News

Extending McHenry’s powers as interim speaker is still a possibility

North Carolina Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry has served as interim speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives since Oct. 3 after former speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-CA, was ousted. Given the failed attempts of fellow Reps. Steve Scalise, R- LA, and Jim Jordan, R-OH, to lock up a vote as the next speaker, how likely is it that McHenry will be given extended powers?

Theresa Opeka

State Supreme Court will take up legal battle over disputed Apex sewer pipe

Two years after the state Court of Appeals blasted the town of Apex for its decision to install a sewer pipe against a property owner’s wishes, the state Supreme Court has agreed to take the case. The town requested a review from the state’s highest court in June 2021.

Cooper objects to court’s decision not to consider blocking appointments bill

Gov. Roy Cooper has lodged an objection in Wake County Superior Court in his challenge to new state laws limiting his appointment powers. The court refused to hold a hearing on Cooper’s request for a temporary restraining order. Instead a three-judge panel will hold a Nov. 1 hearing on Cooper's pursuit of a preliminary injunction.

Duke University censors ‘from the river to the sea’ graffiti as threatening, antisemitic

On Oct. 19, Duke University administrators painted over a pro-Palestinian phrase inscribed on the East Campus bridge. This move came after many members of the Duke community expressed safety concerns about the implications of the Palestinian liberation slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” The university’s vice provost and vice president...

Sherman Criner

Civil rights groups, legal ethics professors back Earls’ federal First Amendment case

State Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls has secured support from 16 self-described civil rights organizations and a group of legal ethics professors in her First Amendment fight against the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission. Earls also filed new court documents Friday supporting her case.

Fighting fraud is a high priority

Washington’s deficits — running nearly $2 trillion a year, about a quarter of federal spending — are too large to close by eliminating fraudulent claims, improper payments to households or businesses, and malfeasance by government contractors. But we still should.

John Hood

Just because it’s a bill, doesn’t mean it’s being considered

The truth is, all members can file bills on pretty much anything they want. But just because somebody filed something, it doesn't mean "North Carolina" or even "the state legislature" is pursuing this end.

David Larson

Jaleeyah’s Law is only the 1st step in tackling NC gang violence

While Jaleeyah’s Law is a step in the right direction, it’s not the only place to which lawmakers need to turn their attention.

Spencer Bluth

Federalist 23: Necessity of a Government as Energetic as the One Proposed to the Preservation of the Union

The principal purposes to be answered by union are these the common defense of the members; the preservation of the public peace as well against internal convulsions as external attacks; the regulation of commerce with other nations and between the States; the superintendence of our intercourse, political and commercial, with foreign countries.

Alexander Hamilton

Election integrity lives in the fine print

Access and enforcement can co-exist, and the State Board of Elections should align its rules with the statute.

Should NC reform its primary system? The case to return to 40% threshold

In a Carolina Journal poll conducted shortly after the November elections, 43% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the 2024 primaries, stating that they did not produce the best candidates for the general election. While 46% were satisfied and 10% were unsure, the significant level of dissatisfaction highlights potential issues within North Carolina’s primary system.

Boliek sworn in as state auditor, says he’ll start with audit of DMV

On Wednesday, Dave Boliek was sworn in as the new state auditor of North Carolina and announced his hires for senior staff and says he will start work with an audit of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Katherine Zehnder

2024 in review: A year of civic engagement in NC

The year 2024 was marked by significant developments across politics, the economy, education, and energy in North Carolina. As one of the nation’s most dynamic and closely watched states, it played a pivotal role in shaping regional and national conversations.

Trump nominates Bishop to be deputy director for budget at OMB

"Dan has been a tireless fighter for our MAGA Movement in the House of Representatives on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees," Trump said in a press release issued Tuesday night. "Dan will implement my cost-cutting and deregulatory agenda across all Agencies, and root out the Weaponized Deep State."

Theresa Opeka

Democrats want federal court to address GOP challenge of 60,000 NC ballots

The North Carolina Democratic Party filed a lawsuit Friday to ensure challenges of 60,000 ballots in the state's latest election are addressed in federal court. Republicans filed the challenges with the State Board of Elections. The challenges could affect the outcome of the state Supreme Court race between Democrat Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin, along with a handful of state legislative contests.

Griffin asks Appeals Court to order decision on election protests by Tuesday

Republican North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin is turning to North Carolina’s second-highest court for an order that would force state election officials to make a final decision about Griffin’s election protests Tuesday. The State Board of Elections had planned to hear oral arguments about the protests the following day, according to a document Griffin filed Friday with the state Court of Appeals.

NC’s Booming Sports Betting Industry + Gov. Stein’s DPS Selection

This week on The Debrief, The Center Square’s Alan Wooten joins the show with the latest on North Carolina’s booming sports betting industry as state revenues approach the $300 million mark ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Plus, the Carolina Journal team examines growing controversy surrounding Gov. Josh Stein’s selection to lead North Carolina’s Department...

Bridge Safety, Abolishing The US Dept of Ed, and Teen Social Media Rules

This week on The Debrief, we break down the latest on Helene recovery efforts and Lake Lure bridge safety, where rebuilding, public access and long-term infrastructure questions remain front and center. We also bring you an update on North Carolina’s budget process, examine the renewed push to abolish the US Department of Education and what...

The Debrief: Remaining Covid Lawsuits + Sam Hayes Interview

This week on The Debrief, Mitch Kokai and Donna King discuss the remaining covid lawsuits and other court cases in North Carolina. Plus, North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes sat down with Carolina Journal’s Theresa Opeka to talk about his first year in office, including his accomplishments and what’s on the...

Carolina Journal’s Donna King analyzes NC state budget debate

Donna King, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses major developments in North Carolina’s ongoing state budget debate. King offered these comments during the May 15, 2026, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “State Lines.”

UNC-Asheville whistleblower complaint explored

Carolina Journal reporter David Bass speaks with former University of North Carolina at Asheville research assistant Aidan Settman about his whistleblower complaint against the university.

David N. Bass

Locke’s Mitch Kokai analyzes NC’s marquee Senate race

Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation senior political analyst, discusses North Carolina’s high-profile US Senate race. Kokai offered these comments during an April 21, 2026, interview with WNCN (CBS17).

Mitch Kokai

NC House advances bill prohibiting hemp-derived products under 21

A bill prohibting the possesion and sale of hemp-derived and Kratom products by any under 21 was voted throught to the House Rules Committee.

Katherine Zehnder

NC lawmakers debate $10 strip club fee amid 1st Amendment concerns

NC lawmakers consider a $10 fee on strip clubs serving alcohol, sparking debate over sexual assault funding and First Amendment rights.

Andrew Pomeranz

NC Senate OKs teen social media ban, Batch pushes to go further

The NC Senate unanimously passed a ban on social media accounts for children under 14, rejecting four Democratic amendments — including a sweeping push from Minority Leader Sydney Batch to extend parental consent to older teens and rein in AI chatbots.

David N. Bass

Boosting civic knowledge among young adults is no simple task

The future of American civic life depends on students' continued willingness to learn real lessons from the nation's past.

Mitch Kokai

NC passed on buying part of the Carolina Hurricanes

As the Carolina Hurricanes continue to make their way through the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, state Treasurer Brad Briner made known that North Carolina was presented with the opportunity to buy part of the franchise last year, but passed.

Theresa Opeka

A post-Thanksgiving reflection on gratitude over grievance

Outrage won’t solve our problems. And it won’t prepare us for tomorrow. What is needed now is a sense of redemption and reasons to feel hopeful.

Michael Cooper

The importance of civic engagement 250 years after the founding

What YMCA's Youth and Government program is doing is remarkable. This year’s conference garnered interest from NC state legislators, mayors, policy analysts, and state officials.

Drew DiMeglio

Institute fosters stronger public leadership

Times change. When we introduce IOPL to potential fellows, partners, and donors, some hear the word “political” and think “toxic,” or at least “partisan.”

John Hood

NC leaders champion post-election unity through ‘Civic Saturdays’

Like a faith gathering, it incorporated music, fellowship, shared meals, and thoughtful discourse — but with democracy as its central theme.

Ashlynn Warta

For healthy civil society, politics needs to stay in its lane

Political and cultural causes are important. They motivate us to make the world around us better and hone our sense of justice. Also, the excitement of fighting the good fight can be, for lack of a better word, fun. But everything has its time and place. And even if we think a particular political issue...

David Larson