VOLUME 10 ISSUE 15 | THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
NSJONLINE.COM
COURTESY NCGOP
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was a keynote speaker at the NCGOP Convention held last week in Raleigh.
Youngkin rallies GOP at state convention
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BRIEF this week
N.C. auto insurance rates to go up average of 5% Raleigh North Carolina automobile insurance rates are poised to increase statewide by a 5% average this fall as part of an agreement reached between state regulators and the insurance industry. The settlement announced on Monday by Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is lower than the average 22.6% rate increase for private passenger vehicles that had been originally requested in February by the North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents insurance companies. The bureau’s requested average rate in an updated March filing increased to 23%, the state Insurance Department said. The rate changes will take effect on new and renewed policies starting Oct. 1. The bureau’s previous rate filing in 2023 ultimately resulted in a settlement that led to an overall average 4.5% increase per year for two years.
D.C. prepares for military parade Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital is preparing for Saturday’s military parade to honor the 250th birthday of the Army, which is expected to draw 200,000 attendees. A total of 175 magnetometers would be used at security checkpoints controlling access to a daytime festival celebrating President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the nighttime parade. The military parade has been designated a National Special Security Event — similar to a presidential inauguration or state funeral — a status reserved for events that draw large crowds and potential mass protests.
The Virginia governor’s speech touted conservative wins in his state and N.C. and looked ahead to 2026
NC budget heads to conference committee Tax policy and pay raises are likely key topics of discussion By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Senate failed to approve the House’s version of the budget last week, resulting in the appointment of a conference committee.
See BUDGET, page A2
RALEIGH — Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered a rousing, and at times humorous, speech to North Carolina Republicans during the Old North State Dinner at the 2025 North Carolina GOP convention on June 7. NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons, who won reelection to the post earlier that evening, introduced Youngkin. Youngkin’s speech was preceded by remarks from N.C. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden), Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and Auditor Dave Boliek. The speech emphasized the shared history of Virginia and North Carolina, highlighting
General Assembly, Stein honor Elizabeth Dole “Senator Dole is a trailblazer with an unwavering commitment to the people of North Carolina.” N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls)
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The House passed its version of the budget on May 22 after a flurry of more than 40 amendments by a vote of 86-20. On June 3, the Senate failed to concur, with 37 voting not to approve the House version and nine Democrats voting in favor. Both the House and Senate versions propose spending approximately the same amount,
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
The Senate resolution honored the former U.S. senator as a “trailblazing public servant” By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — During legislative business on June 4, the North Carolina General Assembly honored North Carolina’s former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole through a Senate resolution as a “trailblazing public servant” for her five decades of service. “Senator Dole is a trailblazer with an unwavering commitment to the people of North Carolina,”
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) said in a press statement. “Our state is proud to call her one of our own, and we will always remember her example.” Gov. Josh Stein also met with Dole and proclaimed June 4 to be Elizabeth Dole Day. Current and former elected officials were in attendance to honor Dole, including Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, State Auditor Dave Boliek, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and former Gov. Pat McCrory. Dole served as North Carolina’s first female U.S. senator from 2003 to 2009, focusing on military affairs, See DOLE, page A3
conservative values, the importance of defending freedom and the need to secure electoral victories in 2026. Drawing on Virginia’s political turnaround, Youngkin said he had “optimism” for America and urged attendees to lead with “passion” and “commitment” to uphold liberty and prosperity. “I have an amazing sense of optimism about America,” Youngkin said. “I see the golden age. I see an America that understands that faith and family and hard work are things we must defend. The Constitution must be complied with and not ignored.” Youngkin highlighted the historical and ideological bonds between Virginia and North Carolina, noting their shared commitment to freedom. He specifically praised North Carolina’s role in the American Revolution by citing the Halifax Resolves. “It was in North Carolina that the Halifax Resolves was See YOUNGKIN, page A3