The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

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 Hanov...

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 th...

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 &ldqu...

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, citi...

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...

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&r...

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 rec...

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. Meanwh...

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 sugges...

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...

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 elec...

Officials are reviewing the results of North Carolina’s primary elections as counties prepare for Friday’s canvass and outline the rules that could trigger a recount in extremely close races. In municipal news, a new audit reports that Rocky Mount’s cash reserves dropped by $80 million under the city’s current management, raising questions about fiscal oversight. At the fed...

The razor-thin State Senate District 26 primary continues as challenger Sam Page expanded his lead over Senate leader Phil Berger to 23 votes after provisional ballots were counted, keeping the race under intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, FEMA has released $3.59 million in recovery funding for Burke County to support ongoing rebuilding efforts. In education news, a follow-up audit uncovered additional...

A shakeup at the State Board of Elections saw former Senator Bob Rucho resign, with Hawkins sworn in as his replacement. Meanwhile, the razor-thin State Senate District 26 race between Phil Berger and challenger Page remains unresolved, with 189 provisional ballots still to be reviewed. In DC, a Raleigh firefighter and Green Party candidate was arrested after disrupting a Senate hearing. In primar...

Analysts are breaking down the results from North Carolina’s 2026 primary elections, highlighting key takeaways and the races that will shape the general election. Attention is particularly focused on the razor-thin State Senate District 26 contest between Senate leader Phil Berger and challenger Page, where election officials are preparing to begin the recount and canvassing process. In leg...

Results from North Carolina’s 2026 primary are coming into focus, with major statewide and legislative races shaping the political landscape heading into the general election. In the U.S. Senate race, Roy Cooper secured the Democratic nomination and will face Republican Michael Whatley in November. One of the night’s closest contests came in State Senate District 26, where challenger P...

Primary Election Day is underway across North Carolina, with key statewide and congressional races drawing close attention as voters head to the polls. Officials are highlighting what voters need to know — from polling hours to ID requirements — while campaigns focus on turnout in competitive primaries. The State Board of Elections has named a new director of election security ahead of...

President Trump says U.S. operations involving Iran will continue until stated objectives are achieved, as tensions escalate following Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a move with major implications for global energy markets. Gas prices across North Carolina are reacting to the instability, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption could push prices higher. In el...

New results from the 2026 GOP Primary Carolina Journal Poll provide fresh insight into the U.S. Senate race and overall support for leading Republican's across North Carolina. The survey also measures President Trump’s approval among GOP voters, levels of MAGA alignment, and voter interest in participating in the upcoming primary. Additional findings examine Republican views on the state&rsq...

New data from the 2026 primary shows early voting trends taking shape across North Carolina, with turnout patterns offering early clues about voter enthusiasm and party engagement. At the same time, a newly formed modernization commission has begun work on overhauling North Carolina’s election systems, aiming to improve security, efficiency, and data integrity. In economic development news,...

The 2026 State of the Union placed tariffs front and center, with a focus on how trade policy is impacting North Carolina’s agriculture, manufacturing, and export sectors. The address also highlighted the rapid growth of AI data centers and the resulting strain on utilities and energy infrastructure, alongside ongoing challenges in single-family housing affordability. Public safety was anoth...

Tariffs dominated discussion at the 1st District GOP primary debate, as candidates sparred over trade policy and its impact on North Carolina industries. New data shows the cost of living in North Carolina is rising at a slower pace than the national average, offering some relief for households. Despite ongoing trade tensions, tariffs have left North Carolina’s overall trade deficit largely...

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot use emergency powers law to impose tariffs, delivering a significant decision on executive authority and trade policy. Reaction has poured in from political leaders and policy analysts across North Carolina and beyond. Meanwhile, a newly formed task force is examining potential changes to North Carolina’s school accou...

New crime data shows homicides are down in several North Carolina cities in 2025, signaling improvement after years of elevated violence in some urban areas. In international news with local impact, Asheville has been selected to host the 2026 G20 Finance Track meetings, bringing global attention and economic activity to Western North Carolina. Early voting continues statewide, with updated turnou...

Tensions grow in Raleigh as lawmakers and state officials clash over the pace of Hurricane Helene recovery projects, with concerns raised about delays and accountability. On the federal front, former North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker was named to a Trump State Department role focused on global religious freedom. The Department of Public Instruction is also preparing updates to math standards...