The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Early voting begins today across all 100 North Carolina counties ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with voters able to cast ballots through October 31. President Donald Trump is also preparing to return to North Carolina for an October 20 rally in Greenville, where he is expected to campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Health Plan is moving most Atrium Health providers out of network beginning January 1, escalating an ongoing dispute over healthcare pricing. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to break down everything voters...

Two Democratic members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections are questioning the accuracy of federal data identifying 1,599 registered voters as potential noncitizens. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the findings, concerns raised by board members, and the state's ongoing review of voter eligibility. Meanwhile, a new report from the Reason Foundation ranks North Carolina tied for last in the nation for public school open enrollment policies, highlighting the lack of statewide rules allowing students to attend schools outside their assigned districts. Daniel Trippie of the America First Policy Institute joins the program to...

Democrats have narrowly regained their position as North Carolina’s largest registered political party, surpassing Republicans for the first time since January, although unaffiliated voters remain the state's largest overall voting bloc. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail-in voting numbers, showing accepted absentee ballots running 23% below the same point in 2022. Meanwhile, North Carolina's Local Government Commission has voted to take control of the finances of Ronda and Rowland following ongoing financial management problems. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation discusses new filings before the North Carolina Supreme Court involving Gov. Jo...

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has signed legislation temporarily suspending the state's 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through November 30, while criticizing Republican lawmakers for not doing more to address the rising cost of living. Republican legislative leaders defended the measure as an example of the state's fiscal responsibility and commitment to providing relief for drivers. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Health Plan has filed a lawsuit against Atrium Health seeking to block a new pricing program, arguing it could threaten the plan's financial stability. Atrium maintains its program is designed to lower healthcare costs for state employees and retirees. Andrew Pomeranz...

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner is warning that Atrium Health’s new affordability program could accelerate financial problems for the State Health Plan by shifting additional costs onto taxpayers and plan members. Atrium maintains its program will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Meanwhile, new data shows teacher vacancies across North Carolina declined even before recently approved pay raises took effect. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail-voting numbers, showing turnout running nearly 20% below the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a Fo...

North Carolina lawmakers have approved a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax through Nov. 30, passing the measure 111-1 in the House and 41-0 in the Senate during Wednesday’s special session. The program features audio from the General Assembly as lawmakers debate the measure and its impact on drivers and transportation funding. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Instruction is asking the state for recurring funding to replace aging student laptops, with more than half of public school units reporting they lack sufficient replacement funding. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to disc...

North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh today for a special session focused on rising fuel costs, with the House and Senate scheduled to convene at noon as lawmakers consider a temporary suspension or reduction of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Donna King of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss NCInnovation’s board approving its fiscal year 2026 audit despite an ongoing dispute over how millions of dollars in research grant expenses were recorded. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation provides the latest mail-voting update, with accepted ballots running nearly 20% below the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Plus...

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is facing expanding scrutiny, with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office joining state and local investigations into matters involving the district, while the State Board of Education says it will take whatever actions are authorized if violations of state fiscal requirements are established. North Carolina lawmakers are also returning to Raleigh Wednesday to consider relief from high fuel prices, including a potential suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections plans to contact 1,599 registered voters identified by a federal database as potential noncitizens as officials work to verify their elig...

North Carolina lawmakers are returning to Raleigh this week to consider relief from rising fuel prices, including a possible suspension of the state gas tax. Meanwhile, the Senate Leadership Fund has paused additional advertising in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race between Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper. Congress has also cleared legislation authorizing the transfer of roughly 20 acres of Fort Bragg property to North Carolina for a new state veterans home. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a group’s claim that it identified more than 1,200 duplicate voter registration records across 10 of Nort...

A recently unsealed whistleblower lawsuit alleged fraud and misrepresentation involving North Carolina’s long-running Medicaid technology overhaul, although a federal judge dismissed the case in September for failure to state a claim; State Auditor Dave Boliek has separately relaunched an audit of the modernization project. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down the allegations and the state’s response. Meanwhile, Caterpillar is planning a $1 billion investment in Sanford to expand production of compact construction equipment. Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network discusses recent turmoil within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and its impact on students. Plus, a fe...

North Carolina House K-12 Education Committee Chairman David Willis says the state’s school funding model is “broken,” as education leaders examine whether the current position-based system should be overhauled. Meanwhile, NC Ports is targeting refrigerated and cold-chain cargo as a major opportunity in its five-year growth strategy, including expanded activity at the Port of Wilmington. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss State Treasurer Brad Briner and the State Employees Association of North Carolina renewing their support for a court challenge to the state’s certificate-of-need laws. Plus, federal regulators have issued the first U...

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis is warning that Republican “purity tests” and an emphasis on loyalty to President Donald Trump could create challenges for the party as it seeks to maintain control of the U.S. Senate. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail voting and voter registration numbers, including trends that could see Democrats again surpass Republicans in total registered voters in North Carolina. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation discusses voting-rights groups represented in part by the Elias Law Group seeking a preliminary injunction against North Carolina’s new mail-i...

North Carolina election officials are welcoming a U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the state to continue using the federal SAVE database to verify the citizenship status of registered voters, while officials say voters will not be automatically removed based on database results. Meanwhile, a new Wake County school library policy is drawing criticism from House Majority Leader Brenden Jones, who is promising a legislative response. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss scrutiny facing Democratic state House candidate Evonne Hopkins after she said she had used Flock camera data in her work as a family...

North Carolina is marking two years since Hurricane Helene devastated western communities, killing 107 people and causing nearly $60 billion in damage, while recovery and rebuilding efforts continue across the region. Governor Josh Stein has unveiled a long-term economic recovery plan developed with input from 28 counties and regional organizations, focusing on areas including infrastructure, housing, workforce development, tourism, agriculture, and economic growth. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a federal judge’s decision to delay former FBI Director James Comey’s arraignment until January 2027. Plus, North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh for a skeleton session, with...

Renewed flooding around Lake Lure is raising questions about downstream safety, dam operations, and emergency monitoring nearly two years after Hurricane Helene destroyed the town’s upstream flood gauges. Heavy rainfall this week prompted additional releases from the Lake Lure Dam and downstream warnings, though no evacuations were required. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program for a two-part look at North Carolina’s 2026 ballot, which includes races for U.S. Senate, Congress, the General Assembly and statewide courts, along with three proposed constitutional amendments. Plus, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is disputing a Politico report that it plan...

North Carolina’s mail-in ballot rules are facing a new federal lawsuit from voting-rights groups represented in part by the Elias Law Group. The plaintiffs are challenging guidance approved by the State Board of Elections covering ballot envelopes and signature verification, arguing the rules could result in lawful ballots being rejected; the board has previously defended the process as secure and workable. Meanwhile, nearly $23 million in interest-free loans is heading to western North Carolina communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss backlash over an “attack on US soil” comment from a Nort...

North Carolina’s election season continues to ramp up, with Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation providing his weekly look at absentee voting and voter registration trends across the state. Meanwhile, former Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for COVID relief fraud, while the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board voted 5-4 to terminate Superintendent Crystal Hill. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Wake County commissioners’ 5-2 vote approving the proposed Atrium-WakeMed combination, which still faces additional regulatory review. State Treasurer Brad Briner is criticizing the deal, raising concerns abou...

Vice President JD Vance campaigned in Greensboro for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley, using the rally to contrast Whatley with Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper and to promote the Trump administration’s agenda. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a judge’s ruling allowing a Chatham County data center project to proceed despite the county’s moratorium on new data centers. Plus, Wake County commissioners have approved changes allowing the proposed combination of WakeMed and Atrium Health to move forward following months of debate over the deal.

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Congressman Chuck Edwards has filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct against the bipartisan leaders of the House Ethics Committee, alleging they failed to follow committee procedures before recommending his censure. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Senate has created a new select committee to examine potential reforms to the state’s property tax system. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to examine the growing role of prediction markets in North Carolina elections and the questions surrounding their use. Plus, Vice President JD Vance is in Greensboro for a Republican midterm rally following President Trump’s visit to t...

The September Carolina Journal Poll provides a new snapshot of likely North Carolina voters heading into the final weeks before the November election, including views on the direction of the country and job approval for President Donald Trump and Gov. Josh Stein. David Larson of Carolina Journal breaks down the U.S. Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley, where Cooper leads 49.2% to 34.1%, as well as the North Carolina Supreme Court contest. The poll also finds roughly two-thirds of voters support each of the three proposed constitutional amendments, while measuring views on the Democratic Socialists of America and...

President Donald Trump returned to North Carolina to campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley, using his Gastonia rally to criticize Democrat Roy Cooper’s record on crime and the response to Hurricane Helene. The program also highlights remarks from Whatley and congressional candidates Laurie Buckhout and Jennifer Balkcom as Republicans rally supporters ahead of the November midterms. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss an appeals court ruling upholding the transfer of North Carolina election board appointment authority to State Auditor Dave Boliek. Plus, Butterball has agreed to pay $230,000 to settle a...

A U.S. House healthcare hearing in Charlotte examined Medicaid fraud and North Carolina’s certificate-of-need laws as lawmakers heard testimony about healthcare costs, competition, and oversight. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Gastonia, while First Lady Melania Trump highlighted resilience and artificial intelligence education during a visit to a North Carolina school. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with an update on absentee-by-mail voting as North Carolina moves closer to the November election. Plus, the State Board of Education is expected to decide in December on a proposed Catawba County school merger.

A federal investigation has found discrimination in admissions at Duke University’s medical school, raising new questions about admissions practices and federal civil rights requirements. Meanwhile, a newly released warrant provides additional details about an SBI investigation into possible embezzlement, while a steel company plans to invest $19 million in an expansion in Fayetteville. The State Health Plan is also adding 12 Atrium Health hospitals to its Access provider tier, expanding options for plan members.

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Nearly 60,000 North Carolina voters requested absentee ballots during the first week they were available as voting gets underway ahead of the November election. Meanwhile, the North Carolina DMV is preparing for a statewide rollout of mobile identification, even as questions remain over privacy and data security. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss backlash facing a North Carolina House candidate over comments describing an incident as an “attack on U.S. soil.” Plus, new polling shows former Gov. Roy Cooper continuing to lead Republican Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.

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North Carolina marks 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, remembering the lives lost and the lasting impact of that day on the state and nation. Meanwhile, Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva have agreed to a $455 million settlement resolving North Carolina claims tied to PFAS, or “forever chemical,” contamination. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a case before the North Carolina Supreme Court that will determine whether Attorney General Jeff Jackson can move forward with the state’s lawsuit against TikTok.

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North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek is raising new questions about how the North Carolina Education Lottery is taking in far more money than it did two years ago; however, the share of that money reaching public schools is not keeping pace, arguing the system is “probably not what you think it is.” Boliek joins the program to break down his office’s audit of the lottery and its findings. Meanwhile, former Gov. Pat McCrory toured a Wake County election facility and encouraged voters to have confidence in the state’s election process. Plus, North Carolina is moving toward an overh...

The National Republican Congressional Committee has added Jennifer Balkcom in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District to its MAGA Majority program as Republicans look to hold the western North Carolina seat. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s visit to rally North Carolina Democrats, where he urged the party to focus on the 2026 midterms rather than the 2028 presidential race. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation breaks down the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision blocking a lower court ruling that favored Roy Cooper and Democrats in a dispute over broadcast advert...

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved new absentee ballot guidance in a 3-2 vote as election officials prepare for voting ahead of the November election. Meanwhile, North Carolina Medicaid and the State Health Plan are taking different approaches to coverage of GLP-1 medications, highlighting the growing debate over costs and access to the popular drugs. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss state Sen. Bobby Hanig’s retirement from the General Assembly and what his departure means for the legislature.

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North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. will not seek reelection to his current seat, fueling speculation that he could instead pursue a run for chief justice. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss Berger’s announcement and what it could mean for upcoming statewide judicial races. Meanwhile, NOAA is planning a $64 million rebuild of its historic Beaufort laboratory. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation also breaks down the start of absentee voting in North Carolina as ballots begin going out to voters across the state.

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North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts are increasingly focused on addressing affordable housing needs in western communities still rebuilding from the storm. Meanwhile, the Greenville Police Department has scrapped plans to roll out Flock license plate reader cameras. The program also covers the U.S. House vote to censure North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards following a House Ethics Committee report, including Edwards’ remarks from the House floor. Plus, the State Board of Elections is considering new absentee ballot guidance after implementation of updated rules was delayed.

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North Carolina Medicaid is rolling out new work and renewal requirements that will affect some beneficiaries as the state implements changes to eligibility and continued coverage. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss Republican groups asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a Fourth Circuit ruling involving political advertising rules. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation examines how North Carolina’s 2026 early voting plans compare with those used during the 2022 midterm elections. Plus, the program previews the U.S. House censuring North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards over his conduct toward former female st...

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is bringing the Trump administration’s economic pressure campaign against Iran to Asheville as global finance leaders gather in western North Carolina. Meanwhile, FEMA has approved an additional $137 million for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts as rebuilding continues across the region. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Kalshi’s decision to suspend NC-1 congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout after she traded on the outcome of her own race. Plus, lawmakers are returning to Raleigh for a skeleton session of the General Assembly with no business expected.

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Asheville is preparing to host global finance leaders for a G20 meeting, putting western North Carolina in the international spotlight. Meanwhile, Fort Bragg has been selected to host an Army nuclear microreactor as the military explores new ways to strengthen energy resilience. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is claiming a legal victory after a judge blocked a USPS ballot rule that had drawn concerns over its impact on mail-in voting. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a new report finding North Carolina’s business tax climate remains among the strongest in the country. Plus, a new su...

Congressman Chuck Edwards is appealing directly to his House colleagues in a letter ahead of an expected censure vote stemming from the ethics investigation that preceded his decision to end his reelection campaign. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Labor Commissioner Luke Farley recognition of astronaut Christina Koch and her North Carolina roots. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal examines the growing role of prediction markets in North Carolina elections, including both their expanding reach and potential risks.

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Meta has agreed to pay North Carolina up to $645 million over allegations that its social media platforms harmed children, marking a major development in the state’s efforts to hold technology companies accountable. Meanwhile, a new High Point University poll shows Roy Cooper and other Democratic candidates leading in several key North Carolina races heading toward November. The program also examines newly released details surrounding Cooper’s decision to delay announcing a school reopening plan during the COVID-19 pandemic, including information that has emerged six years after the decision was made.

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North Carolina lawmakers are leaving several major policy fights unresolved until after the November election, setting up a potentially busy post-election session in Raleigh. Meanwhile, the UNC System is responding to calls from the Trump administration for higher education reforms by pointing to changes already implemented across North Carolina’s public universities. A lumber manufacturer is also planning a $40 million investment in Scotland County that is expected to create 43 jobs. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a Fourth Circuit ruling siding with Roy Cooper and Democrats in a dispute over FCC campaign advertising ru...

A Statesville family was featured at a White House event highlighting school choice, as the Trump administration continues promoting expanded education options for families nationwide. Meanwhile, two Lenoir County women have pleaded guilty in a $180,000 COVID-related fraud case. The program also examines concerns from CaptiveAire President Bob Luddy, who says tariffs are creating challenges for small businesses. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss state Sen. Bobby Hanig’s decision to retire from the General Assembly and what his departure could mean for the legislature.

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One year after the murder of Iryna Zarutska aboard Charlotte’s light rail system, the program looks back at the case and its lasting impact on public safety, criminal justice policy, and transit security in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein says DMV wait times have fallen 90% since summer 2025, while new school rankings show only one traditional public high school among North Carolina’s top 10. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss North Carolina joining a regional anti-fraud enforcement partnership with other southeastern states. Plus, a new report examines whether the expansion of universal school choice is b...

North Carolina cities are reconsidering youth curfews following a summer marked by several large teen takeovers and concerns about public safety, with Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal examining how local officials are responding. Meanwhile, a new report finds crime is generally declining in Raleigh and Charlotte, reflecting a broader drop in crime nationwide. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss more than 100 pages of new federal court filings pushing back against former FBI Director James Comey’s arguments in his North Carolina case. Plus, AmeriCorps has awarded $13.2 million to support volunteer and service programs ac...

Students from a Wake County public school traveled to China through an exchange program linked to the Chinese Communist Party, raising questions about the program and its connections. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a new report finding North Carolina’s business tax climate remains among the strongest in the nation compared with key competitor states. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation reacts to Governor Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 958 and the ongoing debate over the election reforms included in the legislation. Plus, AmeriCorps has awarded $13.2 million to support volunteer and service prog...