Brandon Kingdollar
@kingdollar.bsky.social
Politics reporter for NC Newsline. Words in the Tampa Bay Times and The Harvard Crimson. “If you’re gonna hype it, hype it with the facts.”
📫 bkingdollar@ncnewsline.com
Fan of hiking, horror, the Chicago Bears (sigh), and my cat.
📫 bkingdollar@ncnewsline.com
Fan of hiking, horror, the Chicago Bears (sigh), and my cat.
Pinned
Hey folks! My name is Brandon Kingdollar and I’m a politics reporter for NC Newsline covering politics and government in the Tar Heel state.
Questions? Tips? You can email me at bkingdollar@ncnewsline.com.
Questions? Tips? You can email me at bkingdollar@ncnewsline.com.
North Carolina Democrats’ hopes for 2026 got a boost Tuesday after the Democratic party swept statewide races in Virginia, New Jersey and Georgia. But what do those wins really mean for the state’s midterm elections in 2026?
Do big 2025 wins for Democrats mean a blue wave in North Carolina? • NC Newsline
NC Democrats hope electoral successes in 2025 will lead to major victories in next year’s midterm elections. Political experts say it'll still be an uphill battle.
ncnewsline.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 AM
North Carolina Democrats’ hopes for 2026 got a boost Tuesday after the Democratic party swept statewide races in Virginia, New Jersey and Georgia. But what do those wins really mean for the state’s midterm elections in 2026?
The campaign to unionize Amazon has come to Durham, North Carolina, where organizers are launching efforts at four local facilities.
‘We didn’t lose, we learned’: Amazon union campaign expands to Durham • NC Newsline
The campaign to unionize Amazon has set its sights on Durham, with an organizing drive held outside the company’s RDU5 warehouse on Monday.
ncnewsline.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The campaign to unionize Amazon has come to Durham, North Carolina, where organizers are launching efforts at four local facilities.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
Legal Aid of North Carolina is closing offices in Rocky Mount and Pembroke after losing access to funding from the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts program. ncnewsline.com/2025/10/30/r... Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
Rural NC legal aid offices close after General Assembly freezes public assistance fund over politics • NC Newsline
For 40 years, IOLTA has funded legal aid to low-income North Carolinians. That money is now halted over GOP accusations of progressive bias.
ncnewsline.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Legal Aid of North Carolina is closing offices in Rocky Mount and Pembroke after losing access to funding from the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts program. ncnewsline.com/2025/10/30/r... Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
Legal Aid of North Carolina is closing offices in Rocky Mount and Pembroke after the General Assembly froze the IOLTA program, a longstanding NC legal assistance fund that has operated without controversy for decades until now.
Rural NC legal aid offices close after General Assembly freezes public assistance fund over politics • NC Newsline
For 40 years, IOLTA has funded legal aid to low-income North Carolinians. That money is now halted over GOP accusations of progressive bias.
ncnewsline.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Legal Aid of North Carolina is closing offices in Rocky Mount and Pembroke after the General Assembly froze the IOLTA program, a longstanding NC legal assistance fund that has operated without controversy for decades until now.
North Carolina hospitals could lose $32 billion in funding over the next decade due to Medicaid cuts, according to a new report, with rural hospital closures and staffing shortages likely.
NC hospitals provided $7.4B in benefits last year, report says, but face risks from Medicaid cuts • NC Newsline
NC hospitals could lose $32 billion in funding over the next decade, a new report shows, with rural hospital closures and staffing shortages likely.
ncnewsline.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:44 PM
North Carolina hospitals could lose $32 billion in funding over the next decade due to Medicaid cuts, according to a new report, with rural hospital closures and staffing shortages likely.
More than 200 Medicaid recipients and advocates called on lawmakers to act in Raleigh today, weeks into statewide rate cuts due to inadequate funding. “There are lives on the line.”
‘We need action’: Medicaid recipients and advocates call on lawmakers to provide funding • NC Newsline
More than 200 people gathered in Raleigh Tuesday to call for Medicaid funding before heading to the legislature to make their pitch to lawmakers.
ncnewsline.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:08 PM
More than 200 Medicaid recipients and advocates called on lawmakers to act in Raleigh today, weeks into statewide rate cuts due to inadequate funding. “There are lives on the line.”
Despite growing opposition to the Trump administration, only one North Carolina Republican in Congress, Rep. Chuck Edwards, has held an in-person town hall in 2025.
Now, their constituents are meeting without them.
Now, their constituents are meeting without them.
As Trump opposition grows, North Carolina Republicans duck town halls. Does it matter? • NC Newsline
Only one North Carolina Republican, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), has held an in-person town hall with constituents in 2025.
ncnewsline.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Despite growing opposition to the Trump administration, only one North Carolina Republican in Congress, Rep. Chuck Edwards, has held an in-person town hall in 2025.
Now, their constituents are meeting without them.
Now, their constituents are meeting without them.
Thousands lined Capital Boulevard Saturday afternoon to protest Trump at Raleigh’s No Kings rally. For about three hours, you could hear a nonstop stream of cars honking in support.
Thousands gather for No Kings protest in Raleigh to condemn Trump • NC Newsline
From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, protesters lined both sides of Capital Boulevard voicing anger toward the Trump administration.
ncnewsline.com
October 18, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Thousands lined Capital Boulevard Saturday afternoon to protest Trump at Raleigh’s No Kings rally. For about three hours, you could hear a nonstop stream of cars honking in support.
Gary Lucido, a Texas transplant in North Carolina, said he voted Republican all his life before Trump came along. He said GOP descriptions of No Kings as a “Hate America” protest are a “bunch of crap.”
“We love America. We’re here because we want to preserve America,” Lucido said.
“We love America. We’re here because we want to preserve America,” Lucido said.
October 18, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Gary Lucido, a Texas transplant in North Carolina, said he voted Republican all his life before Trump came along. He said GOP descriptions of No Kings as a “Hate America” protest are a “bunch of crap.”
“We love America. We’re here because we want to preserve America,” Lucido said.
“We love America. We’re here because we want to preserve America,” Lucido said.
Donna and Larry Shipman came to No Kings in Raleigh to fight for their right to vote, with key Voting Rights Act protections under threat.
“We need to stand up and say, ‘No, you’re not going to take this away from us,’” said Donna Shipman. “The Supreme Court, they say racism is over. No, it’s not.”
“We need to stand up and say, ‘No, you’re not going to take this away from us,’” said Donna Shipman. “The Supreme Court, they say racism is over. No, it’s not.”
October 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Donna and Larry Shipman came to No Kings in Raleigh to fight for their right to vote, with key Voting Rights Act protections under threat.
“We need to stand up and say, ‘No, you’re not going to take this away from us,’” said Donna Shipman. “The Supreme Court, they say racism is over. No, it’s not.”
“We need to stand up and say, ‘No, you’re not going to take this away from us,’” said Donna Shipman. “The Supreme Court, they say racism is over. No, it’s not.”
The scene at No Kings in Raleigh, where protesters have been met with a near-constant stream of supportive honks for the last two hours.
October 18, 2025 at 5:42 PM
The scene at No Kings in Raleigh, where protesters have been met with a near-constant stream of supportive honks for the last two hours.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
Wondering what's happening with No Kings protests across the country? Wonder no more: @statesnewsroom.com has live coverage from our 39 newsrooms. @tennesseelookout.com is covering home base.
October 18, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Wondering what's happening with No Kings protests across the country? Wonder no more: @statesnewsroom.com has live coverage from our 39 newsrooms. @tennesseelookout.com is covering home base.
Despite a chorus of cheers and honking cars at the No Kings protest in Raleigh, Clayton resident Jeffrey Cohn’s dogs Bindi and Obi are as calm as can be.
“They’re a little iffy with other dogs, so it’s good to put them in a stressful situation with other dogs and reward them for being good.”
“They’re a little iffy with other dogs, so it’s good to put them in a stressful situation with other dogs and reward them for being good.”
October 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Despite a chorus of cheers and honking cars at the No Kings protest in Raleigh, Clayton resident Jeffrey Cohn’s dogs Bindi and Obi are as calm as can be.
“They’re a little iffy with other dogs, so it’s good to put them in a stressful situation with other dogs and reward them for being good.”
“They’re a little iffy with other dogs, so it’s good to put them in a stressful situation with other dogs and reward them for being good.”
The No Kings rally on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh is awash with colorful characters — among them, the Cookie Monster from the children’s show “Sesame Street.”
October 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The No Kings rally on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh is awash with colorful characters — among them, the Cookie Monster from the children’s show “Sesame Street.”
No Kings protesters line the sidewalks of Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, as a stream of passing cars honk in solidarity.
October 18, 2025 at 4:37 PM
No Kings protesters line the sidewalks of Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, as a stream of passing cars honk in solidarity.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
I’m going to cover the #NoKings protest in nyc today for @statesnewsroom.com and @stateline.org! Follow me for updates and pics!
October 18, 2025 at 12:38 PM
I’m going to cover the #NoKings protest in nyc today for @statesnewsroom.com and @stateline.org! Follow me for updates and pics!
Following the No Kings protests taking around the country? Read States Newsroom’s live feed to see updates from our nationwide network of reporters.
No Kings protest coverage | News From The States
www.newsfromthestates.com
October 18, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Following the No Kings protests taking around the country? Read States Newsroom’s live feed to see updates from our nationwide network of reporters.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
Hi, I'm the ProPublica reporter who's been tracking an unusual stat: U.S. citizens grabbed by immigration agents.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
October 18, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Hi, I'm the ProPublica reporter who's been tracking an unusual stat: U.S. citizens grabbed by immigration agents.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
I did it because the government isn’t.
This is what I found.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
Republican legislative leaders in North Carolina unveiled a mid-decade redistricting proposal aimed at drawing out Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) ahead of an expected vote next week. By @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
North Carolina Republicans release proposed congressional map aimed at flipping Democratic seat • NC Newsline
Republican legislative leaders in North Carolina unveiled a mid-decade redistricting proposal aimed at drawing out Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.).
ncnewsline.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Republican legislative leaders in North Carolina unveiled a mid-decade redistricting proposal aimed at drawing out Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) ahead of an expected vote next week. By @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
NC Republicans release new map intended to draw out Democratic Rep. Don Davis, puts him in a district that voted 55% to 44% for Trump in 2024.
North Carolina Republicans release proposed congressional map aimed at flipping Democratic seat • NC Newsline
Republican legislative leaders in North Carolina unveiled a mid-decade redistricting proposal aimed at drawing out Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.).
ncnewsline.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:07 PM
NC Republicans release new map intended to draw out Democratic Rep. Don Davis, puts him in a district that voted 55% to 44% for Trump in 2024.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
Democratic governors - including NC Gov. Josh Stein - have launched a multistate public health alliance to counter Trump, RFK Jr. ncnewsline.com/2025/10/15/r... #ncpol @stateline.org
Democratic governors launch multistate public health alliance to counter Trump, RFK Jr. • NC Newsline
In a clear rebuke of recent federal health policy, NC Gov. Josh Stein joined 14 other Democratic governors to form a public health alliance that breaks with guidance from the Trump administration and ...
ncnewsline.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Democratic governors - including NC Gov. Josh Stein - have launched a multistate public health alliance to counter Trump, RFK Jr. ncnewsline.com/2025/10/15/r... #ncpol @stateline.org
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
A North Carolina Court of Appeals panel gave a partial victory to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, ruling Wednesday that the Republican-led General Assembly unconstitutionally altered the makeup of some state boards in 2023. Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
NC Court of Appeals rules General Assembly cannot take majority control of executive boards • NC Newsline
A Court of Appeals panel gave a partial victory to Gov. Josh Stein, ruling that the legislature unconstitutionally altered some state boards.
ncnewsline.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A North Carolina Court of Appeals panel gave a partial victory to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, ruling Wednesday that the Republican-led General Assembly unconstitutionally altered the makeup of some state boards in 2023. Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol
Gov. Josh Stein received a partial victory in an NC Court of Appeals ruling that struck down changes to three state boards stripping his power to appoint a majority of members.
NC Court of Appeals rules General Assembly cannot take majority control of executive boards • NC Newsline
A Court of Appeals panel gave a partial victory to Gov. Josh Stein, ruling that the legislature unconstitutionally altered some state boards.
ncnewsline.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Gov. Josh Stein received a partial victory in an NC Court of Appeals ruling that struck down changes to three state boards stripping his power to appoint a majority of members.
The redistricting wars hit the Tar Heel state: North Carolina Republican leaders say they have agreed to bring a new congressional map to the floor and expect to consider the bill next week.
North Carolina Republicans plan to redraw state’s congressional districts • NC Newsline
Republican lawmakers in North Carolina plan to pass a new congressional map next week to help maintain a GOP majority in Congress in 2026.
ncnewsline.com
October 13, 2025 at 8:33 PM
The redistricting wars hit the Tar Heel state: North Carolina Republican leaders say they have agreed to bring a new congressional map to the floor and expect to consider the bill next week.
Reposted by Brandon Kingdollar
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) urged United States Attorney General Pam Bondi this week to investigate the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians over cannabis sales that he alleged target young people and involve illegal transportation of a controlled substance. Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol #EBCI
Sen. Thom Tillis calls for DOJ to investigate Cherokee cannabis industry • NC Newsline
Sen. Thom Tillis urged United States Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians over its cannabis industry
ncnewsline.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) urged United States Attorney General Pam Bondi this week to investigate the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians over cannabis sales that he alleged target young people and involve illegal transportation of a controlled substance. Story by @kingdollar.bsky.social #ncpol #EBCI