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Dawn B. Vaughan

@dawnbvaughan.bsky.social
3.2K followers 354 following 395 posts

State Capitol Bureau Chief and Under the Dome politics podcast host at The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC. B. is for Baumgartner. Go Hokies.

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
More of our N&O Voter Guide: It's incumbent Rep. Mike Schietzelt vs. Evonne Hopkins in this northern Wake County House race. What they’d do about rising costs, property taxes, data centers, MLB and much more: #ncpol #ncga newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article317417440.html
newsobserver.com
Democrat challenges Wake Republican in NC House. What they’d do about rising costs
Read responses to our questionnaire for NC House District 35, which includes Wake Forest. Candidates are Mike Schietzelt and Evonne Hopkins.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
More voter guide: Cost-of-living, economic issues are focus in northern Wake County Senate race #ncga #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
Cost-of-living, economic issues are focus in northern Wake County Senate race
Read answers from the Democratic, Republican and Libertarian candidates in the NC Senate District 18 race in northern Wake.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Another new candidate questionnaire, for this #ncga House race in the Raleigh area: NC House Democrat and GOP challenger differ on economy, MLB stadium in Wake #ncpol newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article317325951.html
newsobserver.com
NC House Democrat and GOP challenger differ on economy, MLB stadium in Wake
Voter guide: What Democratic Rep. Cynthia Ball and GOP challenger Daran Thomas say about data centers, MLB stadium, property taxes, hemp.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
US Senate candidate Roy Cooper urges scrutiny of NC tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback, end to Iran war #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback, end to Iran war
Former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper talked about rising costs and what he thinks about constitutional amendments in Raleigh.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
There's a train passing through downtown Durham, so I thought I'd let y'all know.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 20/09/2026
In this edition of Under the Dome, how the midterm elections will factor into power in the legislative and executive branches.
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How the midterm elections could impact executive and legislative power in NC
In this edition of Under the Dome, how the midterm elections will factor into power in the legislative and executive branches.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 20/09/2026
Look back in N&O archives at Sept. 20: In 1943, war prisoners were sent to harvest peanuts. In 1926, Raleigh was concerned about a hurricane.
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World War II prisoners sent to NC for peanut harvest — Today in Triangle History
Look back in N&O archives at Sept. 20: In 1943, war prisoners were sent to harvest peanuts. In 1926, Raleigh was concerned about a hurricane.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
In 1953, NC State admitted first Black graduate students — Today in NC History www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
In 1953, NC State admitted first Black graduate students — Today in Triangle History
A look back at News & Observer archives from fall 1953, when NC State admitted its first Black graduate students.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 16/09/2026
A look back at News & Observer archives on Sept. 16, on 2001 and 1926.
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How the world changed for NC residents in the days after 9/11 — Today in Triangle History
A look back at News & Observer archives on Sept. 16, on 2001 and 1926.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 13/09/2026
This Under the Dome newsletter edition focuses on Gov. Josh Stein. Latest approval rating plus Stein’s age compared to other governors.
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Where Stein ranks on latest approval poll + his age compared to other governors
This Under the Dome newsletter edition focuses on Gov. Josh Stein. Latest approval rating plus Stein’s age compared to other governors.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Here's the GoFundMe for the laid off News & Observer journalists: gofund.me/dd5069702
gofund.me
Donate to Support Laid-Off News & Observer Journalists, organized by Ethan Hyman
Three uber-talented journalists from the News & Observer were laid off by McC… Ethan Hyman needs your support for Support Laid-Off News & Observer Journalists
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Critics of NC tax-limiting constitutional amendments launch opposition campaign #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
Critics of NC tax-limiting constitutional amendments launch opposition campaign
Voters will decide two constitutional amendments about taxes on their ballots in November. Opponents are launching a statewide campaign.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 09/09/2026
Here’s what to know if you plan to drive near Carter-Finley Stadium.
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Expect heavy traffic on Blue Ridge, Hillsborough for NC State football Friday
Here’s what to know if you plan to drive near Carter-Finley Stadium.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
Keung Hui @keunghui.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Critics of North Carolina tax-limiting constitutional amendments launch opposition campaign. Opponents will knock on 500,000 doors. Voters on Nov. 3 will decide on a 3.5% income tax cap and property tax limits. (Via @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol #nced
newsobserver.com
Critics of NC tax-limiting constitutional amendments launch opposition campaign
Voters will decide two constitutional amendments about taxes on their ballots in November. Opponents are launching a statewide campaign.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 05/09/2026
The poll results shift on one tax amendment when respondents were given context, though both still show broad support.
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Poll shows support from Democrats & Republicans for two tax limits on NC ballots
The poll results shift on one tax amendment when respondents were given context, though both still show broad support.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
Keung Hui @keunghui.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Poll shows support from Democrats & Republicans for two tax limits on NC ballots. Voters will decide on constitutional amendments capping the income tax rate & requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments. (Via @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol
newsobserver.com
Poll shows support from Democrats & Republicans for two tax limits on NC ballots
The poll results shift on one tax amendment when respondents were given context, though both still show broad support.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 03/09/2026
The sales tax rate in North Carolina is a combination of state and local taxes, so what you pay varies by where you shop.
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How much money do you pay in sales tax in NC? Depends on where you live
The sales tax rate in North Carolina is a combination of state and local taxes, so what you pay varies by where you shop.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 30/08/2026
This edition of our Under the Dome newsletter focuses on the governor, and announcements of more than 600 new jobs coming to NC.
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Gov. Josh Stein announces hundreds of new manufacturing jobs coming to NC
This edition of our Under the Dome newsletter focuses on the governor, and announcements of more than 600 new jobs coming to NC.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 31/08/2026
NC voters will decide whether to cap the state personal income tax rate. How our state compares with neighboring states’ tax rates.
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How NC’s income tax rate compares to its neighbor states, as voters consider cap
NC voters will decide whether to cap the state personal income tax rate. How our state compares with neighboring states’ tax rates.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
New story from me today about North Carolina income taxes and how our state compares to our neighbors: #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
How NC’s income tax rate compares to its neighbor states, as voters consider cap
NC voters will decide whether to cap the state personal income tax rate. How our state compares with neighboring states’ tax rates.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 23/08/2026
This edition of our Under the Dome newsletter focuses on the governor. The latest on teacher raises, plus historical headlines.
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School year in NC starts with new raises for teachers because of state budget
This edition of our Under the Dome newsletter focuses on the governor. The latest on teacher raises, plus historical headlines.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Today in #ncpol historical N&O headlines: Jesse Helms retirement plan in 2001, pricey Nixon fundraiser in 1971 and Gov. McLean whereabouts in 1926: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
When Sen. Jesse Helms retired from politics — Today in Triangle History
Moments in NC history, from Jesse Helms’ retirement announcement in 2001 to a 1971 Nixon fundraiser.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 23/08/2026
Moments in NC history, from Jesse Helms’ retirement announcement in 2001 to a 1971 Nixon fundraiser.
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When Sen. Jesse Helms retired from politics — Today in Triangle History
Moments in NC history, from Jesse Helms’ retirement announcement in 2001 to a 1971 Nixon fundraiser.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Light + Time Tower on Capital Boulevard sparks debate — Today in Triangle history, 1995. Plus tobacco business in 1939 and a major budget surplus in 1926. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...
newsobserver.com
Light + Time Tower on Capital Boulevard sparks debate — Today in Triangle history
The debut of the Light + Time Tower in 1995 received mixed reviews.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 21/08/2026
Teachers are starting a new school year with significant raises. How much and what the governor says can be done for veteran teachers.
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NC teachers start school year with ‘real money’ raises. Stein says there’s more to do
Teachers are starting a new school year with significant raises. How much and what the governor says can be done for veteran teachers.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 21/08/2026
Today in North Carolina history for Aug. 21 — computers in 1999, railroad accident in 1926 and the first female bank examiner in 1965.
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School board considers using email to replace paper — Today in Triangle history
Today in North Carolina history for Aug. 21 — computers in 1999, railroad accident in 1926 and the first female bank examiner in 1965.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
DMV wait times down almost 90% since summer of 2025, NC Gov. Stein says #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
DMV wait times down almost 90% since summer of 2025, NC governor says
Here are some of the factors that account for shorter lines.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The @newsobserver.com has a new-ish feature about Today In History and I've written the next 7 days of them. For today's, I even quote from a 1945 Under the Dome: #ncpol newsobserver.com/news/local/article316886948.html
newsobserver.com
End of WWII meant return to peacetime economy, fewer jobs — Today in Triangle History
How NC reacted as the impact of the end of the war became more clear.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 16/08/2026
This Under the Dome edition focuses on Gov. Josh Stein and the latest poll on his job approval, along with his history of Cabinet confirmations.
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NC governor’s latest approval rating + Stein’s record on Cabinet confirmations
This Under the Dome edition focuses on Gov. Josh Stein and the latest poll on his job approval, along with his history of Cabinet confirmations.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
NC Gov. Josh Stein signs budget changes into law, including taking some of his power away #ncpol #ncga www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
NC Gov. Josh Stein signs budget changes, including taking some of his power away
NC Gov. Josh Stein signed the state budget into law in July, and now two budget adjustment bills that change funding and control.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 09/08/2026
State lawmakers just sent NC Gov. Josh Stein six bills. He has 10 days to take action on legislation ranging from elections to courts.
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NC legislators sent 6 bills to Gov. Josh Stein. How state laws could change
State lawmakers just sent NC Gov. Josh Stein six bills. He has 10 days to take action on legislation ranging from elections to courts.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Gone til November:
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Shift in appointments is Republicans moving power ‘to their friends,’ Stein says #ncpol newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article316753462.html
newsobserver.com
Shift in appointments is Republicans moving power ‘to their friends,’ Stein says
North Carolina legislative Republicans have shifted power away from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein since before he even took office.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Calling dibs now on making a Gone til November reference about the North Carolina legislature. #ncpol youtu.be/kI6MWZrl8v8?...
youtu.be
Wyclef Jean, Canibus - Gone Till November (Official HD Video)
YouTube video by WyclefVEVO
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 02/08/2026
This edition of the Under the Dome newsletter focuses on Gov. Josh Stein and the November legislative session to be held after the election.
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Post-election legislative session is one to watch when it comes to Gov. Stein veto
This edition of the Under the Dome newsletter focuses on Gov. Josh Stein and the November legislative session to be held after the election.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
New budget story - already! - from me. It's the tech correx bill, and pretty interesting. Only 51 pages even. NC lawmakers already proposing changes in power, cuts and funding #ncpol #ncga www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
NC lawmakers already proposing changes in power, cuts and funding in new budget
There’s a new budget bill — yes, already — that makes some changes in policy and funding in the 2026 state budget.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
NC ‘grieving the losses of two heroes,’ Gov. Stein says about Fort Bragg soldiers #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
NC ‘grieving the losses of two heroes,’ Gov. Stein says about Fort Bragg soldiers
Flags were lowered in North Carolina in honor of the two Fort Bragg soldiers recently killed in the line of duty.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 22/07/2026
Greater Carolina, a group tied to NC lawmakers, is under investigation by the North Carolina SBI. A new search warrant reveals spending.
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SBI warrant reveals Greater Carolina group spent money on Panthers, vacations
Greater Carolina, a group tied to NC lawmakers, is under investigation by the North Carolina SBI. A new search warrant reveals spending.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 11/07/2026
The Trump administration issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists who wrote about the new Air Force One, an escalation of pressure on the media.
nyti.ms
Times Journalists Subpoenaed as Trump Escalates Pressure on Media
The Justice Department is seeking to compel testimony from reporters who wrote about the new Air Force One. The Times called the move a “brazen act.”
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
Keung Hui @keunghui.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Statue of Billy Graham, Revolutionary War monument coming to North Carolina Capitol grounds. Money for the monuments included in new state budget. No progress on installing long proposed monument for African Americans. (Via @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol
newsobserver.com
Statue of Billy Graham, Revolutionary War monument coming to NC Capitol grounds
The new North Carolina state budget funds Billy Graham and Revolutionary War monuments on the state Capitol grounds.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
New, another state budget story: Revolutionary War monument, statue of Billy Graham coming to the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh. #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
Statue of Billy Graham, Revolutionary War monument coming to NC Capitol grounds
The new North Carolina state budget funds Billy Graham and Revolutionary War monuments on the state Capitol grounds.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 02/07/2026
Update: NC lawmakers take final vote on budget with overdue raises, sending it to Gov. Stein
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NC lawmakers take final vote on budget with overdue raises, sending it to Gov. Stein
North Carolina’s state budget, a year late, was sent to the governor’s desk for action.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 03/07/2026
The General Assembly just sent Gov. Josh Stein his first comprehensive state budget. What he says about it.
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NC Gov. Stein says he’s weighing budget bill on his desk that split Democratic votes
The General Assembly just sent Gov. Josh Stein his first comprehensive state budget. What he says about it.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 30/06/2026
The budget documents were posted Tuesday. Here are the links and a timeline for votes.
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NC’s overdue budget is out. Read the documents showing spending of your tax money
The budget documents were posted Tuesday. Here are the links and a timeline for votes.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 30/06/2026
Many public employees are getting a bonus in addition to a raise. Here’s what the budget provides for different groups of workers.
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Raises for teachers, police and state workers in NC budget. Here’s the breakdown
Many public employees are getting a bonus in addition to a raise. Here’s what the budget provides for different groups of workers.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 01/07/2026
News & Observer Capitol Bureau Chief Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan breaks down some of the highlights of the final budget proposal released Tuesday. The budget, if approved, is a year overdue. 📹Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
North Carolina Budget Watch 2026: now expected Tuesday morning, which I included as a possibility in my story earlier today. Any bill versions you're reading now are not the final. (Unless you work in bill drafting.) #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
A year late, NC lawmakers finishing budget bill on Monday, with votes this week
A year overdue, NC Republicans announced the state budget bill is coming out this week, with raises for teachers and state employees.
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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan
The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 21/06/2026
NC Gov. Josh Stein talks regularly with lawmakers of both parties, including recent budget negotiations in Raleigh.
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Josh Stein has been more involved in GOP-written budget than past NC governors
NC Gov. Josh Stein talks regularly with lawmakers of both parties, including recent budget negotiations in Raleigh.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Sports/politics crossover story! Let's talk baseball. #ncpol www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
Now two powerful NC politicians say Raleigh would be a good MLB expansion city
MLB in NC has been a topic for years. Now the governor and Senate leader say Raleigh is a desirable location for a team.
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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
North Carolina's state budget finish line is in sight, with final negotiations underway between Senate leader Berger and House Speaker Hall. Could arrive before July (a year overdue). www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
newsobserver.com
NC Senate leader Berger, Speaker Hall now in final talks about overdue state budget
The finish line is in sight on North Carolina’s overdue state budget. Senate leader Berger and Speaker Hall are in final negotiations.
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