The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Officials are reviewing the results of North Carolina’s primary elections as counties prepare for Friday’s canvass and outline the rules that could trigger a recount in extremely close races. In municipal news, a new audit reports that Rocky Mount’s cash reserves dropped by $80 million under the city’s current management, raising questions about fiscal oversight. At the federal level, North Carolina lawmaker...

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 ballots were counted, keeping the race under intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, FEMA has released $3.59 million in recovery funding for Burke County to support ongoing rebuilding efforts. In education news, a follow-up audit uncovered additional issues in Winston-Salem/Forsyth Cou...

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 District 26 race between Phil Berger and challenger Page remains unresolved, with 189 provisional ballots still to be reviewed. In DC, a Raleigh firefighter and Green Party candidate was arrested after disrupting a Senate hearing. In primary results, GOP voters rejected cand...

Analysts are breaking down the results from North Carolina’s 2026 primary elections, highlighting key takeaways and the races that will shape the general election. Attention is particularly focused on the razor-thin State Senate District 26 contest between Senate leader Phil Berger and challenger Page, where election officials are preparing to begin the recount and canvassing process. In legal news, the state Appeals Court ru...

Results from North Carolina’s 2026 primary are coming into focus, with major statewide and legislative races shaping the political landscape heading into the general election. In the U.S. Senate race, Roy Cooper secured the Democratic nomination and will face Republican Michael Whatley in November. One of the night’s closest contests came in State Senate District 26, where challenger Page held a razor-thin two-vote lead...

Primary Election Day is underway across North Carolina, with key statewide and congressional races drawing close attention as voters head to the polls. Officials are highlighting what voters need to know — from polling hours to ID requirements — while campaigns focus on turnout in competitive primaries. The State Board of Elections has named a new director of election security ahead of the vote, aiming to reinforce conf...

President Trump says U.S. operations involving Iran will continue until stated objectives are achieved, as tensions escalate following Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a move with major implications for global energy markets. Gas prices across North Carolina are reacting to the instability, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption could push prices higher. In election news, a Canadian citizen has...

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 North Carolina. The survey also measures President Trump’s approval among GOP voters, levels of MAGA alignment, and voter interest in participating in the upcoming primary. Additional findings examine Republican views on the state’s ongoing budget impasse, percep...

New data from the 2026 primary shows early voting trends taking shape across North Carolina, with turnout patterns offering early clues about voter enthusiasm and party engagement. At the same time, a newly formed modernization commission has begun work on overhauling North Carolina’s election systems, aiming to improve security, efficiency, and data integrity. In economic development news, the Department of Commerce has canc...

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, and export sectors. The address also highlighted the rapid growth of AI data centers and the resulting strain on utilities and energy infrastructure, alongside ongoing challenges in single-family housing affordability. Public safety was another theme, with renewed attention on...

Tariffs dominated discussion at the 1st District GOP primary debate, as candidates sparred over trade policy and its impact on North Carolina industries. New data shows the cost of living in North Carolina is rising at a slower pace than the national average, offering some relief for households. Despite ongoing trade tensions, tariffs have left North Carolina’s overall trade deficit largely unchanged, according to recent anal...

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 executive authority and trade policy. Reaction has poured in from political leaders and policy analysts across North Carolina and beyond. Meanwhile, a newly formed task force is examining potential changes to North Carolina’s school accountability system, signaling possibl...

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. In international news with local impact, Asheville has been selected to host the 2026 G20 Finance Track meetings, bringing global attention and economic activity to Western North Carolina. Early voting continues statewide, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into vot...

Tensions grow in Raleigh as lawmakers and state officials clash over the pace of Hurricane Helene recovery projects, with concerns raised about delays and accountability. On the federal front, former North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker was named to a Trump State Department role focused on global religious freedom. The Department of Public Instruction is also preparing updates to math standards aimed at better aligning classroom ...

A new North Carolina energy report warns that electricity rates could rise as demand surges statewide, driven by population growth and expanding industry. In election news, a judge struck down an order related to the State Board of Elections, ruling the board violated its own procedures. Early voting continues across North Carolina, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter engagement ahead of the primary. Meanwhile,...

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 reliability efforts. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections is investigating allegations of fake officials and fraud tied to voter registration drives. At the General Assembly, a House committee pressed Buncombe County leaders over DEI policies, while Asheville agreed to eliminate r...

North Carolina lost 7,200 manufacturing jobs in 2025, according to the state Department of Commerce, raising fresh concerns about economic headwinds in key industries. Early voting continues statewide for the 2026 primary as campaigns ramp up turnout efforts. A judge has clarified the scope of a protective order in the Zarutska stabbing death case, addressing disputes over records and access. From Capitol Hill, Congressman Brad Kno...

North Carolina is expanding apprenticeship opportunities using new federal workforce funds, aiming to strengthen job pipelines in key industries. In Union County, a targeted math tutoring initiative is drawing attention as a potential statewide model for boosting student achievement. Early voting has officially begun across North Carolina, key dates, rules, and turnout expectations as ballots are cast. Meanwhile, the state’s ...

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 change in North Carolina's private property rights, specifically regarding navigable streams and the Registered Property Program. They explore the implications of the program's repeal and how it affects over 3,600 landowners. Later, Nick shares updates on the state's efforts to...