The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

The Democratic National Committee is threatening to sue the North Carolina State Board of Elections over a plan to remove voters with missing ID information from the rolls. A new poll ahead of key U.S. Senate announcements outlines a possible path to victory for conservatives. North Carolina has joined other states in suing the federal government over frozen education funds. An audit found that DHHS allowed Medicaid providers to co...

The director of the North Carolina Zoo has passed away after a five-year battle with cancer, prompting tributes from across the state. Policy expert Dr. Andy Jackson is urging state and local officials to manage disaster relief funds more responsibly in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for Trump’s Education Department to proceed with planned layoffs. Meanwhile, both parties in North Car...

The Duke Law Journal is facing backlash over allegations of racial bias in its admissions process. Meanwhile, several North Carolina cities have been ranked among the top STEM hubs in the country, highlighting the state’s growing tech influence. The pharmaceutical industry is preparing for the effects of new tariffs, while the USDA has opened applications for natural disaster relief to support farmers. Jobs data in North Caro...

The Trump administration is moving to limit foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, a change that could significantly affect agricultural holdings in North Carolina. Business leaders are celebrating after the state was ranked first in the nation for business climate, a point highlighted by NC Chamber President Gary Salamido. In healthcare news, Duke and UNC plan to build a joint children’s hospital in Apex, expanding pediatric se...

Governor Stein has vetoed three bills, including measures focused on nonprofit donor privacy, squatter removal, and regulatory changes. The city of Mebane is facing a crisis following widespread damage from Tropical Storm Chantal. Nine individuals have been charged in North Carolina after a major health care fraud bust. Meanwhile, State Auditor Dave Boliek says the long-awaited DMV audit is just “days to weeks” from bei...

Governor Stein visited flood-damaged areas in Alamance and Orange counties, urging residents to stay cautious as recovery begins. In response to a growing backlog, North Carolina drivers will now have a two-year grace period for license renewals. Former Representative Michael Wray has announced a bid to reclaim his House seat. Meanwhile, debate continues over the future of Medicaid expansion in the state—Stein is calling for ...

The U.S. has extended a trade deadline while increasing tariffs on goods from Japan and South Korea. Tropical Storm Chantal has caused historic flooding across central North Carolina, leaving behind widespread damage. Congressman Don Davis is reportedly exploring a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Thom Tillis. In Davidson County, a student has won a free speech case after being disciplined for using the term “ill...

Tropical Storm Chantal has made landfall in the Carolinas, bringing heavy rain and wind to the region. Governor Stein has vetoed a series of anti-DEI bills but signed new legislation on licensure agreements and parental rights. As recovery from Hurricane Helene continues, communities like Black Mountain and Lake Lure face a long rebuilding process, though Chimney Rock is expected to reopen within a month.

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Governor Stein is urging North Carolina’s congressional delegation to oppose a federal reconciliation bill, citing concerns over its impact on the state. He also vetoed three pieces of legislation, including a money-saving energy bill. A new poll shows mixed public opinion in North Carolina on both President Trump and outgoing Senator Thom Tillis. Meanwhile, a court has ruled that parents may proceed with a lawsuit against Ch...

Governor Stein has signed six new bills into law, including legislation granting Mecklenburg County the authority to impose a transit tax. One of the newly signed measures also elevates the Highway Patrol to a cabinet-level agency, following a 2024 veto override. Meanwhile, the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" could reverse Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, sparking significant debate. A recent audit revealed a serious deficit in...

North Carolina has entered a new fiscal year without a finalized state budget, as negotiations remain deadlocked. Governor Stein vetoed the REINS Act, which aimed to limit bureaucratic rulemaking power. Meanwhile, he signed the Hurricane Helene recovery bill during a visit to Chimney Rock State Park. With Senator Tillis not seeking re-election, Democrats are setting their sights on the now-open U.S. Senate seat. The U.S. Supreme Co...

Budget negotiations remain at a standstill in the North Carolina General Assembly, with lawmakers still divided over key spending priorities. Possible changes could be on the horizon for North Carolina’s Medicaid program if the federal government moves forward with a work requirement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department and the State Board of Elections are opposing outside efforts to intervene in the ongoing lawsuit over a...

The North Carolina Senate has approved a $5 billion stopgap funding measure to keep state operations running amid a stalled budget deal. Shrimpers rallied in Raleigh to protest proposed restrictions on inland trawling, a ban the House now says it will not advance. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis has reintroduced legislation to make blocking traffic during protests a federal crime. Meanwhile, a recent party switch has given Republicans a m...

The North Carolina House has rejected the Senate’s proposed Hurricane Helene relief bill, highlighting continued disagreement over recovery funding. Governor Stein was briefed on security concerns following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The State Board of Elections has unanimously approved a plan to collect missing voter ID numbers. Meanwhile, a court ruling sided with Governor Stein on judicial vacancies but favored...

The North Carolina Senate has approved a $700 million relief package for Hurricane Helene recovery. A veto override vote on HB 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, is expected today. Lawmakers have also approved payments for shrimpers impacted by the state’s controversial trawling ban. Wolfspeed has announced a bankruptcy plan that gives control to its creditors. Meanwhile, a legal battle over judicial and utiliti...

Governor Stein has vetoed two immigration-related bills and a constitutional carry bill, drawing strong political reactions. U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, along with Congressman Tim Moore, responded to a U.S. military strike on Iran. Meanwhile, the North Carolina legislature is advancing a bill to legally recognize only two sexes. Dangerous heat is forecast to spread across the Carolinas this week, and four political...

The North Carolina legislature has repealed the state's 2030 carbon reduction goal, advancing major energy reforms to the governor. The Senate has passed the latest version of the NC Farm Act. A new proposal would compensate shrimp trawlers who lose access to inland waters, and a foster care reform bill has passed unanimously. Meanwhile, Wolfspeed appears headed for bankruptcy, and under a new law, North Carolina will recognize occ...