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The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT focuses on state-wide news, politics, and business stories that impact the lives of the residents of Charlotte and all of North Carolina utilizing the exceptional resources of The Carolina Journal.
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A new North Carolina audit of federal grants has flagged cost overruns and reporting concerns, raising questions about oversight and accountability in how funds are managed. Hurricane Helene recovery remains a major focus, with $60 billion in damage far exceeding available aid, even as Rutherford County receives $9.39 million in reimbursements and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin plans a visit to the Asheville area. In politics, a GOP Super PAC is committing $71 million to support Michael Whatley as the U.S. Senate race intensifies. Meanwhile, the State Auditor will take on an oversight role in Charlotte’s $650 million stadium renovation project, adding scrutiny to one of the city’s largest investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new poll shows a widening partisan divide over the war with Iran, highlighting growing political tensions on foreign policy. In North Carolina, Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue to lag as an estimated $60 billion in damage far outpaces available aid, with officials warning of long-term rebuilding challenges. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin is scheduled to visit western North Carolina this week to assess recovery efforts. In energy policy, state senators are seeking federal assistance to evaluate solar projects amid concerns over costs and reliability. Meanwhile, reactions continue to pour in following the end of the 32-year Leandro school funding case, with sharp divisions over what the ruling means for education moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The North Carolina Supreme Court has dismissed the long-running Leandro school funding case, bringing an end to a 32-year legal battle over education funding and constitutional obligations. The decision is drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics, with major implications for future education policy and funding debates. Meanwhile, the Local Government Commission has delayed a potential takeover of Rocky Mount’s finances, instead setting conditions the city must meet to avoid further state intervention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New prospects are emerging for North Carolina’s next Senate leader, setting up a potential reshaping of power in Raleigh. In recovery news, Rutherford County has been reimbursed $9.39 million for Hurricane Helene efforts, as lawmakers convene a subcommittee hearing focused on ongoing response and recovery. In legal developments, a gun rights group is backing a defendant in a Second Amendment case now before the North Carolina Supreme Court. Meanwhile, some lawmakers are pushing back on the Department of Public Instruction’s latest math report, calling for a return to traditional textbooks in classrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor Josh Stein is warning of a projected $2.8 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, raising concerns as lawmakers continue to debate spending priorities and tax policy. At the same time, North Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban as wildfires continue to rage across western parts of the state, with officials urging caution amid dangerous conditions. In legal news, a court has officially certified Dial as the winner of the 2023 Pembroke mayoral race, bringing a lengthy election dispute to a close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Wilmington man has been charged with illegally voting despite being a convicted felon serving a child pornography sentence, raising renewed concerns about election integrity enforcement. In a separate legal ruling, a federal judge has upheld a North Carolina law modifying same-day voter registration rules. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections has received more than 15,000 public comments on proposed rules regarding noncitizen voting safeguards. An op-ed also explores what state governments can learn from Las Vegas casinos, plus an update on wildfires burning across North Carolina, as officials continue monitoring conditions and containment efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban as dry conditions raise wildfire concerns, with officials urging residents to avoid outdoor burning. At the federal level, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and other state AGs are pressing Congress to refund tariffs they argue were unlawfully collected. A new audit finds significant delivery gaps in North Carolina’s ABC system, despite generating more than $1.4 billion in revenue. In western North Carolina, a key access road to Bat Cave has reopened 18 months after Hurricane Helene, marking a milestone in recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Republican members of Congress are urging DHS to address delays and bottlenecks in Helene-related funding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest Carolina Journal poll explores a range of political issues, including the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, the General Assembly, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Carolina’s latest revenue forecast is trending upward, but lawmakers are warning that rising Medicaid costs and planned tax cuts could still strain the state budget. In business news, Cary-based Epic Games is cutting 20% of its workforce following a slowdown tied to Fortnite’s performance. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections has certified the 2026 primary results, with audits confirming accuracy and integrity. In energy policy, a major offshore wind project off the NC coast has been scrapped after the Trump administration canceled federal leases, while community college enrollment has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The USDA also announced a new voluntary “Product of USA” labeling program aimed at increasing transparency for consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a recount confirmed Sam Page’s narrow victory, Phil Berger has officially conceded in the closely watched State Senate District 26 race, bringing an end to one of the tightest contests in North Carolina history. In Raleigh, NC House lawmakers are calling on the Attorney General and DHHS officials to testify as questions grow around Medicaid policy and oversight. Meanwhile, in New Hanover County, the elections director has been placed on leave as the local board moves toward possible removal, adding to ongoing tensions within the county’s election administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Carolina lawmakers are investigating a sharp rise in autism therapy costs, raising concerns about access, insurance coverage, and oversight of providers. In legal news, the U.S. Supreme Court will not review a North Carolina Supreme Court decision involving the release of body camera footage, leaving the lower court ruling in place. A separate case continues as a Libertarian voter appeals the state’s “ballot selfie” law, challenging restrictions on photographing ballots. In business news, PSA Airlines has opened a new headquarters in Charlotte, bringing jobs and expanding the region’s aviation footprint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phil Berger is now calling for a hand recount in his razor-thin race against Sam Page, escalating the post-election battle as the margin remains extremely tight. Meanwhile, former Lt. Governor Mark Robinson has broken his silence in a new interview, addressing a recent scandal and acknowledging personal failures. At the same time, Governor Josh Stein is continuing his push for a $1.4 billion “critical needs budget,” emphasizing public safety as a key priority in ongoing negotiations with lawmakers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The recount in the State Senate District 26 race has concluded with Sam Page maintaining his narrow lead over Phil Berger, leaving the outcome unchanged as ballot disputes continue to play out. Berger’s team is still pursuing formal protests over specific ballots, keeping the race in focus. Meanwhile, the State Fire Marshal is warning of an increased wildfire risk across North Carolina, citing dry conditions and urging residents to use caution. In election policy, the state’s modernization commission is making progress on overhauling North Carolina’s campaign finance system, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
VinFast says it will restart construction on its North Carolina facility, though the company is significantly scaling back hiring expectations, raising new questions about the project’s long-term impact. In state news, Rep. Mike Clampitt has passed away after a battle with cancer, prompting tributes from colleagues across North Carolina. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections has rejected a petition to change voter ID rules, keeping current requirements in place. In energy policy, North Carolina senators are seeking federal assistance to evaluate solar projects, as concerns grow over costs, reliability, and oversight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Senate leader Phil Berger has officially requested a recount in the razor-thin State Senate District 26 race after challenger Sam Page maintained a narrow lead through the county canvass. Berger’s campaign is also challenging 13 ballots, arguing irregularities could impact the final outcome. Meanwhile, a new analysis of property tax trends shows significant revenue growth in North Carolina’s most populous counties, raising questions about rising tax burdens and long-term sustainability for homeowners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tensions are rising in the razor-thin State Senate District 26 race as Phil Berger’s recount team claims some voters may have received the wrong ballot, an allegation strongly disputed by the Page campaign. With the recount request deadline today, the outcome of the race remains uncertain. Meanwhile, a GROW NC panel is exploring the creation of disaster investment zones aimed at boosting recovery and economic development in storm-impacted areas. In legal news, former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is seeking dismissal of a North Carolina alienation of affection lawsuit, adding a high-profile twist to the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Level 4 out of 5 severe weather risk is in place across much of North Carolina today, with forecasters warning of the potential for damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail. In election news, challenger Page maintained a 23-vote lead over Senate leader Phil Berger after official results were finalized during the county canvass, though Berger still has until tomorrow to request a recount. Meanwhile, North Carolina has been selected for a pilot program testing electric air taxis to help expand access to rural health care, a project aimed at improving emergency and specialty care transportation. Vice President JD Vance also visited the state, commenting on North Carolina political figures including Congressman Don Davis and former Governor Roy Cooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak in Rocky Mount Friday afternoon as political attention turns to North Carolina following the recent primary elections. Counties across the state are conducting their official canvass today, which could finalize the razor-thin State Senate District 26 race where challenger Page holds a 23-vote lead over Senate leader Phil Berger. A new study also suggests public school students tend to see academic gains when school choice options expand. Meanwhile, Governor Stein has joined other governors urging Congress to reclaim authority over tariffs, and Republicans are seeking a court ruling to block so-called “never residents” from voting in North Carolina elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Carolina leaders have launched a new commission to review the state’s public education system, signaling a fresh look at policy, performance, and future reforms. Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene recovery efforts are facing new challenges as officials warn a funding gap for water infrastructure could slow rebuilding projects. In law enforcement news, a $12.7 million Medicaid fraud scheme has been uncovered, raising broader concerns about oversight within the program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor Josh Stein is urging lawmakers to approve a $1.4 billion “critical needs budget,” arguing the funding is necessary to keep key state services operating while the broader budget stalemate continues. On foreign policy, Senator Ted Budd voiced support for President Trump’s approach toward Iran, backing the administration’s strategy amid rising global tensions. In election law, a federal judge has upheld North Carolina’s ban on ballot selfies, ruling the restriction is intended to prevent vote buying and protect election integrity. Meanwhile, North Carolina has received a record $52.9 million federal grant to support charter schools, the largest such award in the state’s history, aimed at expanding or launching dozens of charter programs over the next five years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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