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Health care reform bill to tax plastic surgery

The Senate’s version of the health care bill includes a tax for those who choose plastic surgery. The bill would tax most plastic surgical procedures by 5 percent to help pay for health care reform.

11/20/2009 06:30 PM

Republicans blast 'bait and switch' health bill

Digging in for a long struggle, Republican senators and governors assailed the Democrats' newly minted health care legislation Thursday as a collection of tax increases, Medicare cuts and heavy new burdens for deficit-ridden states.

11/20/2009 03:50 PM

White House at odds with bishops over abortion

The White House is on a collision course with Catholic bishops in an intractable dispute over abortion that could blow up the fragile political coalition behind President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

11/20/2009 08:34 AM

State Sen. Boseman will not run for reelection

Sen. Julia Boseman announced Tuesday she will not seek reelection to the state Senate. Boseman represents the ninth district, including New Hanover County.

11/19/2009 09:10 PM

Army bars media from Palin book signing at Fort Bragg

The media will not be allowed to cover former Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin’s planned trip to Fort Bragg Monday, but the public will be invited. Army officials say they fear the event will turn into political grandstanding against President Barack Obama.

11/19/2009 05:37 PM

GOP advisers: Giuliani leans toward a Senate race

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has not decided whether to run for governor but is becoming more interested in running for U.S. Senate, two Republican advisers said Thursday.

11/19/2009 05:20 PM

Senate girds for historic debate on health bill

After months of maneuvering, the Senate stands at the brink of a historic battle over health care with President Barack Obama and his allies on one side and Republicans, outnumbered but unflinching, on the other.

11/19/2009 08:39 AM

Commission rules Sanford should faces charges in S.C.

An ethics panel in South Carolina has ruled that Gov. Mark Sanford should face charges related to a three-month investigation into his travel and campaign finances.

11/19/2009 07:11 AM

Focus remains on Gov. Easley's past as jury meets again

The federal grand jury investigating former Gov. Mike Easley is expected to meet again Thursday after reconvening on Wednesday. Jurors have been looking into coastal development deals and freebies Easley may have got.

11/19/2009 07:04 AM

Reid to unveil health care bill, woos moderates

The political stakes enormous, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid briefed crucial moderate Democrats before unveiling long-awaited legislation Wednesday to remake the nation's health care system.

11/18/2009 07:38 PM

Lawmakers look for sources of financial aid funding

A joint legislative committee is meeting to discuss how to find the cash to help students go to college, even as more and more North Carolina families are requesting and qualifying for financial aid.

Updated 11/18/2009 06:32 PM

Federal grand jury probe of Easley gets rolling again

The federal grand jury investigating former Gov. Mike Easley is expected to reconvene Wednesday. Jay Reiff, Easley’s former campaign manager, entered the federal courthouse, and six others are expected to testify.

Updated 11/18/2009 12:45 PM

More than $98 billion in improper government payments

More than $98 billion in taxpayer dollars spent by government agencies was wasted, much of it on questionable claims for tax credits and Medicare benefits, representing an increase of $26 billion from the previous year.

11/18/2009 08:10 AM

Gov. Sanford still in tight spot as ethics commission meets

An ethics commission will decide Wednesday if South Carolina’s governor should face criminal or civil charges. Tuesday, S.C. representatives filed a measure to impeach Gov. Mark Sanford.

11/18/2009 07:58 AM

State Dems select new Senate majority leader

North Carolina Senate Democrats have a new majority leader. The caucus appointed Sen. Martin Nesbitt Tuesday morning to replace Sen. Tony Rand, who is leaving to head the parole board. There were no other candidates.

Updated 11/17/2009 06:36 PM

Federal stimulus tracking site loaded with errors

The White House wants citizens to be able to track where the money from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going, but the Web site created to track stimulus spending is full of errors.

Updated 11/17/2009 06:16 PM

Conference unites leaders for beach policy discussion

State leaders are coming together to address plans for beach protection. Common sense coastal policy is this year’s theme for the annual conference of the North Carolina Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association.

11/16/2009 07:04 PM

Attorney for former Rep. Wright argues for appeal

A judge heard an appeal made by former state Rep. Thomas Wright Monday. His attorney argued Wright did not violate any law when he was found guilty of felony obstruction of justice in 2008.

Updated 11/16/2009 04:09 PM

Obama to China: Uncensored society is healthy

President Barack Obama sat down with the Chinese leader Monday night, hours after he pointedly nudged his host country to stop censoring the Internet access and suggested Beijing need not fear a little criticism.

11/16/2009 07:51 AM

News 14 Carolina's Political Connections

State Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand said last week that he'll leave by the end of the year to head up the parole board in the state. The move indicates that there may be changes coming to the General Assembly soon.

11/14/2009 06:51 PM

Obama: Decision soon on troops for Afghanistan

President Barack Obama, facing withering criticism for a prolonged decision-making process on Afghanistan, asserted Friday he doesn't want the next move to be seen as an "open-ended commitment."

11/13/2009 10:28 AM

GOP chairman ends abortion insurance for employees

A chagrined GOP Chairman Michael Steele has told Republican National Committee staff to immediately stop providing RNC employees with insurance for elective abortions — an option that Republicans strongly oppose as Democrats try to pass a health care overhaul bill.

11/13/2009 09:02 AM

Decision on Gov. Easley situation expected by Feb. 2010

Prosecutors say they’ll make a decision by February on whether to seek criminal charges in the campaign finance case of Mike Easley, former governor of North Carolina.

11/13/2009 08:04 AM

S.C. first lady gives endorsement for state's governor spot

The first lady of South Carolina is endorsing Republican state Rep. Nikki Haley to succeed her husband in 2011. Jenny Sanford issued a letter formally supporting Haley on Wednesday.

11/12/2009 09:41 AM

McCrory prepares to leave office with approval still high

Mayor McCrory, who will soon be stepping down from his office, will do so with his popularity intact. McCrory’s final approval rating is 59 percent, with only 26 percent disapproving.

11/11/2009 02:43 PM

Lawmakers say budget cuts to mental health went too far

State and local providers say state budgets cuts are hurting mental health services. They delivered their analysis to state lawmakers Tuesday during a joint legislative oversight committee.

Updated 11/10/2009 05:36 PM

Obama pressed into role as healer, inevitably

Presidents get elected to run the nation. Some days that means knowing how to heal it. For the first time since winning the White House, President Barack Obama faces such a moment Tuesday at Fort Hood.

Updated 11/10/2009 12:52 PM

Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care

Former President Bill Clinton knows just how high the political stakes are in the fight to overhaul America's health care system.

11/10/2009 08:09 AM

Health care bill heads to Senate; Burr, Hagan react

With health care reform proposal now on its way to the Senate for consideration, North Carolina's senators say they suspect it will get even less support in their chamber.

Updated 11/09/2009 04:36 PM

House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate

A government health insurance plan included in the House bill is unacceptable to a few Democratic moderates who hold the balance of power in the Senate.

11/09/2009 07:58 AM

Political Connections: Kieran Shanahan

In his first public comments about allegations of potential wrongdoings by his campaign and the state Democratic Party, former Gov. Mike Easley said he did not play a large part in controlling how the finances were raised for his campaign.

11/07/2009 06:15 PM

Political Connections: Joe Sinsheimer

In his first public comments about allegations of potential wrongdoings by his campaign and the state Democratic Party, former Gov. Mike Easley said he did not play a large part in controlling how the finances were raised for his campaign.

11/07/2009 06:14 PM

In Depth: Mayor-elect Foxx ready to lead Charlotte

Anthony Foxx paid his first visit to News 14 Carolina as Charlotte Mayor-elect on Thursday. He discussed the close election, working across party lines and which former mayors he might emulate.

Updated 11/06/2009 11:00 AM

House Dems push for votes on health bill

House Democrats are scrambling to secure enough support to pass President Barack Obama's historic health overhaul initiative, working to soothe last-minute concerns from rank-and-file Democrats ahead of a make-or-break vote.

11/06/2009 08:44 AM

Obama to sign homebuyer, jobless bill assistance

President Barack Obama is set to sign a $24 billion economic stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and extending unemployment benefits to the longtime jobless.

11/06/2009 08:07 AM

Perdue discusses 12-day trade mission to Asia

Gov. Bev Perdue is back home from her nearly two-week trade mission trip to Asia. The price tag for the travel was around $80,000 of taxpayer money. But Perdue said it's money well spent and will pay for itself.

Updated 11/05/2009 05:39 PM

Democrats' plan to help 'uninsurables' questioned

Advocates for people with serious health problems, as well as some insurance experts, are raising questions about one of the most important upfront benefits in the Democratic health care legislation.

11/05/2009 09:44 AM

N.C. residents join protestors in D.C. over health care

Buses full of North Carolina residents will join thousands from across the nation in Washington, D.C., on Thursday in a protest of proposed health care reform plans.

11/05/2009 08:32 AM

State Senate leader steps down to head up parole board

Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand is stepping down from his position with the General Assembly to serve as the head of the state parole board. He will take over his new role by early next year.

Updated 11/04/2009 11:13 PM

State employees take aim at BCBS with new Web site

The State Employee's Association of North Carolina says Blue Cross Blue Shield crossed the line with its latest public information campaign in the national health care debate. Now, SEANC is firing back.

Updated 11/04/2009 07:39 PM

Foxx ready to take charge of Queen City's future

Anthony Foxx will soon be taking over as mayor of Charlotte following his narrow defeat of John Lassiter in Tuesday night’s election. Foxx will be sworn into office next month with a full plate of issues to handle.

11/04/2009 10:05 AM

Perdue defends call on hiring of convicted murderer

Gov. Perdue is defending her decision to hire a convicted murderer while she was lieutenant governor. Perdue allowed Sally Holloman to work in her office during a correction department work release program.

11/04/2009 08:31 AM

GOP sweep: Big governor victories in Virginia, N.J.

Independents who swept Barack Obama to a historic 2008 victory broke big for Republicans on Tuesday as the GOP wrested political control from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey.

11/04/2009 08:18 AM

Democrats take essential seats in Charlotte races

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Democrat Anthony Foxx beat out Republican John Lassiter 51.4 to 48.6 percent in the race for Charlotte mayor. The Democrats also claimed and additional city council seat.

Updated 11/03/2009 11:47 PM

McCrory reflects on time as mayor; hints at future plans

Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory decided to step down after a record seven terms in office. Though Charlotte will have its first new mayor since 1995, McCrory says his days of public service are not over.

11/03/2009 05:22 PM

State lawmakers return to capitol to talk sales tax

Several dozen legislators are back in Raleigh to discuss North Carolina's tax structure and whether an overhaul can be approved as soon as next spring.

11/03/2009 02:00 PM

Appeals court upholds conviction of Thomas Wright

The state court of appeals has upheld the conviction of disgraced lawmaker Thomas Wright. He was found guilty of felony obstruction of justice in August 2008.

Updated 11/03/2009 01:57 PM

Some Triangle voting precincts see higher voter turnouts

Some Wake County precincts saw a heavier than normal volume of voters come through during Election Day Tuesday. Those voters live in areas voting in the Wake County school board runoff in Garner and Cary's District A seat on city council.

11/03/2009 11:01 AM

2 tough health care issues remain in the House

Just a few unsolved problems — and one final sales job — stand between House Democratic leaders and a landmark vote on President Barack Obama's promised remake of the nation's health care system.

11/03/2009 10:05 AM

Races an early test of Obama influence

In a very early test of President Barack Obama's political influence, two states are choosing whether to continue Democratic rule while voters elsewhere elect a handful of congressmen and big-city mayors.

11/03/2009 09:59 AM

Triad voters head to the polls to select local leaders

Voters will decide on a number of mayoral races in the Triad Tuesday. Election officials say about 4,100 people voted early in Guilford County, up from about 3,300 in 2007. Polls will be open until 7:30 p.m.

11/03/2009 09:24 AM

Discount on tax incentive return prompts Dell to pay early

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said Monday that computer giant Dell will repay the city's share of $26 million in tax incentives by the end of the week.

11/03/2009 09:17 AM

Easley hearings prompt changes to campaign finance law

Following an investigative hearing into former Gov. Mike Easley's campaign, the State Board of Elections voted to recommend the laws be rewritten to clarify that candidates themselves are responsible for their campaigns.

11/03/2009 08:48 AM

Union County towns to vote on mixed beverage measures

Several towns in Union County will consider mixed beverage referendums Tuesday as they head to the polls. Wingate, Indian Trail and Waxhaw all carry the issue on their ballots.

11/03/2009 07:45 AM

Debate over city trolley lines could impact election

The mayoral race in Charlotte could hinge partially on the future of trolley lines in the city. Democrat Anthony Foxx has said he supports bringing street cars back to Charlotte, while Republican John Lassiter opposed funding the project.

11/03/2009 07:38 AM

Wake Co. voters heading to polls over school board seat

Tuesday is Election Day for much of North Carolina and in Wake County, voters are heading to the polls to decide the winner of the last remaining seat on the county school board.

11/03/2009 07:19 AM

Gov. Perdue speaks out about Easley and inmates

Monday, Gov. Bev Perdue spoke out for the first time since getting back from her two-week trip to Asia about the Easley hearing and her orders to keep inmates scheduled for release behind bars.

Updated 11/02/2009 09:28 PM

Debate heats up over new multistate lottery game

North Carolina Education Lottery commissioners unanimously approved the selling of tickets for the Mega Millions Mulitstate Lottery Monday afternoon.

11/02/2009 08:56 PM

Political Connections: Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton

News 14 Carolina's Tim Boyum sits down with Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton.

11/02/2009 07:00 PM

Political Connections: Rick Santorum

News 14 Carolina's Tim Boyum sits down with former Republican Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

Updated 11/02/2009 06:54 PM

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