DSS Faces Criminal Review; State Health Plan Changes

Energy Firm Bankrupt; VinFast Secrecy Fight; Senate Fundraising Reports

A Durham-based energy trading firm has filed for bankruptcy after federal regulators imposed a $1.1 billion fraud judgment, marking one of the largest enforcement actions of its kind. The program also examines several studies funded in North Carolina's new state budget, exploring the policy issues lawmakers want to evaluate over the coming years. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation discusses a legal dispute in which the Department of Commerce and VinFast argue portions of their ongoing lawsuit should remain under seal. Plus, the latest second-quarter campaign finance reports show former Governor Roy Cooper outraising Republican National Chairman Michael Whatley in North Carolina's U.S. Senate race. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Zebulon Audit Released; Budd Pushes Helene Aid; DPI Issues Screen Guidance

A new State Auditor report has identified significant financial control failures in the Town of Zebulon, raising concerns about oversight and fiscal management. The program also examines scrutiny surrounding a $300,000 state budget appropriation benefiting a gated community and the questions it has generated. U.S. Sen. Ted Budd discusses his push for additional federal Hurricane Helene recovery funding as rebuilding efforts continue across western North Carolina. Plus, the Department of Public Instruction has released new guidance on student screen use in schools, stopping short of recommending statewide time limits. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Helene Recovery; SAFE Rural Act Introduced; Absentee Rules

North Carolina has now committed more than $1 billion toward restoring water infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene as recovery efforts continue across western portions of the state. The program also features an exclusive look at Congressman Pat Harrigan’s SAFE Rural Act, aimed at strengthening storm resilience in rural communities, while President Donald Trump is set to attend the dignified transfer of two Fort Bragg soldiers killed in the Middle East. Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the show to discuss newly adopted absentee ballot rules approved by the State Board of Elections that critics say could lead to more ballot rejections. Plus, American Eagle is expanding its North Carolina footprint with a new distribution hub planned for Rowan County. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Voter ID Rules Approved; Noncitizen Registrations Probed; CJ Wins 15 Awards

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved new photo ID rules that critics argue could increase the risk of legitimate ballots being rejected, a topic Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal examines in depth. The program also covers the state's investigation into 1,599 potential noncitizen voter registrations and what election officials say comes next. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation discusses a court decision refusing to revive COVID-era business loss lawsuits filed by Golden Corral and Summit Hotels. The show concludes by highlighting Carolina Journal's success at the North Carolina Press Association Awards, where the publication earned 15 awards, including nine first-place honors. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Medicaid Spending Soars; Teen Takeover Crackdown

North Carolina lawmakers are raising concerns as Medicaid spending has grown 93% over the past four years, approaching $42 billion, with House Speaker Destin Hall weighing in on the program’s long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is highlighting progress on the Renew NC homebuilding initiative, even as many homeowners remain on waiting lists for assistance. The program also examines how cities across North Carolina are responding to recent incidents of teen takeovers following violence in Raleigh, with several municipalities considering stricter enforcement measures. Finally, a look ahead at next week's legislative session and the key issues lawmakers are expected to tackle as they return to Raleigh. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.