The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

A wide-ranging elections bill has cleared the House Rules Committee but continues to face concerns from some Republicans as well as bipartisan criticism ahead of a possible floor vote. Meanwhile, members of the Lumbee Tribe have voted against a proposed casino development along I-95 in Robeson County, effectively ending the project. New polling also shows Roy Cooper holding a double-digit lead over Michael Whatley in the U.S. Senate race while President Donald Trump remains underwater with North Carolina voters. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the State Board of Elections' decision to censure Wake County election officials over ballots cast in the names of deceased voters. Plus, a look ahead at another busy week in the General Assembly.

The North Carolina House voted to override several of Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes, including legislation dealing with immigration enforcement and DEI policies, audio and debate from the House floor. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a $450 million federal settlement with Chemours over PFAS contamination and chemical releases affecting North Carolina, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

The Stanley Cup made a special stop at the North Carolina General Assembly as lawmakers welcomed Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Meanwhile, the state Senate is advancing legislation that would place new limits on the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare billing and claims processing. Healthcare remains in focus as 11 North Carolina hospitals have been warned by the Trump administration over pricing transparency requirements, while new data shows the state has the seventh-longest emergency room wait times in the nation. Plus, North Carolina is the the first state in the country to ban litigation investing, a practice critics argue allows outside investors to profit from lawsuits.

The Charlotte City Council has selected Rob Harrington to serve as the city’s interim mayor, filling a key leadership vacancy in North Carolina’s largest city. Meanwhile, a new state audit reveals more than $61 million has been spent over three decades on the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge despite construction never beginning, raising fresh questions about transportation planning and accountability. Governor Josh Stein has also signed six bills into law, including the latest Farm Act and what supporters describe as the nation’s first litigation ban of its kind. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss two major cases now before the North Carolina Supreme Court involving ongoing legal disputes between Governor Stein and legislative leaders. Plus, lawmakers return to Raleigh for another busy day at the General Assembly.

Private sponsors are stepping in after North Carolina officially declined to participate in the America 250 Fair, ensuring some commemorative events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary will still move forward. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed legislation delaying new property tax valuations in certain counties, providing temporary relief from scheduled reappraisals. Senate leader Phil Berger is also floating the possibility of a state role in efforts to bring Major League Baseball to the Triangle. Plus, the U.S. Department of Education is investigating restroom policies in Buncombe and Cabarrus county schools, adding North Carolina to a growing national debate over student privacy and federal civil rights enforcement.

A sweeping elections bill has stalled in the North Carolina General Assembly following criticism and pushback from lawmakers and outside groups, leaving questions about the measure’s future. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s military communities are set to benefit from funding included in the U.S. Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act. Katie Zehnder of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss how ongoing global instability is threatening fertilizer supply chains and creating concerns for farmers. Plus, North Carolina charter schools have reached record enrollment levels as the sector approaches its 30th anniversary.

The North Carolina House has unanimously approved the Dominique Moody Safety Act, legislation inspired by the tragic death of six-year-old Dominique Moody and aimed at strengthening child welfare protections. Audio from Rep. Carla Cunningham highlights the bipartisan support behind the measure. Meanwhile, new state audits have uncovered significant delays in unemployment benefit processing and identified roughly $47 million in fraudulent payments. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling allowing a lawsuit over a forced COVID-19 vaccination to move forward. Plus, a Raleigh man has been arrested after allegedly making threats on social media against President Donald Trump.

Governor Josh Stein’s nominee to lead the Department of Public Safety is facing increased scrutiny from state senators over ethics concerns and questions surrounding her law enforcement record. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to examine House Bill 958, a wide-ranging elections measure that includes performance audits and other changes designed to strengthen oversight of North Carolina’s election system. Plus, lawmakers are tackling a packed agenda at the General Assembly as budget negotiations and major policy debates continue.

Legislative leaders are pushing back the timeline for finalizing North Carolina’s state budget, signaling that negotiations between House and Senate leaders remain ongoing. Meanwhile, JetZero has officially broken ground on its new Greensboro manufacturing facility, marking a major economic development milestone for the state. The Carolina Hurricanes’ run to the Stanley Cup Final is also generating a significant economic boost for businesses across the Triangle. Governor Josh Stein is requesting an additional $10 billion in funding for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina, while Rocky Mount officials report steady progress toward improving the city’s long-term financial stability.

General Assembly updates, incentive programs, budget framework and more on Monday's Carolina Journal News Hour.

Updates on Decarlos Brown, Helene relief and funding, rising utility rates and more on the Carolina Journal News Hour

North Carolina lawmakers have sent a bill delaying certain property tax reappraisals to Governor Stein's desk, continuing a broader debate over property tax relief and local government revenue. Meanwhile, sports wagering continues to generate significant revenue for the state, with collections approaching $300 million since legal betting launched in 2024. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss proposed updates to North Carolina's voter photo ID rules being considered by the State Board of Elections. Mitch Kokai also breaks down a court ruling confirming a Republican-backed legal victory in the ongoing dispute over so-called “never resident” voters. Plus, lawmakers are preparing for a busy finish to June as budget negotiations and major legislation remain unresolved.

State Rep. Sarah Stevens is stepping down from the North Carolina House to focus on her campaign for the state Supreme Court, creating another opening in the General Assembly. Meanwhile, new data shows that roughly two-thirds of Opportunity Scholarship funding is going to lower-income families, fueling continued debate over the state's school choice program. State Auditor Dave Boliek is also warning that financial distress is becoming an increasingly common problem for North Carolina municipalities. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss the latest developments in the federal case against Decarlos Brown Jr. surrounding a deadly Charlotte light rail murder. Plus, Amazon and Corning have reached an agreement to expand optical fiber manufacturing in North Carolina, bringing new investment to the state.

North Carolina lawmakers are asking the Mecklenburg County District Attorney to review whether criminal charges may be warranted against DSS officials following revelations uncovered during the Dominique Moody investigation. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss changes to the State Health Plan, including higher Medicare reimbursement rates and new provider tier structures aimed at controlling long-term costs. Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation also previews an upcoming State Board of Elections meeting, including public comment on proposed election recount rules. Plus, lawmakers return to Raleigh for what is expected to be another busy week at the General Assembly.

Questions are growing about autism therapy providers in North Carolina following a New York Times report that raised concerns about practices at some clinics across the state. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Senate is reviving a study of open enrollment policies that could expand school choice options for families. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss an ongoing lawsuit filed by bar owners seeking compensation for COVID-era shutdown orders, with additional legal developments expected soon. Plus, Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order aimed at strengthening support and coordination for North Carolina's military communities.

Testimony from a lengthy NC House Oversight Committee hearing examining the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody. Lawmakers questioned state and county officials for hours about decisions made by child welfare agencies and whether warning signs were missed before the child's death. The hearing focused on accountability, oversight failures, and potential reforms to North Carolina's child protective services system. Meanwhile, State Auditor Dave Boliek has announced plans to review the Opportunity Scholarship Program, adding another layer of scrutiny to one of the state's largest school choice initiatives.

North Carolina lawmakers are advancing several public safety measures as the House approves legislation aimed at reforming the state’s involuntary commitment process. Katie Zehnder from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss a Senate bill focused on social media regulation and artificial intelligence safety. Andrew Pomeranz also breaks down the passage of Jaleeyah’s Law, a measure designed to strengthen penalties and enforcement tools against gang-related crime. Meanwhile, senators are reviewing legislation aimed at combating human trafficking, and the NC House Oversight Committee continues its investigation into the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody by summoning additional officials to testify.

Officials in western North Carolina are warning that debris left behind by Hurricane Helene could increase wildfire risks as temperatures rise and cleanup efforts continue. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss ongoing uncertainty surrounding state budget negotiations as lawmakers and Governor Stein remain at odds over some spending priorities. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation also examines a legal dispute over the construction of the proposed Kings Mountain casino, which is now before the state Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes dropped Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, and lawmakers are preparing for a busy day at the General Assembly with major votes and budget discussions expected.

Governor Stein has announced a $100 million investment package tied to BorgWarner, but the deal is also generating renewed scrutiny of North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) incentive program and how taxpayer dollars are used to attract businesses. Meanwhile, the NC House Oversight Committee is summoning state officials as lawmakers continue investigating the death of Dominique Moody. Brian Balfour of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to outline five key priorities lawmakers should consider as budget negotiations continue. Plus, hockey fever takes over North Carolina as the Carolina Hurricanes host Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh, marking the franchise’s first appearance in the championship series since 2006.

June 1 marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, and forecasters are predicting a below-average year for storm activity. Meanwhile, North Carolina officials are launching a pilot program aimed at addressing ongoing staffing shortages within the state prison system. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Governor Stein’s support for the emerging state budget framework and his calls for additional government spending. Plus, a Gastonia police K-9 officer has been honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, while lawmakers return to Raleigh for what is expected to be a busy month of budget negotiations, veto overrides, and legislative debate.

North Carolina officials are examining new strategies to combat gang violence as a state task force reviews law enforcement efforts and public safety priorities. Katie Zehnder from Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss delays in JetZero’s hiring plans as lawmakers continue debating budget and incentive funding. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation also breaks down a legal victory for food truck owners after Jacksonville declined to appeal a court ruling that challenged local restrictions on mobile vendors. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed an order prohibiting state employees from participating in prediction markets, citing ethical concerns.

Raleigh continues to see strong economic momentum, ranking fourth among large U.S. metro areas for small business growth. At the same time, Republican groups are claiming victory in an ongoing legal dispute involving North Carolina’s “never resident” voters and election procedures. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a lawsuit from bar owners seeking damages over COVID-era shutdown orders, with more legal clarity expected in June. Theresa Opeka from Carolina Journal also examines Governor Josh Stein’s warning against lowering North Carolina’s constitutional income tax cap. Meanwhile, another company has canceled plans to invest in North Carolina, raising fresh concerns about the state’s economic development efforts.

Governor Josh Stein is warning that North Carolina’s recovery funding is beginning to run low as the state continues responding to ongoing disaster and rebuilding needs. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss the sentencing of former major North Carolina political donor Greg Lindberg, who received 12 years in prison in a high-profile corruption case. Andrew Pomeranz from Carolina Journal also examines the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger and the potential impact it could have on North Carolina energy customers and utility rates. Meanwhile, the NC House Oversight Committee is summoning officials as lawmakers continue investigating the death of six-year-old Dominique Moody.

North Carolina lawmakers are considering new regulations on data centers alongside protections designed to shield ratepayers from rising utility costs tied to expanding energy demand. At the same time, the State Board of Elections is requesting $60 million from lawmakers for a major statewide election system overhaul. Forecasters are also predicting a below-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, though officials continue urging residents to prepare ahead of the summer. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss several major cases before the North Carolina Supreme Court, including disputes over Currituck County taxes, cannabis odor regulations, and Duke Energy rates. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has unveiled a new statewide economic development plan.

North Carolina officials are taking legal action to reclaim the failed VinFast factory site after the company’s highly anticipated project stalled, raising new questions about economic development incentives and accountability. Meanwhile, Memorial Day travelers in North Carolina are seeing high prices at the gas pump. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a judge approving an agreement between Republicans and the State Board of Elections tied to removing noncitizens from voter rolls. Plus, a new survey finds nearly half of Americans do not know the true reason Memorial Day is observed.

North Carolina lawmakers are advancing a major slate of constitutional amendments through the House, including proposals focused on limiting taxes and government growth. Debate on the House floor also centered around levy limits and broader property tax reform efforts as Republicans continue pushing long-term tax restraint measures. Meanwhile, the House voted to override Governor Josh Stein’s veto of the federal school choice tax credit bill, keeping the legislation alive as it heads to the Senate.

The North Carolina House is preparing for major votes on proposed constitutional amendments aimed at limiting both income and property taxes, setting up high-profile fiscal debates in Raleigh. A House committee has also approved a move that would make the State Board of Education an elected body rather than appointed. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order focused on tackling the state’s growing housing affordability crisis. On the economic front, global instability is raising concerns about disruptions to the fertilizer supply chain, which could impact North Carolina agriculture. Lawmakers are expected to take up several major measures during a busy day at the General Assembly.

A stronger-than-expected revenue forecast is giving Republican lawmakers new momentum in their push for additional tax cuts in North Carolina. Meanwhile, a man is facing a federal indictment in North Carolina over alleged Facebook threats targeting President Donald Trump. In agriculture policy, senators have filed a proposed right-to-farm constitutional amendment, aiming to strengthen protections for farmers and agricultural operations. At the same time, NCInnovation is weighing a more private future amid threats that lawmakers could claw back part of its public endowment funding. Lawmakers are also moving closer to approving a constitutional amendment that would cap North Carolina’s income tax rate.

The North Carolina Supreme Court has declined to rehear the long-running Leandro education funding case, effectively closing the door on another round of legal arguments in the decades-old dispute. Meanwhile, applications for $221 million in USDA Hurricane Helene relief funding have been extended through June 12 to give more farmers and landowners time to apply. Senate Republicans are also advancing a proposed right-to-work constitutional amendment, reigniting debate over labor policy in the state. In financial education news, the State Treasurer is rolling out new internships and student clubs aimed at boosting financial literacy. Lawmakers are also moving forward with a K-12 funding formula study and an “education wallet” pilot program through the Senate.

New results from the May Carolina Journal Poll provide a broad snapshot of North Carolina politics, including voter views on the direction of the state and country, along with job approval ratings for President Donald Trump and Governor Josh Stein. The poll also measures the generic ballot for the General Assembly and offers an updated look at the high-profile U.S. Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley. Other findings focus on voter opinions regarding property tax reform, Certificate-of-Need laws, Opportunity Scholarships, and North Carolina liquor laws. Meanwhile, the Senate health committee has advanced a targeted repeal of portions of the state’s CON law.

Senate Republicans are proposing a constitutional amendment to lower North Carolina’s income tax cap to 3.5%, continuing the push for long-term tax reductions. At the same time, new data shows Pitt and Orange counties have some of the least affordable energy prices in the state, raising concerns over utility costs. In congressional politics, ratings in North Carolina’s 11th District are shifting toward Democrats amid an ethics probe involving Congressman Chuck Edwards. Lawmakers are also revisiting the concept of a property tax levy limit as debate over local taxes intensifies. Meanwhile, the Senate Majority PAC has announced a $31.4 million investment backing Roy Cooper’s Senate campaign, signaling how competitive the race is expected to become.

North Carolina House and Senate leaders have announced a new state budget framework, outlining agreements on key issues after months of negotiations and stalemate. Meanwhile, renewed scrutiny is falling on COVID-era prison releases under former Governor Roy Cooper, with lawmakers and critics raising fresh public safety concerns. In redistricting news, challengers have dropped their case against two northeastern North Carolina Senate districts, ending another legal fight over legislative maps. Separately, an investigation in Pilot Mountain has led to the indictment of the town’s former manager, adding to a growing list of local government accountability cases.

State Auditor Dave Boliek is continuing to investigate soaring autism therapy costs amid growing concerns about potential Medicaid fraud and abuse. In politics, new NRCC polling shows Republican Laurie Buckhout and Democrat Don Davis locked in a dead heat in one of the state’s most competitive congressional races. A new study also finds cellphone bans in schools are producing slow but measurable improvements in student behavior and learning. Meanwhile, a court has rejected key Trump tariff claims while dismissing challenges brought by North Carolina and several other states. Lawmakers are also preparing for another busy day at the General Assembly.

Former FBI Director James Comey will no longer appear in federal court in Greenville today, delaying another step in the high-profile North Carolina case. At the legislature, a bipartisan proposal is targeting North Carolina’s growing data center tax incentives as AI expansion accelerates statewide. Lawmakers are also proposing a new $50 million affordable housing loan fund aimed at boosting housing development and accessibility. In education litigation, Leandro plaintiffs are citing two key issues as they seek a rehearing from the North Carolina Supreme Court in the decades-long school funding case.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has announced she will resign just months after winning reelection in a landslide victory, creating a major shakeup in North Carolina’s largest city. In education news, North Carolina teachers say student discipline issues are now their biggest workplace challenge, according to new survey data. Meanwhile, state officials are urging residents to prepare during Hurricane Preparedness Week, emphasizing the importance of emergency plans and supplies ahead of the 2026 season. In legal developments, attorneys for Brown are seeking a hearing and formal finding of incompetence in the federal case tied to the Iryna Zarutska murder investigation.

The North Carolina Senate has passed a bill to delay property tax reappraisals, while also considering a proposal to shift more energy costs to large users and encourage on-site power generation. Charlotte is set to make history as the first U.S. city to host the 2027 Military World Games, bringing international attention and economic impact. In eastern North Carolina, Rocky Mount is reporting progress on its financial recovery, though lawmakers are advancing a bill that would limit the city’s use of utility revenues, keeping state oversight in focus.

Republican senators are renewing their push for zero-based budgeting, aiming to reset state spending and require agencies to justify expenses from the ground up. In politics, Democrats are targeting a full sweep of Mecklenburg County’s 13 House seats, while a new poll shows Roy Cooper holding a 9-point lead over Michael Whatley in the U.S. Senate race. In federal court, a supporter of “ballot selfies” is making a case at the 4th Circuit challenging North Carolina’s ban, continuing the legal fight over election laws. Meanwhile, a busy day is expected at the General Assembly, with multiple key issues on the agenda.

Wake County commissioners have delayed a vote on the proposed Atrium–WakeMed merger, as state officials raise concerns about potential impacts on competition and patient care. In economic development news, Raleigh has been selected as the home for a new USDA research hub, boosting the region’s role in agriculture and innovation. At the legislature, a Democratic proposal would redirect funding from Opportunity Scholarships to child care programs, setting up a debate over education priorities. Meanwhile, election officials report that a statewide voter registration repair project has corrected more than 36,000 records, improving data accuracy ahead of upcoming elections.

Thousands are expected to rally in Raleigh for the North Carolina Association of Educators “Kids Over Corporations” protest, drawing attention to education funding and policy priorities. Meanwhile, the CEO of the John Locke Foundation is praising a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding donor privacy, calling it a win for free speech protections. Governor Josh Stein has signed a $319 million Medicaid bill into law, advancing funding and policy changes in the state’s healthcare system. At the same time, the NCAE teacher protest is underway, and the state superintendent is flagging potential cheating concerns on state tests, raising new questions about academic integrity.

A North Carolina House bill would eliminate local sales taxes on groceries, while a Senate committee has revived a stalled bill regulating social media use for minors, signaling renewed focus on cost-of-living and online safety issues. Lawmakers are also debating Senate Bill 889, which would delay property reappraisals rather than raise taxes, as part of ongoing discussions about tax burdens. At the national level, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Louisiana redistricting case could carry implications for North Carolina’s own maps. Meanwhile, a DEQ study found PFAS contamination in all tested sludge-applied fields, raising new environmental and public health concerns.

A North Carolina federal grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges he allegedly threatened President Trump, adding a major development to an already high-profile case. In state politics, Sen. Terence Everitt has resigned from the North Carolina Senate, creating a vacancy in the General Assembly. Meanwhile, a new schools commission has begun work as student proficiency continues to lag statewide, with education leaders looking for solutions. In election administration, officials report 34,000 deceased individuals still listed on North Carolina voter rolls, raising concerns about data accuracy. On the economic front, Census data shows significant growth in the state’s upper middle class over the past 14 years, reflecting broader demographic shifts.

Mecklenburg County has now seen its second Democratic state lawmaker switch to unaffiliated, signaling continued shifts in North Carolina’s political landscape. Attorney General Jeff Jackson is urging businesses to apply for refunds tied to federal tariffs, saying companies may be eligible for relief. Meanwhile, State Treasurer Brad Briner is launching new internships and school-based clubs aimed at improving financial literacy among students. In the courts, lawmakers are objecting to a requested pause in the Leandro school funding case, pushing to keep proceedings moving. The General Assembly is also back in Raleigh, with lawmakers returning to continue work during the short session.

State Rep. Carla Cunningham has left the Democratic Party and registered as unaffiliated, marking another high-profile party switch in North Carolina politics. Meanwhile, new FEMA funding is being directed toward closing recovery gaps in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein’s proposed budget is drawing criticism after estimates show it could remove roughly 60,000 students from the Opportunity Scholarship program. In the Triad, disputes with United States Postal Service over mailbox placement are delaying major development projects. Separately, Alma Adams was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee.

The House Oversight Committee pressed Chapel Hill-Carrboro Superintendent Rodney Trice over district policies and compliance issues, as lawmakers intensify scrutiny on local school systems. A proposed bill would cut funding for districts that violate the Parents’ Bill of Rights, raising stakes in the ongoing education debate. In legal news, school boards involved in the Leandro case are seeking a rehearing from the North Carolina Supreme Court, keeping the decades-long funding fight alive. Meanwhile, a new report finds the UNC System is not graduating enough students in high-demand fields, sparking concerns about workforce readiness.

North Carolina House and Senate leaders have reached a deal on Medicaid funding and oversight reforms, marking a key breakthrough early in the short session. The agreement comes as a JDIG incentive is being used to support a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Durham, boosting economic development. Meanwhile, school districts across the state are adjusting schedules ahead of a planned May 1 teacher protest, anticipating staffing shortages. In election law, the State Board of Elections is seeking a three-judge panel to hear the “never residents” voting case. At the legislature, pressure is building with a proposed “no budget, no pay” bill aimed at lawmakers as budget negotiations continue.

Governor Josh Stein is proposing a $3 billion spending increase that includes pay raises, targeted tax cuts, and a freeze on new school vouchers, setting up a major policy debate with lawmakers. The plan comes as the 2026 General Assembly short session gets underway, though no veto override votes were taken on the first day. Legislators are also pushing back in court against a challenge to northeastern North Carolina Senate districts, defending the current map. Attention now turns to a pending Medicaid vote, expected to be one of the key early issues this session.

Legislative leaders have launched a probe into early prisoner releases during the Cooper administration, raising questions about public safety and oversight. Meanwhile, state agencies are reportedly slow to address job vacancies flagged in a recent audit, prolonging concerns about staffing shortages and efficiency. Another audit found North Carolina community colleges used some Hurricane Helene relief funds on non-essential items, including stress balls and birdwatching activities, drawing criticism over spending priorities. On the economic front, $1.6 million in rural development grants have been awarded, expected to help create 215 new jobs across the state.

Lake Lure is set to reopen 19 months after Hurricane Helene, marking a major milestone in recovery as the region continues to rebuild. The USDA is also making $221 million in timber relief funding available starting April 20 to support impacted landowners. In Raleigh, Senate leader Phil Berger is outlining priorities and calling for unity ahead of the 2026 short session, which is set to begin this week. On the legal front, the U.S. Supreme Court will review a North Carolina drone licensing dispute, a case that could have broader implications for regulation and property rights.

North Carolina’s elections board has approved new rules related to noncitizen voters following a heated public debate and thousands of comments. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana after a new panel report, signaling a potential policy shift in the state. In energy news, Duke Energy is seeking a rate hike after increased demand tied to the early 2026 cold snap. The state is also confronting long-term challenges as demographic trends shift, with the U.S. birth rate hitting a record low and raising concerns about future workforce and economic growth.

New campaign finance reports show Roy Cooper significantly outraised Michael Whatley in Q1, bringing in $13.8 million compared to $5 million, as the North Carolina Senate race gains national attention. The Cook Political Report has also shifted the race from a toss-up to lean Democrat, signaling changing dynamics heading into the general election. In policy news, a House committee has advanced a proposed constitutional amendment to limit property tax growth, reflecting concerns over rising valuations. Meanwhile, the State Health Plan has delayed selecting a new third-party administrator after bids failed to meet expectations, adding uncertainty to the program’s future management.