phil berger jr.

August 24, 2022 - The state's Democratic-controlled high court ruled that a legislature found to discriminate against Black voters doesn't have unlimited authority to propose constitutional amendments. The decision caps off a four-year legal battle over amendments approved by voters that mandate voter ID and lower the state's income tax cap.

December 2, 2021 - Voting rights groups have filed multiple lawsuits against North Carolina lawmakers over their new legislative and congressional district maps, which advantage the GOP. The state Supreme Court could have the final say on the cases, as well as another lawsuit challenging a gerrymandered legislature's authority. But before the court weighs in, it must deal with conflicts of interest.

September 13, 2021 - The North Carolina NAACP is challenging the racially gerrymandered legislature's authority to put a voter ID question on the ballot, which voters passed in 2018. The state's highest court has postponed arguments while it decides whether two justices closely connected to the legislature must sit out the case. 

October 14, 2015 - Accusing state regulators and the utility giant of "extraordinary efforts" to marginalize conservation groups' interests in addressing coal ash pollution, the Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a legal action seeking to overturn a controversial settlement reached without the groups' input or knowledge.