The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Trump’s latest round of tariffs is now taking effect. Governor Stein signed a stopgap spending measure to keep government running but vetoed a school choice bill. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation discussed efforts to clarify confusion surrounding North Carolina’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws. Meanwhile, a Carolina Journal opinion piece highlights how those laws can lead to higher healthcare costs, with one p...

Lawmakers are reviewing a new elections bill that would impose firm deadlines and tougher audit standards. Governor Stein says he will sign a “Band-Aid” mini-budget but continues to press for a full state budget. He also plans to request another FEMA disaster declaration in response to Tropical Storm Chantal. Senator Budd is calling on the U.S. Department of Labor to reverse Biden-era agriculture regulations. The August...

Applications are now open for the third round of interest-free cashflow loans aimed at communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. State Auditor’s office transparency improves with a new internal budget dashboard. August brings increased tropical activity, and the state treasurer highlights early success in the OpenAI pilot program. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are urging North Carolina’s top court to uphold a...

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is set to announce his U.S. Senate campaign Thursday in Gastonia. At the legislature, lawmakers approved an interim spending plan as budget negotiations remain at a standstill. A new tax credit school choice bill has been sent to Governor Stein, and legislators continue to scrutinize the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery. Six additional vetoed bills did not receive override v...

The Trump administration has frozen $108 million in federal funds for Duke Health, citing allegations of systemic racial discrimination. In Raleigh, lawmakers voted to override multiple vetoes from Governor Stein—including on high-profile energy and regulatory bills—while Rep. Jeff Jackson dropped out of the U.S. Senate race and endorsed Roy Cooper. Stein responded by urging the legislature to focus on passing a state b...

Former Governor Roy Cooper has officially launched his U.S. Senate campaign, setting up what’s expected to be one of the nation’s most watched—and expensive—races. Lawmakers return to Raleigh aiming to override 14 vetoes from Governor Stein. Meanwhile, the federal government is ordering Duke University to address serious allegations of racial discrimination, and SBA disaster loan applications open for victim...

A federal audit reveals serious delays at Charlotte’s USPS hub. The NC elections board approves changes for military and overseas voters. Lawmakers will return July 29 for veto override votes. A judge orders a $20K settlement and apology in a school free speech case. A new dashboard boosts budget transparency at the State Auditor’s office. Meanwhile, the U.S. strikes a trade deal with the Philippines imposing 19% tariff...

Governor Stein declares a state of emergency after Tropical Storm Chantal, while the State Board of Elections begins efforts to update missing voter data. Asheville’s mayor reflects on the city’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Sen. Harris introduces a bill to repeal the NEA’s charter, and Stein opts not to appeal a court ruling over Highway Patrol leadership.

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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...