The latest Carolina Journal Poll offers a new look at North Carolina's political landscape with less than two weeks until Election Day. David Larson of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Gov. Josh Stein, along with voter preferences in legislative and congressional races. The October survey shows Trump with 44% approval and Stein at 51%, while Democrats hold a six-point advantage on both generic ballots. Larson also examines favorability ratings for Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper, along with voters' views of the Democratic Socialists of America. In North Carolina's U.S. Senate race, Cooper leads Whatley by 10 points, down from a 15-point advantage in September. Plus, Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program as North Carolina surpasses one million early votes, with registered Democrats maintaining a substantial turnout advantage over Republicans.

The latest Carolina Journal Poll offers a new look at North Carolina's political landscape with less than two weeks until Election Day. David Larson of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Gov. Josh Stein, along with voter preferences in legislative and congressional races. The October survey shows Trump with 44% approval and Stein at 51%, while Democrats hold a six-point advantage on both generic ballots. Larson also examines favorability ratings for Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper, along with voters' views of the Democratic Socialists of America. In North Carolina's U.S. Senate race, Cooper leads Whatley by 10 points, down from a 15-point advantage in September. Plus, Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program as North Carolina surpasses one million early votes, with registered Democrats maintaining a substantial turnout advantage over Republicans.

October CJ Poll; Cooper Leads Whatley by 10; Early Voting Tops 1 Million

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/56928775-4af8-43b2-922b-b4ec008c027b/transcript

Republicans face three competitive legislative races in Wake County that could leave the state's most populous county without GOP representation in the General Assembly. Republican incumbents Erin Paré and Mike Schietzelt are defending their House seats, while Chris Stock challenges Democratic Sen. Haseeb Fatmi. Meanwhile, western North Carolina is receiving an additional $873 million in federal funding to repair roads, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a federal judge's decision to reject a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's mail-in ballot requirements, allowing existing signature and envelope rules to remain in place. Plus, an update on Wednesday's early voting totals as North Carolinians continue heading to the polls ahead of the November midterms.

Republicans face three competitive legislative races in Wake County that could leave the state's most populous county without GOP representation in the General Assembly. Republican incumbents Erin Par&eacute; and Mike Schietzelt are defending their House seats, while Chris Stock challenges Democratic Sen. Haseeb Fatmi. Meanwhile, western North Carolina is receiving an additional $873 million in federal funding to repair roads, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a federal judge's decision to reject a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's mail-in ballot requirements, allowing existing signature and envelope rules to remain in place. Plus, an update on Wednesday's early voting totals as North Carolinians continue heading to the polls ahead of the November midterms.

Wake County Legislative Races; $873M for Helene Recovery; Mail Ballot Ruling

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/988456a5-5312-4642-b82a-b4eb0089ca7e/transcript

President Donald Trump returned to North Carolina Tuesday night for a campaign rally in Greenville, where he urged voters to support Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional candidates Laurie Buckhout and Jennifer Balkcom. The program features audio from the rally, including Trump's criticism of former Gov. Roy Cooper's record on crime, immigration, and the economy as Republicans work to increase turnout ahead of the November midterms. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Vice President JD Vance's Monday rally in Hendersonville, where he campaigned for Whatley and Balkcom while highlighting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and the administration's policy agenda. Plus, an update on Tuesday's early voting totals as turnout continues to outpace the same period in the 2022 midterm elections.

President Donald Trump returned to North Carolina Tuesday night for a campaign rally in Greenville, where he urged voters to support Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley and congressional candidates Laurie Buckhout and Jennifer Balkcom. The program features audio from the rally, including Trump's criticism of former Gov. Roy Cooper's record on crime, immigration, and the economy as Republicans work to increase turnout ahead of the November midterms. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Vice President JD Vance's Monday rally in Hendersonville, where he campaigned for Whatley and Balkcom while highlighting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and the administration's policy agenda. Plus, an update on Tuesday's early voting totals as turnout continues to outpace the same period in the 2022 midterm elections.

Trump Rallies in Greenville; Vance Visits WNC; Early Voting Update

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/e9787d51-4094-4a77-a6d3-b4ea008c10c4/transcript

North Carolina is reporting the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the nation following the temporary suspension of the state's 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced a settlement with UNC-Chapel Hill resolving federal investigations into allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination, requiring changes to university policies and admissions practices. The administration has also released $550 million in federal funding for a major North Carolina passenger rail project. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to examine the first four days of early voting, with Democratic turnout significantly outpacing Republicans and questions emerging about whether the GOP can close the gap before Election Day. Plus, an update on Monday's voting totals and President Donald Trump's scheduled Tuesday evening rally in Greenville.

North Carolina is reporting the lowest gasoline and diesel prices in the nation following the temporary suspension of the state's 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced a settlement with UNC-Chapel Hill resolving federal investigations into allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination, requiring changes to university policies and admissions practices. The administration has also released $550 million in federal funding for a major North Carolina passenger rail project. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to examine the first four days of early voting, with Democratic turnout significantly outpacing Republicans and questions emerging about whether the GOP can close the gap before Election Day. Plus, an update on Monday's voting totals and President Donald Trump's scheduled Tuesday evening rally in Greenville.

NC Fuel Prices Fall; $550M for Rail; Democrats Lead Early Voting

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/8f79c628-a5ab-4ddb-bd6f-b4e90087934c/transcript

Federal prosecutors have announced indictments against 10 noncitizens accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally voting in North Carolina elections, including the 2024 general election. The charges come as early voting gets underway across the state ahead of the November midterms. More than 27,000 ballots were cast during the first few hours of early voting Thursday. Meanwhile, Republican Court of Appeals Judge April Wood is criticizing the News & Observer and Charlotte Observer over an endorsement editorial that incorrectly overlooked Republican women serving on the court. Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network joins the program to discuss expanding North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program and public school open enrollment, including efforts to provide families with more educational options.

Federal prosecutors have announced indictments against 10 noncitizens accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship and illegally voting in North Carolina elections, including the 2024 general election. The charges come as early voting gets underway across the state ahead of the November midterms. More than 27,000 ballots were cast during the first few hours of early voting Thursday. Meanwhile, Republican Court of Appeals Judge April Wood is criticizing the News &amp; Observer and Charlotte Observer over an endorsement editorial that incorrectly overlooked Republican women serving on the court. Bryce Fiedler of the Carolinas Academic Leadership Network joins the program to discuss expanding North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program and public school open enrollment, including efforts to provide families with more educational options.

10 Noncitizens Indicted; Early Voting Begins; School Choice Expansion

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/2a36e1d6-463c-4244-9885-b4e500b05da9/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

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has signed legislation temporarily suspending the state's 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through November 30, while criticizing Republican lawmakers for not doing more to address the rising cost of living. Republican legislative leaders defended the measure as an example of the state's fiscal responsibility and commitment to providing relief for drivers. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Health Plan has filed a lawsuit against Atrium Health seeking to block a new pricing program, arguing it could threaten the plan's financial stability. Atrium maintains its program is designed to lower healthcare costs for state employees and retirees. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the North Carolina Senate's preparations for its first leadership change in 15 years and what the transition could mean for the General Assembly.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has signed legislation temporarily suspending the state's 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through November 30, while criticizing Republican lawmakers for not doing more to address the rising cost of living. Republican legislative leaders defended the measure as an example of the state's fiscal responsibility and commitment to providing relief for drivers. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Health Plan has filed a lawsuit against Atrium Health seeking to block a new pricing program, arguing it could threaten the plan's financial stability. Atrium maintains its program is designed to lower healthcare costs for state employees and retirees. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the North Carolina Senate's preparations for its first leadership change in 15 years and what the transition could mean for the General Assembly.

Stein Signs Gas Tax Relief; Atrium Lawsuit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/967ff0c5-2b57-41a3-93f5-b4e100a7f9e9/transcript

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner is warning that Atrium Health’s new affordability program could accelerate financial problems for the State Health Plan by shifting additional costs onto taxpayers and plan members. Atrium maintains its program will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Meanwhile, new data shows teacher vacancies across North Carolina declined even before recently approved pay raises took effect. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail-voting numbers, showing turnout running nearly 20% below the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a Fourth Circuit order requiring the FCC to act by Friday in the ongoing dispute over discounted political advertising rates.

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner is warning that Atrium Health&rsquo;s new affordability program could accelerate financial problems for the State Health Plan by shifting additional costs onto taxpayers and plan members. Atrium maintains its program will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Meanwhile, new data shows teacher vacancies across North Carolina declined even before recently approved pay raises took effect. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program with the latest mail-voting numbers, showing turnout running nearly 20% below the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a Fourth Circuit order requiring the FCC to act by Friday in the ongoing dispute over discounted political advertising rates.

State Health Plan Warning; Teacher Vacancies Fall; SCOTUS Blocks FCC Order

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/7c753020-559a-4332-84c2-b4de008658e6/transcript

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

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

525 clip(s)