The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Local officials say Charlotte’s recent immigration crackdown has concluded after hundreds of arrests, though DHS maintains that Operation Charlotte’s Web is still ongoing. A sweeping audit of NCORR outlines major failures in the state’s disaster-recovery agency, prompting State Auditor Dave Boliek to label the program a “third disaster” on top of the hurricanes it was...

Operation Charlotte’s Web has now led to more than 250 arrests as CBP continues its concentrated enforcement push in Charlotte. Federal judges are preparing to consider an injunction request that could halt North Carolina’s newly approved congressional map ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The ongoing CBP operation is also drawing attention to North Carolina’s troubling rank as n...

CBP operations in Charlotte and Raleigh have now resulted in more than 200 arrests, as federal officials continue targeting criminal illegal aliens across both cities. In High Point, a local councilwoman has been selected to replace former Rep. Cecil Brockman in the North Carolina House following his resignation. The USDA has released a second round of disaster relief funding to help farmers recov...

CBP operations in Charlotte have now resulted in more than 130 arrests, with Governor Stein confirming that additional federal agents are also being deployed to Raleigh. A new audit reveals that billions in federal COVID-19 relief dollars remain unspent in North Carolina as the federal deadline to use the funds approaches. Meanwhile, Governor Stein and Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey are jointl...

The Department of Homeland Security has launched Operation Charlotte’s Web, a large-scale enforcement effort targeting criminal illegal aliens in Charlotte. So far, 81 arrests have been made, with DHS citing violent offenders among those detained. Governor Josh Stein released a statement emphasizing the need for local, state, and federal coordination to ensure safety while upholding due proc...

The November Carolina Journal Poll shows a divided outlook among voters, with mixed opinions on the direction of both the country and North Carolina, as well as Americans’ personal financial situations. The poll also measures job approval ratings for President Trump and Governor Josh Stein, revealing strong partisan divides in both cases. In potential 2026 U.S. Senate matchups, the survey fi...

The federal government has officially reopened after a record-breaking shutdown, ending weeks of economic disruption and uncertainty for federal workers and contractors. In major economic news for North Carolina, Toyota has opened its first U.S. electric vehicle battery plant in Liberty, marking a milestone investment in the state’s growing clean-energy and manufacturing sectors. Meanwhile,...

Customs and Border Protection could be reassigned to Charlotte as part of a federal security initiative, while President Trump has issued pardons to former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and attorney Sidney Powell in the 2020 election-interference case. Governor Josh Stein is calling on the General Assembly to fully fund the Medicaid rebase to prevent service disruptions and ensure stability in state...

After 41 days, the U.S. Senate has voted to end the federal government shutdown, breaking the longest stalemate in history. North Carolina has dropped to 13th place in the latest Tax Foundation business climate rankings, marking a slight decline in competitiveness. The state has also expanded access to care and support services for more than 600,000 veterans and their families. Meanwhile, U.S. Att...

Senate Democrats have agreed to a compromise that clears the way for reopening the federal government after over a month-long shutdown, marking a breakthrough in negotiations. Andy Jackson from the John Locke Foundation discussed the 2026 Civitas Partisan Index, outlining what 2026 elections could look like for the North Carolina General Assembly. Meanwhile, Congressman Dan Bishop remains on track...

Lawmakers are urging Governor Stein to deploy the National Guard to Charlotte amid rising crime concerns, citing strained local law enforcement resources. Congressman Dan Bishop is expected to be appointed U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, marking a significant federal shift for the longtime Mecklenburg County Republican. FEMA has approved $155 million in additional funding...

The North Carolina Rate Bureau has filed for a 68% increase in dwelling insurance rates, citing rising repair and replacement costs. A Durham-based rare-earth start-up has secured a $1.4 billion federal investment aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on Chinese minerals. State leaders have embarked on a trade mission to Asia to strengthen economic ties and attract new investment to North Carolin...

Charlotte’s municipal elections delivered Democrats decisive results Tuesday night, with key races shaping the city’s political direction for the next term. Across the country, voters in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City also cast ballots in high-profile contests that could signal trends ahead of 2026. Meanwhile, North Carolina legislators are moving to dismiss challenges to the...

It’s Election Day 2025 across North Carolina, with voters heading to the polls in more than 550 municipalities to decide local races for mayor, city council, and other offices. The State Board of Elections is upgrading its election management software and reminding local officials to use caution on social media to avoid misinformation or bias. Early reports indicate low voter turnout, contin...

Representative Cecil Brockman has resigned after House leaders formed an expulsion committee following his arrest on taking indecent liberties with a child. Meanwhile, an alleged cash-for-votes scheme tied to Wilmington’s municipal elections is under investigation. North Carolina’s food banks are set to receive an $18 million boost as SNAP payments face a temporary pause during the fed...

North Carolina voters are reporting incorrect voter registration notices. Charlotte has been ranked among the top U.S. cities for property crime, raising concerns about public safety in urban areas. Trade experts say President Trump’s decision to reduce tariffs on South Korean autos will likely benefit North Carolina consumers by lowering vehicle prices. Meanwhile, the redistricting lawsuit...

President Trump has announced a reduction in tariffs on China after President Xi committed to tougher fentanyl enforcement and a pause on rare-earth exports. Despite the move, North Carolina’s imports of rare-earth metals from China have surged, reflecting ongoing supply chain concerns. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Supreme Court has stayed Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s lawsuit again...

As the federal government shutdown nears the one-month mark, North Carolina continues to feel widespread impacts — from delayed projects to federal employee furloughs. The state’s rainy-day fund has declined, dropping North Carolina in national financial rankings, according to a new report. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey discussed how global weather events are influencing homeowner...

Plaintiffs linked to Democratic attorney Marc Elias are preparing to challenge North Carolina’s newly approved congressional map. The NAACP has also announced plans to add the map to its ongoing redistricting lawsuit, while the State Board of Elections is seeking a resolution by December 1 to avoid disrupting the 2026 election timeline. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Democratic Party has call...

A deeper dive on the new NC congressional map, appeals court upholds hate crime ruling & more on Monday's Carolina Journal News Hour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are escalating in Raleigh as lawmakers remain deadlocked over the Medicaid rebase, with funding disputes threatening to delay reimbursements to hospitals and care providers. Enrollment in North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship program has surged to nearly 100,000 students, highlighting growing demand for school choice. Following the approval of new congressional maps, attention no...

North Carolina lawmakers have officially approved new congressional districts, completing the 2026 redistricting process. Debate on the House floor reflected deep partisan divisions as Democrats objected to the new map’s structure, while Republicans defended it as constitutionally sound. Governor Josh Stein commented on the plan, calling it a disservice to voters and warning of potential leg...

The North Carolina Senate has approved a new congressional map, with the House expected to give final approval today. Lawmakers also passed a funding package that directs resources toward storm recovery, public schools, and infrastructure projects statewide. A separate proposal would tighten guidelines for pretrial release, aiming to keep violent offenders in custody longer before trial. Meanwhile...

The North Carolina Senate has advanced a new congressional map, with Sen. Ralph Hise defending the proposal as fair and compliant with state law. The DMV has reported a major spike in online renewals following a recent law change allowing drivers to renew licenses without a REAL ID. North Carolina’s export economy continues to grow, with pharmaceuticals now surpassing other industries to bec...

Attorney General Jeff Jackson has joined an EPA lawsuit challenging the federal government’s cancellation of a solar energy program, citing potential harm to North Carolina’s clean energy sector. In Raleigh, a state senator has been charged with DWI, while a new undercover report reveals that DEI initiatives remain active within city government. Lawmakers have also unveiled a draft con...