The August Carolina Journal Poll provides a new snapshot of North Carolina voters heading toward the November election including views on the direction of the country and approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Governor Josh Stein David Larson of Carolina Journal breaks down the latest generic legislative and congressional ballots before turning to the U S Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley the North Carolina Supreme Court contest and the issues voters say matter most The poll also explores opinions on state tax policy proposed changes to the early voting timeline hemp and cannabis regulations and voter [... more]

Governor Josh Stein signed four bills into law, including one that reduces his appointment powers and another that extends housing supplies and limits local zoning barriers across North Carolina. Meanwhile, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson rejected a proposed settlement with Duke Energy Progress, citing a 6.8% rate hike as too high. Senator Ted Budd led an unsuccessful effort to amend the U.S. Senate's continuing resolution to delay federal restrictions on hemp products, while North Carolina lawmakers remain deadlocked over legislation that would incorporate federal hemp standards into state law. The North Carolina Department of Labor recovered a record $3.7 million in unpaid wages for workers across the state. [... more]

Mecklenburg County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Tanya McKnight, accused of subjecting six-year-old Dominique Moody to prolonged abuse before the child's death. The case has led to scrutiny of child welfare agencies and legislative action to create a state backstop for high-risk cases. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is challenging the North Carolina General Assembly's changes to judicial appointments, arguing that they limit his authority to appoint judges. [... more]

A discussion about Hunter Biden's laptop, Tucker Carlson's interview with him, and the controversy surrounding it, as well as a critique of feminism and the abortion debate, and a discussion about the Seattle City Council's decision to fund sex changes for transgender refugees. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories born on the Fourth of July in the tiny village of Plymouth Notch Vermont Calvin Coolidge grew up surrounded by hardworking neighbors who prized honesty humility thrift and service above wealth or status Those lessons stayed with him from the family store to the governor's office and ultimately to the White House Matthew Denhart of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation along with acclaimed Coolidge interpreter Tracy Messer reading from Coolidge's autobiography share the remarkable story of America's th president from his rural upbringing and dramatic midnight swearing-in by his father to the principles [... more]

North Carolina's 11th congressional district is set to choose a new Republican candidate after Congressman Chuck Edwards dropped out of the race due to a House Ethics Committee report. The district's executive committee will meet Monday to select a replacement nominee. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction marked the first anniversary of Superintendent Mo Green's five-year strategic plan, launching a public dashboard and pointing to four record results as evidence of progress. The plan aims to make North Carolina's public education system the best in the nation by 2030. In other news, the North Carolina General Assembly has taken action on two pieces of legislation, House Bill 958 and House Bill 834, dealing with elections across the state. The bills have undergone significant changes, with some provisions being moved from one bill to the other. Dr. Andy Jackson from the John Locke Foundation joins the Carolina Journal News Hour to discuss the latest developments. Additionally, new data from the 2025 North Carolina High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that North Carolina has returned to and exceeded pre-pandemic levels across nearly all reported measures, with encouraging percentage drops in student safety, risk behaviors, and mental health. [... more]

Gavin Newsom declares Congress is dead, sparking debate about the state of democracy and the role of the federal government. Meanwhile, Vice President Vance announces the discovery of over $230 billion in fraud, highlighting the need for Congressional action to address the issue. The conversation also turns to the upcoming midterms and the potential impact of the elections on the country's future. [... more]

The North Carolina Supreme Court has signaled it will hear oral arguments in a case involving appointments and judicial vacancies in November, with no resolution expected before the 2027 election. Meanwhile, the governor of Asheville is criticizing North Carolina's firearm laws, arguing they have made the community less safe, despite the legislation not being in effect. A private gated community in North Carolina received $300,000 in public funding for emergency services and shelter repairs, sparking questions about transparency and accountability in the earmarks process. Additionally, a new federal school choice tax credit program could benefit nearly 1.7 million North Carolina children, with 93% of the state's K-12 population qualifying for scholarships. [... more]

The ACLJ uncovers a California election scandal, revealing that the state does not keep track of non-citizen voters, despite federal law requiring them to maintain records of voter status reasons for cancellation. The team is working to bring this to light and ensure election integrity in California and beyond. [... more]

A discussion about Dr. Fauci's alleged involvement in a deep friendship with CNN's Jake Tapper and his obsession with celebrity status, as well as the ongoing conflict with Iran and the potential risks of AI control. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding the Mayor of New York City, Zoran Mamdami, and his alleged ties to socialism and communism. Additionally, the topic of Caitlin Collins and Dylan Mulvaney's controversy with President Trump is discussed. [... more]

A new performance audit of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services found concerns with the way compliance visits were conducted at child care centers across the state. The audit also highlighted issues with the division's scheduling practices and the handling of judicial vacancies, with the governor and the General Assembly disagreeing on the interpretation of state law. [... more]

New York City's economic engine is being threatened by Mayor Eric Adams' socialist policies, including anti-Semitic rhetoric and a focus on taxing the rich. The city's business leaders and residents are speaking out against the mayor's agenda, which they believe is driving away investment and talent. Meanwhile, the city's data center industry is being hindered by a moratorium on new developments, which is causing concern among those who see the potential for innovation and job creation. [... more]

A Durham-based energy company, American Efficient, files for bankruptcy after being accused of collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in electricity savings it did not produce. The company's CEO, Adam Abrams, has ties to former Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Democratic Party. Meanwhile, VinFast, a Vietnamese EV manufacturer, is facing a lawsuit from the North Carolina Attorney General's office over its failure to meet job creation targets. The company received a $300 million grant from the state's JDIG program. In other news, former Governor Roy Cooper is leading in fundraising for the US Senate race, with $14.8 million raised in the second quarter compared to Michael Watley's $5 million. [... more]

A discussion on various topics including immigration reform, wokeness, the Smithsonian museums, Mickey Mouse, racism, Western civilization, Marxism, history, the SEC, NCAA, NIL, college football, reverse mortgages, retirement strategy, home equity, conservative politics, the 2028 presidential election, AOC, Mondami, Ted Cruz, the surveillance grid, data centers, the Epstein list, foreign interest, globalist corporations, the war in Iran, President Trump, the Save America Act, Senator John Thune, Fox News, a Christian Journalist, surrogacy, conservative media, culture war, heterosexual marriages, and divorce. [... more]

Under California Governor Gavin Newsom's watch state Attorney General Rob Bonta has been accused of rigging the upcoming midterm elections Proposition is a proposed measure on the ballot that will require voters to provide ID when at the polls and prove their citizenship when they register to vote However AG Bonta has changed the title of the measure to confuse California voters The Sekulow team discusses California's election chaos the Trump Administration's efforts to bolster election integrity the ACLJ's legal work and much more [... more]

The Todd Stern Show discusses various topics including Social Security, the 9th Congressional District race in Tennessee, the National Guard, junk food, Iran's nuclear capabilities, food safety, and the Republican Party's nomination process. [... more]

Medicaid spending in North Carolina has nearly doubled over the last four years, with the state budget fully funding the state's projected Medicaid obligations for the coming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, with thousands of applicants remaining in various stages of the recovery process. Additionally, cities across North Carolina are grappling with large youth-led gatherings organized or amplified through social media, known as teen takeovers, which have led to violence, property damage, and innocent people getting hurt. [... more]

The conversation covers various topics including the ongoing Charlie Kirk trial the sensationalism surrounding conspiracy theories issues of free speech and law enforcement in Texas political fundraising strategies and a controversial pardon of a child rapist by the Minnesota governor The discussion emphasizes the importance of truth over drama the implications of media narratives and the legal boundaries of free speech In this conversation Dana discusses the controversial pardon of a convicted rapist the implications of cultural norms in legal accountability and the ongoing debates surrounding data centers in the U S He critiques political decisions that prioritize image over [... more]

North Carolina's business creation has hit a record high in the first half of 2026, with over 100,000 new businesses created, according to Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. The state's economic relationship with Canada remains strong, with Canada being North Carolina's top trading partner. Meanwhile, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley reflected on an unforgettable experience meeting U.S. Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr., a recent Medal of Honor recipient. The state's healthcare affordability commission aims to lower healthcare costs, and the pension system has seen significant improvements, with a $8 billion earnings in the pension system reducing the pension deficit by almost 75%. Additionally, the state's emissions testing requirement is set to be rolled back in 19 counties, and Governor Josh Stein has signed 12 bills into law, including a virtual currency kiosk consumer protection act and a farmland and military protection act. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein signs North Carolina's $34.4 billion state budget into law, delivering major investments in education, public safety, and hurricane recovery, while also highlighting flaws in the budget and the need for continued investment in the state's people and infrastructure. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature has reached a deal on a budget, but it still awaits Governor Josh Stein's signature or veto. The budget includes a provision to repeal certificate of need laws for inpatient rehabilitation care, which could increase access to affordable healthcare. Meanwhile, two Republican senators have voted against the budget due to a provision requiring tolls on all state ferry routes. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Rockingham County and a county commissioner, Kevin Berger, alleging retaliation against former Sheriff Sam Page for running against Phil Berger's son in a primary election. [... more]

North Carolina's Lake Lure is recovering from Hurricane Helene's devastating impact, with officials transitioning from emergency response to long-term infrastructure reconstruction and economic development. Meanwhile, the state is considering an MLB expansion team in Raleigh, which could bring in significant economic benefits and create jobs. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have passed a state budget that includes tax cuts, teacher raises, and disaster recovery funding. The budget, which was passed with bipartisan support, now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk for signature. The budget also includes funding for economic development projects, including a commercial aircraft manufacturing facility in Greensboro. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $197 million in additional disaster recovery funding for Western North Carolina, which was affected by Hurricane Helene. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are set to unveil a new state budget, which includes raises for state employees and teachers, as well as tax cuts. Meanwhile, Duke Energy has agreed to cancel its offshore wind energy project and reinvest $129 million in other energy sources. A lawsuit filed by bar owners against former Governor Roy Cooper and the state of North Carolina over COVID-19 restrictions is moving forward, with the plaintiffs seeking depositions from Cooper and his former Health and Human Services Secretary, Mandy Cohen. [... more]

Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are expected to make significant decisions on a state budget and a constitutional carry bill, while U.S. Senator Ted Budd expresses opposition to a White House funding request for Hurricane Helene recovery. Meanwhile, experts discuss the importance of controlling spending, setting aside funds for emergencies, and reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses in the state. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly voted to override Governor Josh Stein's vetoes on four bills, including measures related to immigration enforcement, DEI policies, and public education. The legislation aims to improve public safety, restrict state agencies from promoting DEI initiatives, and eliminate DEI in public education. Meanwhile, a major settlement was reached between the US Department of Justice and Comoz, a chemical manufacturer, to address water contamination caused by PFAS chemicals in the southeastern part of the state. [... more]

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles' resignation has led to a new interim mayor, Robert Harrington, who will serve for 18 months. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Auditor's office has released a report detailing $61 million in spending on the unbuilt Mid-Currituck Bridge, with no construction underway despite 30 years of planning and spending. The report highlights a major funding gap for the project, with construction not expected to begin until 2028. In other news, Governor Josh Stein has signed six bills into law, including the North Carolina Farm Act of 2026 and a ban on third-party litigation investment. The North Carolina General Assembly is also set to make changes to the state's executive branch, with the state Supreme Court set to weigh in on the matter. [... more]

Governor Robert Ray of Iowa took a bold stance in the 1970s by accepting refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia, providing them with a safe haven and a chance to rebuild their lives. His efforts, known as Iowa Shares, raised over $540,000 and helped feed, clothe, and provide medical care to thousands of people. Ray's compassion and leadership inspired a community to come together and make a difference, showcasing the best of the American spirit. [... more]

North Carolina's decision not to participate in the Great American State Fair has sparked controversy, with Governor Josh Stein citing costs as the reason. Meanwhile, the state legislature is considering a property tax reappraisal moratorium, and there is ongoing discussion about bringing an MLB expansion team to the state. Additionally, the North Carolina legislature is facing scrutiny over its handling of transgender students' bathroom policies. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is reviewing Governor Josh Stein's pick for Department of Public Safety secretary, Jeffrey Smythe, amid concerns over ethics and policing record. Meanwhile, a wide-sweeping election bill, House Bill 958, is making its way through the legislature, addressing issues such as absentee ballot counting, voter ID, and ranked choice voting. [... more]

North Carolina's legislative leaders are pushing back a budget timeframe, with Republican leaders signaling that a finished spending plan may not be ready as quickly as they had hoped. The state's budget is expected to include additional funding for Western North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery, as well as proposed raises for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement officers. Lawmakers are also considering a tax increase on sports betting operators and changes to a Medicaid policy for applied behavioral analysis therapy. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly has given final approval to a bill delaying the use of new property tax values in counties that conducted 2026 reappraisals. The measure now heads to Governor Josh Stein for signature or veto. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections is reviewing proposed changes to voter ID rules, including a shift from unanimous to majority approval for affidavits. A court ruling has also barred never residents from voting in North Carolina elections, a decision that could impact election integrity efforts. Lawmakers are also working on the state budget, with veto overrides and other legislative priorities on the horizon. [... more]

Vice President Vance sends a criminal referral to the DOJ against former Vice Presidential candidate and current Governor of Minnesota Tim Walls, alleging Medicaid fraud and abuse. Meanwhile, concerns over election integrity in California's recent mayoral election have sparked doubts about the legitimacy of the results. Rick Rinnell joins the show to discuss the issues with California's voter rolls and the need for voter ID laws to prevent fraud. [... more]

A recent New York Times investigation into autism therapy clinics has raised concerns about Medicaid spending and oversight in North Carolina. The state's Medicaid budget agreement includes provisions to address these concerns, including limits on therapy hours and requirements for licensed providers. Meanwhile, a K-12 education bill making its way through the North Carolina Senate includes a study on open enrollment policies and a state-funded artificial intelligence tutoring program. The bill also includes funding for advanced teacher roles and new limits on district overspending. [... more]

Recovery officials in western North Carolina are warning of a long-term wildfire threat after Hurricane Helene left behind hundreds of thousands of acres of downed timber. The state's timber economy is struggling due to aging logging operations, mill closures, and declining markets for low-grade wood products. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are working to finalize the state budget, which includes a proposed 8% teacher pay raise and a 3% raise for state employees. The Catawba Nation's 2 Kings Casino is also at the center of a legal dispute over sovereign immunity and easements. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are set to tackle a busy legislative calendar in June, with a focus on the state budget and tax cuts. The state's economic growth has been bolstered by tax cuts, but Medicaid expansion has put pressure on the budget. Lawmakers are also considering changes to the Rainy Day Fund and the NC Innovation program, which has been criticized for using taxpayer dollars for venture capital investments. [... more]

The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be below normal, with a 55% chance of being below normal and a 35% chance of near normal. El Niño conditions are expected to form in the Atlantic, making it harder for storms to develop. The National Weather Service is preparing to deliver real-time storm forecasts and warnings using advanced technology. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly is working on a full state budget, with a proposed 15.4% salary increase for correctional officers and a 3% pay increase for state employees over a two-year period. [... more]

A task force in North Carolina is examining the state's gang violence strategy, focusing on the juvenile justice system and the root causes of violence. Meanwhile, a lawsuit in Jacksonville has led to the removal of onerous food truck regulations, and Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order prohibiting state employees from using inside information to make bets on prediction markets. [... more]

North Carolina ranks fourth in the country for small business performance, driven by GDP growth, business formations, and a deep pool of tech talent. The state's welcoming fiscal climate and tax reforms have contributed to its economic gains, with the Raleigh-Durham area experiencing significant growth and innovation. However, challenges such as infrastructure and housing prices may arise with rapid growth, and the state will need to manage these strains in the years to come. [... more]

Western North Carolina leaders warn that Hurricane Helene recovery efforts may last years longer than public attention and funding will. Governor Josh Stein describes the state's financial slowdown as a threat to rebuilding efforts, and recovery leaders express concerns about volunteer oversight and construction quality. Meanwhile, a federal prison sentence has been handed down to Greg Lindbergh for insurance fraud, and a major electricity merger between Dominion and NextEra is planned, which could affect utility rates in the northeastern half of the state. [... more]