North Carolina
North Carolina lawmakers share reactions following US strike on Iran
A day after the United States launched missile strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, North Carolina lawmakers are sharing their reactions.
“Clearly, Iran should never have a nuclear weapon. However, it is Congress’s responsibility to declare war. And I have been calling since last week for a high-level briefing of members of Congress for the Trump administration to explain to us exactly what’s going on and what they were going to do. Instead, they deceived the American public and they didn’t comply with the law or the Constitution,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross, a Democrat who represents the state’s 2nd District.
The strikes saw the United States utilize B-2 bombers to drop “bunker-buster” bombs on three sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Ross believes the President overstepped his authority in ordering the strikes, which a senior administration official tells ABC News he told Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to carry out on Saturday.
“It is very dangerous. It is unconstitutional. And frankly, it is unprecedented,” said Ross.
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, a Democrat who represents the state’s 4th District, echoed Ross’ concern in a statement:
“Trump’s strikes in Iran without Congressional authorization is deeply irresponsible and unconstitutional. This escalation places our troops and diplomatic personnel in immediate and unnecessary danger, and risks implicating our nation in a potentially disastrous war.
“The President has severely overstepped his power by bypassing Congress, drawing our nation dangerously close to yet another war in the Middle East. Reckless military action taken without consultation or the proper authorization endangers both our national security and the lives of our brave servicemembers.
“Let me be clear: urgent de-escalation of this conflict is needed to save lives. We must act swiftly to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic path forward.”
RELATED | NC politicians, US lawmakers respond to US attack on Iranian nuclear sites
Ross expressed concern over a potential response from Iran.
“This regime is the most dangerous regime because they are back on their heels. They are angry. They have sworn that they want to destroy Israel and the United States. And now they are desperate, which means they could do anything, anything to our troops in the region, anything to our allies,” said Ross.
Congressman Don Davis, a Democrat and Air Force veteran who represents the state’s 1st District, released a statement on X:
Iran is the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism and must be prevented from developing nuclear weapons. A nuclear-armed Iran poses a dire threat not only to the United States but also to our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and the entire international community. We must not underestimate the danger Iran presents.
Congressman Mark Harris, a Republican who represents the 8th District, defended the President’s decision-making.
“I believe the president is the Commander-in-Chief. I believe that this was a one-off strike. I think he made that perfectly clear. He’s not calling for boots on the ground,” said Harris.
He cited Iran’s history in the region, including its role in backing proxy attacks.
“The president gave (Iran) a 60-day window to come to the table and talk, and they just continue to stonewall. And that seems to be their mode of operation is to put off and put off and put off while all the time getting closer and closer to being able to put a warhead, a nuclear warhead, on one of those missiles and fire it. I think the president recognizes that we had to do it,” said Harris.
Rep. Greg Murphy released a statement on X, writing:
The Islamic Republic of Iran and its terroristic mullahs have been a threat to peace in the Middle East, the United States, and the global community for decades. An Iran with a nuclear bomb gives birth to a world in jeopardy of cataclysmic destruction. President Trump worked to negotiate with the regime in good faith, however Ali Khamenei overplayed his hand and now must pay the price. May God protect the innocent lives at stake and the United States and Israel’s righteous efforts to put an end to the grievous bloodshed carried out by Iran and its jihadi proxies. God bless our servicemen safely on their way home tonight.
He further backed Trump’s decision in an exchange with fellow Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who had responded to the President’s announcement of the strike by writing on X: “This is not Constitutional.”
Congressman Chuck Edwards, a Republican who represents North Carolina’s 11th District, wrote on X:
In the wake of today’s strike on Iran, our unwavering support is with the brave men and women of our armed forces. They put their lives on the line not for recognition or reward, but out of a deep sense of duty to protect our nation and uphold peace and security around the world.
Congressman Richard Hudson, who represents the state’s 9th District and serves as the Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, wrote on X:
President Donald Trump has been consistent and resolute that Iran- the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism- will not be allowed to build a nuclear weapons capability. He negotiated in good faith and offered Iran peace in exchange for ending their nuclear ambition. Iran did not take President Trump seriously and they have learned tonight that was a mistake. It would be another mistake for Iran to retaliate against Americans anywhere in the world. I support President Trump, I stand with Israel and I pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform around the world. America leads with resolve, and the world is safer when we do.
Congressman David Rouzer, a Republican who represents the state’s 7th District, shared a screenshot of the President’s announcement on Truth Social of the strikes, writing on X:
I commend President Trump for taking decisive and resolute action to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Regardless of any Iranian response which may occur, the President and those in our great military responsible for successfully carrying out this difficult mission have provided a meaningful opportunity for lasting peace in the Middle East and safety to the United States and our allies.
Congressman Addison McDowell, a Republican who represents the state’s 6th District, also shared a screenshot of the President’s announcement on Truth Social of the strikes, writing on X:
President Trump protects America and our interests: A nuclear Iran was never an option. God bless America and the brave men and women who serve our nation.
Congressman Brad Knott, a Republican who represents the state’s 13th District, wrote on X:
Our prayers and gratitude are with the United States Armed Forces. My plea for the nation of Iran remains the same: now is the time to reorient and work for peace. The condition has been clear for decades under presidents of both parties: there cannot be a nuclear-armed Iran. Our President means what he says and has worked tirelessly to secure peace with Iran. Across America, now is the time to put politics aside and unite on a bipartisan basis in support of the President as commander-in-chief of our armed services. President Trump has now given Iran’s regime an opportunity to turn the page, end its nuclear ambitions, and instead embrace peace and prosperity for the people of Iran.
Congressman Tim Moore, a Republican who represents the state’s 14th District, wrote on X:
Iran’s radical regime is a threat to freedom everywhere and has spent decades spreading terror across the globe. President Trump made clear that any attack on Americans or our allies would be met with overwhelming force. May God bless and protect our troops as we confront the evil of Iran and its terrorist proxies.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis wrote on X:
This was the right decision by @POTUS. We cannot allow Iran to build nuclear weapons. God Bless our brave servicemembers who supported and executed this mission.
Republican Senator Ted Budd wrote on X:
Tonight, the United States dealt a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. military alone had the capability to destroy these facilities deep underground, and I commend President Trump for standing with our Israeli allies in their efforts to end the threat of a nuclear Iran once and for all. May God bless and protect our troops, who continue to keep us safe around the world.
Nationally, lawmakers have shared a range of reactions to the strikes.
During his address Saturday night, President Trump addressed the impact of the strikes.
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” said Trump.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also used the term “obliterated” in describing Iran’s nuclear ambitions during a press conference at the Pentagon Sunday morning.
However, other officials have used different language, including General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who also spoke at Sunday’s press conference.
“I know that battle damage is of great interest. Final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” Caine said.
Former CIA officer, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East and ABC News contributor Michael “Mick” Mulroy estimates that the U.S. military operation “likely set back the Iranian nuclear weapons program 2-5 years,” based on the type and amount of munitions used, but told ABC News that the full battle damage assessment will give a more accurate determination.
“(The) President made it clear he’s not about creating war. He’s about ending wars, and he wants to see peace in that region. There wasn’t ever going to be peace as long as there was the threat of a nuclear Iran, and we hope that’s been removed now,” said Harris.
Ross is calling for more communication prior to any further decisions.
“Two things must happen immediately. Number one, we must have a confidential, high-level security briefing because any further action requires Congress to take action. And number two, and this is something I am hopeful for, but I’m not holding my breath, we need to have bipartisan cooperation in looking at what this Congress will authorize going forward,” said Ross.
ABC News contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
A proposal to limit property tax increases is set to go before state lawmakers Tuesday — an effort that could culminate with North Carolinians voting on the issue as early as this year.
The state House of Representatives’ Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss a proposed state constitutional amendment restricting how much city and county governments could raise property taxes each year.
Amendments to the state Constitution must be approved by North Carolina voters. If the idea is approved by a supermajority of legislators, North Carolinians would be asked to decide the issue through a ballot vote, likely in November.
The legislation, House Bill 1089, doesn’t outline a limit for property tax increases. It calls on state lawmakers to come up with specific restrictions at a later date — if the referendum is approved by voters.
The bill is part of a broader push by legislators in the Republican-controlled General Assembly to address affordability issues ahead of the midterm elections.
Republicans in the state Senate last week approved a bill that would temporarily block county governments from applying appraisals conducted during this calendar year to property tax bills. Reappraisals often lead to higher property tax bills. Republican Senate leader Phil Berger has referred to that proposal as a “moratorium” that could bring temporary relief to taxpayers in a number of counties scheduled to reappraise properties this year — including Guilford and Harnett. Berger has framed the idea as simply buying time for the legislature to come up with more sweeping reforms.
The proposed constitutional amendment moving forward in the House could be that more sweeping idea, although it’s unclear if the Senate will go along if the idea passes the House.
Tax reduction has been a stated goal of Republican lawmakers for decades, but the proposed reappraisal moratorium and constitutional amendment are not guaranteed to pass. Neither Berger nor House Speaker Destin Hall has committed to supporting the other chamber’s idea for addressing rising property taxes.
Democrats have expressed skepticism over both plans. Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch, D-Wake, chided Senate Republicans last week for failing to take up an amendment to Berger’s bill that would have lowered the state’s income threshold to qualify for property tax exceptions.
Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, said Monday — during a press conference calling for higher taxes on millionaires — that the property tax changes being proposed by GOP lawmakers seemed aimed more at gathering political credit than solving a problem.
“We can be the quote-unquote ‘good guys’ down here in Raleigh and say we’re going to lower your property taxes,” Prather said. “But all that means is that the local governments are going to have to be the ‘bad guys’ to raise revenue in other ways.”
Closing a loophole
The House Finance committee on Tuesday is expected to consider a proposal that could help municipal governments recoup more property tax revenue. The committee is expected to discuss House Bill 1042, which would tighten rules for nonprofit organizations that receive property tax exemptions.
The state currently allows certain organizations to avoid paying property taxes if they use their property entirely for charitable purposes and are not run for profit — a law that kept nearly $750 million worth of property out of Wake County’s tax base in 2025. The proposed change seeks to winnow down the list of who qualifies, especially nonprofits that provide affordable housing for low- or moderate-income people.
North Carolina
North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
The 2026 North Carolina high school softball state playoff brackets are out, and High School On SI has all eight brackets with matchups and schedules for every team.
The first round begins on May 5, and the playoffs will culminate with the NCHSAA state championships being played May 27-30 at Duke University in Durham.
2026 North Carolina High School Baseball State Tournament Schedule
May 5: First Round
May 8: Second Round
May 12: Third Round
May 15: Fourth Round
May 19-23: Regionals
May 27-30: State Championships
North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
CLASS 1A BRACKET (select to view full bracket details)
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Bear Grass Charter vs. No. 5 Vance Charter
No. 3 East Columbus vs. No. 2 Northside – Pinetown
No. 1 Robbinsville vs. No. 5 Falls Lake Academy
No. 6 Bethany Community vs. No. 2 Oxford Preperatory
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 North Duplin vs. No. 8 Camden County
No. 5 Rosewood vs. No. 4 East Carteret
No. 3 Perquimans vs. No. 11 Pamlico County
No. 10 Franklin Academy vs. No. 2 Manteo
No. 1 South Stanly vs. No. 9 East Wilkes
No. 5 South Stokes vs. No. 4 Starmount
No. 3 Swain County vs. No. 6 Murphy
No. 7 Highland Tech vs. No. 2 Roxboro Community
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Midway vs. No. 9 Providence
No. 12 Wallace-Rose Hill vs. No. 4 Heide Trask
No. 3 Farmville Central vs. No. 11 Ayden – Grifton
No. 10 Northwood vs. No. 2 McMichael
No. 1 West Lincoln vs. No. 8 Union Academy
No. 5 Draughn vs No. 4 Pine Lake Preperatory
No. 3 West Davidson vs. No. 11 East Surry
No. 7 Walkertown vs. No. 2 West Wilkes
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Randleman vs. No. 9 Nash Central
No. 5 Bunn vs. No. 4 East Duplin
No. 3 Southwest Onslow vs. No. 6 Roanoke Rapids
No. 7 Ledford Senior vs. No. 2 Central Davidson
No. 1 West Stokes vs. No. 8 Forbush
No. 5 Pisgah vs. No. 4 West Stanly
No. 19 North Surry vs. No. 11 Foard
No. 10 Mount Pleasant vs. No, 2 Bunker Hill
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Southeast Alamance vs. No. 8 C.B. Aycock
No. 5 Seaforth vs. No. 4 Rockingham County
No. 3 Eastern Alamance vs. No. 6 West Carteret
No. 7 South Brunswick vs. No. 2 Southern Nash
No. 1 Enka vs. No. 9 Oak Grove
No. 5 Crest vs. No. 13 West Rowan
No. 3 North Davidson vs. No. 6 Franklin
No. 10 East Rowan vs. No. 2 North Lincoln
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Union Pines vs. No. 9 South Johnston
No. 5 South View vs. No. 4 Gray’s Creek
No. 3 J.H. Rose vs. No. 6 Harnett Central
No. 7 Triton vs. No. 2 West Brunswick
No. 1 Kings Mountain vs. No. 8 Charlotte Catholic
No. 5 Alexander vs. No. 13 T.C. Roberson
No. 3 Piedmont vs. No. 6 Central Cabarrus
No. 10 A.C. Reynolds vs. No. 2 South Caldwell
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 D.H. Conley vs. No. 8 Wake Forest
No. 5 Purnell Sweet vs. No. 4 Cleveland
No. 3 Heritage vs. No. 6 Topsail
No. 7 South Central vs. No. 2 New Bern
No. 1 Weddington vs. No. 8 Mooresville
No. 5 A.L. Brown vs. No. 4 Hickory Ridge
No. 3 East Forsyth vs. No. 11 Porter Ridge
No. 7 Ronald Reagan vs. No. 2 South Iredell
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Willow Spring vs. No. 4 Hoggard
No. 3 E.A. Laney vs. No. 2 Cornith Holders
No. 1 Providence vs. No. 4 Hough
No. 3 West Forsyth vs. No. 2 Apex Friendship
More Coverage from High School on SI
Follow
North Carolina
Perspective | What North Carolina gets right about workforce: Progress beyond politics
Across the country, workforce development is often framed as a policy challenge. In North Carolina, we’ve come to understand it as something more fundamental: a shared responsibility between educators and employers that works best when it rises above politics. It is a nonpartisan priority with bipartisan support — and a clear focus on outcomes.
North Carolina’s approach to workforce and talent development offers a different model — one grounded in collaboration, consistency, data, and a relentless focus on student and employer needs.
Over the past several years, our state has aligned around an ambitious goal: ensuring that 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 hold a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. myFutureNC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, led by a bipartisan Board of Directors, that was created to champion this work.
This goal is not owned by a single administration or political party. It is the state’s attainment goal — codified in law with bipartisan support and signed by the governor — to ensure North Carolina remains economically competitive now and into the future. The work is guided by leaders across business, education, policymakers, and philanthropy.
Sign up for Awake58, our newsletter on all things community college.
This kind of alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires trust, discipline, and a willingness to prioritize long-term impact over short-term wins — placing the needs of students and employers above the silos that often define education and workforce systems.
North Carolina’s leaders don’t agree on everything, and unanimity is not what makes this work. There is broad agreement on a set of essential truths: Talent is the top driver of economic development. Education fuels economic prosperity, public safety, and healthier communities. Having a robust educational system and an educated population is one of our state’s greatest assets. Economic mobility matters. And preparing people for meaningful work benefits everyone.
This alignment is delivering results. North Carolina has been named the No. 1 state for business three out of the past four years and ranks No. 1 for workforce — reinforcing what’s possible when leaders stay focused on shared priorities.
This strong foundation has enabled progress in areas that often stall in partisan debate. Through strategic policy and philanthropic investments, the state has expanded pathways into high-demand careers, strengthened connections between education and industry, and increased access to work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
That same foundation is shaping how policy is developed in real time. The proposed Workforce Act of 2026 reflects North Carolina’s cross-sector approach — bringing together business and education leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists to strengthen pathways into high-demand careers and expand access to work-based learning. Rather than introducing a new direction, this Act builds on what is already working, demonstrating how alignment can translate into coordinated action.
The bipartisan-led Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships puts this approach into practice. Building on the state’s existing foundation, the council brings together leaders from industry, education, and government to strengthen coordination across the workforce system. Its value lies not in setting a new direction, but in reinforcing and accelerating a shared one.
This is what it looks like to build systems designed to last. Workforce development is not a one-year initiative or a single funding cycle — it is a long-term investment in people, communities, employers, and the educational infrastructure that supports them. North Carolina’s progress is rooted in structures that bring partners together consistently, align efforts across sectors, and create continuity beyond political cycles.
By embedding collaboration into how the work gets done — not just what gets prioritized — the state has created a model that can evolve over time while staying focused on its goals.
Work remains to be done. Gaps in attainment persist, and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of the state will require continued focus and innovation. But North Carolina’s significant progress and continued success being No. 1 nationally in many related categories demonstrates what is possible when leaders choose partnership over partisanship.
At a time when it’s easy to focus on what divides us, North Carolina offers a reminder: Some of the most important work we do — preparing people for the future of work and ensuring employers have access to skilled talent — is our north star and unifying force.
And in our shared goal of 2 million by 2030, we are not just building a stronger workforce. We are building a stronger state — for today and for generations to come.
-
Idaho6 minutes agoPart of I84 Will Close This Week in Southern Idaho For Bridge and Ramp Work
-
Illinois12 minutes agoCapitol News Illinois | Judge delays decision on special prosecutor for ‘Operation Midway Blitz’
-
Indiana18 minutes agoHighlights of what President Trump said about Indiana football during White House visit
-
Iowa24 minutes agoKim Reynolds signs ‘Ember’s law’ increasing animal torture penalties
-
Kentucky36 minutes agoChase Matthew’s bassist Carsen Richards charged with child sex crimes after being arrested at Kentucky festival
-
Louisiana42 minutes agoLouisiana to redraw congressional map after court ruling
-
Maine48 minutes agoImmigrant rights coalition reports uptick in ICE detentions across Maine
-
Maryland54 minutes agoDriver killed in Prince George’s Co. school bus crash identified – WTOP News