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.

North Carolina&rsquo;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.

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

Stein Backs Marijuana Legalization; Duke Seeks Rate Hike

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/e4317856-e6e8-472f-97d7-b42f0088ef02/transcript

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.

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&rsquo;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.

Cunningham Goes Unaffiliated; Scholarship Cuts Eyed; Adams Under Investigation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/2ee60976-6634-4f1d-af61-b43900932bc1/transcript

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.

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&rsquo; 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.

Lawmakers Grill CHCCS Superintendent; Funding Cuts Proposed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/f8e3a73c-7195-433e-a65b-b43600904e97/transcript

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.

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 &ldquo;never residents&rdquo; voting case. At the legislature, pressure is building with a proposed &ldquo;no budget, no pay&rdquo; bill aimed at lawmakers as budget negotiations continue.

Medicaid Deal Reached; Schools Adjust for Protest; ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Push

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/78a347aa-3282-4ac5-837c-a72300032082/clips/aebd9280-6cfe-484d-9098-b435008840e2/transcript

Stein Backs Marijuana Legalization; Duke Seeks Rate Hike

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