The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Cary Audit Uncovers Failures; Dominique Moody Reforms Funded

A new State Auditor’s report details widespread financial oversight failures and questionable spending practices within the Town of Cary, raising fresh concerns about accountability and local government management. Meanwhile, former FBI Director James Comey is preparing to challenge what his legal team describes as a “selective” and “vindictive” prosecution in a North Carolina case. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss how the new state budget funds key reforms inspired by the Dominique Moody case, including changes aimed at strengthening child welfare protections. Plus, the North Carolina House continues advancing legislation that would significantly overhaul the municipal deannexation process. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Voucher Data Examined; Sports Betting

New data shows North Carolina’s most elite private schools receive relatively little funding through the Opportunity Scholarship Program, challenging claims that the program primarily benefits wealthy families attending high-cost institutions. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss budget changes that increase the state’s sports-wagering tax and authorize prediction markets. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation also examines a lawsuit filed by a former Gaston County teacher who claims she was fired over a comment related to Charlie Kirk. Plus, the State Health Plan and Duke Health have reached an agreement preserving access to Duke providers for plan members. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Audit Finds Landfill Oversight Gaps; Deannexation Bill Advances; CON Fight Continues

A new state audit has found that nearly 80% of North Carolina’s inactive landfills are not being monitored, raising environmental concerns about potential groundwater contamination and long-term oversight. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down the findings and what they could mean for state regulators. Meanwhile, the North Carolina House is advancing legislation that would overhaul the municipal deannexation process, potentially making it easier for property owners to leave city limits. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation also examines a Certificate of Need case in which a New Bern eye surgeon is asking the state Supreme Court to reverse a lower court ruling. Plus, the U.S. House has approved legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent if it ultimately becomes law. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

DOT Focuses on Helene; School Board Questions Budget

North Carolina transportation officials say the Department of Transportation fared well in the new state budget, with a major focus on continuing Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding efforts in western North Carolina. Meanwhile, the State Board of Education is raising questions about changes to Opportunity Scholarship funding and implementation of the state's new DEI law. Brian Balfour of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to analyze CNBC’s latest rankings, which once again place North Carolina among the nation’s top states for business. Plus, the new state budget increases the tax on sports wagering and authorizes prediction markets, expanding North Carolina’s gaming landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

State Health Plan Changes; NC Again a Top Business State

The State Health Plan has approved premium increases and a new preferred provider structure as officials continue efforts to improve the plan’s long-term financial stability. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has also secured new third-party administrator and pharmacy benefit manager contracts, marking a significant shift in how benefits will be managed. Meanwhile, CNBC has once again ranked North Carolina among the nation’s top two states for business for the sixth consecutive year, and the new state budget includes nearly $49 million to preserve farmland across the state. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.