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

Primary Election Day is underway across North Carolina, with key statewide and congressional races drawing close attention as voters head to the polls. Officials are highlighting what voters need to know — from polling hours to ID requirements — while campaigns focus on turnout in competitive primaries. The State Board of Elections has named a new director of election security ahead of the vote, aiming to reinforce confidence in the process. Final early voting numbers show turnout trends and party participation levels heading into Election Day, offering insight into what to watch as results come in.

Primary Election Day is underway across North Carolina, with key statewide and congressional races drawing close attention as voters head to the polls. Officials are highlighting what voters need to know &mdash; from polling hours to ID requirements &mdash; while campaigns focus on turnout in competitive primaries. The State Board of Elections has named a new director of election security ahead of the vote, aiming to reinforce confidence in the process. Final early voting numbers show turnout trends and party participation levels heading into Election Day, offering insight into what to watch as results come in.

Primary Election Day in NC: What to Know, Final Turnout Trends

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/9a76f42e-edc8-41ab-9b44-b4020094e803/transcript

President Trump says U.S. operations involving Iran will continue until stated objectives are achieved, as tensions escalate following Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a move with major implications for global energy markets. Gas prices across North Carolina are reacting to the instability, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption could push prices higher. In election news, a Canadian citizen has pleaded guilty to illegally voting in North Carolina federal elections. Meanwhile, state officials confirmed that votes cast for a disqualified candidate in the GOP U.S. Senate primary will still be counted under current election law. Separately, UNC System leaders have approved a significant overhaul of the system’s academic freedom policy, redefining faculty protections and responsibilities moving forward.

President Trump says U.S. operations involving Iran will continue until stated objectives are achieved, as tensions escalate following Iran&rsquo;s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz &mdash; a move with major implications for global energy markets. Gas prices across North Carolina are reacting to the instability, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption could push prices higher. In election news, a Canadian citizen has pleaded guilty to illegally voting in North Carolina federal elections. Meanwhile, state officials confirmed that votes cast for a disqualified candidate in the GOP U.S. Senate primary will still be counted under current election law. Separately, UNC System leaders have approved a significant overhaul of the system&rsquo;s academic freedom policy, redefining faculty protections and responsibilities moving forward.

Iran Tensions; NC Election Developments; UNC Policy Overhaul

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/e8ef2e5a-5af3-4d2d-8398-b40100929afd/transcript

New results from the 2026 GOP Primary Carolina Journal Poll provide fresh insight into the U.S. Senate race and overall support for leading Republican's across North Carolina. The survey also measures President Trump’s approval among GOP voters, levels of MAGA alignment, and voter interest in participating in the upcoming primary. Additional findings examine Republican views on the state’s ongoing budget impasse, perceptions of North Carolina’s tax climate, and evolving media consumption habits. Separately, proposed changes to the North Carolina Investment Authority could strengthen pension performance while reducing long-term costs to taxpayers.

New results from the 2026 GOP Primary Carolina Journal Poll provide fresh insight into the U.S. Senate race and overall support for leading Republican's across North Carolina. The survey also measures President Trump&rsquo;s approval among GOP voters, levels of MAGA alignment, and voter interest in participating in the upcoming primary. Additional findings examine Republican views on the state&rsquo;s ongoing budget impasse, perceptions of North Carolina&rsquo;s tax climate, and evolving media consumption habits. Separately, proposed changes to the North Carolina Investment Authority could strengthen pension performance while reducing long-term costs to taxpayers.

New GOP Poll Shows Senate Race Trends

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/a9a3123d-c621-4cc2-905f-b3fe009a2307/transcript

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

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