The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

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 now turns to potential legal challeng...

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 legal challenges. Meanwhile, Decarlos ...

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, Governor Stein has criticized Rep...

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 become the state’s top export&md...

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 congressional map that reshapes key di...

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 Helene are still waiting on FEMA a...

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 Carolinians, providing major financial r...

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 State Fair, with some of the year&rsq...

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 investigate a marijuana operation run by the...

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 Helene, highlighting resilience acro...

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 lawsuits involving a Charlotte tire m...

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 ID. Meanwhile, Attorney General Je...

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 Court has upheld hate crime convict...

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 delays at the VinFast manufacturing plan...

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 redistricting case, solidifying GOP-drawn ma...

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 federal appeals court has unsealed video ...

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 Monsanto over toxic chemical contamination...

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-budget directs funds to storm reli...