoid potentially embarrassing slips.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNewsline state government reporter Brandon Kingdollar on the policy changes packed into the budget • NC NewslineState legislators packed a lot of new laws into the budget bill, and we’ll discuss some of them as well as some other late legislative session developments in a two-part conversation with NC Newsline ...

13 July

ICYMI: We sat down with Newsline state government reporter Brandon Kingdollar to discuss the policy changes packed into the $34 billion budget and what remains on the legislative to-do list when they return: ncnewsline.com/2026/07/13/n... (Podcast) @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol #podcast

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comDelayed by budget talks, NC legislature still has plenty to do • NC NewslineWhen North Carolina lawmakers went home for the Fourth of July, they left much unfinished business — a result of prolonged budget discussions. They could resume debates over elections law, hemp bans a...

9 July

Set to return on July 27, the General Assembly could continue debate on several key issues. Among them are election law changes, hemp regulations, veto overrides and constitutional amendments to limit the governor’s powers. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comLong-awaited NC budget passes first votes, but 2 Senate Republicans break ranks over ferry tolls • NC NewslineThe state is poised to pass a budget that was due last year, though disagreements between Republicans triggered rare defections on the vote.

2 July

North Carolina’s state budget cleared initial votes in the House and Senate on Wednesday though disagreements between Republicans triggered rare defections.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comConfederate flag image at NC’s Great American State Fair stand sparks backlash • NC Newsline“This flag does not represent the North Carolina that we love. America 250 is about unity and bringing our nation together,” a spokesperson for N.C. Gov. Josh Stein wrote. “We are pleased the flag tha...

29 June

Visitors hoping to celebrate North Carolina’s history at the Great American State Fair last week were instead met with an ugly reminder of its darkest chapter: an image of North Carolina’s state flag altered to include the emblems of the Confederate battle flag. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comAhead of midterms, North Carolina Democrats lead the fundraising race. Does it matter? • NC NewslineSo far, Democrats are blowing past their Republican opponents in campaign fundraising, buoyed in part by a surge in small-dollar donations. That advantage may not last, observers say.

29 June

So far in North Carolina, Democrats are blowing past their Republican opponents in campaign fundraising, buoyed in part by a surge in small-dollar donations. Here’s what to know about the money race in the state.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comHouse set to vote on sweeping election bill despite opposition to overseas voter restrictions • NC NewslineThe North Carolina House of Representatives is expected to vote on a hotly contested election reform bill next week.

25 June

The North Carolina House of Representatives is expected to vote on a hotly contested election reform bill next week. @kingdollar.bsky.social reports: ncnewsline.com/2026/06/25/h... #ncpol

ncnewsline.comNC House Republicans override Gov. Stein’s vetoes on anti-DEI and pro-ICE bills • NC NewslineNorth Carolina House Republicans overrode key vetoes by Gov. Josh Stein on bills related to ICE and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

24 June

North Carolina House Republicans overrode key vetoes by Gov. Josh Stein on bills requiring greater law enforcement cooperation with ICE and banning DEI practices from state government agencies, K-12 public schools and public higher education.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comChampionship Canes storm General Assembly, deliver pep talk deep in budget overtime • NC NewslineNorth Carolina lawmakers welcomed the championship Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, who came bearing the Stanley Cup.

23 June

In 2006, Carolina Hurricanes captain Rod Brind’Amour hoisted the Stanley Cup in the chambers of the NC General Assembly after leading the team to their first championship. Twenty years later, he returned to Jones Street to bring it back — this time as head coach. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comNC Senate Democrats propose legalizing cannabis, but prospects hazy • NC NewslineA new bill proposed by NC Senate Democrats would put constitutional amendments to legalize recreational and medical cannabis on the ballot. But its odds of getting a vote in the state Senate are not h...

18 June

A new bill proposed by North Carolina Senate Democrats would put constitutional amendments to legalize recreational and medical cannabis on the ballot. But its odds of getting a vote in the Senate are not high, Republican leadership says.

ncnewsline.comAs NC House mulls legalizing happy hour, Senate prefers moderation • NC NewslineHouse Republicans have pushed to legalize happy hour and allow canned cocktails at grocery stores. So far, the state Senate is not partaking.

16 June

North Carolina House Republicans have pushed to legalize happy hour promotions and allow canned cocktails on grocery store shelves. So far, the state Senate is not partaking.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNorth Carolina’s Senate race no longer a toss-up, top forecasters say, with Cooper in the lead • NC NewslineDemocratic former Gov. Roy Cooper is now considered the favorite by top election forecasters to win North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.

11 June

NEW: Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper is now considered the favorite by top election forecasters to win North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, a result that would make him the first Democrat to represent the state in the Senate in more than a decade. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC ban on ‘addictive’ social media for children under 14 one vote away from governor’s desk • NC NewslineThe North Carolina Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday barring children who are 13 and under from “addictive” social media apps.

10 June

The North Carolina Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday barring children under 14 from creating accounts on social media apps the state deems “addictive,” opening platforms up to fines and litigation if they fail to comply. ncnewsline.com/briefs/ban-o... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comAs end of session looms, NC Republican leaders push back expected budget date • NC NewslineRepublican lawmakers were eyeing mid-June for the rollout of North Carolina’s long-delayed budget. Now, they say that may not be possible.

10 June

Not long ago, Republican state lawmakers were eyeing the middle of June for the rollout of North Carolina’s long-delayed budget. Tuesday, they said that may not be possible.

ncnewsline.comNC Democratic senators warn right to contraception could be at risk • NC NewslineLawmakers and advocates gathered Tuesday, the anniversary of the Supreme Court case that granted access to contraception as a constitutional right, to warn that 61 years later, that right could once a...

9 June

First story from NC Newsline reporting intern Claire Michal! North Carolina Democratic state senators and advocates called for a bill to codify access to contraceptives in state law Tuesday.

ncnewsline.comRep. Sarah Stevens resigns from NC House to focus on Supreme Court race • NC NewslineRep. Sarah Stevens is resigning from the North Carolina House effective June 16 as she vies for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

9 June

Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry) is resigning from the North Carolina House of Representatives effective June 16 as she vies for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

ncnewsline.comNC members of Congress call on Google, OpenAI to address chatbot involvement in mass shootings • NC NewslineDemocratic lawmakers called on top AI companies to address interactions with chatbots which they said encouraged harmful actions.

8 June

Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), and dozens of their colleagues called on top AI companies to address interactions with chatbots which they said encouraged “carrying out criminal acts,” suicide, and other harmful actions.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC House Democrats call for changes to protect judicial independence, balance of powers • NC NewslineAmid a political tug-of-war over North Carolina’s judiciary, state Democratic lawmakers put forth a series of proposals they say are needed to protect the branch’s independence.

5 June

The three proposed constitutional amendments are unlikely to get a hearing, but are aimed at calling attention to ethical challenges facing the state. ncnewsline.com/2026/06/04/n... By @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNorth Carolina youth social media ban clears additional hurdle as it heads toward Senate vote • NC NewslineSenators advanced a bill to ban users 13 and under from “addictive” social media apps, despite concerns over government overreach.

3 June

Senators advanced a bill that would ban users 13 and under from “addictive” social media apps, despite concerns raised over government overreach and potential barriers to educational resources. ncnewsline.com/briefs/north... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNorth Carolina Senate overrides ninth Stein veto to enact scholarship tax credit bill • NC NewslineNorth Carolina will participate in a federal tax-credit scholarship program after the state Senate voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto.

3 June

North Carolina will participate in a federal tax-credit scholarship program after the state Senate voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto Wednesday. It’s the ninth veto lawmakers have overridden in Stein’s first term. ncnewsline.com/briefs/north... @kingdollar.bsky.social

ncnewsline.comNC Senate considers tax on obscene materials, social media age limits, license plate readers • NC NewslineThe North Carolina legislature could soon take up a 50% excise tax on “prurient” and “obscene” sexual material harmful to minors.

2 June

North Carolina senators are considering a 50% tax on ‘prurient’ materials to support anti-human trafficking efforts.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC voters set to weigh in on limiting state income tax rate in November • NC NewslineThe state House Wednesday okayed three constitutional amendments on income and property taxes and Council of State vacancies. Each passed narrowly with votes from former Democratic Reps. Carla Cunning...

20 May

The state House Wednesday okayed three constitutional amendments on income and property taxes and Council of State vacancies ncnewsline.com/2026/05/20/n... @christinezhu.bsky.social and @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC committee votes to put ‘right to work,’ ‘right to farm’ amendments on 2026 ballot • NC NewslineNC Senate lawmakers could vote as soon as Tuesday on whether to put constitutional amendments for the “right to farm” and “right to work” on the ballot.

18 May

North Carolina Senate lawmakers could vote this week on whether to put constitutional amendments guaranteeing the “right to farm” and the “right to work” on the ballot in November 2026. ncnewsline.com/2026/05/18/n... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comState employee group says auditor’s report shows ‘pay crisis’ in NC government • NC NewslineThe State Employees Association of North Carolina has a simple explanation for the raft of vacant positions in state government: poor pay.

15 May

More than a third of longstanding vacancies in North Carolina’s government are attributable to low compensation. ncnewsline.com/2026/05/15/s... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC House lawmakers seek breathalyzer ignition locks for all DWI offenders • NC NewslineCurrent state law requires only repeat and severe offenders to use the devices. A bill with bipartisan support would expand that.

13 May

A new bill in the North Carolina House of Representatives would expand the number of drivers required to install a breathalyzer lock device on their vehicle after being convicted of driving while impaired. ncnewsline.com/2026/05/13/n... #ncpol @kingdollar.bsky.social

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comStein: Whatley’s ties to Trump ‘not a positive’ in North Carolina's upcoming US Senate election • NC NewslineGov. Josh Stein predicted that Republican U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley’s close ties to President Donald Trump will hurt his campaign.

8 May

North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein predicted that Republican U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley’s close ties to President Donald Trump will hurt Whatley’s campaign this November. ncnewsline.com/briefs/stein... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comNorth Carolina truckers, drivers feel pain of Iran war gas hikes • NC NewslineNorth Carolina business owners say they’re feeling the squeeze from the economic consequences of the war in Iran, especially gas prices.

7 May

“Nobody wants to pay us more to haul stuff, yet all my expenses are going up,” said Hightower, the CEO of Believers Trucking. “Right now, I’m fighting to maintain my staff, their quality of life, and I want to give them more.”

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

7 May

Gas prices in North Carolina are up nearly 50% from a year ago. Diesel prices are up more than 60%. Business owners say they’re feeling the squeeze from the economic consequences of the war in Iran, especially when it comes to transportation costs. @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comNC Rep. Cunningham introduces bill to increase child welfare oversight in wake of child's death • NC NewslineRep. Carla Cunningham is seeking to strengthen state oversight of local child welfare agencies after a child’s death in her home county.

6 May

Rep. Carla Cunningham (U-Mecklenburg) is leading a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers seeking to strengthen state oversight of local child welfare agencies after a child’s death from severe abuse and neglect in her home county.

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNC Democratic lawmakers take aim at ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ over alleged deceptive practices • NC NewslineNorth Carolina Democratic lawmakers are once again demanding transparency from anti-abortion pregnancy centers that receive state taxpayer dollars.

5 May

NC Democratic lawmakers take aim at ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ over alleged deceptive practices ncnewsline.com/2026/05/05/n... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.com'Do your jobs': Teachers, allies flood into Raleigh with message for state leaders • NC NewslineThousands of educators, advocates and allies converged on Raleigh Friday, demanding higher pay for teachers, more state support per student, more childcare funding, and more funding for special educat...

Thousands of educators, advocates and allies converged on Raleigh Friday, demanding higher pay for teachers, more state support per student, more childcare funding, and more funding for special education. ncnewsline.com/2026/05/01/d... #ncpol #nc #KidsOverCorporations

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

Several thousand NC teachers and advocates at the May Day "Kids over Corporations" rally on Friday outside the legislature. #ncpol #NC

Sheriff Sam Page, the Republican who bested Phil Berger in his Senate primary, joined N.C. educators at a rally for teacher pay today. “A lot of our teachers feel disrespected. They’re underpaid, underfunded, and they need more support in the schools,” he said.

ncnewsline.com'Do your jobs!': Teachers, allies flood into Raleigh with message for state leaders • NC NewslineThousands of educators, advocates and allies converged on Raleigh Friday, demanding higher pay for teachers, more state support per student, more childcare funding, and more funding for special educat...

More from today’s rally, which drew thousands of educators and their supporters:

Brandon Kingdollar reposted

ncnewsline.comNorth Carolina lawmakers, teens reiterate call to raise tobacco age limit to 21 • NC NewslineMore than a dozen teens stood with North Carolina lawmakers Wednesday to call for tighter restrictions on tobacco products.

29 Apr

More than a dozen teens stood with North Carolina lawmakers Wednesday to call for tighter restrictions on tobacco products. Nearly all said they knew friends or peers who had already started vaping in high school. ncnewsline.com/briefs/north... @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol

ncnewsline.comSupreme Court ruling limiting Voting Rights Act condemned by NC Democrats, lauded by Republicans • NC NewslineNorth Carolina Democrats mourned Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling limiting the Voting Rights Act, while Republicans celebrated.

29 Apr

North Carolina Democrats mourned Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling severely limiting the protections of the Voting Rights Act, while Republicans celebrated it as a much-needed constraint on judicial overreach.

ncnewsline.comNC Democratic lawmakers unveil bill to protect students from ICE and Border Patrol • NC NewslineState House Democratic lawmakers announced a bill aimed at protecting students from the impact of immigration operations in North Carolina.

28 Apr

NEW: North Carolina Democrats announced a bill Tuesday aiming to safeguard public school students from immigration raids.

ncnewsline.comLaw-and-order Senate nominee Michael Whatley faced arrest for skipping court in 2015 NC traffic case • NC NewslineWhatley was subject to two arrest orders in 2015 after failing to appear in court, part of a pattern of avoiding court for traffic offenses.

25 Apr

In December 2015 — the same month future RNC chairman Michael Whatley got the call to run Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign in North Carolina — he received a different kind of summons: an arrest order for failure to appear in court.

ncnewsline.comNC House Democratic leaders back Stein’s calls for pay raises, Medicaid funding • NC NewslineNorth Carolina House Democratic Leader Robert Reives backed Gov. Josh Stein’s budget priorities in a Wednesday morning press conference.

22 Apr

North Carolina House Democratic Leader Robert Reives (D-Chatham) and members of his leadership team backed Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s budget priorities in a Wednesday morning press conference, including higher pay for teachers and law enforcement.

ncnewsline.comNC lawmakers give initial OK to Medicaid bailout bill amid concerns over provisions • NC NewslineNorth Carolina House and Senate lawmakers voted near-unanimously Wednesday to approve a measure that bails out the state’s Medicaid program.

22 Apr

North Carolina House and Senate lawmakers voted nearly unanimously Wednesday to approve a measure that bails out the state’s Medicaid program, which was on the verge of running out of money after it was underfunded last year.