Spectrum News Washington Correspondent covering NC and national politics l Focused on Context l Story ideas: reuben.jones@spectrum.com
Washington, DC
- Tweets 16,066
- Following 3,435
- Followers 3,982
- Likes 4,952
Pinned Tweet
"Stupid on stilts."
Sen. Tillis rips into the new DOJ 'anti-weaponization' fund and calls it "tyranny."
Full Interview: specne.ws/ffdqcv #ncpol
34
482
1,835
107,417
I spoke with Republican Sen. Thom Tillis about President Trump's pardons of January 6 defendants...
"Anybody who is convicted of assault on a police officer, I can't get there, at all. I think it was a bad idea."
#ncpol
785
1,280
7,463
589,154
Jon Stewart is back outside the Capitol advocating with veterans for passage of the #PACTAct. @jonstewart @Burnpit360
25
435
2,034
Glad to see so many people clicking on the story regarding Indian boarding schools.
Please stay tuned as I will have a much bigger report on this important issue in the coming weeks.
101
221
1,404
NEW: An investigative report by the U.S. government looks into the devastating toll of Indian boarding schools on Native American communities.
Watch my full story here: ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/pol…
@NY1 @SpecNews1CLT @SpectrumNewsDC
128
787
1,280
The @VP stopped at Bayleaf Market in Raleigh with @RoyCooperNC.
It’s a small art gallery and artisanal store.
@KamalaHarris said she was buying pickles, barbecue sauce and fig preserves. #ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
24
216
1,231
82,787
A source close to Sen. Tillis shared some context with me on today's announcement to not run for reelection:
-Tillis had been leaning against running since the start of this Congress. Despite having announced a run, he was looking to make a final decision in August/September
-Tillis was looking for more clarity from Trump and Senate leadership on whether he would decide to run:
1) From Trump/White House: Would they give him flexibility to be an independent thinker in the Senate?
2) From Senate leadership: Would he have their full backing to protect him in a tough election?
-Reconciliation was a test to get that clarity
-Tillis would have supported the House’s version of the “Big Beautiful Bill”.
-He had spent a lot of time looking at the impact of the Senate's version of the bill on Medicaid in NC; the impact of provider tax cuts and cost-share changes were devastating.
He warned Senate leadership it would be a policy disaster. They didn't have his back.
-Trump's posts criticizing him this weekend were what Tillis was looking for: they provided clarity, showing he wouldn't have the flexibility to be an independent thinker.
-He moved up his timeline for not running
-Tillis is at total peace with the decision not to run
#ncpol
116
200
1,255
176,306
NEW:
The Governor’s Office tells me the White House has denied its request to extend the 100% FEMA match for eligible Helene recovery costs in NC.
@NC_Governor Stein had asked White House to extend match 180 days. Request was supported by majority of the delegation. #ncpol
39
402
1,192
199,438
BREAKING: Republican Dan Bishop concedes to Democrat Jeff Jackson in the race for North Carolina Attorney General. #ncpol
3
103
740
74,327
New members of Congress are being sworn in today.
I was with @JeffJacksonNC this morning as he entered his Capitol Hill office for the first time. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
20
43
691
45,733
NEW:
@NC_Governor Josh Stein signs onto statement with numerous other Dem governors following Trump/Vance/Zelensky meeting:
“Donald Trump and JD Vance used the sacred Oval Office to berate President Zelensky for not trusting Vladimir Putin’s word. Americans must protect our strong democratic values on the world stage instead of undermining President Zelensky’s work to fight for his nation and the freedom of his people after being invaded by Russia. We, along with millions of Americans, stand united with the Ukrainian people.”
#ncpol
98
171
632
29,025
"It has been determined that the increased level of funding...is not warranted.
Gov. Stein's office has sent me the official denial letter from FEMA.
The denial may be appealed within 30 days. #ncpol
64
188
520
954,486
The @VP and @EPAMichaelRegan just met with a first time homeowner in Charlotte.
He pays lower energy prices because of a community partnership. Harris is announcing similar benefits in her speech today. #ncpol @specnews1clt
65
100
354
52,838
NEW:
President Biden announces he's approved the deployment of 1,000 active-duty soldiers to reinforce the North Carolina National Guard. #Helene
13
103
312
19,900
BREAKING: I'm told by multiple NC/Capitol Hill sources that @GKButterfield will announce his retirement from Congress and he has informed @SpeakerPelosi.
Butterfield's office won't confirm or deny but says "the official announcement will be made later today or tomorrow." #ncpol
25
174
298
“She’s got an even better infrastructure built into the ground than Barack Obama did in 2008.”
The Harris campaign has invested lots of resources in the winning the battleground state of NC
Will it work? I traveled to NC to take a closer look.
WATCH: spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/tri… #ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
8
38
250
18,709
The @VP has arrived in North Carolina for her 8th trip to the state this year.
She was greeted by numerous NC Democrats including @RoyCooperNC @JoshStein_ and four NC Congressional Democrats (Nickel, Manning, Adams, Foushee). @SpecNews1RDU #ncpol
29
25
238
88,144
I’m traveling with @VP Kamala Harris today aboard Air Force 2 as she travels to Charlotte, NC with @SecretaryPete Buttigieg and @RepAdams to discuss the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Follow along for updates.
#ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
9
61
236
It's a full house in Charlotte as people prepare to hear from @SamaritansPurse President @Franklin_Graham.
3
20
221
#BREAKING: Madison Cawthorn has lost the NC District 11 Republican primary to Chuck Edwards, according to his campaign.
@SpecNews1MTN
13
41
184
BREAKING: The AP projects @TedBuddNC has won the North Carolina US Senate race.
He defeats @CheriBeasleyNC.
@SpecNews1RDU @SpectrumNewsDC #Ncpol
51
32
233
“I have that 2008 feeling.”
NC Governor @RoyCooperNC tells the crowd in Raleigh.
2008 is the last time North Carolina voted for a Democrat for president.
@SpecNews1RDU #ncpol
5
37
201
8,289
New:
The North Carolina State Board of Elections votes 3-2 that RFK Jr. will stay on the ballot despite ending his presidential bid and asking to be taken off of the ballot.
The board said because so many ballots have already been printed it would be too difficult logistically to remove his name.
@SpecNews1RDU #ncpol
10
55
180
49,087
“I found every single one of those to be false.”
Republican @RepChuckEdwards who has been trying to debunk myths around the response to Helene in western NC was asked about the spread of misinformation during a press conference yesterday. #ncpol
6
102
183
17,790
Sen. @ThomTillis testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee this morning to advocate for immediate federal disaster relief funding for North Carolinians impacted by Helene.
The White House has asked Congress to approve an additional $100 Billion generally for disaster relief.
NC Gov. Cooper is also in DC today taking part in meetings.
11
42
219
23,964
NEW: Following SCOTUS’s decision on affirmative action UNC-Chapel Hill says it will offer free tuition to incoming undergrads whose families make less than $80,000. @UNC #ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
8
48
171
51,807
NC Governor Josh Stein's office has now released an official statement.
"Today, I learned that FEMA refused our request to extend its 100% reimbursement period for another 180 days. I got this news while I was in Newland with families who lost their homes in the storm. The need in western North Carolina remains immense — people need debris removed, homes rebuilt, and roads restored. I am extremely disappointed and urge the President to reconsider FEMA’s bad decision, even for 90 days. Six months later, the people of western North Carolina are working hard to get back on their feet; they need FEMA to help them get the job done." #ncpol
5
61
211
23,983
Spectrum News was speaking with @Heritage President Kevin Roberts in a press gaggle as he learned former President Donald Trump named Sen. J.D. Vance his running mate.
Here's part of his reaction:
36
104
153
172,449
VP @KamalaHarris greets @PeteButtigieg and @RepAdams before boarding to head to Charlotte. #ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
6
53
153
Mac’s Speed Shop is handing out free meals to people voting early at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
4
19
161
NC Gov. @RoyCooperNC will be among the final speakers before Harris accepts the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday.
#ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
apnews.com/article/democrati…
33
153
8,734
Exclusive:
Former Republican Sen. Richard Burr tells me despite voting to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial, he will vote for him in November.
We discuss a lot in Burr's first TV interview in years.
Watch: specne.ws/2aBTdn
#ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
76
55
163
74,867
New:
Sen. Thom Tillis confirms to me he will kickoff his re-election campaign this week with a fundraiser with a group of Senate Republicans.
NC will likely be the most closely watched and expensive Senate race in 26.
Fundraiser first reported by @AudreyFahlberg #ncpol
More:
7
35
153
76,492
Here is video of @RepHudsonNC physically holding back Rep.-Elect Mike Rogers of Alabama on the House floor. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
16
50
126
232,468
Inbox: @ChuckEdwards4NC says the office of former Rep. Madison Cawthorn did not transfer official constituent casework and it’s received no response from @CawthornforNC or staff the past month.
Edwards is asking constituents with unfinished casework to call number 👇. #ncpol
10
69
126
46,106
Happening Now:
@VP Kamala Harris is meeting with state attorneys general, including North Carolina AG @JoshStein_, about the fentanyl crisis.
In 2021 NC had a record number of overdose deaths. #ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
4
38
124
7,991
(1 of 3) Personal News: After four amazing years in Charlotte I'm excited to announce I will be moving to DC next month to be a Washington Reporter for Spectrum News. My main focus will be for Spectrum stations in NC but I will also report for Spectrum stations around the country
26
4
133
ZERO CASES:
I was at @DavidsonCollege today where the school says it has no active student cases of COVID-19.
The school tests students once a week.
@SpecNews1CLT
2
25
127
"This extension is critical to make Western North Carolina whole and is in alignment with executive actions from previous storms..."
This was the letter to President Trump signed by the majority of the congressional delegation last month.
5
30
137
64,309
A line has already started to form outside Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte where Pres. Trump will hold a rally tomorrow evening. I’ll be LIVE at 9:00 with details on how his visit could impact the closely watched 9th congressional district race. @SpecNewsCLT
7
40
72
Inbox:
Former NC Governor Roy Cooper and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will speak at the NC Democratic Party Unity Dinner. #ncpol
5
16
131
34,791
Today is move-in day for the new members of Congress with them expected to be sworn-in later today.
I was with Rep-Elect @PatHarriganNC as he moved into his office for the first time today.
More tonight on Spectrum News. #ncpol
1
12
111
47,549
BREAKING: U.S. Supreme Court sides with the previous NC Supreme Court 6-3 in Moore v. Harper. This rejects the Independent State Legislative Theory.
Here's my story from December when the case was before SCOTUS for background. #ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
4
38
95
56,849
Inbox:
VP Harris will campaign in North Carolina on Wednesday (specific location not released yet).
Gov. Walz will campaign in Charlotte and Asheville, NC on Wednesday.
#ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
1
18
100
5,503
NEW:
President Biden announces an additional 500 active-duty troops with "advanced technological assets" will move into Western North Carolina to assist with Helene response and recovery efforts.
#ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
2
26
90
8,710
Inbox —> @RepJeffJackson will serve as the Vice Chair of the bipartisan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force this Congressional term.
The task force formed in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
21
90
6,452
I've reached out to the White House for a statement but a White House official told me last month the president was reviewing the request and would provide a determination "in the coming days as he continues to assess the needs and capacity of the state."
1
22
111
18,009
"We just can't address this without some help from Congress."
Transportation Sec. @PeteButtigieg told me yesterday the DOT doesn't have the money to fund all the needs from #Helene without Congress.
He hopes it's "swift."
WATCH the full interview: specne.ws/QUG5MK #ncpol
2
30
93
2,711
Statement from @RepChuckEdwards on the extension denial.
Edwards represents western NC and signed the congressional letter to Trump last month supporting the extension.
“A 100% cost share extension for 180 days is unprecedented. Instead, I’m focusing on other ways I can make a tangible difference in helping the citizens of Western North Carolina recover more quickly. This includes continuing to assist survivors with FEMA casework and working with the administration to find additional avenues to alleviate the financial stress our communities and the state of North Carolina are facing.” #NC11 #ncpol
9
18
98
29,714
Just wrapped up an interview with Transportation Secretary @PeteButtigieg. Tune in to @SpecNews1CLT @NCCapTonight tonight for more.
2
23
85
Hard to believe I’m marking 5 years with Spectrum News this month! 4 years in Charlotte and now a year in Washington DC.
11
2
92
New:
$800 million in grant money under the bipartisan infrastructure law was announced this morning to combat roadway deaths in the U.S.
Interview with @PeteButtigieg and more on how the money will be used below.
Story from me and @_AustinLandis: ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/new…
1
29
70
5,019
NEW: @MeckSheriff is removing the use of tear gas from its Use of Force Policy. @SpecNewsCLT
3
34
84
Inbox —> @POTUS will sign the #PACTAct into law Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the White House.
In attendance includes @DenisMcDonough @SecBecerra @SecMayorkas @SecretaryPete @SecDebHaaland.
1
21
77
New:
The Senate HELP Committee votes 12-11
to advance Linda McMahon’s nomination as Education Secretary to the full Senate. #ncpol
1
15
92
5,194
A number of people injured and two people killed in “mass casualty” incident in Bessemer City. One of the deceased is an off-duty Sheriff’s deputy. @SpecNewsCLT
4
46
79
A large share of the North Carolina Congressional delegation just held a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the officers killed in Charlotte.
@SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
2
15
86
3,436
He helped build the Rayburn building at the US Capitol. Now this barber is retiring after cutting the hair of lawmakers there for 51 years.
Story coming this evening on your local Spectrum News station.
3
13
64
New:
I spoke with NC Attorney General @JeffJacksonNC who joined 22 attorneys general in a lawsuit today asking the federal court for an immediate temporary block to prevent the Trump Administration's freeze on federal funds on loans and grants.
#ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
6
14
79
3,887
.@VP Harris has landed in Charlotte and is being greeted by @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and @CLTMayor Vi Lyles. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol @ViLyles
1
30
69
"I urge you to oppose this bill."
@NC_Governor Josh Stein sent a letter to the entire NC Congressional Delegation urging them to vote against the Republican spending bill.
Concerns include:
-Medicaid
-SNAP
-Manufacturing tax credits
Letter: governor.nc.gov/july-2-2025-… #ncpol
4
14
77
4,441
NEW —> An event will be held Thursday in Wake Forest, NC announcing $58 million in federal money for the Raleigh to Richmond railroad corridor.
In attendance: @RoyCooperNC @MitchLandrieu46 @RepDavidEPrice.
#ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
8
11
64
While early research shows #Omicron produces milder symptoms that doesn't mean COVID symptoms will necessarily go away quickly.
Dr. Fauci told me Omicron isn't different from other variants where 10-30+% of people will develop some form of long-COVID. @SpecNews1RDU
4
38
60
For the first time President Biden said publicly today that Russia President Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. @SpectrumNewsDC
6
21
52
NEW: President Biden plans to bring up Jamal Khashoggi's name in his meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince later this week, his widow tells me. She says White House officials assured her that in a meeting Tuesday.
Story from me and @_AustinLandis coming.
21
53
53
A @DavidsonCollege long jumper is preparing to travel the world to research how to tackle affordable housing in the United States. Tune in to @SpecNews1CLT next week for his story. @DavidsonWildcat
2
18
59
INBOX: NC US Senate candidate @JeffJacksonNC has put forward a five point plan to tackle climate change: link.medium.com/Mwv3A4gt3kb #ncpol
11
53
I’m traveling with the @VP today down to North Carolina to cover her campaign event in Raleigh.
The campaign says @KamalaHarris will deliver a speech focused on the economy and her agenda to “lower costs for American families.” #ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
4
11
54
2,827
New - - > @RepCawthorn is charged with driving with a revoked license. (first reported by @asheville)
This is a misdemeanor crime carrying up to 20 days in jail if convicted.
His court date is May 6.
He also has two pending citations for speeding. #ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
5
29
50
What does a Stay at Home Order mean?
These are the rules according to Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte:
@SpecNewsCLT
4
49
51
Honored to have won an Emmy Award this weekend in Nashville! My story was on the importance of testing untested rape kits. Thanks to the brave women who shared their stories with me. Here’s a link to the two-part story: spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/cha…
12
5
59
I received this statement from White House Spokesman Kush Desai on the extension denial:
"The fact that President Trump's first trip outside of Washington, D.C. during his second term in office was to visit Hurricane Helene victims speaks to his and the administration's commitment to the North Carolinians who were forgotten by the Biden administration.
President Trump pulled every lever of executive power to rapidly deploy the emergency measures desperately needed by North Carolina that only the federal government could provide. The administration has fulfilled this critical emergency role, and we continue to work with North Carolina officials to get the state back on track.” #ncpol
13
12
56
18,316
ICYMI: @TedBuddNC was sworn into the US Senate today. Standing behind him were Sen. Thom Tillis and now retired Sen. Richard Burr. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
9
8
55
6,084
I spoke with @RevDrBarber earlier today about voting rights legislation looking it will fail in the Senate. He's been advocating for the legislation. I also asked him whether President Biden did enough.
@SpecNews1RDU #VotingRights
5
15
44
New:
@PatrickMcHenry says if Richard Hudson didn't restrain Mike Rogers from Matt Gaetz on the House floor during the Speaker vote Kevin McCarthy would not be Speaker today.
Watch FULL story: ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/pol… #ncpol @RepHudsonNC
4
37
54
36,284
Tomorrow @VP Kamala Harris will travel to Charlotte, NC on the first anniversary of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
I spoke to her Domestic Policy Adviser, Carmel Martin, with a preview of what Harris will talk about. @SpecNews1CLT #ncpol
2
26
44
4,770
Dem. Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced numerous committee appointments for NC lawmakers:
Financial Services - @wileynickel
Agriculture - @DonDavisNC
Armed Services - @JeffJacksonNC
Science, Space, Tech. - @ValFoushee
@JeffJacksonNC
Transportation & Inf. - @ValFoushee #ncpol
North Carolina lawmakers are starting to get their committee assignments in the new Congress.
Follow 👇 for the latest committee assignments.
#ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
1
13
43
5,618
Last week this father of two was a professor.
Today, he's fighting as a Ukrainian soldier in Kyiv.
Hear from him tonight on your local Spectrum News station. @SpectrumNewsDC #ukraine
1
13
49
NEW (Thread) --> The @Interior dept. has just released part of its investigative report into the trauma created from Indian boarding schools.
Thousands of Native American children, often forced, attended the schools in the 19th and 20th centuries. One goal: cultural assimilation
1
39
41
BIG TRIP: A @DavidsonCollege athlete is preparing to travel the world. It's not a vacation. His goal: find approaches to affordable housing that can work in the U.S.
spectrumlocalnews.com/share/… @__numeroseis @DavidsonWildcat @SpecNews1CLT
1
15
48
Update:
@NC_Governor's office says FEMA has denied its appeal for 100% match extension for debris costs related to Helene.
Match will be 90%.
Stein says denial will potentially cost state hundreds of millions of dollars. #ncpol
FEMA letter, Stein statement:
Update:
@NC_Governor Stein has officially filed an appeal to FEMA's denial extending the 100% match for eligible Helene costs.
"I am writing to appeal this decision, which is already hampering our ongoing recovery efforts." #ncpol
7
32
50
9,147
While North Carolina's Republican senators supported the bipartisan infrastructure law no Republican House members in the state supported it. I asked @PeteButtigieg if that could impact the public perception of the law. #ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
1
11
38
INBOX: @RepAdams and @RepPressley send letter to President Biden urging him to declare public health emergency.
pressley.house.gov/sites/pre… #ncpol @SpecNews1RDU
2
14
39
.@KamalaHarris @PeteButtigieg @RepAdams @RoyCooperNC @ViLyles will head to the Charlotte Area Transit System’s Bus Garage to discuss the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law. #ncpol @SpecNews1CLT
2
11
40
Beasley and Budd had significantly different speeches tonight. While Budd called out Beasley, Beasley didn't mention Budd.
"While Wash. focuses on pointing fingers and passing blame, the people of North Carolina focus on working hard and getting things done."#ncpol@SpecNews1RDU
General Election race has begun.
"Cheri Beasley is the most radical, liberal candidate to run for US senate" in North Carolina -Budd #ncpol
4
11
39
UPDATE:
Judge issues preliminary injunction blocking Trump Admin. from pulling billions for public health depts
Lawsuit brought by 23 states, including @NCAGO Jeff Jackson
NC Health Dept. has said the cuts will cost the state $230 million.
apnews.com/article/public-he… #ncpol
2
19
48
2,852
I spoke with @PeteButtigieg today about tonight's debate. I asked him if he would like to be part of @JoeBiden's cabinet if he wins. @SpecNews1CLT
1
10
41
The @VP is at the @CATSRideTransit bus garage getting a tour and learning about electric buses. @SpecNews1CLT
2
15
38
New:
Joe Q cut the hair of politicians in the U.S. Capitol complex for decades.
Now the 88-year-old is retiring. He’s got a lot of stories to share.
Watch my story 👇
specne.ws/rZKvSU
16
39
Happening Today: @VP Kamala Harris is traveling to Raleigh to highlight the administration’s “investments in America’s small businesses.”
@RepDeborahRoss @ValerieFoushee @RepWileyNickel are traveling with her aboard AF2 (according to Nickel’s office). @SpecNews1RDU
17
41
3,301
