New crime data shows homicides are down in several North Carolina cities in 2025, signaling improvement after years of elevated violence in some urban areas. In international news with local impact, Asheville has been selected to host the 2026 G20 Finance Track meetings, bringing global attention and economic activity to Western North Carolina. Early voting continues statewide, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter participation trends ahead of the primary.

New crime data shows homicides are down in several North Carolina cities in 2025, signaling improvement after years of elevated violence in some urban areas. In international news with local impact, Asheville has been selected to host the 2026 G20 Finance Track meetings, bringing global attention and economic activity to Western North Carolina. Early voting continues statewide, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter participation trends ahead of the primary.

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

NC Homicides Decline; Asheville Lands 2026 G20 Meetings

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/29ea6976-3b14-4545-9816-b3f7009ea27b/transcript

Tensions grow in Raleigh as lawmakers and state officials clash over the pace of Hurricane Helene recovery projects, with concerns raised about delays and accountability. On the federal front, former North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker was named to a Trump State Department role focused on global religious freedom. The Department of Public Instruction is also preparing updates to math standards aimed at better aligning classroom instruction with workforce demands. In the courts, a long-running lawsuit from bar owners over COVID shutdowns could shrink significantly, as nearly two dozen plaintiffs may be dismissed from the case.

Tensions grow in Raleigh as lawmakers and state officials clash over the pace of Hurricane Helene recovery projects, with concerns raised about delays and accountability. On the federal front, former North Carolina Congressman Mark Walker was named to a Trump State Department role focused on global religious freedom. The Department of Public Instruction is also preparing updates to math standards aimed at better aligning classroom instruction with workforce demands. In the courts, a long-running lawsuit from bar owners over COVID shutdowns could shrink significantly, as nearly two dozen plaintiffs may be dismissed from the case.

Helene Recovery Clash; Walker Gets State Dept Role

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/d86325b6-dd86-4c49-ac67-b3f6009e76db/transcript

A new North Carolina energy report warns that electricity rates could rise as demand surges statewide, driven by population growth and expanding industry. In election news, a judge struck down an order related to the State Board of Elections, ruling the board violated its own procedures. Early voting continues across North Carolina, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter engagement ahead of the primary. Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Quality awarded $5.7 million for flood mitigation projects in western North Carolina to strengthen resilience after recent storms.

A new North Carolina energy report warns that electricity rates could rise as demand surges statewide, driven by population growth and expanding industry. In election news, a judge struck down an order related to the State Board of Elections, ruling the board violated its own procedures. Early voting continues across North Carolina, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter engagement ahead of the primary. Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Quality awarded $5.7 million for flood mitigation projects in western North Carolina to strengthen resilience after recent storms.

Energy Rate Warning, Election Ruling, Early Voting Update

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/b29f1126-103d-4fbe-9973-b3f500955588/transcript

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 drives. At the General Assembly, a House committee pressed Buncombe County leaders over DEI policies, while Asheville agreed to eliminate race-based commission criteria. In the courts, a judge dismissed Carrboro’s climate lawsuit against Duke Energy, delivering a win for the utility in the ongoing energy policy debate.

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 drives. At the General Assembly, a House committee pressed Buncombe County leaders over DEI policies, while Asheville agreed to eliminate race-based commission criteria. In the courts, a judge dismissed Carrboro&rsquo;s climate lawsuit against Duke Energy, delivering a win for the utility in the ongoing energy policy debate.

DOE Coal Investment, Elections Probe, Climate Lawsuit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/0e095041-5b0a-453b-8a40-b3f400a8dbce/transcript

NC Homicides Decline; Asheville Lands 2026 G20 Meetings

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