The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

North Carolina is reporting the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the nation following the temporary suspension of the state's 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced a settlement with UNC-Chapel Hill resolving federal investigations into allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination, requiring changes to university policies and admissions practices. The administration has also released $550 million in federal funding for a major North Carolina passenger rail project. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to examine the first four days of early voting, with Democratic turnout significantly outpacing Republicans and questions emerging about whether the GOP can close the gap before Election Day. Plus, an update on Monday's voting totals and President Donald Trump's scheduled Tuesday evening rally in Greenville.

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Federal prosecutors have announced indictments against 10 noncitizens accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally voting in North Carolina elections, including the 2024 general election. The charges come as early voting gets underway across the state ahead of the November midterms. More than 27,000 ballots were cast during the first few hours of early voting Thursday. Meanwhile, Republican Court of Appeals Judge April Wood is criticizing the News & Observer and Charlotte Observer over an endorsement editorial that incorrectly overlooked Republican women serving on the court. Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network joins the program to discuss expanding North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program and public school open enrollment, including efforts to provide families with more educational options.

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Early voting begins today across all 100 North Carolina counties ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with voters able to cast ballots through October 31. President Donald Trump is also preparing to return to North Carolina for an October 20 rally in Greenville, where he is expected to campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Health Plan is moving most Atrium Health providers out of network beginning January 1, escalating an ongoing dispute over healthcare pricing. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to break down everything voters need to know about early voting, including polling locations, voter ID requirements, and same-day registration. Plus, a preview of an upcoming press conference from U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

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Two Democratic members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections are questioning the accuracy of federal data identifying 1,599 registered voters as potential noncitizens. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the findings, concerns raised by board members, and the state's ongoing review of voter eligibility. Meanwhile, a new report from the Reason Foundation ranks North Carolina tied for last in the nation for public school open enrollment policies, highlighting the lack of statewide rules allowing students to attend schools outside their assigned districts. Daniel Trippie of the America First Policy Institute joins the program to discuss the faith community's involvement in politics and elections as the midterms approach. Plus, an update on North Carolina gas prices following the temporary suspension of the state's gas tax, with statewide averages continuing to decline.

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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 23% below the same point in 2022. 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, State Treasurer Brad Briner, and Republican legislative leaders over executive appointment powers. Plus, a judge is scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday in the State Health Plan's lawsuit seeking to block Atrium Health's new pricing program.

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North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has signed legislation temporarily suspending the state's 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through November 30, 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 Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the North Carolina Senate's preparations for its first leadership change in 15 years and what the transition could mean for the General Assembly.

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North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner is warning that Atrium Health’s new affordability program could accelerate financial problems for the State Health Plan by shifting additional costs onto taxpayers and plan members. Atrium maintains its program will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Meanwhile, new data shows teacher vacancies across North Carolina declined even before recently approved pay raises took effect. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail-voting numbers, showing turnout running nearly 20% below the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a Fourth Circuit order requiring the FCC to act by Friday in the ongoing dispute over discounted political advertising rates.

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North Carolina lawmakers have approved a temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax through Nov. 30, passing the measure 111-1 in the House and 41-0 in the Senate during Wednesday’s special session. The program features audio from the General Assembly as lawmakers debate the measure and its impact on drivers and transportation funding. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Instruction is asking the state for recurring funding to replace aging student laptops, with more than half of public school units reporting they lack sufficient replacement funding. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a 4th Circuit order directing the FCC to act by noon Friday in the ongoing dispute over favorable broadcast advertising rates for political campaigns.

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North Carolina lawmakers return to Raleigh today for a special session focused on rising fuel costs, with the House and Senate scheduled to convene at noon as lawmakers consider a temporary suspension or reduction of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Donna King of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss NCInnovation’s board approving its fiscal year 2026 audit despite an ongoing dispute over how millions of dollars in research grant expenses were recorded. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation provides the latest mail-voting update, with accepted ballots running nearly 20% below the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Plus, a new report from the Heartland Institute ranks North Carolina 48th nationally for its administration of Medicaid, giving the state 28 out of 100 points across measures including fiscal sustainability, program integrity and provider markets.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is facing expanding scrutiny, with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office joining state and local investigations into matters involving the district, while the State Board of Education says it will take whatever actions are authorized if violations of state fiscal requirements are established. North Carolina lawmakers are also returning to Raleigh Wednesday to consider relief from high fuel prices, including a potential suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections plans to contact 1,599 registered voters identified by a federal database as potential noncitizens as officials work to verify their eligibility. A new John Locke Foundation analysis estimates an inflation-and-population-based property tax levy limit could have reduced county property tax collections by $5.9 billion over the past five years, and Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down the special session and debate over gas-tax relief.

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