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Dawn B. Vaughan

@dawnbvaughan.bsky.social

3.1K followers 420 following 290 posts

State Capitol Bureau Chief and Under the Dome politics podcast host at The News & Observer in Raleigh, NC. B. is for Baumgartner. Go Hokies.

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · Nov 14

Introduction time:

Hi, I'm the Capitol Bureau Chief at The News & Observer here in Raleigh, North Carolina. My main job is covering the governor and General Assembly, with a focus on leadership and the state budget. I also host our weekly Under the Dome #ncpol podcast.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 1d

North Carolina unemployment benefits could be paid to federal employees impacted by the shutdown. The state is also hiring.

Federal employees out of work in NC could get unemployment, but there’s a catch

North Carolina unemployment benefits could be paid to federal employees impacted by the shutdown. The state is also hiring.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 1d

A former Duke player, NBA superstar Jayson Tatum is rehabilitating from an injured Achilles’ tendon and helping this year’s Blue Devils.

Injured Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is back at Duke. What is his role?

A former Duke player, NBA superstar Jayson Tatum is rehabilitating from an injured Achilles’ tendon and helping this year’s Blue Devils.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 3d

Read our Under the Dome newsletter on Sundays for the latest news about Gov. Josh Stein.

NC Gov. Stein signs Iryna’s Law, mini budget bills as big budget deal awaits

Read our Under the Dome newsletter on Sundays for the latest news about Gov. Josh Stein.

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 7d

New in depth story from me today.

Hundreds of thousands of people spent their careers in public service in North Carolina, and like current state employees, a late state budget affects them, too.

#ncpol #ncga

www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...

After careers spent serving NC, retirees face stagnant pensions amid inflation

The delayed state budget also leaves thousands of retired state employees with uncertainty about a COLA this year.

www.newsobserver.com

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 7d

Gov. Josh Stein said a “maximalist political power worldview” will destroy the United States’ politics.

NC Gov. Stein: Redrawing 2026 maps would ‘destroy the politics of this country’

Gov. Josh Stein said a “maximalist political power worldview” will destroy the United States’ politics.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 7d

He made the comments Tuesday just hours before the Oct. 1 deadline.

NC Gov. Josh Stein says Medicaid cuts deadline won’t change, blames legislature

He made the comments Tuesday just hours before the Oct. 1 deadline.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 7d

See how the past 25 years of COLA bonuses and raises compare for NC retirees.

Will NC state retirees get a cost of living adjustment this year? Compare history

See how the past 25 years of COLA bonuses and raises compare for NC retirees.

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 8d

Of our taxpayer money.

Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 10d

North Carolinians rated how Gov. Josh Stein is doing in a new poll. Read more in our Sunday Under the Dome newsletter.

How North Carolinians rank Gov. Josh Stein in new High Point University poll

North Carolinians rated how Gov. Josh Stein is doing in a new poll. Read more in our Sunday Under the Dome newsletter.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

Korie Dean @koriedean.bsky.social · 14d

And yesterday’s news from me, with two sources saying Clemens himself has used auto-delete on Signal: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...

Ex-UNC provost suing over trustees’ Signal messages allegedly used the app himself

Screenshots obtained and reviewed by The N&O appear to show Chris Clemens using Signal, but don’t show who turned on the auto-delete feature.

www.newsobserver.com

Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

Korie Dean @koriedean.bsky.social · 14d

@newsobserver.com’s initial coverage here: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...

Former UNC provost sues university, trustees over alleged open meetings violations

The suit accuses the board of “systematically hiding matters of grave public concern behind closed doors.”

www.newsobserver.com

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

Korie Dean @koriedean.bsky.social · 14d

Latest update to former UNC Provost Chris Clemens’ lawsuit against the Board of Trustees: board Chair Malcolm Turner is out with a statement calling the complaint a “baseless assault”

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 14d

New:

Taxes, raises and past promises: What’s holding up NC’s state budget

#ncga #ncpol

www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...

Taxes, raises and past promises: What’s holding up NC’s state budget

With just one mini-budget bill passed, Republicans in NC House, Senate remain divided over the state budget’s taxes, raises and a new children’s hospital.

www.newsobserver.com

Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 15d

Customers wouldn’t have to pay more than 2% for a credit card processing fee, and stores would have to disclose the charge up front.

Customers’ fees for credit card processing would be capped under NC bill

Customers wouldn’t have to pay more than 2% for a credit card processing fee, and stores would have to disclose the charge up front.

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 15d

New:

Customers’ fees for credit card processing would be capped under NC bill

The latest version of the bill passed House Finance today.

#ncpol #ncga

Read more at: www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...

Customers’ fees for credit card processing would be capped under NC bill

Customers wouldn’t have to pay more than 2% for a credit card processing fee, and stores would have to disclose the charge up front.

www.newsobserver.com

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 15d

NC Senate approves $35 million for infrastructure around Lenovo Center

#ncpol

Read more at: www.newsobserver.com/sports/spt-c...

NC Senate approves $35 million for infrastructure around Lenovo Center

With massive redevelopment underway in and around the Lenovo Center, an influx of state funds could arrive for infrastructure improvements.

www.newsobserver.com

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 15d

New:

Raises for law enforcement pass NC Senate. Here’s how much they would be paid

The bill goes now to the House, which has a voting session Tuesday.

#ncpol #ncga

Read more at: www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...

Raises for law enforcement pass NC Senate. Here’s how much they would be paid

The law enforcement raises bill passed by the Senate also includes money for the National Guard.

www.newsobserver.com

Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 17d

In today's Under the Dome #ncpol newsletter:

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 17d

North Carolina’s state lawmakers are due back in Raleigh on Monday.

Lawmakers set to return to Raleigh and advance crime bill. Will it be bipartisan?

North Carolina’s state lawmakers are due back in Raleigh on Monday.

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 19d

Our @newsobserver.com NC Press Association awards list:

Read more at: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/a...

News & Observer and Herald-Sun staff members win 63 NC Press Association awards

The awards include wins for breaking news, sports, photography, investigative reporting and coverage of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath.

www.newsobserver.com

Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 27d

Legislative leaders said a bill will come out later this month when the legislature reconvenes for a few days.

NC GOP looking at bail laws and restarting death penalty after Charlotte stabbing

Legislative leaders said a bill will come out later this month when the legislature reconvenes for a few days.

bit.ly

Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · 26d

Republican NC House Speaker Destin Hall called Thursday a sad day, with the Sept. 11 anniversary and recent violence.

NC GOP leaders sound alarm about violence, safety after Charlie Kirk assassination

Republican NC House Speaker Destin Hall called Thursday a sad day, with the Sept. 11 anniversary and recent violence.

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

Keung Hui @keunghui.bsky.social · 26d

NC GOP leaders sound alarm about violence, safety after Charlie Kirk assassination. Speaker Destin Hall said U.S. is 'a different country today than it was, frankly, yesterday.' Sen. Phil Berger says it 'calls us to act.' (Via @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol

NC GOP leaders sound alarm about violence, safety after Charlie Kirk assassination

Republican NC House Speaker Destin Hall called Thursday a sad day, with the Sept. 11 anniversary and recent violence.

www.newsobserver.com

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Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

Keung Hui @keunghui.bsky.social · 26d

NC GOP looking at bail laws and restarting death penalty after Charlotte stabbing. GOP lawmakers are looking at ways to require secured bonds for violent criminals following the killing of Iryna Zarutska. (Via Avi Bajpal & @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/politic... #ncpol #ncga

NC GOP looking at bail laws and restarting death penalty after Charlotte stabbing

Legislative leaders said a bill will come out later this month when the legislature reconvenes for a few days.

www.newsobserver.com

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Dawn B. Vaughan @dawnbvaughan.bsky.social · 28d

On today's @newsobserver.com Under the Dome podcast, I talk with @daniellebattaglia.bsky.social about what Congress is, and isn't, doing this week in #ncpol

Listen here:
open.spotify.com/episode/4dS5...

Counting down the days to a potential government shutdown

open.spotify.com

Reposted by Dawn B. Vaughan

The News & Observer @newsobserver.com · Sep 8

Iryna Zarutska was murdered on a Charlotte light-rail train. Gov. Josh Stein is calling for more law enforcement.

NC Gov. Josh Stein calls for ‘more cops on the beat’ after Charlotte train stabbing

Iryna Zarutska was murdered on a Charlotte light-rail train. Gov. Josh Stein is calling for more law enforcement.

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