Lake Lure Rebuilds; Stein Signs New Laws; Trump Accounts

As summer tourism returns to western North Carolina, Lake Lure continues balancing a busy season with the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed several bills into law, including measures aimed at improving police retention and strengthening child protecti…

$34B Budget Heads to Stein; FEMA Approves Helene Aid

North Carolina lawmakers have given final approval to a $34 billion state budget, sending the spending plan to Governor Josh Stein for his consideration. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down the budget's key provisions and what comes next as the governor weighs whethe…

State Budget Clears First Votes

The first round of legislative votes on North Carolina's new state budget have passed, featuring extensive audio from lawmakers on both sides of the debate. Republican leaders, including Speaker Destin Hall and other budget architects, outline the spending plan's priorities and defend its tax cuts,…

State Budget Unveiled; Tax Cuts and Raises; Helene Funding Included

North Carolina lawmakers have unveiled the long-awaited state budget, with the program breaking down its biggest provisions and fiscal priorities. Brian Balfour of the John Locke Foundation joins the show to examine the budget's topline spending figures and overall framework. The discussion continu…

Budget Deal Reached; Duke Reinvests $129M; COVID Lawsuit

North Carolina legislative leaders have reached a long-awaited state budget agreement, with votes planned before the July 4 holiday. Meanwhile, Duke Energy will reinvest $129 million into new generation and grid improvements after canceling its offshore wind lease off the North Carolina coast. Mitc…

Concealed Carry Stalls; Budd Pushes for Helene Aid; NC Budget

Efforts to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of North Carolina’s concealed carry legislation remain stalled in the House as Republican leaders continue working to secure enough votes. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd says he cannot support the Trump administration’s latest funding request because…

Election Bill Faces Pushback; Lumbee Reject Casino; Board Censure

A wide-ranging elections bill has cleared the House Rules Committee but continues to face concerns from some Republicans as well as bipartisan criticism ahead of a possible floor vote. Meanwhile, members of the Lumbee Tribe have voted against a proposed casino development along I-95 in Robeson Coun…

House Overrides Stein Vetoes; Chemours Reaches $450M Settlement

The North Carolina House voted to override several of Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes, including legislation dealing with immigration enforcement and DEI policies, audio and debate from the House floor. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a $450 million federal settle…

Stanley Cup Visits GA; AI Healthcare Limits Advance, Healthcare news

The Stanley Cup made a special stop at the North Carolina General Assembly as lawmakers welcomed Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Meanwhile, the state Senate is advancing legislation that would place new limits on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare billing and claims pr…

$61M Spent, No Bridge; Stein Signs Key Bills; Supreme Court Showdown Looms

The Charlotte City Council has selected Rob Harrington to serve as the city’s interim mayor, filling a key leadership vacancy in North Carolina’s largest city. Meanwhile, a new state audit reveals more than $61 million has been spent over three decades on the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge despite c…