The latest Carolina Journal Poll offers a new look at North Carolina's political landscape with less than two weeks until Election Day David Larson of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Gov Josh Stein along with voter preferences in legislative and congressional races The October survey shows Trump with approval and Stein at while Democrats hold a six-point advantage on both generic ballots Larson also examines favorability ratings for Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper along with voters' views of the Democratic Socialists of America In North Carolina's U S [... more]

Republicans face three competitive legislative races in Wake County that could leave the state's most populous county without GOP representation in the General Assembly Republican incumbents Erin Par and Mike Schietzelt are defending their House seats while Chris Stock challenges Democratic Sen Haseeb Fatmi Meanwhile western North Carolina is receiving an additional million in federal funding to repair roads bridges and other infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a federal judge's decision to reject a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's mail-in ballot requirements allowing existing signature [... more]

Democrats have narrowly regained their position as North Carolina's largest registered political party surpassing Republicans for the first time since January although unaffiliated voters remain the state's largest overall voting bloc Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail-in voting numbers showing accepted absentee ballots running below the same point in Meanwhile North Carolina's Local Government Commission has voted to take control of the finances of Ronda and Rowland following ongoing financial management problems Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation discusses new filings before the North Carolina Supreme Court involving Gov Josh Stein [... more]

North Carolina Gov Josh Stein has signed legislation temporarily suspending the state's -cent-per-gallon gas tax through November while criticizing Republican lawmakers for not doing more to address the rising cost of living Republican legislative leaders defended the measure as an example of the state's fiscal responsibility and commitment to providing relief for drivers Meanwhile the North Carolina State Health Plan has filed a lawsuit against Atrium Health seeking to block a new pricing program arguing it could threaten the plan's financial stability Atrium maintains its program is designed to lower healthcare costs for state employees and retirees Andrew Pomeranz of [... more]

North Carolina election officials are welcoming a U S Supreme Court decision allowing the state to continue using the federal SAVE database to verify the citizenship status of registered voters while officials say voters will not be automatically removed based on database results Meanwhile a new Wake County school library policy is drawing criticism from House Majority Leader Brenden Jones who is promising a legislative response Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss scrutiny facing Democratic state House candidate Evonne Hopkins after she said she had used Flock camera data in her work as a family law [... more]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Blaine Conzatti, president and CEO of the Idaho Family Policy Alliance, and Phil Cochran, author of 'Lessons Learned at the Speed of Sound,' discuss the importance of biblical worldview in shaping public policy and the role of Christian state legislators in promoting God-honoring laws. They share personal stories of how their faith has influenced their work and highlight the need for Christians to engage in the public square and advocate for policies that reflect God's design for humanity. [... more]

The special counsel's team reviewed the contents of text messages from 44 members of Congress, including 20 U.S. Senators and 24 members of the House of Representatives, without their knowledge or consent, raising concerns about constitutional rights and the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. [... 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]

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]

The North Carolina General Assembly has passed a budget that includes significant investments in teacher pay raises, public safety, and infrastructure. The budget also allocates funds for farming and water and wastewater infrastructure. Representative Brendan Jones, the Republican majority leader, described the budget as a responsible and conservative budget that prioritizes the needs of working families, teachers, and law enforcement. However, some Democrats have expressed concerns about the budget's impact on public schools and the diversion of taxpayer money to private school vouchers. [... 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]

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'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 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]

Duncan Scott, a former New Mexico State Senator, shares the story behind the infamous 'pointy hat bill', a satirical amendment that became a real part of the legislative process, highlighting the complexities of politics and the power of humor in unexpected ways. [... more]