News

Federal appellate judges question N.C. criminal libel law targeting Stein

A three-judge U.S. Appeals Court panel spelled out its concerns Tuesday about a state criminal libel law that could be used against N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. The same panel issued a 2-1 ruling in August that blocked the Wake County district attorney from enforcing the law against Stein.

N.C. Appeals Court rejects drug defendant’s argument about legalized hemp

The N.C. Court of Appeals has refused to back a drug defendant who challenged his conviction based on the state’s legalization of industrial hemp. A unanimous three-judge appellate panel affirmed the conviction Tuesday in a Watauga County case.

Tillis, Sinema working out bipartisan immigration deal in U.S. Senate

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Democratic colleague Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have outlined an “11th-hour immigration deal” on Capitol Hill, according to the Washington Post.

Federal appellate judges rule in favor of Durham schools in special-needs case

A unanimous 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel has upheld a lower court ruling favoring Durham Public Schools in a dispute over one student's request for special-needs services. The case hinged on Durham schools’ argument that the student and her mother had not followed proper legal procedures.

Lindberg could face retrial on bribery, fraud charges in March

The federal government plans to retry former N.C. political donor Greg Lindberg on bribery and fraud charges as early as March. Previous court filings suggest the trial could take place just as Lindberg expects the birth of his latest child.

Making the housing market meet demand

North Carolina is focusing on the right problem — and appears to be slowly walking towards the right solutions.

David Larson

Western NC’s next representative must be ready Day One

Monday’s decision will determine more than who represents the Republican Party. It may also reshape where western North Carolina’s political influence resides at the moment the region needs it most.

Colton Overcash

Energy policy should start with the people who pay the bills

Instead of asking whether electricity bills are high, the Energy Poverty Index asks a more meaningful question: high for whom?

Kelly Lester

Federalist 31: Concerning the general power of taxation, cont…

It should not be forgotten that a disposition in the State governments to encroach upon the rights of the Union is quite as probable as a disposition in the Union to encroach upon the rights of the State governments.

Alexander Hamilton

The governing method behind Tillis’ latest deal

The governing style frustrating much of the Republican base is the same one Tillis developed in Raleigh, long before he arrived in Washington.

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.

Federal judge allows challenge of 225,000 NC voter registrations to move forward

A federal judge will allow state and national Republican groups to move forward with their lawsuit challenging 225,000 voter registrations in North Carolina. An order issued Friday denied requests from the State Board of Elections and Democratic National Committee to have the case dismissed.

Locke’s Donald Bryson assesses proposed Duke Energy rate hike

John Locke Foundation CEO Donald Bryson discusses the factors contributing to Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike. Bryson offered these comments during the July 24, 2026, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “State Lines.”

Donald Bryson

Carolina Journal’s Donna King analyzes new NC budget

Donna King, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses key pieces of North Carolina’s new state budget. King offered these comments during the July 10, 2026, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “State Lines.”

America 250 and The Battle of Moore”s Creek Bridge

In this special episode of The Debrief, Jeff Moore sits down with Bob Rosser to discuss Running the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the Revolutionary War history behind one of North Carolina’s most important early battles. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this conversation explores the people, places, and legacy of Moores Creek —...

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...

Ceuta’s border collapse is a warning for NC

State lines and county boundaries provide no protection from a federal government that has lost control of who enters and who remains.

Colton Overcash

Book review: Leftist delusions threaten ‘permanent things’

"Manufacturing Delusion" is a deeply-researched, intellectually rigorous, yet readable volume that should occupy a prominent spot on the shelf of every American concerned about the future of our republic.

Charles Davenport

Exclusive video: Brittany Boltinhouse, Miss North Carolina USA, sits down with CJ

Brittany Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA in June of 2026, but two days ago she was stripped of her title. The Miss USA organization says Boltinhouse did not uphold their organization’s standards but she believes her Mormon faith and outspoken conservative views may have played a role in the decision.

Shaggin’ season: Carolina beach music dances on after 80 years

As the original generations of shag fans hand in their dance cards to another wave, Carolina beach music’s ability to transcend regional and racial boundaries, to bridge generational gaps, and to evolve along the way have all helped ensure that it will stand the test of time.

Ben Sellers

Gen Z, especially in NC, should proudly celebrate America’s 250th

Despite the milestone, Gallup found American pride at its lowest in the 25 years it has asked — with Gen Z the least proud generation in the country.

Reagan Faulkner

Civil discourse and the art of disagreement

To restore healthy public discourse, each of us must become better listeners. Civil discourse is not a competition with winners and losers; it is a deliberate and respectful exchange of ideas.

Craig Horn

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