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It’s the show that connects you to the biggest issues and people in North Carolina. Political Connections airs Friday nights at 6 p.m. and repeats Sunday mornings at 11 a.m.

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Obama to tell Putin: Time to move past Cold War

Days from his first Moscow summit, President Barack Obama declared Thursday that former Russian President Vladimir Putin "still has a lot of sway" in his nation and needs an in-person reminder the Cold War is over.

07/02/2009 08:46 PM

Hugging cancer patient, Obama pitches health plan

At an emotional forum in Virginia, President Barack Obama hugged a cancer patient Wednesday and vowed to bring greater efficiency and accessibility to the nation's health care system.

07/01/2009 03:27 PM

New fiscal year means no more gas tax cap in N.C.

North Carolina no longer has a maximum on the tax rate it collects on gas. The new law took effect Wednesday after lawmakers voted to remove the cap. But economists say it could be good in the long run.

Updated 07/01/2009 01:22 PM

Lawmakers reach agreement on stopgap spending plan

With little debate Tuesday afternoon, the state Senate gave the stamp of approval to a continuing resolution that will keep state government from shutting down ahead of the July 1 budget deadline.

Updated 06/30/2009 07:19 PM

Health insurance lobbyist cleared in bribery case

A legislative lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina has been cleared of any wrongdoing. A lawmaker said Ken Wright, a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield's government affairs staff, tried to bribe him.

06/30/2009 12:22 PM

Former Edwards aide to write tell-all book

A former aide to John Edwards claims the former senator made a sex tape with the woman he had an affair with. Andrew Young told The New York Times he reached a deal to write a book on the former presidential candidate's affair.

06/30/2009 12:11 PM

News14.com Poll: Perdue receives a failing grade so far

Statewide polls show a growing disapproval rating for Gov. Bev Perdue after just six months in office, and according to the results of Monday’s Web Poll, news14.com readers wholeheartedly agree with that evaluation.

06/30/2009 09:47 AM

Polls show Perdue's popularity slipping among voters

After just six months in office, Gov. Bev Perdue is experiencing some devastating poll numbers. Poll after poll shows that more people disapprove of her performance than say she is doing a good job.

06/29/2009 04:19 PM

Temporary spending plan discussed as lawmakers run late

The end of the fiscal year is July 1, but lawmakers are still working on the state budget. Monday night, they are due to discuss what to do in case a budget is not passed by Tuesday.

06/29/2009 07:21 AM

Political Connections: Joe Coletti

Joe Coletti, of the John Locke Foundation, spoke with News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum about what lawmakers may consider for the final version of the state’s budget.

06/26/2009 10:10 PM

Political Connections: Elaine Mejia

News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum spoke with Elaine Mejia, with the N.C. Budget and Tax Center, part of the liberal-leaning Justice Center think tank, about what she thinks lawmakers may or may not put in the budget.

06/26/2009 10:09 PM

N.C. lawmakers likely to miss fiscal year budget deadline

The end of the fiscal year is less than a week away, but it looks like state lawmakers will not have a new budget in place by then. A temporary solution is being worked on in the meantime by the House.

06/26/2009 08:45 AM

Change could be coming for N.C. annexation laws

Thursday, a House of Representatives committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would make changes to the state's annexation laws. The most controversial part involves involuntary annexation.

Updated 06/25/2009 09:30 PM

Iran reform leader says he won't end his challenge

Iranian authorities briefly arrested dozens of university professors who met with embattled opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, his Web site said Thursday, but he vowed to persevere with his election challenge despite the apparent attempt to isolate him from his supporters.

06/25/2009 07:18 PM

Wandering S.C. gov will find tough trail at home

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford was with his family Thursday as legal and ethical questions swirled over his secret trip to see a woman in Argentina with whom he admitted an affair.

Updated 06/25/2009 05:15 PM

Bernanke tells Congress he put no pressure on BOA boss

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress he didn't pressure Bank of America to stick with its acquisition of Merrill Lynch that ultimately cost taxpayers $20 billion.

Updated 06/25/2009 04:52 PM

South Carolina Gov. Sanford admits having an affair

Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Wednesday he's been having an affair with a woman he visited on a secret trip to Argentina and said he'll resign as head of the Republican Governors Association.

Updated 06/24/2009 07:59 PM

Obama: U.S., world 'appalled' by Iran violence

President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared the United States and the entire world "appalled and outraged" by Iran's violent efforts to crush dissent and for the first time expressed significant doubt about the legitimacy of the national election at the root of the upheaval.

06/23/2009 04:27 PM

News14.com Poll: Black should remain in Pa. prison

Despite his and his wife's failing health, former North Carolina House Speaker Jim Black should not be moved to a prison closer to home or released early, according to the results of Monday's news14.com Web poll.

06/23/2009 10:18 AM

Perdue, lawmakers continue debate on how to raise taxes

With the new fiscal year starting July 1, state lawmakers are still working out the details of a budget as both chambers of the N.C. Congress and Gov. Perdue consider tax increases of some kind.

06/23/2009 08:22 AM

Obama signs anti-smoking bill, cites own struggle

President Barack Obama cited his own long struggle to quit the cigarettes he got hooked on as a teenager as he signed the nation's strongest-ever anti-smoking bill Monday and praised it for providing critically needed protections for kids.

Updated 06/22/2009 04:17 PM

Myrick announces that she'll run again in 2010

Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., announced at a Charlotte luncheon Monday that she will run for re-election in 2010. Myrick has represented the state's 9th Congressional District for eight terms.

06/22/2009 03:52 PM

Democrats may go it alone on gov't insurance plan

Democrats generally are standing behind their position that a health care system overhaul must include a government-sponsored plan that would be available to middle-class workers and their families.

06/22/2009 11:03 AM

Supporters ask that Black be moved closer to home

Supporters of former North Carolina House Speaker Jim Black are asking officials to commute his prison sentence or move him closer to home. His attorneys say the 74-year-old and his wife are in poor health.

06/22/2009 09:43 AM

Obama's own party worried health plan lacks votes

A Republican senator seeking a bipartisan health deal spoke Sunday of "dialing down" expectations while one of President Barack Obama's Democratic allies questioned whether the White House had the votes necessary for a such a costly and comprehensive plan during a recession.

06/21/2009 06:58 PM

Political Connections: Tom Fetzer

Last weekend, former Raleigh Mayor Tom Fetzer was chosen by his fellow republicans at the state GOP Convention to lead the Republican Party facing a legislature controlled by democrats. Fetzer joined News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum in the studio.

06/19/2009 10:02 PM

Political Connections: Chris Fitzsimon

Last weekend, the House approved its version of the budget that included a nearly $800 million tax package and deep cuts. But the process is far from over. News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum sat down with Chris Fitzsimon, of the N.C. Policy Watch, to talk about taxes and cuts.

06/19/2009 10:01 PM

Dozens in Charlotte demonstrate over situation in Iran

As Iranians continue to protest the recent presidential elections in the country, American demonstrators are joining the protest. Dozens of protesters gathered at the Government Center in uptown Charlotte Friday to show support for Iranians.

Updated 06/19/2009 05:12 PM

Senate Passes 'Cash for Clunkers' Program

Congress approved a "cash for clunkers" program Thursday to provide government incentives of $3,500 to $4,500 to motorists who trade in their gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles.

06/19/2009 01:44 PM

Medical marijuana bill discussed in N.C. House committee

State lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. If passed, it would protect patients from being jailed and arrested for using medical marijuana.

Updated 06/18/2009 03:07 PM

Gov. Perdue rallies in Charlotte to push for tax increase

Gov. Perdue reinforced her call for a $1.5-billion tax increase during a visit to Charlotte on Thursday. She says the money is needed for education in order to protect quality teachers and keep class sizes down.

06/18/2009 01:22 PM

Geithner defends plan to step up oversight

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says it is clear that the government could have done more to prevent the economic downfall.

06/18/2009 11:52 AM

Fetzer: Bad timing for upcoming Democrat fundraiser

Newly elected state Republican Party Chair Tom Fetzer says the Democrats should postpone a scheduled fundraiser until after a state budget is approved, or consider the contributions tainted.

06/17/2009 06:50 PM

State hoping to turn 9,000-vehicle fleet green

Lawmakers passed a bill this week that will make the state's fleet of vehicles greener by making sure auto makers know North Carolina is no longer interested in putting more gas guzzlers on the roads.

Updated 06/17/2009 04:51 PM

Ensign quits Senate GOP leadership post

Republican Sen. John Ensign of Nevada has stepped down from his leadership post one day after admitting he carried on an extramarital affair with a woman who was on his campaign staff.

06/17/2009 03:00 PM

NKorea warns U.S. of 'thousand-fold' military action

North Korea warned Wednesday of a "thousand-fold" military retaliation against the U.S. and its allies if provoked, the latest threat in a drumbeat of rhetoric in defense of its rogue nuclear program.

06/17/2009 07:50 AM

Workers protest proposal to hike cigarette taxes

Rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of hundreds of 400 Reynolds American workers who traveled to Raleigh to protest a $1 cigarette tax suggested by Gov. Bev Perdue. This group says that will do more harm than good.

Updated 06/16/2009 06:33 PM

Increased taxes, teacher layoffs absent from budget

Union County commissioners passed a $222 million budget Monday night that avoids tax increases and teacher layoffs. Although leaders did not approve a proposed property tax increase, some worry putting it off could mean future problems.

06/15/2009 10:18 PM

Obama presses doctors to back health care overhaul

President Barack Obama bluntly told doctors Monday he is against their highest legislative priority — limiting malpractice awards — and earned a smattering of boos from an audience he was here to court for his health care overhaul plans.

06/15/2009 10:03 PM

Approved budget cuts jobs, keeps libraries open

Commissioners approved Wake County's $954 million 2009-2010 budget Monday evening. It’s more than $30 million less than this year's budget. There won't be any new taxes and all Wake County libraries will remain open, but 20 jobs will be cut.

Updated 06/15/2009 09:27 PM

Speed of Iran vote count called suspicious

How do you count almost 40 million handwritten paper ballots in a matter of hours and declare a winner? That's a key question in Iran's disputed presidential election.

06/15/2009 09:16 PM

Legislators prepare to negotiate state spending plan

When the state House approved its budget proposal early Saturday morning, lawmakers set into motion what should be a quick negotiation between House and Senate budget writers. That's because the current spending plan runs out on July 1.

Updated 06/15/2009 07:02 PM

Advocates say state tax hikes could hurt small business

The state House approved a budget Saturday morning that calls for $780 million in new taxes, more than half of which would come from increased sales and income taxes. But small business owners are taking issue with the hikes.

06/15/2009 01:58 PM

Changes needed in health care, advocates say

Saturday, organizations like ACORN, the NAACP and Women in Action participated in a Health Care for America Now town hall meeting. Panelists discussed the experiences of the area's uninsured.

06/14/2009 12:09 PM

Fetzer in as new state GOP leader

Former Raleigh Mayor Tom Fetzer is now the head of the state's Republican Party. Delegates voted Fetzer into the top spot after the three other candidates conceded. He will replace former GOP chair Linda Daves.

06/14/2009 10:37 AM

Political Connections: Bob Orr

Former Supreme Court Justice and republican Bob Orr sat down with News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum to discuss business incentives and tax breaks designed to bring big companies to North Carolina.

06/12/2009 10:20 PM

Political Connections: Richard Vinroot

News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum spoke with republican and former gubernatorial candidate Richard Vinroot to discuss the controversy with the Easley family and the House’s passing the state budget Thursday.

06/12/2009 10:19 PM

Heavy turnout predicted as Iranians vote

Iranians packed polling stations from boutique-lined streets in north Tehran to conservative bastions to choose Friday between keeping hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power or replacing him with a reformist who favors greater freedoms and improved ties with the United States.

06/12/2009 08:11 AM

House approves tax package, ready for approval

The state House has approved a nearly $800 million tax package in an effort to balance their budget proposal. Representatives are now set to stay in Raleigh until Saturday to get their full budget bill approved.

Updated 06/11/2009 07:12 PM

Iranians set to vote on Ahmadinejad re-election

Tehran was quiet after a week of frenzied campaign activity as Iranians prepared to head to the polls Friday in a crucial presidential election that will be closely watched across the Middle East and Washington.

06/11/2009 08:27 AM

Obama takes health care agenda on road

President Barack Obama, facing challenges to his ambitious health care overhaul from Congress, is visiting supporters outside the capital and turning to them to muster up momentum for one of his top legislative priorities.

06/11/2009 08:23 AM

Legislators add new tax package, shrink cuts

A state House committee sent forward a tax proposal that would allow for $780 million of additional spending in the state budget. The appropriations subcommittees used this money to reduce cuts they previously had to make.

06/10/2009 07:28 PM

GOP leaders to propose bill to limit state severance pay

Legislative leaders are applauding the firing of former first lady Mary Easley and Chancellor James Oblinger's decision to step down at N.C. State. But they say they are concerned the changes will also come with major severance packages.

Updated 06/10/2009 01:51 PM

Obama pitches pay-as-you-go plan for Congress

President Barack Obama on Tuesday challenged Congress to pay for new increases in federal benefit programs as it goes rather than sink the nation deeper into a debt.

06/09/2009 04:23 PM

Dan Ingle named for Allred's District 64 state seat

Alamance County's GOP committee met Monday night, picking Dan Ingel from a group of four candidates to fill Cary Allred's seat as the District 64 representative.

Updated 06/09/2009 10:07 AM

NCSU fires Mary Easley, chancellor quits amid turmoil

The N.C. State Board of Trustees fired former first lady Mary Easley, just hours after the university announced Chancellor James Oblinger's resignation after continued controversy over her hiring.

Updated 06/09/2009 09:30 AM

Justice Dept.: 1st Gitmo detainee arrives in U.S.

U.S. authorities have brought the first Guantanamo Bay detainee to the United States, flying him into New York to face trial for bombing U.S. embassies, the Justice Department said Tuesday.

06/09/2009 08:38 AM

Bill would charge stations playing artists' music

Radio stations may have to start paying to play music under a new federal tax bill, and many say that would hurt business. The Performance Rights Act would charge radio stations a fee that would be given to artists to allow stations to play the music.

06/08/2009 06:13 PM

Court rejects challenge to 'don't ask, don't tell'

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed with the Obama administration and refused to review Pentagon policy barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

06/08/2009 02:29 PM

Parks and rec to see cutbacks, despite revenue stream

With the sour economy, parks and rec has seen a growing number of people at its more than 200 parks and facilities, despite $3.3 million in county budget cuts. But the department brings an estimated $40 million in revenue for the county.

Updated 06/07/2009 11:34 AM

Political Connections: Ellis Hankins

North Carolina is cutting funding to local governments, making budgets tight for city and county governments. Ellis Hankins, of the League of Municipalities, spoke with News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum about the effects on homeowners, schools and jobs.

Updated 06/06/2009 08:00 AM

Political Connections: Todd McGee

The state is facing a $4.6 billion budget hole and is in turn cutting funding to many local governments, including counties that must fund schools. News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum sat down with Todd McGee, of the County Commissioners Association, to talk about the budget problems.

Updated 06/06/2009 08:00 AM

Obama offers unclenched fist to Muslims

President Barack Obama offered the world the audacity to hope for peace in the Middle East and a better understanding between the United States and Muslims.

06/04/2009 09:58 AM

Charlotte City Council alters budget ahead of approval

The Charlotte City Council took a closer look at its upcoming budget Wednesday, changing a little more than $100,000 in its $1.9 billion spending plan. Charlotte City council members are scheduled to adopt the 2009-2010 spending plan at their meeting Monday.

06/03/2009 06:59 PM

Joe the Plumber joins rally against tax increases

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, who rose to fame last year as "Joe the Plumber" when he asked then-senator Barack Obama about his tax plan, is in Raleigh Wednesday for a rally outside the General Assembly against raising taxes.

Updated 06/03/2009 05:31 PM

To open a Muslim dialogue, Obama visits Saudi king

President Barack Obama began his latest bid to open a dialogue with the Muslim world by paying a call Wednesday on Saudi King Abdullah, guardian of Islam's sacred sites in Mecca and Medina.

06/03/2009 08:11 AM

Groups rally for tax increases amid plans for cuts

The Together North Carolina Coalition rallied downtown Tuesday to send a message to state lawmakers that they need to stop making cuts and start thinking about raising taxes. But some lawmakers disagree with this argument.

Updated 06/02/2009 08:39 PM

Top Democrat says Sotomayor would follow the law

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor sought Tuesday to hit back against GOP charges that she would let her background dictate her rulings, telling senators in both parties that she would follow the law as a justice.

06/02/2009 05:13 PM

Education groups unite to fight budget cuts

With just one month until a new state spending plan is supposed to be completed, education officials say lawmakers need to reconsider proposed cuts to schools.

Updated 06/01/2009 05:43 PM

Obama: GM nationalization to be short-term

Obama ushered General Motors Corp. into bankruptcy protection Monday and put the government behind the wheel of the company that once symbolized the nation's economic muscle.

06/01/2009 05:27 PM

Obama's efforts to engage Cuba face big test

A diplomatic tug-of-war over Cuba's outcast status in the Organization of American States takes center stage at the group's meeting this week in Honduras, testing U.S. efforts to engage the communist nation.

05/31/2009 06:46 PM

Political Connections: Joe Sinsheimer

Former democratic political strategist Joe Sinsheimer, whose investigative work helped bring down former House speaker Jim Black, spoke with News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum former Gov. Mike Easley.

05/29/2009 10:26 PM

Political Connections: Phil Berger

News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum sat down with Senate republican leader Phil Berger to talk about the federal investigation into former governor Mike Easley.

05/29/2009 10:24 PM

NKorea test-fires missile, slams Security Council

North Korea defiantly test-fired another short-range missile Friday and warned it would act in "self-defense" if provoked by the U.N. Security Council, which is considering tough sanctions against the communist regime for conducting a nuclear test.

05/29/2009 08:12 AM

Obama calling for better security for computers

To oversee an enhanced security system for the nation's computer networks, President Obama is creating a "cyber czar" as part of a long-awaited plan stemming from a review he ordered shortly after taking office.

05/29/2009 08:08 AM

House budget proposal includes big cuts

House budget writing subcommittee members say they're in the final stretch. After weeks of meeting up to three times a day, they are ready to reveal how they will meet their bottom lines.

Updated 05/28/2009 06:13 PM

NAACP voices support for Racial Justice Act

The state chapter of the NAACP is again speaking out about the Racial Justice Act. Outside the legislative building Thursday, members called for it to be passed in its original form.

05/28/2009 05:04 PM

NKorea threatens to attack US, SKorean ships

North Korea threatened military action Wednesday against U.S. and South Korean warships plying the waters near the Koreas' disputed maritime border, raising the specter of a naval clash just days after the regime's underground nuclear test.

05/27/2009 06:51 PM

More questions, changes for sex education bill

Another committee meeting came to a close Thursday with no agreement on a controversial sex education bill being considered by the General Assembly.

Updated 05/27/2009 06:03 PM

GOP senator doesn't see Sotomayor filibuster

The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee said Wednesday he doesn't foresee a filibuster against Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

05/27/2009 11:21 AM

Obama picks Sotomayor for Supreme Court

President Barack Obama named federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor as the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, praising her as an inspiring woman.

Updated 05/26/2009 06:04 PM

Minter won't run for Congress in 2010

Family concerns will keep former Carolina Panther Mike Minter from running for Congress. Minter was considering a possible campaign for the District 8 seat in 2010.

05/26/2009 05:03 PM

Political Connections: Elizabeth Ouzts

Elizabeth Ouzts, of Environment North Carolina, spoke with News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum about the environment and environmental policy in North Carolina.

05/22/2009 10:06 PM

Political Connections: Michael Sanera

News 14 Carolina’s Tim Boyum spoke with Michael Sanera, of the conservative think tank, the John Locke Foundation, about the environment, from clean air and green products to jobs.

05/22/2009 10:05 PM