New data from the 2026 primary shows early voting trends taking shape across North Carolina, with turnout patterns offering early clues about voter enthusiasm and party engagement. At the same time, a newly formed modernization commission has begun work on overhauling North Carolina’s election systems, aiming to improve security, efficiency, and data integrity. In economic development news, the Department of Commerce has canceled six Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) projects, raising questions about shifting priorities and incentive strategies.

New data from the 2026 primary shows early voting trends taking shape across North Carolina, with turnout patterns offering early clues about voter enthusiasm and party engagement. At the same time, a newly formed modernization commission has begun work on overhauling North Carolina&rsquo;s election systems, aiming to improve security, efficiency, and data integrity. In economic development news, the Department of Commerce has canceled six Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) projects, raising questions about shifting priorities and incentive strategies.

The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT focuses on state-wide news, politics, and business stories that impact the lives of the residents of Charlotte and all of North Carolina utilizing the exceptional resources of The Carolina Journal.

The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT focuses on state-wide news, politics, and business stories that impact the lives of the residents of Charlotte and all of North Carolina utilizing the exceptional resources of The Carolina Journal.

The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Early Voting Trends Emerge; Election Overhaul Begins; JDIG Projects Canceled

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/40d01898-80dc-4a28-b3b7-b3fd009a456d/transcript

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.

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.

Early Voting Begins; Trump Returns to NC; Atrium Network Dispute

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/a1cc8a18-023f-4149-868a-b4e400ad3918/transcript

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.

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.

Noncitizen Voter Review; NC School Choice Ranking; Faith and Politics

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/b3f06a1e-073e-4925-b31a-b4e300936893/transcript

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.

Democrats have narrowly regained their position as North Carolina&rsquo;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.

Democrats Regain Party Lead; NC Takes Over Town Finances

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/7d6aa0b4-0c13-456d-9cb7-b4e2008bcf8d/transcript

Early Voting Trends Emerge; Election Overhaul Begins; JDIG Projects Canceled

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