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Opinion Tim Wigginton Opinion Tim Wigginton

Governors Don’t Always Get to the Senate 

In North Carolina, we’re no strangers to political irony. The Old North State has a long tradition of splitting tickets — backing conservative Republicans for federal office while electing Democrats for governor. But what works in a gubernatorial race doesn’t always translate to a successful U.S. Senate campaign. Recent case in point: Maryland’s Larry Hogan’s failed Senate bid in 2024. North Carolina’s own history of governors eyeing the Senate is a reminder that popularity at home isn’t the same as electability in a polarized national race. 

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Opinion Guest User Opinion Guest User

Stablecoin Loophole Threatens North Carolina’s Farm Lending 

North Carolina has over 74,000 farmers, and together we generate more than $103 billion in economic impact. Agriculture supports more than 736,000 jobs across the state. But what keeps the whole system running isn’t just the weather or commodity prices; it’s credit. Access to affordable financing is the lifeblood of rural communities, and that credit often begins at our local community banks. 

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Opinion Guest User Opinion Guest User

Why Republicans need to take a pulse check on vaccines  

This year’s elections are going to come down to a very small number of races—and control of the United States Senate could be decided in North Carolina. If Republicans want to retain control of Washington and continue to direct healthcare policy in America, then they need to show that they stand with key voters who support immunization. To continue the MAGA and MAHA movement, Republicans can’t afford to get the vaccine reality wrong.  

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Opinion Tim Wigginton Opinion Tim Wigginton

Guest Op-Ed: In 2025, North Carolina Bucked National Trends 

In 2025, uncertainty defined the country’s business climate. From tariffs and interest rates to softening labor and housing markets, the year brought hesitation to many parts of the country. North Carolina was not immune to those pressures. But the state entered the year well-positioned to navigate them — and in several key areas, to buck national trends altogether.

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Opinion Tim Wigginton Opinion Tim Wigginton

From Recovery to Results: Western North Carolina Shows What Fast Disaster Response Should Look Like

Just seven months after contract execution on May 9, the state’s housing recovery program has already moved from planning to real, visible results in communities that were hit hardest. In previous hurricanes, months often passed before programs were fully operational. This time, the program launched in just 38 days, setting an aggressive pace that has continued through every stage of implementation.

That rapid start mattered.

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Opinion Guest User Opinion Guest User

Time Is Running Out:  Congress Must Protect Veterans’ Access to Health Care 

Our veterans stepped forward for this nation without hesitation. They should never have to wonder whether the health care they rely on will suddenly be out of reach. As the year draws to a close, Congress must work across the aisle to pass an extension in December. There is a narrow but crucial window to prevent harm and honor the commitment we owe to those who served – now is the time to act. 

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