North Carolina Governor Josh Stein answered questions for the first time on Thursday about a conversation he had with a Republican lawmaker in December who was weighing whether to side with Democrats on a controversial bill as he sought a top job in Stein’s new administration.

Governor Josh Stein signed five executive orders to support recovery efforts following Helene's impact on western North Carolina.

Three hours away, Stein’s successor, Attorney General Jeff Jackson was sworn into his new role during a private ceremony in Charlotte. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green took his oath in Jamestown.