Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Kari Travis
For The 2020 Elections, It’s A Wrap - Mostly
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Take a deep breath. It’s finally over. Mostly. North Carolina’s 2020 election was a mixed bag full of unexpected results. Most voters are confident in the outcomes, but others aren’t so sure, a new poll shows. Some things are known for certain. President Trump won 50% of the state’s vote, turning North Carolina red in the contest for the White House. Simultaneously, Democratic Gov.
Next generation of leaders could come from newly elected commissioners
RALEIGH — Republicans won a strategic victory on Election Day in North Carolina, claiming several formerly Democratic county commission boards and adding to the pool of candidates they’ll groom for positions in higher public offices. Politicians aren’t born. They are trained — often in small roles and in rural parts of the state. Democrats and Republicans strategize carefully years before an election, preparing lower-level officials to rise through the levels of state and federal government.
Candidate Declared Ineligible To Take His Seat As State Judge
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Democratic judicial candidate Tim Gunther is disqualified from election after admitting to the Wake County Board of Elections he violated state law. But a remedy — which can’t be decided by the Wake board — hasn’t yet been prescribed. When Gunther filed as a Wake County District Court candidate in 2019, he told the Wake County board he lived in Judicial District 10F. In November, Gunther won that seat over Republican challenger Beth Tanner.
Next Generation Of Leaders Could Come From Newly Elected Commissioners
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Republicans won a strategic victory on Election Day in North Carolina, claiming several formerly Democratic county commission boards and adding to the pool of candidates they’ll groom for positions in higher public offices. Politicians aren’t born. They are trained — often in small roles and in rural parts of the state.
N.C. Supreme Court races tight, but GOP surprise with lead over Democrats
One month ago, I wrote a story asking you to “pay attention” to judicial candidates on Election Day. And you did. Now, a record 5.5 million or so votes have been cast in North Carolina, and Republicans are days away from confirming a potential sweep of contests for seats on the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Court of Appeals. But it’s too early to make official predictions, experts say. Like the results of every other race in the 2020 election, little is certain. Yet.
N.C. Supreme Court Races Tight, But GOP Surprise With Lead Over Democrats
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — A record 5.5 million or so votes have been cast in North Carolina, and Republicans are days away from confirming a potential sweep of contests for seats on the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Court of Appeals. But it’s too early to make official predictions, experts say. Like the results of every other race in the 2020 election, little is certain. Yet.
N.C. Supreme Court races tight
RALEIGH — A record 5.5 million or so votes have been cast in North Carolina, and Republicans are days away from confirming a potential sweep of contests for seats on the N.C. Supreme Court and the N.C. Court of Appeals. But it’s too early to make official predictions, experts say. Like the results of every other race in the 2020 election, little is certain. Yet. The N.C. Board of Elections will accept mail ballots postmarked by 5 p.m. Election Day until Nov. 12. County election boards will meet Nov.
What will we actually know about ballot results on Election Day?
RALEIGH — Given voting challenges amid COVID-19, what can you actually expect to know about ballot results at the close of Election Day? More than you might think, Carolina Journal has learned from the N.C. State Board of Elections. The state board expects to tally as much as 80% of the vote after polls close Tuesday, Nov. 3, NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell told CJ. There’s no question Election Day will look different this year, Bell said during a news conference Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Biden Holds Razor-Thin Lead Over Trump In North Carolina, New Poll Shows
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Former Vice President Joe Biden holds a razor-thin lead over President Trump among North Carolina voters, a new poll shows. A Civitas Poll survey released Thursday, Oct. 29, shows Democrat Biden with 47% of the vote, a one-point lead over Republican Trump. The poll surveyed 504 likely voters, and has an error margin of +/-4.37. Responses were gathered via phone Oct. 22-25.
As Election Day Looms, Voters Turn Out In Record Numbers
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — North Carolina is breaking voting records already, experts say, with a stunning early turnout far exceeding 2016’s voter record. The reasons vary, says Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College. It could be voter intensity, loyalty, or enthusiasm. It could be concerns about coronavirus. It could be increased hours for early voting. Whatever the reason, it’s still unclear what the turnout means for election results.
What Will We Actually Know About Ballot Results On Election Day?
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Given voting challenges amid COVID-19, what can you actually expect to know about ballot results at the close of Election Day? More than you might think, Carolina Journal has learned from the N.C. State Board of Elections. The state board expects to tally as much as 80% of the vote after polls close Tuesday, Nov. 3, NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell told CJ.
Outcome of N.C. Supreme Court races could alter political landscape for years
The most important elections in North Carolina are the races for the N.C. Supreme Court. So, pay attention! Judges are easily forgotten amid presidential campaigns and Washington antics. Media obsessions and arguments over COVID-19 add to the din. But in a year when so many freedoms are suffocated by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s arbitrary mandates, the only path to defend those freedoms is through the courts.
Year Without A State Fair Leaves North Carolinians Sad, Nostalgic
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — For the first time in more than 20 years, Chef Felicia Daniel has no plans for autumn in North Carolina. It’s a muggy, Friday afternoon on Aug. 7 when I phone Daniel, the operator of the N.C. State Fair’s popular Chef’s D’Lites concessions booth. She picks up on the second ring, and her voice lifts after I tell her why I’m calling. The pastry chef is giddy when talking about the fair. It’s her favorite time of year.
USGA deal at Pinehurst is cronyism at its worst, experts say
It’s a beautiful day for golfing in Pinehurst, or so North Carolina’s politicians would have you believe. Look closer, experts say, and you’ll see it’s a beautiful day for government handouts and corporate welfare. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the U.S. Golf Association — already set to hold the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort — announced Pinehurst will be home to the Open again in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047. USGA also plans to move part of its official headquarters from New Jersey to North Carolina.
Year without a state fair leaves North Carolinians sad, nostalgic
Year without a state fair leaves North Carolinians sad, nostalgic Return to homepage × Please subscribe to keep reading. You can cancel at any time. Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account. Loading&hellp; × Sign Up Today and Support Local Journalism Enjoy more articles from The Independent Tribune, your Most Trusted Information Source. Subscribers can log in for unlimited digital access Chef Felicia Daniel, owner of Chef's D’Lites, serves a crowd of customers at the N.C. State Fair.
Some Data Show Opening Fitness Centers May Not Be So Risky
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — A group of North Carolina gym owners say Gov. Roy Cooper’s continued shutdown is wrongfully painting gyms as dangerous carriers of the coronavirus. Data from other states — and countries — show gyms may be a low-risk carrier for COVID-19 if they adhere to strict cleaning and social distancing measures. On Aug.
UNC Board Member Says Campuses Should Offer Refunds, Deferrals, Or Lower Tuition
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — UNC Chapel Hill’s move to online-only classes means students should get their money back — with the option to withdraw or defer their enrollment, says one member of the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. BOG member Marty Kotis, long outspoken about UNC’s need for better online learning programs, on Monday, Aug. 17, challenged UNC Chapel Hill’s decision to charge students regular tuition and fees for virtual classes.
Absentee voters can appeal rejected ballots, judge rules
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service A judge has dismissed Democratic attempts to throw out North Carolina’s protections against absentee voting fraud. But his ruling ensures the State Board of Elections must give voters due process to fix problems with their mail-in ballots. The decision offers good news for North Carolinians who will vote from home due to COVID-19, says Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation senior political analyst. On Tuesday, Aug.
Absentee Voters Can Appeal Rejected Ballots, Judge Rules
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — A judge has dismissed Democratic attempts to throw out North Carolina’s protections against absentee voting fraud. But his ruling ensures the State Board of Elections must give voters due process to fix problems with their mail-in ballots. The decision offers good news for North Carolinians who will vote from home due to COVID-19, says Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation senior political analyst. On Tuesday, Aug.
Tuition And Fees Will Stay The Same Despite Possible COVID-19 Disruptions
By Lindsay Marchello and Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors is keeping tuition and fees the same no matter what happens with COVID-19. But while UNC insists the value of classes remains high — even when those classes are held via Zoom — students tell Carolina Journal this isn’t the college experience they paid for.
COVID Lawsuits Could Highlight Importance Of Judicial Elections
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — On Saturday night, Jennifer Clapton stood in a brightly lit bowling alley, watching her autistic, 22-year-old son laugh. He threw ball after ball down the shining, wooden lane, shouting glee each time he hit the pins. It was the last night he would bowl. For awhile, anyway. Clapton fought tears. Fairwood Lanes in Roanoke Rapids.
Atlantic Coast Pipeline deal, now defunct, shows Cooper’s pattern of overreach
The end of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline shuts the door on one example of Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive overreach. But one policy expert fears Cooper might abuse his power again in a case involving school funding. Cooper’s many clashes with Republican lawmakers indicate the Democratic governor could collide with the General Assembly again over education spending in the long-running Leandro case, says Joe Coletti, senior fellow for fiscal and tax policy at the John Locke Foundation.
Amid Crisis, Governor Continues To Block Republican-Led Legislation
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — During a 2020 legislative session immersed in financial doubt and civil unrest, Republican lawmakers flailed against Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto power, fighting executive orders they say hurt North Carolina. It’s a political game, much like the 2019 standoff over the General Assembly’s $24 billion budget bill, which Cooper vetoed. But now, in an election year, the stakes are higher, and a sense of dejection hangs in the air.
Cohen Says ‘No Patient Left Alone’ Bill Would Violate Federal Law, Pose Risks
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — On May 7, Cheryl Holtsclaw took her dad to the emergency room at Watauga Medical Center in Boone. Hospital policy blocked visitors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so the 86-year-old man, suffering kidney problems, awaited treatment alone. While waiting, he suffered a catastrophic stroke. He was paralyzed on the right side. He couldn’t swallow. Still, no one was allowed to stay with him.
N.C. bars and clubs mix creative strategies in effort to survive
Just off North Carolina’s Highway 55 sits a tiny biker bar near the line of Wake and Harnett counties. As you’re passing by, you’ll see a sign out front. “Big Daddy’s Roadhouse,” it reads up top. In large, block lettering, a message is spelled out below for all to see. “And yes — your bar misses you too.” On May 22, Big Daddy’s Roadhouse taped a copy of Gov.
Competing Task Forces From Governor, Lawmakers Await Clear Direction
By Lindsay Marchello and Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Problems with policing and race relations must be dealt with, North Carolina’s leading politicians say. But meeting to talk about the issues doesn’t guarantee change, experts say. Many North Carolinians are asking lawmakers to do something, as the country continues to face civil unrest after the death of George Floyd, as well as COVID-19.
Political Tensions Rise As RNC Considers Pulling Away From Charlotte
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — As North Carolina grapples with President Trump’s call to pull the Republican National Convention from Charlotte, both Democrats and Republicans are seizing on the moment — using the fight to appeal to their respective bases. But despite GOP attempts to bash Gov.
Gym owners ready for court battle after filing lawsuits against Gov. Cooper
Like many gym owners in North Carolina, Neil Strother and his wife, Ann, just want to reopen their Wilson business, Victory Fitness. The couple tried to do so Memorial Day weekend, after Gov. Roy Cooper announced fitness centers would stay closed through Phase Two of his COVID-19 reopening plan. Gyms, along with private bars and clubs, were blindsided by news they would spend five more weeks with the lights off while restaurants and salons were allowed to reopen.
N.C. officials call for strong leadership, but direction remains unclear
On a day when North Carolina officials called for strong leadership, it’s unclear who’s actually in charge. In a series of meetings and news conferences Tuesday, June 2, the state’s top politicians volleyed questions, spoke in support of protests, and pointed to threats still posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But while some, such as Gov.
Governor’s Views On Demonstrations Shift As COVID-19 Limits Remain
By Lindsay Marchello and Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — The Cooper administration supports North Carolinians’ right to gather and peacefully protest in the wake of the horrific death of George Floyd, officials say, even as the spread of COVID-19 remains a concern. Their messaging has changed. More than a month ago, the administration opposed mass gatherings when activists converged on Raleigh to push Gov. Roy Cooper to reopen North Carolina businesses.
Gym Owners Ready For Court Battle After Filing Lawsuits Against Gov. Cooper
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Like many gym owners in North Carolina, Neil Strother and his wife, Ann, just want to reopen their Wilson business, Victory Fitness. The couple tried to do so Memorial Day weekend, after Gov. Roy Cooper announced fitness centers would stay closed through Phase Two of his COVID-19 reopening plan.
Speaker urges governor to sign bill reopening bars, says money is tight for next budget year
Gov. Roy Cooper should stop picking winners and losers in business as he reopens North Carolina’s economy, says N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland. Moore called out Cooper during a Thursday, May 28, news conference, saying he hopes the governor will sign newly passed legislation allowing bars to reopen during Phase Two of the governor’s COVID-19 plan. Under Executive Order 141, only restaurants are allowed to welcome guests for in-house dining at 50% capacity.
Concerns about benefit delays rise as legislative session opens
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service N.C. Senate Republicans aren’t happy with North Carolina’s lagging unemployment insurance system. They think Gov. Roy Cooper is accountable — and they want answers. Such was the theme of the General Assembly’s first day back in Raleigh since the legislature gathered two weeks ago to pass a COVID-19 relief package for the state.
UNC board votes to keep tuition, fees flat for coming school year
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service The University of North Carolina System won’t raise tuition and fees this year while students and their families struggle to stay financially afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s a good start, one expert says, but UNC should use this time to reconsider its approach to affordable higher education. In an action-packed meeting Wednesday, May 20, the UNC Board of Governors unanimously voted to keep tuition and fees flat for the 2020-21 school year.
Sunshine Amendment could test lawmakers’ commitment to transparency
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — N.C. Senate leaders say they value government transparency — especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. A bill recently filed in the House presents an opportunity for those senior officials to show commitment to the state’s “sunshine laws.” House Bill 1111, Sunshine Amendment, would make access to public records and meetings a constitutional right in North Carolina.
Sunshine Amendment could test lawmakers’ commitment to transparency
N.C. Senate leaders say they value government transparency — especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. A bill recently filed in the House presents an opportunity for those senior officials to show commitment to the state’s “sunshine laws.” House Bill 1111, Sunshine Amendment, would make access to public records and meetings a constitutional right in North Carolina. Under state law, public meetings must be noticed and open to any resident who wants to attend.
Concerns about benefit delays rise as legislative session opens
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — N.C. Senate Republicans aren’t happy with North Carolina’s lagging unemployment insurance system. They think Gov. Roy Cooper is accountable — and they want answers. Such was the theme of the General Assembly’s first day back in Raleigh since the legislature gathered two weeks ago to pass a COVID-19 relief package for the state.
Concerns about benefit delays rise as legislative session opens
N.C. Senate Republicans aren’t happy with North Carolina’s lagging unemployment insurance system. They think Gov. Roy Cooper is accountable — and they want answers. Such was the theme of the General Assembly’s first day back in Raleigh since the legislature gathered two weeks ago to pass a COVID-19 relief package for the state. That was a consensus session, with Republicans and Democrats voting together on a $1.6-billion plan to prop up the state’s struggling economy.
Concerns about unemployment delays shine spotlight on governor as short session opens
N.C. Senate Republicans aren’t happy with North Carolina’s lagging unemployment insurance system. They think Gov. Roy Cooper is accountable — and they want answers. Such was the theme of the General Assembly’s first day back in Raleigh since the legislature gathered two weeks ago to pass a COVID-19 relief package for the state. That was a consensus session, with Republicans and Democrats voting together on a $1.6-billion plan to prop up the state’s struggling economy.
Next phase of reopening may not help struggling restaurants, private clubs
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — For North Carolina’s restaurants and private clubs, a future of social distancing after COVID-19 is full of question marks. While some hope reopening dining rooms and watering holes will revitalize the industry, others fear a comeback is impossible — even if leaders were to allow openings sooner than May 22. Hospitality workers were dealt a crippling blow March 17, when Gov.
N.C. General Assembly passes COVID-19 relief bills
By Lindsay Marchello and Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service The N.C. General Assembly passed two bills to deal with fallout from COVID-19. The General Assembly’s 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act was separated into two sections. House Bill 1043 covered money, and Senate Bill 704 addressed a variety of policy changes. The bills were a compromise between the House and Senate after a couple of days negotiations behind closed doors. Both passed unanimously Saturday, May 2, and were sent to Gov.
COVID-19 has forced many changes; can government continue to change with them? - Carolina Journal
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many questions with precious few answers. It’s tough to debate otherwise. A dearth of data, beyond the numbers of confirmed cases and deaths, allowing people to make reasonable decisions about their safety — and returning to some sense of normalcy — is clearly problematic. It’s just one aspect as a general lack of transparency from government officials. The economy, then, continues its rapid freefall.
N.C. Senate moves forward with COVID-19 relief bill
By Kari Travis Carolina Journal News Service The N.C. Senate on Wednesday evening passed by a 48-0 vote a $2.4-billion bill distributing money for COVID-19 relief statewide. Senate Bill 704, introduced late Tuesday, April 28, includes dozens of emergency relief items — all appropriating money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee approved the bill Wednesday, April 29.
N.C. General Assembly passes COVID-19 relief bills
The N.C. General Assembly passed two bills to deal with fallout from COVID-19. The General Assembly’s 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act was separated into two sections. House Bill 1043 covered money, and Senate Bill 704 addressed a variety of policy changes. The bills were a compromise between the House and Senate after a couple of days negotiations behind closed doors. Both passed unanimously Saturday, May 2, and were sent to Gov. Roy Cooper.
N.C. Senate moves forward with COVID-19 relief bill
RALEIGH — The N.C. Senate on Wednesday evening passed by a 48-0 vote a $2.4-billion bill distributing money for COVID-19 relief statewide. Senate Bill 704, introduced late Tuesday includes dozens of emergency relief items — all appropriating money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee approved the bill Wednesday. The Senate recessed several times before returning and passing the measure well after 7 p.m. Wednesday.
N.C. Senate moves forward with COVID-19 relief bill
RALEIGH — The N.C. Senate on Wednesday evening passed by a 48-0 vote a $2.4-billion bill distributing money for COVID-19 relief statewide. Senate Bill 704, introduced late Tuesday includes dozens of emergency relief items — all appropriating money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee approved the bill Wednesday. The Senate recessed several times before returning and passing the measure well after 7 p.m. Wednesday.
N.C. Senate moves forward with COVID-19 relief bill
The N.C. Senate on Wednesday evening passed by a 48-0 vote a $1.2-billion bill distributing money for COVID-19 relief statewide. Senate Bill 704, introduced late Tuesday, April 28, includes dozens of emergency relief items — all appropriating money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee approved the bill Wednesday, April 29.
Busy first day as General Assembly opens for pandemic session
RALEIGH — The N.C. General Assembly is in session, but it’s unclear how long it may take lawmakers to deal with economic fallout caused by COVID-19 . Lawmakers converged on the legislative complex to begin work as a few hundred people gathered in downtown Raleigh to protest shutdown orders from Gov. Roy Cooper. The House gaveled in at noon, Tuesday, April 28, and streamed video from the chamber.
Busy first day as General Assembly opens for pandemic session
RALEIGH — The N.C. General Assembly is in session, but it’s unclear how long it may take lawmakers to deal with economic fallout caused by COVID-19 . Lawmakers converged on the legislative complex to begin work as a few hundred people gathered in downtown Raleigh to protest shutdown orders from Gov. Roy Cooper. The House gaveled in at noon, Tuesday, April 28, and streamed video from the chamber.
Busy first day as N.C. General Assembly opens for pandemic session - Carolina Journal
The N.C. General Assembly is in session, but it’s unclear how long it may take lawmakers to deal with economic fallout caused by COVID-19 . Lawmakers converged on the legislative complex to begin work as a few hundred people gathered in downtown Raleigh to protest shutdown orders from Gov. Roy Cooper. The House gaveled in at noon, Tuesday, April 28, and streamed video from the chamber.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Kari
Contact Kari, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack