The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

A new North Carolina energy report warns that electricity rates could rise as demand surges statewide, driven by population growth and expanding industry. In election news, a judge struck down an order related to the State Board of Elections, ruling the board violated its own procedures. Early voting continues across North Carolina, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter engageme...

The U.S. Department of Energy plans to invest $175 million in coal plant upgrades nationwide, including a North Carolina site, as part of broader grid reliability efforts. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections is investigating allegations of fake officials and fraud tied to voter registration drives. At the General Assembly, a House committee pressed Buncombe County leaders over DEI policies, wh...

North Carolina lost 7,200 manufacturing jobs in 2025, according to the state Department of Commerce, raising fresh concerns about economic headwinds in key industries. Early voting continues statewide for the 2026 primary as campaigns ramp up turnout efforts. A judge has clarified the scope of a protective order in the Zarutska stabbing death case, addressing disputes over records and access. From...

North Carolina is expanding apprenticeship opportunities using new federal workforce funds, aiming to strengthen job pipelines in key industries. In Union County, a targeted math tutoring initiative is drawing attention as a potential statewide model for boosting student achievement. Early voting has officially begun across North Carolina, key dates, rules, and turnout expectations as ballots are...

In this episode of The Carolina Journal News Hour, host Nick Craig discusses several statewide news stories. First, he talks to Teresa Opeika about a recent change in North Carolina's private property rights, specifically regarding navigable streams and the Registered Property Program. They explore the implications of the program's repeal and how it affects over 3,600 landowners. Later, Nick share...

Charlotte officials faced intense questioning before the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform as lawmakers examined public safety, accountability, and leadership within the city’s criminal justice system. District Attorney Spencer Merriweather defended prosecutorial decisions amid concerns over violent crime. Sheriff Garry McFadden was repeatedly pressed on enforcement of Iryna&rsq...

State Auditor Dave Boliek has launched a new commission aimed at modernizing North Carolina’s election data systems, citing the need for greater accuracy, security, and transparency. At the same time, the State Board of Education is calling for pay raises for school personnel while also raising alarms over potential cuts tied to the state’s voucher program. In Raleigh, Charlotte city o...

Newly released crime data shows continued improvement in safety across North Carolina public schools, reinforcing a positive statewide trend. On the sports front, at least 16 players with North Carolina ties are set to appear in the Super Bowl, highlighting the state’s deep football footprint. In state government, Auditor Dave Boliek is auditing his own office as part of a broader push for t...

A federal audit has flagged serious safety risks on Charlotte’s public transit system, raising renewed concerns about security, oversight, and rider safety. The audit findings come as state officials detail how more than $200 million in Hurricane Helene recovery funds are being distributed across affected communities. In election news, the North Carolina Board of Elections ruled that Dupre i...

North Carolina’s infrastructure received a C-minus grade in the latest civil engineering report, renewing concerns about roads, bridges, and long-term investment needs statewide. At the same time, the State Board of Elections is asking roughly 241,000 voters to verify their identity, part of an effort to clean up voter rolls and ensure accurate records. In Raleigh, a judge has ruled he will...

North Carolina has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for economic development in 2025, highlighting continued success in business recruitment, job growth, and capital investment. At the same time, applications are now open for the Opportunity Scholarship program, with enrollment already surpassing 100,000 students, underscoring growing demand for school choice across the state. In legal news, a hear...

North Carolina has begun cleanup efforts after a historic snowfall, with officials warning that hazardous travel conditions could persist for several days due to lingering ice and refreezing. To meet heightened demand during the cold snap, the Department of Energy has extended a waiver allowing Duke Energy to boost power output amid frigid temperatures. Meanwhile, a new court filing estimates that...

Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency ahead of a statewide snowstorm, urging residents to prepare for hazardous travel, power outages, and dangerous conditions as winter weather moves in. The day also brings sad news from the political community, with a candidate for the North Carolina House passing away suddenly, prompting tributes and condolences across party lines. Meanwhile, ne...

North Carolina continues to rank among the top three states for population growth, a trend that state leaders say is driving both economic opportunity and infrastructure strain. At the same time, bipartisan state and federal officials are increasing pressure on regional power grid operators to rein in rising electricity costs that are hitting consumers and businesses alike. President Trump also an...

A court order has forced state lawmakers to delay a scheduled hearing on crime in Charlotte, putting a temporary pause on legislative scrutiny tied to recent violence. Separately, a major Meta–Corning agreement is positioning North Carolina at the center of a growing AI infrastructure and data-center push, boosting the state’s role in advanced technology development. In education polic...

Cold temperatures are expected to start Tuesday morning across North Carolina as residents continue recovering from the weekend winter storm, though utility officials report power has been restored to most customers statewide. In Washington, Congressman Murphy has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening American cotton production and supporting domestic farmers. Following the storm, homeowne...

North Carolina is assessing impacts after winter weather moved across the state on Sunday, bringing a mix of snow, ice, and hazardous travel conditions to several regions. As cleanup continues, attention is also turning back to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, where a looming deadline approaches despite only 14 homes completed so far under the state’s aid program, raising concerns about pa...

State officials are urging North Carolinians to prepare now as the state braces for a potential major ice storm, warning of dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and downed trees. Duke Energy says crews and equipment are staged across the state as utilities prepare for possible widespread impacts. In policy news, Georgia has joined a new federal school choice program, increasing pressure in...

North Carolina has declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm, with officials urging residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and possible power outages. In higher education news, UNC–Chapel Hill announced a major campus expansion planned for 2027, aimed at supporting enrollment growth and research initiatives. Meanwhile, an ICE detainer has been placed on a man accuse...

President Trump is set to speak at the World Economic Forum as new concerns emerge over potential retaliatory tariffs from the European Union that could significantly impact North Carolina’s economy, particularly manufacturing and exports. A new state law is now in effect allowing North Carolina law enforcement to disable or take down drones deemed dangerous to public safety. In redistrictin...

Republicans have officially surpassed Democrats as the largest bloc of registered voters in North Carolina, a major milestone highlighted by new voter registration data and long-term political realignment trends. Analysts say the shift reflects growing numbers of unaffiliated voters and sustained GOP gains in recent election cycles. Meanwhile, renewed scrutiny is being placed on the North Carolina...

Federal authorities say the FBI has captured a Ten Most Wanted fugitive in Mexico after a decade-long manhunt, marking a major breakthrough in an international case. In higher education, a new UNC System policy requiring course syllabi to be posted online has officially taken effect, aimed at improving transparency for students and parents. Separately, a former Arizona U.S. senator is facing a law...

A judge has dismissed a petition seeking to remove the Mecklenburg County sheriff from office, bringing an end—at least for now—to a high-profile legal challenge over leadership and accountability. At the same time, North Carolina’s child care task force is focusing on workforce shortages and affordability concerns as demand for care continues to outpace supply. In disaster recov...

A hearing is scheduled for today on a petition seeking the removal of the Mecklenburg County sheriff. State officials have also outlined plans to distribute a $213 million rural health award, as lawmakers simultaneously consider possible SNAP waivers aimed at expanding flexibility in food assistance programs. Separately, a new analysis revisits the original promises of the North Carolina Education...

A hearing is scheduled for Thursday on a petition seeking the removal of the Mecklenburg County sheriff, a move that could escalate tensions between lawmakers and local law enforcement leadership. A new report warns that tariffs could have a major economic impact on North Carolina agriculture, potentially costing farmers up to $700 million and threatening 8,000 jobs statewide. Meanwhile, State Aud...