https://media.blubrry.com/ncpolicywatch/ncnewsline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/News-and-Views-for-7-26-2026-ChrisCooper-Pt1and2.mp3 With the 2026 midterm elections less than 100 days away, it a great time to check in with one of the state’s foremost experts on politics and elections, Western Carolina University Professor of Political Science, Chris Cooper. Read more Trump urges US Senate to hold off on August recess until SAVE America Act passes…

Senate Republicans passed a revenue bill despite controversy that it walks back a Trump administration research and development tax break.

A bill that would establish minimum standards of care for domestic dogs and cats unanimously passed the North Carolina House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

The bill safeguards against fraudulent “ghost students,” which lawmakers say have cost taxpayers millions of dollars by applying for federal student aid under stolen identities, only to later disappear with the funds.

NC broad elections bill would put more requirements on overseas voters, allow for more partisan staff in the state elections office.

It was the first time Mullin, who was advocating for President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2027 budget request, has appeared before Congress since the Senate confirmed his nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security in March.

May housing starts fell to the lowest level since the pandemic disrupted construction six years ago, the U.S. Census Bureau announced Tuesday. Builder confidence has dropped recently because of higher material and financing costs.

Measles cases this year have surpassed all of 2025 to become the worst since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with cases now in 44 states and the District of Columbia, according to a federal report released Friday.

A Quinnipiac University poll published Wednesday showed 50% of voters preferred Democrats won control of the House, while only 39% preferred Republicans.The same survey showed Trump’s approval rating at a second-term low, 34% approval with 58% disapproving. On economic issues, as the price of gas has skyrocketed during the war with Iran, nearly twice as many voters disapproved of Trump’s handling than approved.

North Carolina’s child death rate is up 3% from 2005 to 2024, while the national rate has fallen 15% over the same time.