The Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT
Nick Craig, host, Carolina Journal NewsHour on WBT Nick Craig has been actively engaged in politics since college, where he developed a deep interest in political discourse. During this time, he launched a political talk show highlighting widespread indoctrination within higher education. His show aimed to expose and discuss the influence of certain ideologies on college students, focusing on how they shape young adults’ political and social views. Nick’s broadcasting career officially took off in 2016 when he started working in Wilmington, where he honed his media and public speaking skills. His early work in broadcasting laid the foundation for his ongoing efforts to influence political conversations and engage a broader audience in critical discussions about politics. —- About Carolina Journal Carolina Journal is a nonpartisan news service of the John Locke Foundation. It is committed to the highest level of journalistic integrity and follows the facts wherever they lead. Our coverage is delivered from a free-market, limited government perspective, with the interests of the taxpayer and voter at the center of our reporting. carolinajournal.com
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
The program recaps this week’s Council of State meeting, including North Carolina surpassing 100,000 new business registrations, updates on the state’s agricultural industry, and recognition of a Medal of Honor recipient. Katie Zehnder of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss the new state budget’s elimination of vehicle emissions inspections for most drivers. Meanwhile, Governor […]
Governor Josh Stein has signed North Carolina’s $34 billion state budget into law just ahead of the deadline, with the program featuring extensive audio from the governor outlining the budget’s investments in education, public safety, Hurricane Helene recovery, and other statewide priorities, while also highlighting areas where he believes the spending plan falls short. Mitch […]
The North Carolina General Assembly has adjourned after approving the state budget, with lawmakers scheduled to return on July 27 to address remaining legislative business. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to recap the end of the session and what issues remain unresolved. Governor Josh Stein is expected to announce his decision on […]
As summer tourism returns to western North Carolina, Lake Lure continues balancing a busy season with the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein has signed several bills into law, including measures aimed at improving police retention and strengthening child protection. The program also looks at new Trump Accounts, a federal savings initiative […]
North Carolina lawmakers have given final approval to a $34 billion state budget, sending the spending plan to Governor Josh Stein for his consideration. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to break down the budget’s key provisions and what comes next as the governor weighs whether to sign, veto, or allow it to […]
The first round of legislative votes on North Carolina’s new state budget have passed, featuring extensive audio from lawmakers on both sides of the debate. Republican leaders, including Speaker Destin Hall and other budget architects, outline the spending plan’s priorities and defend its tax cuts, pay raises, and policy provisions. Democratic lawmakers respond with criticism […]
North Carolina lawmakers have unveiled the long-awaited state budget, with the program breaking down its biggest provisions and fiscal priorities. Brian Balfour of the John Locke Foundation joins the show to examine the budget’s topline spending figures and overall framework. The discussion continues with a closer look at pay raises, tax cuts, and other major […]
North Carolina legislative leaders have reached a long-awaited state budget agreement, with votes planned before the July 4 holiday. Meanwhile, Duke Energy will reinvest $129 million into new generation and grid improvements after canceling its offshore wind lease off the North Carolina coast. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss […]