The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT

Property Tax Bill Heads to Stein; Election Rules Debated; Never Residents

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. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Decarlos Brown Incompetent; Stevens Resigns; Cities Face Financial Strain

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. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

DSS Faces Criminal Review; State Health Plan Changes

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. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Autism Therapy Under Scrutiny; Open Enrollment Returns

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. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Dominique Moody Hearing

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. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.