The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

A new audit of Rocky Mount finances found no evidence of double billing but did uncover unpaid utility bills tied to city officials, raising additional questions about local financial management. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s new state budget scales back tax incentives for data centers as lawmakers revisit the balance between economic development and taxpayer costs. Mitch Kokai of the John Loc...

The program recaps this week’s Council of State meeting, including North Carolina surpassing 100,000 new business registrations, updates on the state’s agricultural industry, and recognition of a Medal of Honor recipient. Katie Zehnder of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the new state budget’s elimination of vehicle emissions inspections for most drivers. Meanwhile,...

Governor Josh Stein has signed North Carolina’s $34 billion state budget into law just ahead of the deadline, with the program featuring extensive audio from the governor outlining the budget’s investments in education, public safety, Hurricane Helene recovery, and other statewide priorities, while also highlighting areas where he believes the spending plan falls short. Mitch Kokai of...

The North Carolina General Assembly has adjourned after approving the state budget, with lawmakers scheduled to return on July 27 to address remaining legislative business. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to recap the end of the session and what issues remain unresolved. Governor Josh Stein is expected to announce his decision on the budget, which includes repealing Certifica...

As summer tourism returns to western North Carolina, Lake Lure continues balancing a busy season with the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed several bills into law, including measures aimed at improving police retention and strengthening child protection. The program also looks at new Trump Accounts, a federal savings initiative that could benefit rou...

North Carolina lawmakers have given final approval to a $34 billion state budget, sending the spending plan to Governor Josh Stein for his consideration. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down the budget's key provisions and what comes next as the governor weighs whether to sign, veto, or allow it to become law. The budget also includes nearly $134 million for the dela...

The first round of legislative votes on North Carolina's new state budget have passed, featuring extensive audio from lawmakers on both sides of the debate. Republican leaders, including Speaker Destin Hall and other budget architects, outline the spending plan's priorities and defend its tax cuts, pay raises, and policy provisions. Democratic lawmakers respond with criticism of the budget's spend...

North Carolina lawmakers have unveiled the long-awaited state budget, with the program breaking down its biggest provisions and fiscal priorities. Brian Balfour of the John Locke Foundation joins the show to examine the budget's topline spending figures and overall framework. The discussion continues with a closer look at pay raises, tax cuts, and other major policy changes, followed by highlights...

North Carolina legislative leaders have reached a long-awaited state budget agreement, with votes planned before the July 4 holiday. Meanwhile, Duke Energy will reinvest $129 million into new generation and grid improvements after canceling its offshore wind lease off the North Carolina coast. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss the latest developments in the COVI...

Efforts to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of North Carolina’s concealed carry legislation remain stalled in the House as Republican leaders continue working to secure enough votes. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd says he cannot support the Trump administration’s latest funding request because it does not include additional Hurricane Helene relief for western North Carolina....

A wide-ranging elections bill has cleared the House Rules Committee but continues to face concerns from some Republicans as well as bipartisan criticism ahead of a possible floor vote. Meanwhile, members of the Lumbee Tribe have voted against a proposed casino development along I-95 in Robeson County, effectively ending the project. New polling also shows Roy Cooper holding a double-digit lead ove...

The North Carolina House voted to override several of Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes, including legislation dealing with immigration enforcement and DEI policies, audio and debate from the House floor. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a $450 million federal settlement with Chemours over PFAS contamination and chemical releases affecting North Carolina, New...

The Stanley Cup made a special stop at the North Carolina General Assembly as lawmakers welcomed Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Meanwhile, the state Senate is advancing legislation that would place new limits on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare billing and claims processing. Healthcare remains in focus as 11 North Carolina hospitals have been warned by the Tr...

The Charlotte City Council has selected Rob Harrington to serve as the city’s interim mayor, filling a key leadership vacancy in North Carolina’s largest city. Meanwhile, a new state audit reveals more than $61 million has been spent over three decades on the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge despite construction never beginning, raising fresh questions about transportation planning and ac...

Private sponsors are stepping in after North Carolina officially declined to participate in the America 250 Fair, ensuring some commemorative events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary will still move forward. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed legislation delaying new property tax valuations in certain counties, providing temporary relief from scheduled reappraisals. Senate leader...

A sweeping elections bill has stalled in the North Carolina General Assembly following criticism and pushback from lawmakers and outside groups, leaving questions about the measure’s future. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s military communities are set to benefit from funding included in the U.S. Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act. Katie Zehnder of Carolina Journal joins the...

The North Carolina House has unanimously approved the Dominique Moody Safety Act, legislation inspired by the tragic death of six-year-old Dominique Moody and aimed at strengthening child welfare protections. Audio from Rep. Carla Cunningham highlights the bipartisan support behind the measure. Meanwhile, new state audits have uncovered significant delays in unemployment benefit processing and ide...

Governor Josh Stein’s nominee to lead the Department of Public Safety is facing increased scrutiny from state senators over ethics concerns and questions surrounding her law enforcement record. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to examine House Bill 958, a wide-ranging elections measure that includes performance audits and other changes designed to strengthen oversi...

Legislative leaders are pushing back the timeline for finalizing North Carolina’s state budget, signaling that negotiations between House and Senate leaders remain ongoing. Meanwhile, JetZero has officially broken ground on its new Greensboro manufacturing facility, marking a major economic development milestone for the state. The Carolina Hurricanes’ run to the Stanley Cup Final is al...

General Assembly updates, incentive programs, budget framework and more on Monday's Carolina Journal News Hour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Updates on Decarlos Brown, Helene relief and funding, rising utility rates and more on the Carolina Journal News Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina lawmakers have sent a bill delaying certain property tax reappraisals to Governor Stein's desk, continuing a broader debate over property tax relief and local government revenue. Meanwhile, sports wagering continues to generate significant revenue for the state, with collections approaching $300 million since legal betting launched in 2024. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation...

State Rep. Sarah Stevens is stepping down from the North Carolina House to focus on her campaign for the state Supreme Court, creating another opening in the General Assembly. Meanwhile, new data shows that roughly two-thirds of Opportunity Scholarship funding is going to lower-income families, fueling continued debate over the state's school choice program. State Auditor Dave Boliek is also warni...

North Carolina lawmakers are asking the Mecklenburg County District Attorney to review whether criminal charges may be warranted against DSS officials following revelations uncovered during the Dominique Moody investigation. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss changes to the State Health Plan, including higher Medicare reimbursement rates and new provider tier structur...

Questions are growing about autism therapy providers in North Carolina following a New York Times report that raised concerns about practices at some clinics across the state. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Senate is reviving a study of open enrollment policies that could expand school choice options for families. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss an ongoing laws...