Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 9h

The Trump Economy: The Unofficial Jobs Numbers Are In and It’s Rough Out There www.wsj.com/economy/jobs...

www.wsj.com

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 15h

According to recent Carolina Journal polling, NC voters believe that cost of living / inflation is their top issue ahead of 2026.

52% believe Donald Trump is responsible for the current state of the U.S. economy.

Republicans have done nothing to make life more affordable.

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 7d

Farmers in Rockingham County are being adversely affected by Trump's trade war with China #ncpol #ncga www.cbs17.com/news/north-c...

China tariffs impact NC soybean farmers

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — As the U.S and China continue their ongoing trade war, farmers in the Triad are caught in the crossfire. While dry weather is one issue for soybean farmers l…

www.cbs17.com

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 7d

"Federal Cuts Gut UNC Program Supporting Education for Children With Disabilities" ncvoices.com/federal-cuts...

Federal Cuts Gut UNC Program Supporting Education for Children With Disabilities - NC Voices

A long-standing initiative led by UNC-Chapel Hill to strengthen early childhood education across North Carolina is facing an uncertain future after losing federal support. The US Department of…

ncvoices.com

1 2

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 7d

Stein continues to call for funding for Medicaid, public safety, and state employee raises, as well as a full state budget. “Let’s come together to do right by the people of North Carolina and prioritize the things that make North Carolina strong.”

ncvoices.com/the-people-o...

“The People of North Carolina Expect & Deserve Better”: Gov. Stein calls for GOP Lawmakers to deliver on State Budget - NC Voices

North Carolina currently sits as one of the only two states in the nation operating without a current state budget. The last state budget lawmakers created was set to run out in July, and since that…

ncvoices.com

2

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 8d

Yesterday was National Coffee Day. Thanks to Trump's Tariffs, a cup of coffee is at all-time highs, especially in North Carolina. #ncpol #ncga www.axios.com/2025/09/29/c...

Where coffee prices are rising the most

Coffee is one of many commodities affected by inflation and tariffs.

www.axios.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 9d

Republican lawmakers are too busy fighting with each other to govern our state effectively. Medicaid rebase funding is caught up in the larger disagreements that they have with one another on a comprehensive budget, now three months overdue. #ncpol #ncga

nchdleader.medium.com/republican-l...

Republican Lawmakers Leave Raleigh, Allowing Medicaid Cuts to Begin 10/1

Republican lawmakers are too busy fighting with each other to govern North Carolina.

nchdleader.medium.com

1 4

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 11d

Our failure to pass a comprehensive state budget is leaving teachers in limbo. #ncpol #ncga

abc11.com/post/north-c...

As state budget stalemate continues, teacher pay raises remain in limbo

According to an April report, the estimated average salary for public school teachers in the 2023-24 school year in North Carolina was $58,292, below the national average of $72,030.

abc11.com

1 3 3

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 12d

Lawmakers have left town without coming close to a deal to fund Medicaid. North Carolinians will pay the price for this inaction. #ncpol #ncga abc11.com/post/stein-s...

Stein says NC lawmakers 'have failed' as Medicaid cuts loom

Gov. Josh Stein delivered pointed remarks Thursday, accusing state politicians of playing political games instead of coming to an agreement.

abc11.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 13d

"The state will cut Medicaid reimbursement rates on Oct. 1 without additional funding, and though the General Assembly unanimously passed two separate bills to try and solve the problem, Republican infighting derailed the effort." #ncpol #ncga
cardinalpine.com/2025/09/24/h...

Huge Medicaid cuts loom after NC Republican leaders fail to reach funding deal

Lawmakers are not set to return until three weeks after the state is scheduled to enact cuts that could cause some of the most vulnerable residents to lose their life-saving care.

cardinalpine.com

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 13d

After yesterday’s GovOps hearing on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, Rep. Ager commended the efforts and progress made possible by the collaboration of state and local officials, including several who testified. #ncpol #ncga

nchdleader.medium.com/rep-ager-com...

Rep. Ager Commends Progress on Helene Recovery Efforts, Highlights Challenges Ahead

nchdleader.medium.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 14d

What a disservice to the North Carolinians who rely on this coverage.

"State lawmakers left the capitol Tuesday without striking a deal that would prevent cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates" #ncpol #ncga
www.wral.com/story/medica...

Medicaid cuts loom as North Carolina lawmakers fail to reach funding deal

North Carolina health officials say they'll need to start cutting Medicaid reimbursement rates on Oct. 1 if state lawmakers don't approve additional funding for the program.

www.wral.com

4 6

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 15d

House and Senate Republican Leadership continues to fail North Carolinians, 1 in 4 of whom rely on Medicaid coverage. #ncpol #ncga

nchdleader.medium.com/leader-reive...

Leader Reives Statement on Failure to Fund Medicaid Rebase

House and Senate Republican Leadership continues to fail North Carolinians, 1 in 4 of whom rely on Medicaid coverage.”

nchdleader.medium.com

1 1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 16d

We have to get serious about addressing housing costs. For far too many North Carolinians, homeownership is more of a dream than a reality. #ncpol #ncga www.governing.com/urban/afford...

Affordable Housing Out of Reach for Half of All U.S. Workers

A sweeping report shows that inadequate building, high interest rates and wage stagnation have pushed housing costs too high for workers in surprising numbers of professions.

www.governing.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 16d

"North Carolina businesses are feeling the pressure of President Trump’s tariffs. As businesses deal with rising costs, they are passing some of those costs onto consumers, who are now seeing higher prices on everything from coffee to guitars." #ncpol #ncga

ncvoices.com/trumps-tarif...

Trump’s Tariffs Continue Hitting North Carolina Businesses, Consumers - NC Voices

As North Carolina businesses deal with rising costs, they are passing some of those costs onto consumers, who are now seeing higher prices on everything from coffee to guitars.

ncvoices.com

1 1 3

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 17d

“What this bill did was create the potential for SNAP programs to no longer exist in any shape, form or fashion, in terms of providing SNAP benefits in states that could not afford to or chose not to for whatever reason, meet the cost-share." #ncpol #ncga

ncnewsline.com/2025/09/10/s...

States’ struggles to comply with new SNAP law will lead to benefit cuts, Dems predict • NC Newsline

Democrats on a U.S. House subcommittee on food and nutrition policy warned Tuesday that big changes to the major federal nutrition assistance program in Republicans’ spending and tax cuts law this…

ncnewsline.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 17d

"A top state health administrator warned recently that North Carolina faces myriad expensive challenges that could mean more hunger, untreated illnesses, and financial strain for families across the state." #ncpol #ncga

ncvoices.com/federal-cuts...

Federal Cuts and State Budget Shortfalls Put North Carolina Families, Farmers, and Hospitals at Risk - NC Voices

A top state health administrator warned recently that North Carolina faces myriad expensive challenges that could mean more hunger, untreated illnesses, and financial strain for families across the…

ncvoices.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 17d

"Republicans insist that President Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid were aimed at reducing fraud and getting more of its adult beneficiaries into jobs. But the side effects may include less care for sick kids." #ncpol #ncga

kffhealthnews.org/news/article...

Trump’s Medicaid Cuts Were Aimed at ‘Able-Bodied Adults.’ Hospitals Say Kids Will Be Hurt. - KFF Health News

The GOP said its overhaul of Medicaid was aimed at reducing fraud and getting more adult beneficiaries to work. Among the likely side effects: fewer services and doctors for treating sick children.

kffhealthnews.org

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 18d

"Unprecedented damage to the nation’s health insurance system will cause millions of Americans to experience unnecessary suffering, higher health care costs, poorer health, and shorter lives"

#ncpol #ncga

www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2025/co...

Consumers in the ACA Marketplaces Face Turbulent Waters in the Wake of Policy Changes

For the 24 million Americans who buy their coverage through ACA marketplaces, recent policy changes will make it harder to enroll and lead to increased premiums.

www.commonwealthfund.org

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 18d

Trump's Tariffs are having an impact across the state. #ncpol #ncga wlos.com/newsletter-d...

Local businesses in Asheville face price hikes as federal tariff exemptions are eliminated

A local business is responding after the federal government eliminated a rule allowing imports under a certain dollar amount to be exempt from tariffs.

wlos.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 18d

Months after the fiscal year started, we still do not have a comprehensive budget in North Carolina. Our people deserve better leadership. #ncpol #ncga

www.axios.com/local/raleig...

Income tax cuts continue to be sticking point for N.C. budget deadlock

A lack of a state budget means raises for teachers and state employees remain uncertain.

www.axios.com

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 19d

This is the tradeoff made by Republicans in Washington:

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 19d

Hardworking farmers are being left behind by this administration's policies. #ncpol #ncga

www.bloomberg.com/news/article...

American Farmers Are Feeling the Pain of Trump’s Policies

US agricultural communities that had expected Trump to have their backs have found themselves flung into a second trade war. If the situation continues, it could put loyalties at risk.

www.bloomberg.com

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 19d

Republicans in Raleigh need to come together and pass a clean bill to fund Medicaid. North Carolinians will pay the price of their political games. NC House Dems are ready to come back next week and get this work done. #ncpol #ncga www.yahoo.com/news/article...

1

Leader Reives Press @leaderreivespress.bsky.social · 20d

FT: US coffee prices surge at the supermarket amid supply crunch

Thanks to Trump's tariffs, coffee drinkers will see higher costs every morning. #ncpol #ncga

1