The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Trump’s latest round of tariffs is now taking effect. Governor Stein signed a stopgap spending measure to keep government running but vetoed a school choice bill. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation discussed efforts to clarify confusion surrounding North Carolina’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws. Meanwhile, a Carolina Journal opinion piece highlights how those laws can lead to...

Lawmakers are reviewing a new elections bill that would impose firm deadlines and tougher audit standards. Governor Stein says he will sign a “Band-Aid” mini-budget but continues to press for a full state budget. He also plans to request another FEMA disaster declaration in response to Tropical Storm Chantal. Senator Budd is calling on the U.S. Department of Labor to reverse Biden-era...

A new audit of the North Carolina DMV uncovers systemic problems and recommends separating the agency from the Department of Transportation. Mitch Kokai provides updates on several major legal challenges across the state. Meanwhile, victims of Tropical Storm Chantal are now eligible to apply for SBA disaster loans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Applications are now open for the third round of interest-free cashflow loans aimed at communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. State Auditor’s office transparency improves with a new internal budget dashboard. August brings increased tropical activity, and the state treasurer highlights early success in the OpenAI pilot program. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are urging North Car...

Michael Whatley officially announced his U.S. Senate campaign in Gastonia, marking the beginning of what’s expected to be a closely watched race. Meanwhile, Maggie Valley continues to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A new audit of North Carolina's Medicaid system is underway, and the state Appeals Court has upheld restrictions on Sunday hunting See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is set to announce his U.S. Senate campaign Thursday in Gastonia. At the legislature, lawmakers approved an interim spending plan as budget negotiations remain at a standstill. A new tax credit school choice bill has been sent to Governor Stein, and legislators continue to scrutinize the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery. Six additional veto...

The Trump administration has frozen $108 million in federal funds for Duke Health, citing allegations of systemic racial discrimination. In Raleigh, lawmakers voted to override multiple vetoes from Governor Stein—including on high-profile energy and regulatory bills—while Rep. Jeff Jackson dropped out of the U.S. Senate race and endorsed Roy Cooper. Stein responded by urging the legisl...

Former Governor Roy Cooper has officially launched his U.S. Senate campaign, setting up what’s expected to be one of the nation’s most watched—and expensive—races. Lawmakers return to Raleigh aiming to override 14 vetoes from Governor Stein. Meanwhile, the federal government is ordering Duke University to address serious allegations of racial discrimination, and SBA disaste...

Federal education funds are released to NC after being frozen. Sen. Tillis co-sponsors bipartisan legislation aimed at easing the housing shortage. A new U.S.-EU trade deal is reached. Former Justice Bob Orr seeks oral arguments in an elections lawsuit. And a pivotal week in NC politics looms with possible Senate announcements and veto override votes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

NC GOP Chairman Michael Whatley is expected to announce a run for U.S. Senate. Lawmakers return July 29 to consider veto overrides. North Carolina extends incentives to Eco King Solutions LLC and will host a new USDA regional hub under federal restructuring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NC Governor Roy Cooper is set to announce a run for U.S. Senate. Immigration arrests have surged 162% in North Carolina under the Trump administration. NC drivers now have a two-year grace period for license renewals. Meanwhile, a Charlotte-based home security firm secures a $189 million appeals court win. Advocates push to expand education freedom in the state. See omnystudio.com/listener...

A federal audit reveals serious delays at Charlotte’s USPS hub. The NC elections board approves changes for military and overseas voters. Lawmakers will return July 29 for veto override votes. A judge orders a $20K settlement and apology in a school free speech case. A new dashboard boosts budget transparency at the State Auditor’s office. Meanwhile, the U.S. strikes a trade deal with...

Congressman Harris pushes to repeal the NEA’s federal charter. North Carolina’s elections board begins collecting missing voter ID numbers, while a redistricting trial ruling won’t come until August. A Latin diploma confuses education officials amid a lawsuit over frozen federal funds. Meanwhile, residents in Enfield remain without power for four days. See omnystudio.com/listener...

North Carolina businesses are stocking up on imports ahead of possible tariffs. Senate leader Phil Berger builds a $1.8M war chest ahead of a primary challenge. Meanwhile, the USDA opens a trade mission to Mexico as NC college grads struggle in a tight labor market. And law enforcement groups back “smell searches” as the state Supreme Court considers their legality. See omnystudio.com/...

Governor Stein declares a state of emergency after Tropical Storm Chantal, while the State Board of Elections begins efforts to update missing voter data. Asheville’s mayor reflects on the city’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Sen. Harris introduces a bill to repeal the NEA’s charter, and Stein opts not to appeal a court ruling over Highway Patrol leadership. See omny...

A $2 million state grant helps bring the 2026 MLS All-Star Game to Charlotte, while a Duke Energy official says a Carrboro climate lawsuit could disrupt state utility rules. GOP members of Congress push back on Governor Stein’s objections to the federal reconciliation bill. Also, a new law opens alternative paths to CPA licensure in North Carolina. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

The Democratic National Committee is threatening to sue the North Carolina State Board of Elections over a plan to remove voters with missing ID information from the rolls. A new poll ahead of key U.S. Senate announcements outlines a possible path to victory for conservatives. North Carolina has joined other states in suing the federal government over frozen education funds. An audit found that DH...

The director of the North Carolina Zoo has passed away after a five-year battle with cancer, prompting tributes from across the state. Policy expert Dr. Andy Jackson is urging state and local officials to manage disaster relief funds more responsibly in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for Trump’s Education Department to proceed with planned layoffs. M...

The Duke Law Journal is facing backlash over allegations of racial bias in its admissions process. Meanwhile, several North Carolina cities have been ranked among the top STEM hubs in the country, highlighting the state’s growing tech influence. The pharmaceutical industry is preparing for the effects of new tariffs, while the USDA has opened applications for natural disaster relief to suppo...

The Trump administration is moving to limit foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, a change that could significantly affect agricultural holdings in North Carolina. Business leaders are celebrating after the state was ranked first in the nation for business climate, a point highlighted by NC Chamber President Gary Salamido. In healthcare news, Duke and UNC plan to build a joint children’s hospi...

Governor Stein has vetoed three bills, including measures focused on nonprofit donor privacy, squatter removal, and regulatory changes. The city of Mebane is facing a crisis following widespread damage from Tropical Storm Chantal. Nine individuals have been charged in North Carolina after a major health care fraud bust. Meanwhile, State Auditor Dave Boliek says the long-awaited DMV audit is just &...

Governor Stein visited flood-damaged areas in Alamance and Orange counties, urging residents to stay cautious as recovery begins. In response to a growing backlog, North Carolina drivers will now have a two-year grace period for license renewals. Former Representative Michael Wray has announced a bid to reclaim his House seat. Meanwhile, debate continues over the future of Medicaid expansion in th...

The U.S. has extended a trade deadline while increasing tariffs on goods from Japan and South Korea. Tropical Storm Chantal has caused historic flooding across central North Carolina, leaving behind widespread damage. Congressman Don Davis is reportedly exploring a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Thom Tillis. In Davidson County, a student has won a free speech case after being discip...

Tropical Storm Chantal has made landfall in the Carolinas, bringing heavy rain and wind to the region. Governor Stein has vetoed a series of anti-DEI bills but signed new legislation on licensure agreements and parental rights. As recovery from Hurricane Helene continues, communities like Black Mountain and Lake Lure face a long rebuilding process, though Chimney Rock is expected to reopen within...

A special Independence Day edition of the Carolina Journal News Hour with Nick Craig. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.