In past years, philanthropy has stepped in to help make SUN Bucks possible for North Carolina families during the summertime when their kids aren’t receiving school meals.

In this democracy, the power rests with you - the people. Let’s keep it that way.

Last week, I sat down with NBC’s Kristin Welker and Vermont Governor Phil Scott to discuss how our relationships with the federal government guide our jobs in our respective states.

Tomorrow the House is considering a bill that aims to eliminate the Wild West that is North Carolina’s THC market. For some reason, the bill also legalizes kratom, an opioid-like substance sometimes called gas station heroin, and fails to include any meaningful age restrictions.

Voters must be able to choose elected leaders who actually deliver for them on the issues that matter – lowering the cost of living, investing in public schools, or keeping us safe.

We have to do everything in our power to support those who keep us safe, and the historic public safety investments in this budget are a big start.

As Attorney General, I sued Chemours for contaminating the Cape Fear River with forever chemicals, and I filed lawsuits against more than a dozen manufacturers for polluting sites across North Carolina.

I am sad to share that last night's storms led to a fatality in Wake County. Anna and I send our condolences to the family. Our first responders have been working hard to keep folks safe, and the power crews are restoring power as I type. I am grateful for their 24/7 service.

GOOD NEWS: North Carolina received $34 million in federal economic development grants that will go toward expanding economic and long-term recovery efforts, especially in western NC. www.wfmynews2.com/article/news...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s River Arts District illustrated western NC’s resilience. There was no better place to announce Etsy’s $10 million investment in craft economies across America than the Center for Craft in Asheville last week.

Law enforcement is hard and sometimes dangerous work, but it is so important and meaningful. Today, I got the opportunity to meet with Raleigh PD officers in the K9 and SWAT divisions who have chosen a career in law enforcement.

Thanks to Oxbow River Snorkeling for showing Anna and me a unique underwater view of the French Broad River!

While this settlement improves upon Duke’s initial request, it still asks too much of North Carolinians struggling to make ends meet.

Duke Energy, state agency agree on drastic cut to NC rate hike from initial ask

If approved, residential rates would rise 9.5% over two years, down from Duke’s initial 18% proposal.

charlotteobserver.com

Through the NC Department of Commerce’s Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program and state funding to nonprofit partners, we have repaired and rebuilt more than 1,000 homes in western North Carolina.

I am saddened to share another casualty close to home from the war in the Middle East. Anna and I send our condolences to the family of Sergeant Michael E. Swinton of Fayetteville, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. He leaves behind his wife and children. May his memory be a blessing.

Anna and I send our condolences to the family of First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan and the entire Fort Bragg community. Raised in Hawaii and assigned to Fort Bragg, he was just 25 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.

It’s great to see progress being made along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are spending this summer in the mountains, make plans to stop at Milepost 334, and you’ll find yourself in Little Switzerland: Anna and I picked up a few things and enjoyed some ice cream.

Coming off a week out west, I still see very clearly that North Carolina cannot do the work of rebuilding western North Carolina alone. Last week, I signed my third Hurricane Helene budget into law, bringing the total state commitment to more than $3 billion...

Burnsville was left without clean drinking water for weeks after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Thanks to investments from NC DEQ, the town is on track to providing its residents with clean, safe, and dependable drinking water for the long-term...

A few clouds and cool temperatures couldn’t stop us! Anna and I had fun spending time with State Park Rangers at Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Even in the mist, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Broughton Hospital, one of the three state-operated psychiatric hospitals, has recently created the first health care pre-apprentice program in state government. This program will help cultivate a sustainable workforce pipeline as early as high school where students will be...

I'm proud to have signed a budget that gets so many of my priorities done for North Carolinians.

Ms. Velma’s home was damaged so badly by Hurricane Helene that it would have cost more to repair it than to replace it. After the longtime homeowner’s insurance company denied her claim, Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program connected her with case managers...

Cleveland Community College is home to one of the 12 Careers Electric Summer Academies helping high school students earn the credentials they need to thrive in the workforce...

GOOD NEWS: Cleveland Community College has been awarded $1.7 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce toward a new health care workforce training facility. This innovative project will strengthen our workforce and support the long-term economic recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

Shelby community college awarded $1.7 million to construct healthcare training facility

SHELBY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Five states, including North Carolina, will receive millions in disaster supplemental funding to support economic development projects, the U.S. Department of…

qcnews.com

Most states and the federal government join North Carolina in prohibiting felons from possessing firearms, and these prohibitions have universally been upheld as constitutional.

This week North Carolina received more federal funding from FEMA, including more than $28 million for Helene Public Assistance reimbursements for state and local government and more than $3 million for resiliency projects across the state.

Every time you turn on the tap, you should be confident that your water is safe and clean. youtu.be/aT-n_lSVuPw

Governor Stein Highlights North Carolina's Investments in Clean Water

YouTube video by Governor Josh Stein

youtu.be

In the aftermath of several high-profile tragedies in North Carolina involving people experiencing serious mental health crises, I signed an executive order directing state agencies to improve behavioral health and public safety.

This week, I signed Jaleeyah’s Law in honor of a bright young girl whose life was cut too short. We must address the root cause of gang violence by giving young people a better path. This law makes it easier for prosecutors to crack down on gang activity and protect innocent North Carolinians.