North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek is raising new questions about how the North Carolina Education Lottery is taking in far more money than it did two years ago however the share of that money reaching public schools is not keeping pace arguing the system is probably not what you think it is Boliek joins the program to break down his office's audit of the lottery and its findings Meanwhile former Gov Pat McCrory toured a Wake County election facility and encouraged voters to have confidence in the state's election process Plus North Carolina is moving toward an overhaul of [... more]

Governor Josh Stein has vetoed a North Carolina elections bill that would shorten the state's early voting period setting up another potential showdown with Republican lawmakers over election policy Meanwhile a new audit of the Charlotte Area Transit System found millions of dollars in estimated annual losses from fare evasion while also identifying broader security and enforcement concerns Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss the latest developments in the COVID-era shutdown lawsuit where bar owners argue former Governor Roy Cooper's testimony is crucial to their case Plus Stein has vetoed legislation that would allow [... 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]

A state audit flags financial control failures in the town of Zebulon, North Carolina, with issues including excessive travel expenses and unsupported payments to consultants. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd testifies in favor of additional disaster relief funding for Western North Carolina, citing delays and inefficiencies in the federal recovery process. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issues guidance on managing screen time on school-issued devices, recommending a focus on purpose and structure rather than strict time limits. [... more]

A new investigation by the North Carolina State Auditor's Office has uncovered widespread failures in financial oversight and questionable taxpayer-funded spending in the town of Kerry, one of the state's largest municipalities. The report highlights a culture that discouraged employees from questioning leadership and a lack of transparency in financial decision-making. Meanwhile, former FBI Director James Comey faces a federal investigation in North Carolina, accused of threatening President Donald Trump with a 2025 social media post. [... more]

A state audit in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, reveals improper utility billing and unpaid bills from city officials, highlighting financial concerns and mismanagement. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly passes a law limiting the city's ability to transfer electric utility revenues into its general fund, and the state budget repeals a key sales tax exemption for electricity used by data centers, generating additional revenue for 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]

North Carolina Representative Sarah Stevens resigns from the state House to run for the Supreme Court, while nearly two-thirds of opportunity scholarship dollars go to lower-income families. Meanwhile, a growing trend of municipal financial distress is being highlighted by State Auditor Dave Bollock, with Rocky Mount facing significant cash flow issues. The case of DeCarlos Brown, who killed a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee on the Charlotte Light Rail, is also being closely watched as he is deemed incompetent to stand trial and will undergo treatment for up to four months. [... more]

Lawmakers in North Carolina express frustration and anger over the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody, who was found in horrific living conditions with signs of neglect and abuse, despite repeated warnings and visits from child protective services officials. [... more]

A state auditor in North Carolina is examining a surge in Medicaid-funded autism therapy costs, which have increased from $1.4 million to over $660 million in five years. Meanwhile, a new study suggests that stricter cell phone bans in schools may not have an immediate impact on academic achievement or behavior, but could lead to positive results in the long term. Additionally, multiple blue states, including North Carolina, are suing the Trump administration over tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Federal Trade Act. [... more]

North Carolina's latest statewide audit of federal spending identifies questionable costs and reporting failures across multiple agencies. The audit resulted in 19 findings, including 18 related to federal awards and one tied to financial statement reporting. The state auditor's office will provide oversight for the $650 million stadium renovation project in Charlotte, the largest expense of public dollars in the history of the state. [... more]

North Carolina's record voter turnout in the 2026 primary elections was driven by the presidential race, but still relatively low compared to general elections. Meanwhile, a state auditor's report reveals financial mismanagement in Rocky Mount, leading to a $80 million decline in cash reserves. Legislative leaders are seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging a state law banning taxpayer funding for gender transition procedures for prison inmates, arguing it's a matter of state policy. [... more]

A bipartisan commission in North Carolina aims to modernize the state's election management system, addressing outdated technology and improving voter registration and election results. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order to strengthen the state's behavioral health and criminal justice systems, focusing on mental health crises, involuntary commitment, and re-entry support for individuals leaving prison. [... more]

Crime in North Carolina public schools has decreased for a third consecutive year, with fewer than 1% of students committing a reportable offense. The state auditor's office is promoting transparency and accountability with internal audits and budget dashboards. Meanwhile, a lawsuit against UNC Chapel Hill over a 2024 protest has resulted in a judge blocking the campus ban for three plaintiffs, citing First Amendment rights. [... more]

Cotton production plays a significant role in North Carolina's economy, with the state ranking sixth in the nation for cotton production. Meanwhile, immunization is crucial as the immune system weakens with age, and vaccines help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. In North Carolina, the General Assembly has made changes to appointment authority, which has led to legal challenges. Additionally, the state is experiencing winter weather, and scammers are taking advantage of individuals affected by the storms, making it essential to be cautious when dealing with insurance claims. [... more]

A petition to recall Sheriff Gary McFadden from his position as the elected sheriff of Mecklenburg County is set to be heard in court, with allegations of threats and mismanagement. Meanwhile, a report warns that tariffs could cost North Carolina farmers $700 million and nearly 8,000 jobs. Additionally, concerns are raised about voter registration and election integrity, with some individuals using non-residential addresses, including PO boxes and UPS stores, to register to vote. [... more]

North Carolina's state auditor released a report revealing over 11% of the state workforce is vacant, with more than 14,000 positions unfilled, resulting in over $1 billion in lapsed salaries. The report also found that some state agencies intentionally keep positions vacant to generate lapsed salaries. Meanwhile, a North Carolina Supreme Court justice announced a breast cancer diagnosis but plans to remain in the 2026 judicial race. In other news, the state's Christmas tree industry had a strong season despite the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024. [... more]

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the verge of receiving full federal recognition after decades of struggle and advocacy. Meanwhile, the state's disaster relief efforts, particularly with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCOR), have been marred by bureaucratic delays and mismanagement. A new audit highlights the issues with NCOR, and a proposed bill, the Salamander Act, aims to streamline disaster recovery efforts by expediting permits for the US Army Corps of Engineers. [... more]

A stabbing on the Charlotte light rail has sparked outrage over immigration policies, with the suspect being a Honduran immigrant previously deported twice. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is requesting social security numbers from DMV customers to verify voter eligibility. Meanwhile, a new audit reveals mismanagement of funds and a logistical nightmare in the state's disaster recovery efforts, raising concerns about the state's ability to handle future disasters. [... more]

Nikita Koloff talks with Neil Broach of North Augusta South Carolina From childhood memories at the Bell Auditorium to life-changing moments at Man Camp Neil shares his story his faith and the journey that shaped him [... more]