Shows / The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT focuses on state-wide news, politics, and business stories that impact the lives of the residents of Charlotte and all of North Carolina utilizing the exceptional resources of The Carolina Journal.
Episodes
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Lawmakers Grill CHCCS Superintendent; Funding Cuts Proposed
The House Oversight Committee pressed Chapel Hill-Carrboro Superintendent Rodney Trice over district policies and compliance issues, as lawmakers intensify…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Medicaid Deal Reached; Schools Adjust for Protest; ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Push
North Carolina House and Senate leaders have reached a deal on Medicaid funding and oversight reforms, marking a key breakthrough early in the short session…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Stein Proposes $3B Plan as Short Session Begins
Governor Josh Stein is proposing a $3 billion spending increase that includes pay raises, targeted tax cuts, and a freeze on new school vouchers, setting up a…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Lawmakers Probe Prisoner Releases; Audit Flags Spending, Vacancies
Legislative leaders have launched a probe into early prisoner releases during the Cooper administration, raising questions about public safety and oversight…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Lake Lure Reopens; $221M Helene Aid; Lawmakers Return to Raleigh
Lake Lure is set to reopen 19 months after Hurricane Helene, marking a major milestone in recovery as the region continues to rebuild. The USDA is also making…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Stein Backs Marijuana Legalization; Duke Seeks Rate Hike
North Carolina’s elections board has approved new rules related to noncitizen voters following a heated public debate and thousands of comments…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Cooper Leads Fundraising; Property Tax Cap Advances
New campaign finance reports show Roy Cooper significantly outraised Michael Whatley in Q1, bringing in $13.8 million compared to $5 million, as the North…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Mental Health Reform Push; NC Population Booms; $3B Health Case at Court
A new report is calling for reforms to North Carolina’s involuntary commitment and mental health treatment system, citing gaps in care and rising demand…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Ferguson Fills House Seat; AI Expansion Grows; Helene Rebuild Progresses
Ferguson has been selected to fill a vacant North Carolina House seat, adding a new voice to the General Assembly. Meanwhile, the State Treasurer is expanding…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Halifax Resolves at 250; School Funding Strained
North Carolina is reflecting on its history as the Halifax Resolves mark 250 years, highlighting the state’s early role in American independence. In…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Lawmakers Press Rural Health, Tariffs in Federal Court Today
State lawmakers are pressing NCDHHS officials and hospital leaders over access to rural health care, as concerns grow about service gaps and long-term…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Budd Pushes FEMA Reform; Zarutska Case Paused
Senator Ted Budd hosted the new DHS Secretary and is calling for greater efficiency and accountability within FEMA, particularly as North Carolina continues…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Anson Elections Mismanagement Alleged; Noncitizen Voter Lawsuit
The Anson County Board of Elections is alleging years of mismanagement by its director, raising concerns about oversight and election administration at the…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Audit Flags Grant Issues; $71M Pours Into Senate Race
A new North Carolina audit of federal grants has flagged cost overruns and reporting concerns, raising questions about oversight and accountability in how…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Poll Shows Divide on Iran; Helene Recovery Lags as Damage Mounts
A new poll shows a widening partisan divide over the war with Iran, highlighting growing political tensions on foreign policy. In North Carolina, Hurricane…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
NC Supreme Court Ends Leandro Case; Rocky Mount Takeover Delayed
The North Carolina Supreme Court has dismissed the long-running Leandro school funding case, bringing an end to a 32-year legal battle over education funding…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Race for Next NC Senate Leader Emerges; Helene Funds Flow to Rutherford County
New prospects are emerging for North Carolina’s next Senate leader, setting up a potential reshaping of power in Raleigh. In recovery news, Rutherford…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Stein Warns of $2.8B Shortfall; Burn Ban Issued as Fires Spread
Governor Josh Stein is warning of a projected $2.8 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, raising concerns as lawmakers continue to debate spending…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Illegal Voting Charge in Wilmington; Judge Upholds NC Voter Law; Wildfires Continue
A Wilmington man has been charged with illegally voting despite being a convicted felon serving a child pornography sentence, raising renewed concerns about…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Statewide Burn Ban; ABC Audit; Helene Recovery Moves Forward
North Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban as dry conditions raise wildfire concerns, with officials urging residents to avoid outdoor burning. At the…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
March Carolina Journal Poll
The latest Carolina Journal poll explores a range of political issues, including the U.S. Senate race in North Carolina, the General Assembly, and more.See…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Revenue Up; Primary Certification; NC Wind Project Scrapped
North Carolina’s latest revenue forecast is trending upward, but lawmakers are warning that rising Medicaid costs and planned tax cuts could still strain…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Phil Berger Concedes to Sam Page in SD-26
After a recount confirmed Sam Page’s narrow victory, Phil Berger has officially conceded in the closely watched State Senate District 26 race, bringing…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Lawmakers Probe Autism Costs; SCOTUS Declines NC Case; PSA Opens HQ
North Carolina lawmakers are investigating a sharp rise in autism therapy costs, raising concerns about access, insurance coverage, and oversight of providers…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Berger Seeks Hand Recount; Robinson Breaks Silence; Stein Pushes $1.4B Budget
Phil Berger is now calling for a hand recount in his razor-thin race against Sam Page, escalating the post-election battle as the margin remains extremely…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Recount Confirms Page Lead; Wildfire Risk Rises Across NC
The recount in the State Senate District 26 race has concluded with Sam Page maintaining his narrow lead over Phil Berger, leaving the outcome unchanged as…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
VinFast Restarts NC Project with Fewer Jobs; Solar Questions
VinFast says it will restart construction on its North Carolina facility, though the company is significantly scaling back hiring expectations, raising new…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Berger Requests Recount and Challenges Ballots; Property Taxes Rise
Senate leader Phil Berger has officially requested a recount in the razor-thin State Senate District 26 race after challenger Sam Page maintained a narrow lead…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Recount Dispute Intensifies in Berger–Page Race; Deadline Today
Tensions are rising in the razor-thin State Senate District 26 race as Phil Berger’s recount team claims some voters may have received the wrong ballot…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Severe Weather Threat Across NC; Berger Recount Decision Looms
A Level 4 out of 5 severe weather risk is in place across much of North Carolina today, with forecasters warning of the potential for damaging winds…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Vance Visits NC; Berger–Page Margin Nears Final
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak in Rocky Mount Friday afternoon as political attention turns to North Carolina following the recent primary…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Education Review Commission; Helene Recovery Faces Funding Gap; Medicaid Fraud
North Carolina leaders have launched a new commission to review the state’s public education system, signaling a fresh look at policy, performance, and…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Stein Pushes $1.4B Budget; Judge Upholds Ballot Selfie Ban
Governor Josh Stein is urging lawmakers to approve a $1.4 billion “critical needs budget,” arguing the funding is necessary to keep key state…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Primary Recap; Rocky Mount Audit Raises Alarm
Officials are reviewing the results of North Carolina’s primary elections as counties prepare for Friday’s canvass and outline the rules that could…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Page Lead Grows to 23 Votes Over Berger
The razor-thin State Senate District 26 primary continues as challenger Sam Page expanded his lead over Senate leader Phil Berger to 23 votes after provisional…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Berger Race Hinges on 189 Ballots; Elections Board Shakeup
A shakeup at the State Board of Elections saw former Senator Bob Rucho resign, with Hawkins sworn in as his replacement. Meanwhile, the razor-thin State Senate…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Primary Fallout: Berger Election Looms; Brockman Indicted
Analysts are breaking down the results from North Carolina’s 2026 primary elections, highlighting key takeaways and the races that will shape the general…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
North Carolina Primary Results
Results from North Carolina’s 2026 primary are coming into focus, with major statewide and legislative races shaping the political landscape heading into…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Primary Election Day in NC: What to Know, Final Turnout Trends
Primary Election Day is underway across North Carolina, with key statewide and congressional races drawing close attention as voters head to the polls…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Iran Tensions; NC Election Developments; UNC Policy Overhaul
President Trump says U.S. operations involving Iran will continue until stated objectives are achieved, as tensions escalate following Iran’s reported…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
New GOP Poll Shows Senate Race Trends
New results from the 2026 GOP Primary Carolina Journal Poll provide fresh insight into the U.S. Senate race and overall support for leading Republican's across…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Early Voting Trends Emerge; Election Overhaul Begins; JDIG Projects Canceled
New data from the 2026 primary shows early voting trends taking shape across North Carolina, with turnout patterns offering early clues about voter enthusiasm…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
State of the Union Focus: Tariffs, AI, Public Safety
The 2026 State of the Union placed tariffs front and center, with a focus on how trade policy is impacting North Carolina’s agriculture, manufacturing…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Tariffs Dominate Debate; NC Film Industry Posts $185M Year
Tariffs dominated discussion at the 1st District GOP primary debate, as candidates sparred over trade policy and its impact on North Carolina industries. New…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
SCOTUS Blocks Tariff Power; NC Eyes School Reform
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot use emergency powers law to impose tariffs, delivering a significant decision on…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
NC Homicides Decline; Asheville Lands 2026 G20 Meetings
New crime data shows homicides are down in several North Carolina cities in 2025, signaling improvement after years of elevated violence in some urban areas…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Helene Recovery Clash; Walker Gets State Dept Role
Tensions grow in Raleigh as lawmakers and state officials clash over the pace of Hurricane Helene recovery projects, with concerns raised about delays and…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Energy Rate Warning, Election Ruling, Early Voting Update
A new North Carolina energy report warns that electricity rates could rise as demand surges statewide, driven by population growth and expanding industry. In…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
DOE Coal Investment, Elections Probe, Climate Lawsuit
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…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
NC Manufacturing Jobs Drop, Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act
North Carolina lost 7,200 manufacturing jobs in 2025, according to the state Department of Commerce, raising fresh concerns about economic headwinds in key…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Early Voting Begins as NC Expands Workforce, Energy Programs
North Carolina is expanding apprenticeship opportunities using new federal workforce funds, aiming to strengthen job pipelines in key industries. In Union…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Illegal Trucking Crackdown, Property Rights Repeal Hit 3,600 NC Landowners
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…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Sheriff McFadden Grilled by North Carolina General Assembly
Charlotte officials faced intense questioning before the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform as lawmakers examined public safety, accountability…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Boliek Launches Election Commission; Stein on Mental Health; Court Rejects Campus Voting Injunction
State Auditor Dave Boliek has launched a new commission aimed at modernizing North Carolina’s election data systems, citing the need for greater…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
School Crime Drops; Boliek Audits Office; UNC Protest Ban Blocked
Newly released crime data shows continued improvement in safety across North Carolina public schools, reinforcing a positive statewide trend. On the sports…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Transit Safety Flags Raised; Dupre Ruled Ineligible; Audits Spotlight Costs
A federal audit has flagged serious safety risks on Charlotte’s public transit system, raising renewed concerns about security, oversight, and rider…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
NC Infrastructure Gets C-Minus; Crime Hearing Moves Forward
North Carolina’s infrastructure received a C-minus grade in the latest civil engineering report, renewing concerns about roads, bridges, and long-term…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
NC Tops Economic Development Rankings, Early Voting Lawsuit
North Carolina has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for economic development in 2025, highlighting continued success in business recruitment, job growth, and…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Historic NC Snowfall; Duke Output Waiver Extended; $3B Health Plan Cost
North Carolina has begun cleanup efforts after a historic snowfall, with officials warning that hazardous travel conditions could persist for several days due…
- The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
State of Emergency Ahead of Snowstorm; New Education Poll Released
Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency ahead of a statewide snowstorm, urging residents to prepare for hazardous travel, power outages, and…