The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

The U.S. Department of Labor has released a new rule revising how farmworker wages are calculated, a move expected to impact both agricultural employers and seasonal workers across North Carolina. Lawmakers in Raleigh have unveiled a proposed congressional map, setting up another round of political debate and possible court challenges ahead of 2026. Meanwhile, many homeowners affected by Hurricane...

The North Carolina State Health Plan has issued a response following a recent court ruling in the transgender care case, outlining next steps as legal challenges continue. In-person early voting for municipal elections begins Thursday across the state, with several key local races drawing attention. A new state program has eliminated $6.5 billion in medical debt for roughly 2.5 million North Carol...

The U.S. Senate’s defense authorization bill includes significant funding for North Carolina’s military installations, providing support for base upgrades and infrastructure improvements. Lawmakers in Raleigh are set to revisit congressional maps next week, a move expected to reignite partisan debate over redistricting. Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the 2025 North Carolina St...

North Carolina lawmakers plan to reconvene next week to revisit congressional district maps, a move that could spark another round of political and legal battles ahead of the 2026 election. Several new state laws also take effect in October, including one that allows drivers to renew licenses online without a REAL ID. Meanwhile, Senator Thom Tillis has asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investiga...

All 20 surviving hostages have been freed by Hamas as part of the Trump-brokered peace deal, marking a major step toward stability after two years of conflict in Gaza. In North Carolina, Representative Cecil Brockman has been charged in a child sex case, with prosecutors alleging he lived with the victim for months. The NC Craft Brewers Guild is reflecting on one year of recovery since Hurricane H...

North Carolina Representative Cecil Brockman has been charged with indecent liberties with a child, prompting bipartisan calls from both Democrats and Republicans for his immediate resignation. Meanwhile, John Lowery has been nominated to fill his brother’s vacant legislative seat during a pivotal political moment. The state’s Supreme Court is being urged to take up asbestos-related la...

President Trump’s peace plan has officially been accepted by Hamas, ending two years of war in Gaza and securing the release of remaining hostages. In North Carolina, lawmakers are considering redrawing the NC-1 congressional district, a move Governor Stein called “ridiculous,” citing potential legal challenges. A new law now allows drivers to renew licenses online without a REAL...

The White House is preparing to announce a new bailout package aimed at supporting American farmers, with accompanying NEPA reforms designed to speed up agricultural loan approvals. The federal government shutdown has now entered its eighth day. In Raleigh, the House Select Committee on Government Efficiency is meeting to discuss cost-cutting and oversight measures. Meanwhile, the Federal Appeals...

North Carolina’s elections director is seeking access to full Social Security number data from the DMV to improve voter record accuracy and resolve ongoing registration discrepancies. In response to recent violent crimes, Congressman Tim Moore has introduced a bill aimed at holding judges accountable when they release dangerous offenders who reoffend. Meanwhile, questions persist about delay...

Governor Stein has signed Iryna’s Law into law, calling it a critical first step but saying it doesn’t go far enough to address violent crime. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police has requested that the National Guard be deployed to assist Charlotte law enforcement amid rising violence. Meanwhile, a judge has ruled in favor of state legislators in a Senate redistric...

Governor Stein has just one day left to either sign or veto Iryna’s Law, a justice reform measure sparked by the Charlotte light rail murder of Iryna Zarutska. Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown continues. In Raleigh, Deputy USDA Secretary Vaden announced the city will become a new national workforce hub for the agency, highlighting its role in federal expansion. Separately, a federa...

Duke Energy’s latest long-term plan boosts nuclear power, expands natural gas, and extends the use of coal while leaving out wind energy development, sparking debate over the state’s future energy mix. As North Carolina enters fall fire season, officials warn the state now ranks among the nation’s top fire-risk states. Meanwhile, NC State University has filed suit against Monsant...

The federal government has entered a shutdown, raising concerns about national operations and funding delays. In Charlotte, a new audit reveals that armed security on public transit has dropped by at least 40% since 2018, despite ongoing safety concerns. Governor Stein has signed several bills into law but continues to review Iryna’s Law and its broader justice reforms. Meanwhile, a new mini...

The U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight held a meeting in Charlotte focused on victims of violent crime, highlighting stories from families impacted by repeat offenders and systemic failures. Lawmakers pressed federal, state, and local officials on gaps in prosecution, sentencing, and supervision that have allowed violent offenders to remain on the streets. The hearing underscored calls...

One year after Hurricane Helene, state officials and communities are reflecting on the disaster’s long recovery. Leaders are pressing for quicker federal aid and fewer bureaucratic hurdles in the aftermath of future storms. Meanwhile, Invest 94L is being closely monitored as forecasters track its potential development in the Atlantic. At the same time, conversations in Raleigh are turning to...

VP JD Vance visited Concord to call for law and order, praising and honoring police officers during his stop. Meanwhile, forecasters are monitoring multiple systems in the Atlantic as hurricane season remains active. North Carolina’s DOT is set to receive $1.15 billion in federal funding for Hurricane Helene recovery. At the General Assembly, House and Senate leaders have hit an impasse over...

The North Carolina House has passed Iryna’s Law, with strong remarks from Rep. Tricia Cotham and Rep. Brenden Jones. The legislation advances just a month after the Charlotte light rail murder of Iryna Zarutska. Lawmakers also passed a political terrorism bill in response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, seeking tougher penalties for politically motivated violence. Meanwhile, polling sh...

One month after the murder of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail, the North Carolina Senate has passed Iryna’s Law, with Sen. Danny Britt providing remarks in support. The legislation now heads to the House for the next steps in the General Assembly process. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has unsealed video footage connected to a 2019 Charlotte law enforcement shooting, drawi...

Senator Ted Budd has introduced legislation to strengthen cybersecurity protections in agriculture. As the General Assembly returns to session this week, Donna King provided a preview of the agenda, including key bills and debates ahead. Lawmakers will also be considering House Bill 307, known as Iryna’s Law, in response to the Charlotte light rail murder of Iryna Zarutska. Meanwhile, the st...

Nick Craig of The Carolina Journal News Hour Fills In On This Friday Edition of The TJ Ritchie Show Hour 1:  ​Segment 1:  Subject: Nick begins the show by talking about a story at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington that is gaining national attention. The story includes several students defacing a memorial that the college's Turning Point USA chapter made for Charlie Kirk on t...

A new Carolina Journal poll shows mixed public sentiment on the country’s direction, as well as approval ratings for President Trump and Governor Stein. The poll also highlights early numbers in the 2026 U.S. Senate race between Michael Whatley and Roy Cooper. Governor Stein’s trip to Washington, D.C., to request $13.5 billion in Helene recovery aid remains in the spotlight. At UNC Wil...

Governor Stein traveled to Washington, D.C., to request $13.5 billion in federal aid for North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, while House Speaker Tim Moore announced $2.5 million in FEMA funding for a bridge in Lake Lure. The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a field hearing in Charlotte following the recent light rail murder. Meanwhile, legal challenges continue as De...

Utah prosecutors announced they will seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, the suspect charged in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Meanwhile, new U.S. Census data shows North Carolina’s median household income climbed to $74,000 in 2024. Wiley Nickel has announced a run for Wake County district attorney. State Auditor Dave Boliek is raising concerns about transparency in Charlotte...

Governor Stein is requesting an additional $13.5 billion in federal funding to support North Carolina’s long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene, highlighting the immense scale of the disaster’s damage. At the same time, U.S. shipments have been disrupted following the expiration of the de minimis trade provision, raising concerns about supply chains and consumer costs. See omnystudio....

A suspect has been arrested in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, while several North Carolina teachers are facing backlash over comments they made about his death. Governor Stein is expected to request additional federal aid for Hurricane Helene recovery, outlining how much funding has been secured so far. Meanwhile, Stein has appointed a new NCDOT secretary following the retirement of Joey Hopki...