The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

A North Carolina federal grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges he allegedly threatened President Trump, adding a major development to an already high-profile case. In state politics, Sen. Terence Everitt has resigned from the North Carolina Senate, creating a vacancy in the General Assembly. Meanwhile, a new schools commission has begun work as student proficiency cont...

Mecklenburg County has now seen its second Democratic state lawmaker switch to unaffiliated, signaling continued shifts in North Carolina’s political landscape. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is urging businesses to apply for refunds tied to federal tariffs, saying companies may be eligible for relief. Meanwhile, State Treasurer Brad Briner is launching new internships and school-based clubs...

State Rep. Carla Cunningham has left the Democratic Party and registered as unaffiliated, marking another high-profile party switch in North Carolina politics. Meanwhile, new FEMA funding is being directed toward closing recovery gaps in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein’s proposed budget is drawing criticism after estimates show it could remove roughly 6...

The House Oversight Committee pressed Chapel Hill-Carrboro Superintendent Rodney Trice over district policies and compliance issues, as lawmakers intensify scrutiny on local school systems. A proposed bill would cut funding for districts that violate the Parents’ Bill of Rights, raising stakes in the ongoing education debate. In legal news, school boards involved in the Leandro case are seek...

North Carolina House and Senate leaders have reached a deal on Medicaid funding and oversight reforms, marking a key breakthrough early in the short session. The agreement comes as a JDIG incentive is being used to support a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Durham, boosting economic development. Meanwhile, school districts across the state are adjusting schedules ahead of a planned May 1 teacher pro...

Governor Josh Stein is proposing a $3 billion spending increase that includes pay raises, targeted tax cuts, and a freeze on new school vouchers, setting up a major policy debate with lawmakers. The plan comes as the 2026 General Assembly short session gets underway, though no veto override votes were taken on the first day. Legislators are also pushing back in court against a challenge to northea...

Legislative leaders have launched a probe into early prisoner releases during the Cooper administration, raising questions about public safety and oversight. Meanwhile, state agencies are reportedly slow to address job vacancies flagged in a recent audit, prolonging concerns about staffing shortages and efficiency. Another audit found North Carolina community colleges used some Hurricane Helene re...

Lake Lure is set to reopen 19 months after Hurricane Helene, marking a major milestone in recovery as the region continues to rebuild. The USDA is also making $221 million in timber relief funding available starting April 20 to support impacted landowners. In Raleigh, Senate leader Phil Berger is outlining priorities and calling for unity ahead of the 2026 short session, which is set to begin this...

North Carolina’s elections board has approved new rules related to noncitizen voters following a heated public debate and thousands of comments. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana after a new panel report, signaling a potential policy shift in the state. In energy news, Duke Energy is seeking a rate hike after increased demand tied to the...

New campaign finance reports show Roy Cooper significantly outraised Michael Whatley in Q1, bringing in $13.8 million compared to $5 million, as the North Carolina Senate race gains national attention. The Cook Political Report has also shifted the race from a toss-up to lean Democrat, signaling changing dynamics heading into the general election. In policy news, a House committee has advanced a p...

A new report is calling for reforms to North Carolina’s involuntary commitment and mental health treatment system, citing gaps in care and rising demand for services. Meanwhile, a study shows the state continues to grow rapidly, with a new resident moving to North Carolina every seven minutes, adding pressure to housing, infrastructure, and services. In legal news, the North Carolina Supreme...

Ferguson has been selected to fill a vacant North Carolina House seat, adding a new voice to the General Assembly. Meanwhile, the State Treasurer is expanding the use of artificial intelligence within government operations after strong results from a pilot program. Governor Stein’s proposed data center tax plan is drawing increased attention from lawmakers as they weigh economic incentives a...

North Carolina is reflecting on its history as the Halifax Resolves mark 250 years, highlighting the state’s early role in American independence. In education, concerns are growing as the school construction fund is being stretched, with a shrinking share of lottery revenue contributing to funding pressures, as lawmakers prepare to return to Raleigh next week. In economic development news, V...

State lawmakers are pressing NCDHHS officials and hospital leaders over access to rural health care, as concerns grow about service gaps and long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, a House Oversight Committee has summoned school leaders to testify over library book policies, escalating ongoing debates around content and standards in public schools. In federal court, a multi-state challenge to Trump-e...

Senator Ted Budd hosted the new DHS Secretary and is calling for greater efficiency and accountability within FEMA, particularly as North Carolina continues recovering from Hurricane Helene. In a major legal development, the suspect in the Iryna Zarutska murder case has been ruled “incapable to proceed,” pausing prosecution as questions shift to competency and next steps. Meanwhile, th...

The Anson County Board of Elections is alleging years of mismanagement by its director, raising concerns about oversight and election administration at the local level. In education news, a record 54% of North Carolina public school graduates are completing college-level coursework, signaling continued progress in academic readiness. Meanwhile, Republicans and the State Board of Elections have res...

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 th...

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 thi...

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 poten...

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...

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...

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 p...

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 m...

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...