MORNING LINEUP
Jamie Ager hosts a concert rally at Asheville Yards on Oct. 13, 2026. Ager is the Democrat running for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District against state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom. (Photo: Christine Zhu/NC Newsline)
By Christine Zhu
About 3,000 people gathered at Asheville Yards last week for a concert rally with Jamie Ager, who’s running against GOP state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to represent North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. The contest could play a pivotal role in the control of the U.S. House.
Wearing trucker hats, shirts, or buttons in the campaign’s signature kelly green saying “Ager for U.S. Congress,” attendees encouraged each other to knock on doors and work the polls. Others waved signs claiming, “I’m a mountain Democrat and proud of it.”
Dozens of people gather at Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh for the No Kings voter event on Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo by Tre Spencer/NC Newsline)
By Trevon Spencer
Under gloomy skies and light rain, a crowd gathered outside Wake Forest Town Hall Saturday, holding homemade signs and occasionally erupting with applause as speakers urged them to turn their opposition to the Trump administration into action at the ballot box.
The Wake Forest gathering was one of many No Kings events across the state as the nationwide movement encourages political participation ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Gov. Josh Stein speaks at a news conference Nov. 6, 2025 in Raleigh. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)
By Trevon Spencer
The governor’s office estimates that more than 250,000 North Carolinians could lose coverage under the new law — not because they aren’t eligible or don’t work, but because the reporting requirements will be a barrier for some.
New requirements will take effect Jan. 1 and will require documentation of at least 80 hours a month of work, education, or community service. States will also be required to conduct eligibility checks at least twice a year, rather than annually.
The N.C. Legislative Building. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)
By Ashley Fredde, NC Health News
Three North Carolina legal aid organizations are suing over lawmakers’ decision to redirect millions in IOLTA funding even as thousands in western North Carolina need services as they recover from Hurricane Helene.
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COMMENTARY
Talarico hospital lie shows social media's malicious effect|
Raleigh News & ObserverTrump tried to control elections before. He's doing it again |Raleigh News & Observer
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