Brandon Kingdollar
@kingdollar.bsky.social
Politics reporter for NC Newsline. Words in the Tampa Bay Times and The Harvard Crimson. “If you’re gonna hype it, hype it with the facts.” 📫 bkingdollar@ncnewsline.com Fan of hiking, horror, the Chicago Bears (sigh), and my cat.
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.
After NC lawmakers pull plug on civil legal aid, nonprofits are left searching for solutions • NC Newsline
The budget makes North Carolina the only state in the country with neither state funding for legal aid in civil cases nor support from IOLTA.
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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
After NC lawmakers pull plug on civil legal aid, nonprofits are left searching for solutions • NC Newsline
The budget makes North Carolina the only state in the country with neither state funding for legal aid in civil cases nor support from IOLTA.
ncnewsline.com
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.
Two North Carolina US House races are now toss-ups, top forecaster says • NC Newsline
NC Democrats are closing the gap in two key congressional races, forecasters say, despite a new map aimed at boxing them out of close seats.
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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
NC Senate advances controversial but slimmed-down elections changes • NC Newsline
The 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...
ncnewsline.com
ICE is set to reopen an eastern North Carolina private prison as an immigration detention center. Here’s what you need to know:
ICE expected to open mass detention facility in NC, sparking anger, pushback • NC Newsline
On 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...
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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
New $2.3M ad campaign ties Whatley to convicted sex offender as NC's US Senate race tightens • NC Newsline
A Democratic-aligned political group is launching a $2.3 million ad campaign targeting Whatley over his ties to sex offender Harvey West.
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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
Guilford Board of Elections declines to adopt 2026 early voting sites at NC A&T, UNC Greensboro • NC Newsline
The 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.
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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
Cooper's money lead over Whatley continues to grow in NC's US Senate race • NC Newsline
Former Gov. Roy Cooper is the third leading fundraiser of the 2026 U.S. Senate midterms with roughly $35 million this cycle.
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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
New poll shows Whatley within striking distance of Cooper as GOP support coalesces • NC Newsline
Gov. Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by four percentage points in a new poll from Public Policy Polling, showing a competitive race.
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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.
‘Garbage and lies’: Senate candidate Michael Whatley lashes out at media as campaign flounders • NC Newsline
As unflattering stories emerged, Whatley withdrew from the media, cutting reporters from invite lists and retreating to friendly outlets.
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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
Newsline state government reporter Brandon Kingdollar on the policy changes packed into the budget • NC Newsline
State 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 ...
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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
Delayed by budget talks, NC legislature still has plenty to do • NC Newsline
When 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...
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North Carolina’s state budget cleared initial votes in the House and Senate on Wednesday though disagreements between Republicans triggered rare defections.
Long-awaited NC budget passes first votes, but 2 Senate Republicans break ranks over ferry tolls • NC Newsline
The state is poised to pass a budget that was due last year, though disagreements between Republicans triggered rare defections on the vote.
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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
Confederate 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...
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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.
Ahead of midterms, North Carolina Democrats lead the fundraising race. Does it matter? • NC Newsline
So 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.
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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
House set to vote on sweeping election bill despite opposition to overseas voter restrictions • NC Newsline
The North Carolina House of Representatives is expected to vote on a hotly contested election reform bill next week.
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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.
NC House Republicans override Gov. Stein’s vetoes on anti-DEI and pro-ICE bills • NC Newsline
North Carolina House Republicans overrode key vetoes by Gov. Josh Stein on bills related to ICE and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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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
Championship Canes storm General Assembly, deliver pep talk deep in budget overtime • NC Newsline
North Carolina lawmakers welcomed the championship Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, who came bearing the Stanley Cup.
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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.
NC Senate Democrats propose legalizing cannabis, but prospects hazy • NC Newsline
A 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...
ncnewsline.com
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.
As NC House mulls legalizing happy hour, Senate prefers moderation • NC Newsline
House Republicans have pushed to legalize happy hour and allow canned cocktails at grocery stores. So far, the state Senate is not partaking.
ncnewsline.com
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
North Carolina’s Senate race no longer a toss-up, top forecasters say, with Cooper in the lead • NC Newsline
Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper is now considered the favorite by top election forecasters to win North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
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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
NC ban on ‘addictive’ social media for children under 14 one vote away from governor’s desk • NC Newsline
The North Carolina Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday barring children who are 13 and under from “addictive” social media apps.
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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.
As end of session looms, NC Republican leaders push back expected budget date • NC Newsline
Republican lawmakers were eyeing mid-June for the rollout of North Carolina’s long-delayed budget. Now, they say that may not be possible.
ncnewsline.com
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.
NC Democratic senators warn right to contraception could be at risk • NC Newsline
Lawmakers 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...
ncnewsline.com
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.
Rep. Sarah Stevens resigns from NC House to focus on Supreme Court race • NC Newsline
Rep. Sarah Stevens is resigning from the North Carolina House effective June 16 as she vies for a seat on the state Supreme Court.
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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.
NC members of Congress call on Google, OpenAI to address chatbot involvement in mass shootings • NC Newsline
Democratic lawmakers called on top AI companies to address interactions with chatbots which they said encouraged harmful actions.
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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
NC House Democrats call for changes to protect judicial independence, balance of powers • NC Newsline
Amid 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.
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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
North Carolina youth social media ban clears additional hurdle as it heads toward Senate vote • NC Newsline
Senators advanced a bill to ban users 13 and under from “addictive” social media apps, despite concerns over government overreach.
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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
North Carolina Senate overrides ninth Stein veto to enact scholarship tax credit bill • NC Newsline
North Carolina will participate in a federal tax-credit scholarship program after the state Senate voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto.
ncnewsline.com
North Carolina senators are considering a 50% tax on ‘prurient’ materials to support anti-human trafficking efforts.
NC Senate considers tax on obscene materials, social media age limits, license plate readers • NC Newsline
The North Carolina legislature could soon take up a 50% excise tax on “prurient” and “obscene” sexual material harmful to minors.
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