Some news: I had a baby!

Been learning the ropes of this motherhood thing instead of eating, sleeping & breathing politics, & it's been the greatest joy of my life. One thing about caring for a newborn: It'll remind you what actually matters. See you in a couple months, #ncpol !

Access to obstetric care in rural North Carolina has dwindled - via Lucille Sherman axios.com/local/raleigh/…

Waiting for the weekend like

The board of North Carolina's state health plan just voted to end coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss, effective April 1.

The plan had been exploring keeping coverage with some restrictions, but struggled to find an option that wouldn't lead to a $54 million loss in drug rebates.

I think it's safe to say I was made for a job that includes chatting people up

Still thinking about this #ncpol

Not knocking Cook Out, which is great, but a true ice cream connoisseur visiting North Raleigh would do best to visit the Two Roosters or Goodberry's locations in that part of town

'IT's a small eatery known for its shakes called Cook Out.' -- today's White House pool report on Biden's unannounced stop.

“The President will travel to the Raleigh-Durham area this Thursday, 1/18 to discuss how his Bidenomics and Investing in America Agenda are repairing and rebuilding our infrastructure, lowering costs, supporting a small business boom, and creating good-paying jobs.” #ncpol

It’s easy to treat the media as a punching bag. But look to the nation’s local newsrooms. For little money or recognition, reporters in 2023 stood up to power brokers who tried to bully them into silence, exposed corrupt officials and even saved lives. Proof, from every state:

How about a little sympathy for those of us who weren't allowed to eat Pop Tarts as a kid. What about us?!

Durham will no longer use ShotSpotter.

ShotSpotter, which uses hidden microphones to warn police about potential gunfire, has been controversial in Durham since its adoption.

wunc.org/news/2023-12-1…

Axios Raleigh's Lucille Sherman was on Capital Tonight last night discussing all the latest in North Carolina politics.

📺: Capital Tonight | Lucille Sherman | Axios

A great list from Axios (Zachery Eanes Lucille Sherman) on the top new restaurants to open in 2023. I have made it to 6 of the 8. axios.com/local/raleigh/…

Sounds like someone could use a little treat

Republican Sen. Senator Jim Perry confirms he's not running for re-election. New Bern attorney Bob Brinson and former Rep. Michael Speciale filed for the seat.

Also former Sen. Andy Wells for Governor had been running for governor but didn't file, according to the latest candidate list. #ncpol

Democrat in one of the #ncga 's most competitive Senate districts isn't running again. Rep. Terence J. Everitt will run for the seat, changing his original plan to leave the legislature #ncpol

FOUR hours? Don’t get any ideas from this, y’all

Sources: The University of North Carolina system is expected to announce an interim chancellor for UNC - Chapel Hill mid-morning tomorrow. Pick by system president Peter Hans is still expected to be Lee Roberts, a current system board member and former state-budget director.