Nearly 60,000 North Carolina voters requested absentee ballots during the first week they were available as voting gets underway ahead of the November election. Meanwhile, the North Carolina DMV is preparing for a statewide rollout of mobile identification, even as questions remain over privacy and data security. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss backlash facing a North Carolina House candidate over comments describing an incident as an “attack on U.S. soil.” Plus, new polling shows former Gov. Roy Cooper continuing to lead Republican Michael Whatley in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.

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North Carolina marks 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, remembering the lives lost and the lasting impact of that day on the state and nation. Meanwhile, Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva have agreed to a $455 million settlement resolving North Carolina claims tied to PFAS, or “forever chemical,” contamination. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a case before the North Carolina Supreme Court that will determine whether Attorney General Jeff Jackson can move forward with the state’s lawsuit against TikTok.

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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 its school performance grading system just as schools are posting improvements under the current model.

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The National Republican Congressional Committee has added Jennifer Balkcom in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District to its MAGA Majority program as Republicans look to hold the western North Carolina seat. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s visit to rally North Carolina Democrats, where he urged the party to focus on the 2026 midterms rather than the 2028 presidential race. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation breaks down the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision blocking a lower court ruling that favored Roy Cooper and Democrats in a dispute over broadcast advertising rates. Plus, North Carolina schools are showing academic gains, although roughly four in 10 students remain below grade-level proficiency.

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The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved new absentee ballot guidance in a 3-2 vote as election officials prepare for voting ahead of the November election. Meanwhile, North Carolina Medicaid and the State Health Plan are taking different approaches to coverage of GLP-1 medications, highlighting the growing debate over costs and access to the popular drugs. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss state Sen. Bobby Hanig’s retirement from the General Assembly and what his departure means for the legislature.

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North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr. will not seek reelection to his current seat, fueling speculation that he could instead pursue a run for chief justice. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss Berger’s announcement and what it could mean for upcoming statewide judicial races. Meanwhile, NOAA is planning a $64 million rebuild of its historic Beaufort laboratory. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation also breaks down the start of absentee voting in North Carolina as ballots begin going out to voters across the state.

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North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene recovery efforts are increasingly focused on addressing affordable housing needs in western communities still rebuilding from the storm. Meanwhile, the Greenville Police Department has scrapped plans to roll out Flock license plate reader cameras. The program also covers the U.S. House vote to censure North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards following a House Ethics Committee report, including Edwards’ remarks from the House floor. Plus, the State Board of Elections is considering new absentee ballot guidance after implementation of updated rules was delayed.

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North Carolina Medicaid is rolling out new work and renewal requirements that will affect some beneficiaries as the state implements changes to eligibility and continued coverage. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss Republican groups asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block a Fourth Circuit ruling involving political advertising rules. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation examines how North Carolina’s 2026 early voting plans compare with those used during the 2022 midterm elections. Plus, the program previews the U.S. House censuring North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards over his conduct toward former female staffers.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is bringing the Trump administration’s economic pressure campaign against Iran to Asheville as global finance leaders gather in western North Carolina. Meanwhile, FEMA has approved an additional $137 million for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts as rebuilding continues across the region. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Kalshi’s decision to suspend NC-1 congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout after she traded on the outcome of her own race. Plus, lawmakers are returning to Raleigh for a skeleton session of the General Assembly with no business expected.

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Asheville is preparing to host global finance leaders for a G20 meeting, putting western North Carolina in the international spotlight. Meanwhile, Fort Bragg has been selected to host an Army nuclear microreactor as the military explores new ways to strengthen energy resilience. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is claiming a legal victory after a judge blocked a USPS ballot rule that had drawn concerns over its impact on mail-in voting. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a new report finding North Carolina’s business tax climate remains among the strongest in the country. Plus, a new survey shows afterschool STEM opportunities are expanding across the state, although computer science education continues to lag.

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