DOE Coal Investment, Elections Probe, Climate Lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Energy plans to invest $175 million in coal plant upgrades nationwide, including a North Carolina site, as part of broader grid reliability efforts. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections is investigating allegations of fake officials and fraud tied to voter registration dri…

NC Manufacturing Jobs Drop, Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act

North Carolina lost 7,200 manufacturing jobs in 2025, according to the state Department of Commerce, raising fresh concerns about economic headwinds in key industries. Early voting continues statewide for the 2026 primary as campaigns ramp up turnout efforts. A judge has clarified the scope of a pr…

Early Voting Begins as NC Expands Workforce, Energy Programs

North Carolina is expanding apprenticeship opportunities using new federal workforce funds, aiming to strengthen job pipelines in key industries. In Union County, a targeted math tutoring initiative is drawing attention as a potential statewide model for boosting student achievement. Early voting h…

Illegal Trucking Crackdown, Property Rights Repeal Hit 3,600 NC Landowners

In this episode of The Carolina Journal News Hour, host Nick Craig discusses several statewide news stories. First, he talks to Teresa Opeika about a recent change in North Carolina's private property rights, specifically regarding navigable streams and the Registered Property Program. They explore…

Sheriff McFadden Grilled by North Carolina General Assembly

Charlotte officials faced intense questioning before the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform as lawmakers examined public safety, accountability, and leadership within the city’s criminal justice system. District Attorney Spencer Merriweather defended prosecutorial decisions amid concern…

Boliek Launches Election Commission; Stein on Mental Health; Court Rejects Campus Voting Injunction

State Auditor Dave Boliek has launched a new commission aimed at modernizing North Carolina’s election data systems, citing the need for greater accuracy, security, and transparency. At the same time, the State Board of Education is calling for pay raises for school personnel while also raising ala…

School Crime Drops; Boliek Audits Office; UNC Protest Ban Blocked

Newly released crime data shows continued improvement in safety across North Carolina public schools, reinforcing a positive statewide trend. On the sports front, at least 16 players with North Carolina ties are set to appear in the Super Bowl, highlighting the state’s deep football footprint. In s…

Transit Safety Flags Raised; Dupre Ruled Ineligible; Audits Spotlight Costs

A federal audit has flagged serious safety risks on Charlotte’s public transit system, raising renewed concerns about security, oversight, and rider safety. The audit findings come as state officials detail how more than $200 million in Hurricane Helene recovery funds are being distributed across a…

NC Infrastructure Gets C-Minus; Crime Hearing Moves Forward

North Carolina’s infrastructure received a C-minus grade in the latest civil engineering report, renewing concerns about roads, bridges, and long-term investment needs statewide. At the same time, the State Board of Elections is asking roughly 241,000 voters to verify their identity, part of an eff…

NC Tops Economic Development Rankings, Early Voting Lawsuit

North Carolina has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for economic development in 2025, highlighting continued success in business recruitment, job growth, and capital investment. At the same time, applications are now open for the Opportunity Scholarship program, with enrollment already surpassing 10…