North Carolina is marking a historic and somber day with the death of Jim Hunt, the state’s longest-serving governor, who passed away at age 88. Hunt’s legacy in education and state politics is being remembered across party lines. Tragedy also struck in Iredell County, where former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family were killed in a plane crash in Statesville, prompting an outpouring of grief from the racing community. In historic news, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has officially received full federal recognition, ending a decades-long effort and opening the door to new federal resources.

North Carolina is marking a historic and somber day with the death of Jim Hunt, the state&rsquo;s longest-serving governor, who passed away at age 88. Hunt&rsquo;s legacy in education and state politics is being remembered across party lines. Tragedy also struck in Iredell County, where former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family were killed in a plane crash in Statesville, prompting an outpouring of grief from the racing community. In historic news, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has officially received full federal recognition, ending a decades-long effort and opening the door to new federal resources.

Jim Hunt Dies at 88; Lumbee Tribe Recognition; Statesville Plane Crash Tragedy

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The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is just one signature away from full federal recognition, marking a historic milestone after decades of advocacy. Provisions granting recognition are included in federal legislation that has already cleared Congress, leaving final approval as the last step. Meanwhile, a new audit of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) details widespread failures in the agency’s handling of disaster recovery funds. State Auditor Dave Boliek sharply criticized the program, calling it a “third disaster” layered on top of the storms it was meant to address, as lawmakers and state officials continue pressing for accountability and reforms.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is just one signature away from full federal recognition, marking a historic milestone after decades of advocacy. Provisions granting recognition are included in federal legislation that has already cleared Congress, leaving final approval as the last step. Meanwhile, a new audit of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) details widespread failures in the agency&rsquo;s handling of disaster recovery funds. State Auditor Dave Boliek sharply criticized the program, calling it a &ldquo;third disaster&rdquo; layered on top of the storms it was meant to address, as lawmakers and state officials continue pressing for accountability and reforms.

Lumbee Recognition Nears Finish Line; NCORR Audit Sparks Outcry

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President Trump is set to visit Rocky Mount on Friday, bringing renewed national attention to North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District as political activity ramps up ahead of 2026. In Washington, the U.S. House version of the National Defense Authorization Act includes language that would grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, a long-sought goal for tribal leaders in North Carolina. Looking ahead to the end of the year, the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association released its 2025 holiday shopping forecast, projecting steady consumer spending despite economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department is opposing efforts to reopen a settled North Carolina election dispute, arguing the agreement should remain in place.

President Trump is set to visit Rocky Mount on Friday, bringing renewed national attention to North Carolina&rsquo;s 1st Congressional District as political activity ramps up ahead of 2026. In Washington, the U.S. House version of the National Defense Authorization Act includes language that would grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, a long-sought goal for tribal leaders in North Carolina. Looking ahead to the end of the year, the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association released its 2025 holiday shopping forecast, projecting steady consumer spending despite economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department is opposing efforts to reopen a settled North Carolina election dispute, arguing the agreement should remain in place.

Trump to Visit NC, Lumbee Recognition in NDAA, 2025 Holiday Shopping

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Governor Josh Stein has announced hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding for infrastructure projects across Western North Carolina, targeting roads, bridges, water systems, and long-term recovery needs following recent storms. On the legal front, the North Carolina Supreme Court has declined to hear a case challenging the state’s ban on Sunday hunting, leaving the current restrictions in place. The courts have also upheld North Carolina’s Certificate of Need law, rejecting a challenge from a New Bern eye surgeon who argued the regulations unfairly limit competition in healthcare.

Governor Josh Stein has announced hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding for infrastructure projects across Western North Carolina, targeting roads, bridges, water systems, and long-term recovery needs following recent storms. On the legal front, the North Carolina Supreme Court has declined to hear a case challenging the state&rsquo;s ban on Sunday hunting, leaving the current restrictions in place. The courts have also upheld North Carolina&rsquo;s Certificate of Need law, rejecting a challenge from a New Bern eye surgeon who argued the regulations unfairly limit competition in healthcare.

Stein Unveils Major WNC Infrastructure Funding; NC CON Law

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North Carolina lawmakers are pressing judicial officials over ongoing problems with the state’s eCourts system, raising concerns about reliability, costs, and courtroom disruptions. Legislation introduced by Rep. Harris would bar discrimination against homeschool graduates in college admissions, drawing praise from school choice advocates. Governor Stein is disputing a new federal cap on graduate-level nursing student loans, warning it could worsen the state’s healthcare workforce shortage. Politically, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page says he will remain in the Republican primary despite President Trump’s endorsement of Senate leader Phil Berger.

North Carolina lawmakers are pressing judicial officials over ongoing problems with the state&rsquo;s eCourts system, raising concerns about reliability, costs, and courtroom disruptions. Legislation introduced by Rep. Harris would bar discrimination against homeschool graduates in college admissions, drawing praise from school choice advocates. Governor Stein is disputing a new federal cap on graduate-level nursing student loans, warning it could worsen the state&rsquo;s healthcare workforce shortage. Politically, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page says he will remain in the Republican primary despite President Trump&rsquo;s endorsement of Senate leader Phil Berger.

eCourts, Nursing Cap, Homeschooling

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Federal prosecutors have filed charges against the suspect accused of stabbing a passenger on Charlotte’s light rail, escalating the case and drawing renewed attention to public safety on transit systems. A new state audit reports that North Carolina’s overall financial health remains strong. In political news, President Trump has endorsed Senate leader Phil Berger in his 2026 GOP primary challenge, injecting national attention into the race.

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against the suspect accused of stabbing a passenger on Charlotte&rsquo;s light rail, escalating the case and drawing renewed attention to public safety on transit systems. A new state audit reports that North Carolina&rsquo;s overall financial health remains strong. In political news, President Trump has endorsed Senate leader Phil Berger in his 2026 GOP primary challenge, injecting national attention into the race.

Feds Charge Light Rail Suspect; Audit Shows NC Finances Strong

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A contentious legislative hearing on school indoctrination sparked sharp exchanges between lawmakers and school officials, putting renewed focus on curriculum transparency and parental rights. Meanwhile, NCDHHS reversed recent Medicaid cuts as lawsuits continue to mount across the state. In political news, President Trump endorsed Senate Leader Phil Berger in his primary election, adding national attention to the race.

A contentious legislative hearing on school indoctrination sparked sharp exchanges between lawmakers and school officials, putting renewed focus on curriculum transparency and parental rights. Meanwhile, NCDHHS reversed recent Medicaid cuts as lawsuits continue to mount across the state. In political news, President Trump endorsed Senate Leader Phil Berger in his primary election, adding national attention to the race.

School Indoctrination Clash; Trump Backs Berger

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A deadly fight at North Forsyth High left one student dead and another injured, prompting renewed concerns over school safety. Meanwhile, a Canadian national indicted for illegally voting in North Carolina is set for a Dec. 16 arraignment. Former President Trump announced a $12 billion farmer bailout, aimed at offsetting trade-related losses. The state also confirmed an additional $29 million in Helene recovery funding headed to North Carolina communities. Additionally, a new NCDMV law now allows residents to renew their state IDs online twice, expanding digital access and reducing wait times.

A deadly fight at North Forsyth High left one student dead and another injured, prompting renewed concerns over school safety. Meanwhile, a Canadian national indicted for illegally voting in North Carolina is set for a Dec. 16 arraignment. Former President Trump announced a $12 billion farmer bailout, aimed at offsetting trade-related losses. The state also confirmed an additional $29 million in Helene recovery funding headed to North Carolina communities. Additionally, a new NCDMV law now allows residents to renew their state IDs online twice, expanding digital access and reducing wait times.

Student Killed at NC High School; $29 million in Helene funding

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A Honduran national accused in the Charlotte light rail stabbing was denied bond, intensifying public scrutiny over crime and immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, House Speaker Destin Hall has formed a new committee to study property taxes amid growing concerns about rising valuations and affordability. As housing recovery applications for Helene victims approach the Dec. 31 deadline, the state also released November sports-betting numbers showing steady activity. On the agriculture front, former President Trump announced a $12 billion bailout package for American farmers to offset ongoing trade impacts.

A Honduran national accused in the Charlotte light rail stabbing was denied bond, intensifying public scrutiny over crime and immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, House Speaker Destin Hall&nbsp;has formed a new committee to study property taxes amid growing concerns about rising valuations and affordability. As housing recovery applications for Helene victims approach the Dec. 31 deadline, the state also released November sports-betting numbers showing steady activity. On the agriculture front, former President Trump announced a $12 billion bailout package for American farmers to offset ongoing trade impacts.

Stabbing Suspect Denied Bond; Property Tax Committee Formed

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A stabbing on Charlotte’s Blue Line left one person seriously injured, and police arrested a twice-deported illegal immigrant, reigniting debate over public safety and immigration enforcement. The State Board of Elections is again pressing the DMV to release full Social Security number data to resolve thousands of incomplete voter records. Separately, a scathing audit of NCORR found severe mismanagement and delays in disaster-recovery programs, with State Auditor Dave Boliek labeling the agency a “third disaster” on top of recent storms. Lawmakers and state officials are now demanding major reforms as these findings continue to unfold.

A stabbing on Charlotte&rsquo;s Blue Line left one person seriously injured, and police arrested a twice-deported illegal immigrant, reigniting debate over public safety and immigration enforcement. The State Board of Elections is again pressing the DMV to release full Social Security number data to resolve thousands of incomplete voter records. Separately, a scathing audit of NCORR found severe mismanagement and delays in disaster-recovery programs, with State Auditor Dave Boliek labeling the agency a &ldquo;third disaster&rdquo; on top of recent storms. Lawmakers and state officials are now demanding major reforms as these findings continue to unfold.

Stabbing on Charlotte Blue Line; NCORR Audit Fallout

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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

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