Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan
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Capitol Bureau Chief at @newsobserver. I cover the governor, budget and #ncpol #ncga leaders. B. is for Baumgartner. Host of @underthedome podcast. Army brat.
Articles by Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan
Democrats ‘within a stone’s throw’ of taking NC House
North Carolina Republicans are bracing for a Democratic wave that could start at the top of ballots and cascade down to the state legislature to break the Republican grip on power and possibly even reverse the majority. Voting isn't over, of course, and Republicans could end up keeping their majorities, but both sides see it as more likely that Democrats make gains.
Democrats within a stone's throw of taking NC House amid GOP strong headwind
North Carolina Republicans are bracing for a Democratic wave that could start at the top of ballots and cascade down to the state legislature. Democrats and unaffiliated voters have far outpaced Republican voters so far in early voting Republicans have controlled the General Assembly for almost 16 years, choosing what bills become law. Come Election Day, that could shift significantly. It would be a seismic shift in power in the state's capital.
Democrats ‘within a stone’s throw’ of taking NC House
North Carolina Republicans are bracing for a Democratic wave that could start at the top of ballots and cascade down to the state legislature to break the Republican grip on power and possibly even reverse the majority. Voting isn’t over, of course, and Republicans could end up keeping their majorities, but both sides see it as more likely that Democrats make gains. kAm“x E9:?< ?@ >2EE6C H92E 92AA6?D[ H96E96C 2 492>36C :D 7=:AA65 @? 6=64E:@?
NC Gov. Josh Stein boosts fellow Democrats campaigning ahead of Election Day
Follow NC Gov. Josh Stein boosts fellow Democrats campaigning ahead of Election Day Sun, October 25, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT Gov. Roy Cooper, left, greets then governor-elect Josh Stein during a North Carolina Democratic Party election night event at the Marriott City Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Election Day is just over a week away, and Gov. Josh Stein is on the campaign trail helping fellow Democrats.
Fact check: These Wake candidates are skeptical of taxpayers funding MLB stadium
This year, a big idea gained traction in Raleigh: What if Major League Baseball expanded with a team to North Carolina? And what if the General Assembly paid for a stadium here? MLB stadium funding was part of final state budget negotiations this summer between top Republicans who control the legislature. No money for MLB was included in the final budget, though prominent politicians support an expansion team here.
Fact check: Where candidates Erin Paré and Winn Decker stand on property taxes
North Carolina voters are being asked on their ballots if they want to require the General Assembly to get involved with local property taxes. But the proposed amendment to the state constitution does not specify exactly how state lawmakers should limit the rise of local tax rates. So The News & Observer asked candidates how they would do it.
A growing part of Wake is home to two races that could tilt NC’s balance of power
North Carolina’s state legislature could look very different come 2027. There is the usual churn of lawmakers leaving office, and there will be at least one new leader with the departure of longtime Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. And Republicans are facing strong headwinds in these midterms, with the national political mood favoring Democrats. Republicans have controlled the General Assembly for 16 years, but Democrats are expected to make some gains, or even flip a chamber.
Stein announces two defense, utility company expansions in NC, adding more jobs
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Stein announces two defense, utility company expansions in NC, adding more jobs
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein presides over the Council of State meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Corvid Technologies plans 423 Mooresville jobs with a $95 million expansion. Utili-Serve plans 105 jobs and a $24.8 million Catawba County expansion. Corvid won up to $4.4 million, and Utili-Serve secured a $250,000 grant. Greetings and welcome to Under the Dome.
Stein announces two defense, utility company expansions in NC, adding more jobs
Follow Stein announces two defense, utility company expansions in NC, adding more jobs Sun, October 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM EDT North Carolina Governor Josh Stein presides over the Council of State meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Greetings and welcome to Under the Dome. I'm Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan, and this edition focuses on Gov. Josh Stein.
When ‘Aunt Bee’ campaigned for a 1976 candidate for governor — Today in History
A daily look at some of The News & Observer’s headlines on Oct. 14 in past years. On this day in 1976, Aunt Bee was taking to the airwaves to help a North Carolina candidate win his election. Aunt Bee, played by actress Frances Bavier, was a key character on “The Andy Griffith Show,” in the fictional town of Mayberry, modeled after Mount Airy, which was Griffith’s hometown.
What the income tax cap on your ballot would mean for what you have to pay NC
Do North Carolina voters want to lower the cap on the state income tax? kAm|:==:@?D @7 G@E6CD H:== 564:56 :7 E96 DE2E6 5C@AD :ED :?4@>6 E2I 42A E@ b]dT] xE’D @?6 @7 E9C66 4@?DE:EFE:@?2= 2>6?5>6?ED @? J@FC }@G] b 32==@E]k^Am kAmw6C6’D 6I24E=J H92E J@F’== 36 2D<65ik^Am kF=mk=:m“r@?DE:EFE:@?2= 2>6?5>6?E E@ <66A E96 $E2E6 :?4@>6 E2I C2E6 7C@> 36:?8 C2:D65 9:896C E92?
Bonuses for NC state employees, teachers, retirees are coming. How much and when
Public school teachers, state employees and retirees are set to get bonuses in their paychecks by Halloween. The bonuses this fall are part of the state budget passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein in July. Raises for state employees and teachers began soon after, while bonuses were scheduled for September and October.
Bonuses for NC state employees, teachers, retirees are coming. How much and when
North Carolina’s 2026-27 state budget includes bonuses for state employees, teachers, staff and retirees, coming in fall paychecks. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. State employees got $1,750 under $65,000 and $1,000 at $65,000 or more. Retired state employees and teachers are getting 2.5% bonuses by Oct. 31. State employees got bonuses Sept. 25 or 30. Public school teachers, state employees and retirees are set to get bonuses in their paychecks by Halloween.
What the property tax amendment on your ballot tells NC lawmakers to do
North Carolina voters have two constitutional amendments about taxes on their ballots on Nov. 3. One is straightforward, asking about the amount of an income tax cap. The other, about property taxes, is more vague. kAmw6C6’D H92E G@E6CD H:== 36 2D<65 @? E96 324< @7 E96:C 32==@Eik^Am kF=mk=:m“r@?DE:EFE:@?2= 2>6?5>6?E C6BF:C:?8 =:>:ED @?
Gas tax pause saves drivers money. Republicans and Democrats bank on them voting, too
It's crunch time, people. With just a few weeks until Election Day and days away from the start of in-person early voting, politicians are pulling out all the stops to gain as much voter support as they can for their party. That was on full display this past week in North Carolina's executive and legislative branches. Hello and welcome to our Under the Dome newsletter. I'm Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan, and this edition focuses on Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.
NC pauses state gas tax this fall, as Gov. Josh Stein signs bill into law
North Carolina drivers will soon pay less at the gas pump - through November - after the governor signed a gas tax pause bill into law on Friday, calling it “a small step forward.” Democratic Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3 into law on Friday. It immediately pauses the state's gas tax, which is 41 cents per gallon, through Nov. 30. The bill was fast-tracked through a special session called by Republican leaders of the General Assembly on Wednesday, and received bipartisan support.
NC pauses state gas tax as Gov. Josh Stein signs bill into law. Here's what to know
North Carolina drivers will soon pay less at the gas pump — through November — after the governor signed a gas tax pause bill into law on Friday, calling it “a small step forward.” kAms6>@4C2E:4 v@G] y@D9 $E6:? D:8?65 w@FD6 q:== b :?E@ =2H @? uC:52J] xE :>>65:2E6=J A2FD6D E96 DE2E6’D 82D E2I[ H9:49 :D c` 46?ED A6C 82==@?[ E9C@F89 }@G] b_] %96 3:== H2D 72DE\EC24<65 E9C@F89 2 DA64:2= D6DD:@? 42==65 3J #6AF3=:42? =6256CD @7 E96 v6?6C2= pDD6>3=J @? (65?6D52J[ 2?5 C646:G65 3:A2CE:D2?
NC pauses state gas tax this fall, as Gov. Josh Stein signs bill into law
N.C. Gov. Josh Stein, pictured here during an April 2026 news conference, took action on the General Assembly’s gas tax pause bill on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, pausing North Carolina's gas tax Friday. North Carolina's gas tax pause lasts until Nov. 30. DOT highway funding stays intact through reserve money replacing lost tax revenue.
How much of NC’s gas tax relief would actually reach the pump, and how soon? Here's what to know
North Carolinians are likely to see some relief at the gas pump, but they shouldn’t expect a break right away — and it’s not clear how much drivers will actually save.
How much of NC’s gas tax relief would actually reach the pump, and how soon?
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Diesel fuel for sale on Rocky Quarry Road for $6.09 per gallon on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. The General Assembly passes a bill on Oct. 7 to suspend the state gas tax through November. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Lawmakers voted to suspend North Carolina's 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Drivers may not see immediate savings because taxed fuel remains in tanks. The gas tax pause runs through Nov. 30 and is estimated to cost $360 million.
By Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan Verified, Richard Stradling Verified
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The Charlotte Observer
Verified
How NC's fast-tracked gas tax pause made its way to the governor's desk in hours
In the span of an afternoon, the North Carolina General Assembly revealed and passed legislation that will pause the state's gas tax through November, if it becomes law. Though nearly all Democrats voted for the GOP-written bill, they questioned the election timing as Republicans are facing strong headwinds in the midterm elections, and Democrats were left out of crafting the legislation. Here's how the actual timeline played out: Saturday, Oct.
How NC's fast-tracked gas tax pause made its way to the governor's desk in hours
By Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan and Esther Frances, The News & Observer (Raleigh) In the span of an afternoon, the North Carolina General Assembly revealed and passed legislation that will pause the state's gas tax through November, if it becomes law. Though nearly all Democrats voted for the GOP-written bill, they questioned the election timing as Republicans are facing strong headwinds in the midterm elections, and Democrats were left out of crafting the legislation.
House Speaker Destin Hall responds to questions about the timing of the special session
Speaker Hall cites farmers harvesting crops, and holiday travel as a few reasons why the special session was called days before the mid-term elections
NC Republicans move to suspend gas tax before election. Democrats oppose timing
House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, flanked by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, criticizes Republican leaders for waiting to repeal the gas tax and for calling a special session just days before early voting in the midterm election, during a press briefing Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. North Carolina Republicans called a special session to pass a gas tax pause.
NC legislature votes to suspend gas tax before election, sends bill to governor
With 27 days before the election, North Carolina Republicans called a special one-day legislative session to pass a gas tax pause. GOP senators said ahead of the expected votes that the tax pause would last through the end of November, if it becomes law. It moved quickly through the General Assembly. The House was first to vote on the measure Wednesday afternoon, passing it 111-1. Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison was the sole “no” vote. The Senate vote followed a few hours later.
NC legislature votes to suspend gas tax before election, sends bill to governor
With 27 days before the election, North Carolina Republicans called a special one-day legislative session to pass a gas tax pause. GOP senators said ahead of the expected votes that the tax pause would last through the end of November, if it becomes law. It moved quickly through the General Assembly. The House was first to vote on the measure Wednesday afternoon, passing it 111-1. Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison was the sole "no" vote. The Senate vote followed a few hours later.
What the income tax cap on your ballot would mean for what you have to pay NC
North Carolina voters will decide whether to cap the state’s individual income tax rate at 3.5% via a constitutional amendment on November 2026 ballots. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. North Carolina voters will decide a Nov. 3 amendment to lower the cap to 3.5%. A Catawba College-YouGov poll found 67% support for the income tax amendment. A 2018 amendment capped North Carolina's income tax rate at seven percent.
What the property tax amendment on your ballot tells NC lawmakers to do
North Carolina voters have two constitutional amendments about taxes on their ballots Nov. 3. One is straightforward, asking about the amount of an income tax cap. The other, about property taxes, is more vague. Here's what voters will be asked on the back of their ballot: "Constitutional amendment requiring limits on property tax increases by local governments." Voters will select either "for" or "against." And here's what that means.
What the income tax cap on your ballot would mean for what you have to pay NC
Do North Carolina voters want to lower the cap on the state income tax? Millions of voters will decide if the state drops its income tax cap to 3.5%. It's one of three constitutional amendments on your Nov. 3 ballot.
NC's Democratic governor backs GOP lawmakers’ push for gas tax relief
Unleaded regular gasoline was selling for $4.19 and diesel fuel for $5.97 per gallon on South Saunders Street in Raleigh on Sept. 15, 2026. AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. North Carolina Republican leaders called a Wednesday special session on gas tax. The state gas tax is 41 cents a gallon, and prices have topped $4 since May. Gov. Josh Stein called suspending the gas tax "a good thing" Tuesday.
Republican Senate candidate in southern Wake County backs data center moratorium
The election for North Carolina Senate District 17 features candidates Sydney Batch, the incumbent; Patrick Bowersox; and Shirley Johnson. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Batch and Bowersox have not responded. Shirley Johnson Political party: Republican Age as of Nov.
State worker fired over browsing history. NC judge calls investigation ‘suspect’ Original
After the North Carolina Department of Labor said it terminated an employee in part for using her work computer for personal browsing, a judge has decided the agency must remove the dismissal notice from her personnel file. The administrative law judge’s decision last month says that Elizabeth “Beth” Benson, who worked at the Department of Labor for 11 years, would receive back pay from Jan. 14, 2026 — the date Benson received the notice of dismissal — until she is reinstated.
NC Gov. Josh Stein lowers flags for Dottie Martin + latest approval poll results
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NC Gov. Josh Stein lowers flags for Dottie Martin + latest approval poll results
Greetings and welcome to the Under the Dome newsletter. I'm Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan, and this edition focuses on the governor. North Carolina lost a former first lady this past week with the death of Dorothy "Dottie" McAulay Martin, who was married to former Gov. Jim Martin. Gov. Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at government buildings lowered to half-staff until Monday.
Democrat challenges Wake Republican in NC House. What they'd do about rising costs
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 35 features candidates Mike Schietzelt, the incumbent, and Evonne Hopkins. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Mike Schietzelt Political party: Republican Age as of Nov.
In Raleigh Senate race, what Dan Blue says about his party, economy and MLB in NC
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina Senate District 14 features candidates Dan Blue, the incumbent, and Angela McCarty. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues. McCarty did not respond to the questionnaire.
Cost-of-living, economic issues are focus in northern Wake County Senate race
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina Senate District 18 features candidates Haseeb Fatmi, the incumbent; Brad Hessel; and Chris Stock. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues.
NC House Democrat and GOP challenger differ on economy, MLB stadium in Wake
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 49 features candidates Cynthia Ball, the incumbent, and Daran Thomas. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues.
Republicans aren’t just ignoring the Constitution, they’re betraying NC values | Opinion
I obsess, I’ll admit, over North Carolina Republicans’ war against democracy.
2 places in NC rank among nation’s biggest ‘boomtowns.’ Why they stand out
Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you. You can submit your question by filling out this form.
Stein pushes for more Helene funding from feds as next round of NC grants starts
Gov. Josh Stein has been in Western North Carolina ahead of today's two-year anniversary of Helene reaching our mountains and causing long-term devastation. Hello and welcome to this edition of our Under the Dome newsletter, which focuses on the governor. I'm Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan. Helene happened a few months before Stein, a Democrat, was elected in 2024 and took office in January 2025. His first year as governor was defined by WNC recovery.
Stein pushes for more Helene funding from feds as next round of NC grants starts
Now At stake was the Clarity Act, which would have provided light-touch regulation over cryptocurrency assets. The crypto industry has just suffered a paradoxical defeat: Its biggest backer, President Donald Trump, inadvertently helped scuttle chances for a major legislative win, thanks to revelations …
2 places in NC rank among nation’s biggest ‘boomtowns.’ Why they stand out
The Raleigh metro is one of two in North Carolina to be named a hot spot for growth. dvaughan@newsobserver.com Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Two places in North Carolina made it onto a national list of top “boomtowns.” Raleigh landed at No. 2 and Charlotte is No. 4 in the rankings. To create the list, LendingTree studied income, business and population growth.
Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback, end to Iran war
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Cooper urges scrutiny of tax amendments and calls for tariffs rollback, end to Iran war
Democrat Roy Cooper continued his "Make Stuff Cost Less" campaign tour in Raleigh on Saturday night, telling a crowd of supporters that his plan includes rolling back tariffs and ending the war in Iran. Cooper, a former two-term governor running against Republican Michael Whatley, called the Trump administration's tariffs "chaotic" during a rally at Trophy Brewing, south of downtown Raleigh.
Where southern Wake County House candidates stand on data centers, rising costs Original
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina House District 37 features candidates Erin Paré, the incumbent, and Winn Decker. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues.
Raleigh Democrat in NC House challenged by Libertarian candidate
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Raleigh Democrat in NC House challenged by Libertarian candidate
The Nov. 3, 2026, election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 40 features candidates Lucas Everett Jones and Phil Rubin, the incumbent. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Please list any notable government or civic involvement: I did a variety of volunteering with my party before running.
North Carolinians try their luck as Virginia starts lottery — Today in Triangle History
A daily look at some of The News & Observer’s headlines on Sept. 21 in past years. On this day in 1988, North Carolinians in search of financial luck crossed the border into Virginia, which had just started a lottery. North Carolina did not have a lottery at the time. A Raleigh man won $5,000 for his trip from the Old North State to the Old Dominion.
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