The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

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  • 5.0 (6)
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  • Updated Daily

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.

  1. 1d ago

    Carolina Journal News Hour | June 12, 2026

    Updates on Decarlos Brown, Helene relief and funding, rising utility rates and more on the Carolina Journal News Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  2. 2d ago

    Property Tax Bill Heads to Stein; Election Rules Debated; Never Residents

    North Carolina lawmakers have sent a bill delaying certain property tax reappraisals to Governor Stein's desk, continuing a broader debate over property tax relief and local government revenue. Meanwhile, sports wagering continues to generate significant revenue for the state, with collections approaching $300 million since legal betting launched in 2024. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss proposed updates to North Carolina's voter photo ID rules being considered by the State Board of Elections. Mitch Kokai also breaks down a court ruling confirming a Republican-backed legal victory in the ongoing dispute over so-called “never resident” voters. Plus, lawmakers are preparing for a busy finish to June as budget negotiations and major legislation remain unresolved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min

  3. 3d ago

    Decarlos Brown Incompetent; Stevens Resigns; Cities Face Financial Strain

    State Rep. Sarah Stevens is stepping down from the North Carolina House to focus on her campaign for the state Supreme Court, creating another opening in the General Assembly. Meanwhile, new data shows that roughly two-thirds of Opportunity Scholarship funding is going to lower-income families, fueling continued debate over the state's school choice program. State Auditor Dave Boliek is also warning that financial distress is becoming an increasingly common problem for North Carolina municipalities. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss the latest developments in the federal case against Decarlos Brown Jr. surrounding a deadly Charlotte light rail murder. Plus, Amazon and Corning have reached an agreement to expand optical fiber manufacturing in North Carolina, bringing new investment to the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  4. 4d ago

    DSS Faces Criminal Review; State Health Plan Changes

    North Carolina lawmakers are asking the Mecklenburg County District Attorney to review whether criminal charges may be warranted against DSS officials following revelations uncovered during the Dominique Moody investigation. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss changes to the State Health Plan, including higher Medicare reimbursement rates and new provider tier structures aimed at controlling long-term costs. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation also previews an upcoming State Board of Elections meeting, including public comment on proposed election recount rules. Plus, lawmakers return to Raleigh for what is expected to be another busy week at the General Assembly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min

  5. 5d ago

    Autism Therapy Under Scrutiny; Open Enrollment Returns

    Questions are growing about autism therapy providers in North Carolina following a New York Times report that raised concerns about practices at some clinics across the state. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Senate is reviving a study of open enrollment policies that could expand school choice options for families. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss an ongoing lawsuit filed by bar owners seeking compensation for COVID-era shutdown orders, with additional legal developments expected soon. Plus, Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order aimed at strengthening support and coordination for North Carolina's military communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  6. Jun 5

    Dominique Moody Hearing

    Testimony from a lengthy NC House Oversight Committee hearing examining the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody. Lawmakers questioned state and county officials for hours about decisions made by child welfare agencies and whether warning signs were missed before the child's death. The hearing focused on accountability, oversight failures, and potential reforms to North Carolina's child protective services system. Meanwhile, State Auditor Dave Boliek has announced plans to review the Opportunity Scholarship Program, adding another layer of scrutiny to one of the state's largest school choice initiatives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min

  7. Jun 4

    Public Safety Bills Advance; AI Rules Debated

    North Carolina lawmakers are advancing several public safety measures as the House approves legislation aimed at reforming the state’s involuntary commitment process. Katie Zehnder from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a Senate bill focused on social media regulation and artificial intelligence safety. Andrew Pomeranz also breaks down the passage of Jaleeyah’s Law, a measure designed to strengthen penalties and enforcement tools against gang-related crime. Meanwhile, senators are reviewing legislation aimed at combating human trafficking, and the NC House Oversight Committee continues its investigation into the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody by summoning additional officials to testify. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  8. Jun 3

    Budget Uncertainty Continues; WNC Wildfire Concerns; Canes Drop Game 1

    Officials in western North Carolina are warning that debris left behind by Hurricane Helene could increase wildfire risks as temperatures rise and cleanup efforts continue. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss ongoing uncertainty surrounding state budget negotiations as lawmakers and Governor Stein remain at odds over some spending priorities. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation also examines a legal dispute over the construction of the proposed Kings Mountain casino, which is now before the state Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes dropped Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, and lawmakers are preparing for a busy day at the General Assembly with major votes and budget discussions expected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
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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.

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