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Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What records show about NC Gov. Josh Stein's schedule outside the public eye
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has been in office for more than four months, sent there by 3 million voters who elected him in November. He has multiple public events every week, but constituents don't always know what he does day to day. So The News & Observer obtained Stein's daily calendar through a public records request. Records show his schedule is what you'd expect from a governor, though there are still some things we don't know. Good Sunday morning to you, and Happy Mother's Day. I'm Dawn Vaughan, our Capitol bureau chief, and this is the governor edition of our Under the Dome newsletter. Some of Stein's schedule was redacted in records sent to The N&O, with the details accompanying his daily calls blacked out. Aside from that, his calendar shows a lot of logistics, including travel, meetings and public events. Stein has a daily call, usually from 9 to 10 a.m., that is virtual. In his first few weeks in office, a lot of his schedule was typical for a new governor: rehearsing his inauguration speech, having his portrait taken with First Lady Anna Stein and meetings. It also included travel to Asheville, where Stein talked with President Donald Trump on the tarmac about Helene recovery. Meetings are held both in the Executive Mansion and the Albemarle Building, where Stein's offices are located. His travel records show departure times, tours and meetings, and even where he has lunch, like JRO's Burgers and Subs in Canton on Jan. 14. He also has reserved blocks of time, usually an hour that is simply 'hold for governor.' Stein's office announces his public events at least a day in advance, letting the media know times and locations. But there is a lot in Stein's days that isn't announced, and his calendar reveals what else he's doing. Here's more about what he was doing the first month in office: ▪ Jan. 15, he met with Duke Energy at the mansion, followed by five minutes of travel to a budget meeting at the Office of State Budget and Management on Salisbury Street. Stein's calendar also reminds him about upcoming sporting events he's interested in, like on Jan. 12, 'FYI: Canes vs. Anaheim Ducks, Lenovo Center.' ▪ Jan. 15 entry: 'FYI/UNC vs. Cal, Dean Dome' at 7 p.m., and a 'hold for governor' from 7-10 p.m. That's about the length of a UNC basketball game. Stein grew up in Chapel Hill and is a UNC fan, as well as a Carolina Hurricanes fan. ▪ Jan. 24: Stein flew to Asheville for this scheduled event: '10:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Tarmac Greet with President Trump,' his calendar said. Then he flew back to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Stein mentioned the visit in his letter last month to Trump about extending FEMA coverage for Helene recovery. ▪ Jan. 25: Stein went to the funeral for longtime Durham leader Lavonia Allison at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham. ▪ Jan. 27: Stein had a 30-minute call with White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. In an April interview with The N&O, Stein said he has regular phone calls with members of Trump's Cabinet. Later that same day, Stein's calendar showed he had his own Cabinet meeting at the Department of Transportation building. ▪ Jan. 30: Stein spoke at the funeral for the late judge and Rep. Joe John, a Raleigh Democrat, at Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church in Raleigh. ▪ Jan. 31: On the last day of Stein's first month in office, Stein flew to Mount Airy to speak at the ribbon cutting for the Surry-Yadkin Works FLEET Program at Altec Industries, then flew from there to Wilkes County and then made a small business grant announcement in Boone. He flew back to RDU that afternoon and ended the workday with a Housing and Urban Development call. Stein also interviewed job candidates his first month in office, and held several more meetings about the budget. He proposed his budget in February. He also gave media briefings about winter storms. Some things he did that weren't on his schedule are all the calls he makes to lawmakers, including many Republicans, about legislation. As I previously reported, Republicans say that Stein talks to them regularly about legislation, rather than waiting until a bill gets to his desk. The Roman Catholic Church named a new pope on Thursday, Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost. Stein shared this comment on social media: 'I join people across North Carolina in welcoming the new Pope Leo XIV. May his papacy be one of grace, compassion, and humility in these challenging times.' Thanks for reading. Contact me at dvaughan@ Not a newsletter subscriber? Sign up on our website to receive Under the Dome in your inbox daily. And listen to our Under the Dome podcast, which is published every Tuesday morning on all podcast platforms and is previewed in your Tuesday Under the Dome newsletter. On our new May 13 episode, my guest is a lawmaker, Rep. Jake Johnson, a Polk County Republican.
Arabian Post
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Boakai Taps Sando Johnson for Key Senate Liaison Role Amid Political Tensions
President Joseph N. Boakai has appointed former Bomi County Senator Sando D. Johnson as his legislative liaison to the Liberian Senate, a move that has stirred both support and criticism across the political spectrum. The appointment, formalised in a letter dated May 1, 2025, underscores Johnson's return to a prominent role within the government. The letter, bearing the reference number JNB/MOS/RL/2742/2025, expressed confidence in Johnson's ability to execute the responsibilities with 'utmost integrity, dedication and commitment and continued loyalty to the country.' Johnson's new role entails managing the president's legislative agenda and ensuring effective communication between the Executive Mansion and the Senate. His extensive experience, including two terms in the Liberian Senate, positions him as a seasoned political figure capable of navigating the complexities of legislative processes. However, the timing of the appointment has not gone unnoticed. Just hours before the official announcement, Johnson made controversial remarks during a broadcast on Punch FM. He vehemently defended President Boakai and issued a stark warning to critics, stating, 'Beginning now, anyone who sits on a platform or in a gathering and insults President Boakai… I will insult you and the people supporting you.' These comments have ignited a debate about the tone of political discourse and the expectations of public officials. Political analysts are divided on the implications of Johnson's appointment. Some view it as a strategic move by President Boakai to consolidate support within the Senate, leveraging Johnson's experience and influence. Others express concern that Johnson's recent rhetoric may undermine the decorum expected of someone in a liaison role, potentially exacerbating political tensions. See also Washington Accord Signals New Phase in Congo-Rwanda Peace Efforts Johnson's political journey has been marked by both influence and controversy. As a former senator, he was known for his outspoken nature and active participation in legislative affairs. His alignment with President Boakai's administration signals a continued commitment to shaping Liberia's political landscape.
Washington Post
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Richmond talk-show host John Reid joins race for Va. lieutenant governor
RICHMOND — Conservative talk-radio host John Reid announced Monday that he was leaving WRVA in Richmond to seek the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor — a campaign that could make him Virginia's first openly gay statewide official. Reid, who once served as communications chief for Virginia governor George Allen (R), noted the historic nature of his bid while expressing hope that his sexual orientation will be irrelevant to voters. 'I'm not a diversity hire,' he said in a news release. 'I'm the most conservative and proven candidate running, and I've boldly stood up for our beliefs in a way that should make my personal life a total non-issue.' Reid joins a large field of Republicans and Democrats seeking Virginia's lieutenant governorship, a part-time job that pays $36,321 a year and comes with just two constitutionally mandated duties: presiding over the state Senate and assuming the Executive Mansion if the governor resigns or dies. The post is highly sought after as a launching pad for the governorship. Two other Republicans are seeking their party's nomination, Navy veteran John Curran and Pat Herrity, the lone GOP member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Five Democrats are doing the same: state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi (Chesterfield); Babur B. Lateef, chairman of the Prince William County School Board; state Sen. Aaron R. Rouse (Virginia Beach); former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado; and former Richmond mayor Levar M. Stoney. The field could grow. State GOP Chairman Rich Anderson has been exploring a potential run. Former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman has been considering an independent bid for lieutenant governor or governor. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) is not seeking reelection, running instead to succeed term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R). Earle-Sears faces one declared Democratic candidate, former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. Reid, 54, is the son of the late delegate Jack Reid, who represented Henrico County for 18 years. The radio host started his career as an intern for President Ronald Reagan's post-White House office. Reid casts himself as a conservative in the mold of Reagan, Allen, his father, and Youngkin, who has not endorsed in the primary. 'I really think that we're teetering on becoming California and Glenn Youngkin, and Winsome Sears and [Attorney General] Jason Miyares have successfully held that back for four years,' he said in an interview with The Washington Post on Saturday. Miyares is seeking reelection to his post. Reid describes himself as someone who is 'pro-life' but also recognizes the need 'to find compromise' on the issue in a state where abortion rights have broad support. He supports the state's business-friendly right-to-work laws, which prohibit requiring someone to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. He opposes automatically restoring voting rights to felons after they complete their sentences. Reid could face a challenge appealing to socially conservative Republicans who have long opposed gay rights. Riggleman, as a freshman congressman from rural central Virginia, lost a GOP nominating convention in 2020 after officiating a same-sex wedding. In 2021, a Republican running for lieutenant governor was targeted for supporting gay rights. Only a few Republicans in the General Assembly voted this year to support an effort to enshrine same-sex marriage rights in the state constitution. Reid opposes the marriage amendment because it does not contain language saying religious organizations and clergy may refuse to officiate such unions. (Democrats say that language is not needed because churches and clergy already have that right under state law.) Reid said he would rather have the state simply repeal an amendment, adopted in 2006, that bans same-sex marriage. The ban is defunct but could become operative again if the Supreme Court reverses its 2015 ruling legalizing those unions nationwide. Reid, who has worked for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and with various veterans groups, lays out a conservative list of priorities on his campaign website: promoting learning over 'indoctrination' in K-12 schools, funding public safety, prosecuting 'rioters and looters,' enforcing immigration laws, defending religious liberty, reducing taxes and regulations, and opposing 'divisive wokeness.' Beside a photo of a George Washington equestrian statue outside the state Capitol, he vows to 'advocate for conserving our cultural landmarks.' While the site makes Reid's sexual orientation clear — referring to his longtime partner, Alonzo — it also stresses that he does not support trans rights. 'John is uniquely positioned to take the fight to the radical progressives head-on as he continues his fight against boys in girls sports and the extreme trans-agenda being forced upon our children,' it says. 'I think the gay rights movement has jumped the shark with the trans issue,' he told The Post. 'If you insist that something is factually true which is not factually true, I must draw the line there, even as a gay man.'
