The North Carolina Supreme Court has made significant rulings on voter ID, gerrymandering, and voting rights, impacting the state's electoral landscape. The court's decisions have changed the composition of the court and its likely rulings, with implications for future elections and the balance of power in the state. [... more]

North Carolina's learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant concern, with students in low-income areas and racial and ethnic minority groups being disproportionately affected. Experts recommend high-dosage intensive tutoring programs to address this issue, and parents can take practical steps to support their children's education, including seeking out tutoring centers and advocating for education savings accounts or vouchers to help pay for these services. [... more]

North Carolina students experienced significant learning losses in math and English language arts due to the pandemic, with some grades falling behind by as much as seven months. Experts recommend intensive tutoring programs to address the issue, but many school districts are not taking action despite having billions of dollars in federal funding available. [... more]

North Carolina's education system has been under scrutiny as lawmakers and parents debate the return to in-person learning after a year of remote and virtual instruction. The state's school districts have been resistant to in-person instruction, citing concerns about COVID-19 transmission, but a new bill aims to require public schools to offer in-person learning options. Meanwhile, a controversy over changes to the state's history curriculum has sparked debate about the importance of balanced social studies standards. [... more]

A state task force explores health care coverage, while economists debate the merits of free trade and its impact on the economy. Meanwhile, a discussion on originalism and its role in shaping the Supreme Court's decisions highlights the importance of understanding the Constitution's original intent. In North Carolina, the state legislature grapples with the balance of power between the governor and the General Assembly, setting the stage for a potentially contentious 2021. [... more]

A new report highlights pervasive sex discrimination at North Carolina universities, with programs limiting or excluding men from certain fields. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenges the use of affirmative action in undergraduate admissions at UNC Chapel Hill, and a new state Supreme Court Chief Justice vows to keep courts open during the pandemic. Additionally, parents are turning to learning pods as a way to provide alternative education for their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. [... more]

North Carolina businesses, particularly bars and taverns, have been struggling under Governor Cooper's COVID-19 shutdown orders. Some are fighting back through lawsuits, while others are working to adapt and find ways to stay afloat. Meanwhile, the state's new Lieutenant Governor, Mark Robinson, is prioritizing veterans' care, regulatory burdens, and law enforcement, and the Biden administration's selections for key federal agencies are raising concerns about environmental regulations and the impact on North Carolina farmers and landowners. [... more]

A new chief justice takes office in North Carolina, bringing a shift in the state's highest court. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina system faces ongoing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state's new superintendent of public instruction and labor commissioner discuss their plans for education and labor reform. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are likely to deal with issues linked to criminal justice and law enforcement reform in the new year. Teacher unions are pushing back against school reopening, citing concerns about COVID-19 safety. Meanwhile, a western state's approach to police accountability has some lessons for North Carolina. A new merger between the John Locke Foundation and the Civitas Institute will bring together two prominent state-based free market think tanks. A philosophy professor discusses the concept of grandstanding in public discourse, where individuals use moral and political discussions to show off their own moral superiority. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers consider repealing the state's 60-year ban on public sector collective bargaining, which could cost taxpayers dearly. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina system faces budget challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and President-elect Joe Biden's energy policy is influenced by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal. The concept of originalism, which guides the interpretation of the US Constitution, is also explored in the context of the Supreme Court's new justice, Amy Coney Barrett. [... more]

A discussion on balancing public health and economic health during the COVID-19 pandemic in North Carolina, with a focus on Medicaid expansion, healthcare access, and teacher attrition rates. [... more]

The relationship between the North Carolina General Assembly and the governor could get interesting as they navigate budgeting and key public policy issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for broadband access and telehealth services, sparking a discussion about how to ensure every North Carolinian has access to affordable health insurance and quality medical care. [... more]

North Carolina's new Superintendent of Public Instruction, Katherine Truitt, faces challenges including addressing learning loss due to COVID-19, repairing relationships with the state board of education, and dealing with a governor who may have different policy views. Meanwhile, a recent article in National Review explores the potential of a conservative environmentalism, and a congressional group called the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus is working to promote environmental issues such as climate change. The left's efforts to turn North Carolina blue are also discussed, including their campaign to influence the 2020 census and redistricting. [... more]

The COVID-19 pandemic has created job-related challenges across North Carolina, particularly for military veterans returning to the civilian workforce. The University of North Carolina is facing budget challenges and access priorities. Court packing proposals, which involve adding seats to the Supreme Court, have been a contentious issue in the US, with some progressives calling for it to balance the court's conservative lean. The John Locke Foundation has been analyzing the pressing issues of the day, including jobs, healthcare, education, and more, to give North Carolinians more freedom, options, and control over their lives. [... more]

North Carolina voters backed President Trump and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, while re-electing Democratic Governor Roy Cooper. The COVID-19 pandemic led to life-altering changes for cities across the country, and the Better Cities Project is trying to help communities adapt to change. Governor Cooper's Clean Energy Plan aims to alleviate global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but critics argue it's a watered-down version of the Green New Deal. [... more]

North Carolina voters endorsed common sense spending and low fair taxes on election day, reelecting fiscally conservative Republican majorities to the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House. A group called Constituting America is working to educate and inspire students and adults about the US Constitution and enhance their civic knowledge. [... more]

The impact of COVID-19 on North Carolina's public education system and small businesses is being felt, with parents opting for alternative education options and lawmakers debating relief measures. Meanwhile, the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court has sparked discussions about originalism and court packing. [... more]

North Carolina's junior U.S. senator gained a national audience during recent Supreme Court confirmation hearings. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on the state's businesses, with private bars being particularly hard hit. Meanwhile, North Carolina school kids have finished up the first quarter of the school year, some 100 percent virtual, some a hybrid of virtual and in-person learning, and the question now is what comes next for the kids, for the teachers, for the faculty, for the parents. [... more]

North Carolina's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the accuracy of data used to inform public policy decisions. An expert analysis of trade with China challenges a popular narrative that American trade relationships with China have been bad for America. Meanwhile, the state's fiscal policy has been successful in keeping spending growth at or below the rate of population plus inflation, protecting North Carolinians' purchases and paychecks from tax hikes. [... more]

High-profile Democrats have endorsed the Green New Deal, but experts warn of major problems for the nation's economy and environment. Meanwhile, North Carolina's senior U.S. senator continues to ask critical questions on Capitol Hill about COVID-19, and the state's Supreme Court elections are heating up, with three seats up for grabs and a potential shift in balance. [... more]

Mothers in North Carolina are calling for their children to return to in-person classes, citing concerns about the impact of remote learning on students' well-being and education. Meanwhile, lawmakers are considering repealing the state's ban on collective bargaining for public sector employees, which could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The Supreme Court is also set to take up several high-profile cases, including one involving the Second Amendment and another on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. [... more]

A healthcare policy analyst discusses the economic analysis of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, revealing a funding gap of $119 to $171 million in the first year. The analyst argues that the governor's plan is misguided and costly, and that the state should instead apply for a state innovation waiver to restructure healthcare subsidies and lower insurance premiums. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenges the city of Wilmington's vacation rental rules, which the city claims are constitutional but the Institute for Justice argues are unconstitutional. The case has significant implications for property rights in North Carolina. [... more]

North Carolina's response to COVID-19 has had a major impact on public schools, with many students returning to online learning. State lawmakers have sent $335 checks to parents of school-aged children, but critics argue that the checks are not enough to cover the costs of virtual learning. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina has faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic, with some students and faculty members expressing concerns about the quality of online education. The state's education system is also facing challenges, with some schools struggling to provide adequate resources and support for students. As the state looks to the future, lawmakers are considering proposals to increase funding for public schools and to expand parental school choice options. [... more]

North Carolina's public schools face constitutional challenges, with a decades-old case, Leandro, seeking to ensure every child has a sound basic education. The Opportunity Scholarship program helps low-income families send their kids to private schools, but a teacher's union is trying to kill it. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has created healthcare challenges, and the state's latest coronavirus relief package aims to provide relief to families and individuals affected by the pandemic. [... more]

Comparing North Carolina's responses to the Spanish flu and COVID-19, experts discuss the similarities and differences in how the state handled these pandemics, including mask mandates, quarantines, and public health measures. Meanwhile, politicians and experts weigh in on the current state of public policy, government, and freedom, including the importance of protecting donor privacy and the impact of the presidential election on the country's future. [... more]

North Carolina's energy policy and economic recovery are at a crossroads. The state lacks the necessary infrastructure to move low-cost, clean-burning natural gas into the state, leading to higher electricity prices and a reduction in the standard of living. The Cooper administration's decision to deny a critical water permit for the Mountain View Project, a pipeline that would have brought natural gas into the state, has exacerbated the problem. Meanwhile, the state's reliance on renewable energy sources is not a viable solution, as they are intermittent and cannot meet the state's energy demands. The Green New Deal, which aims to transition the country to 100% renewable energy, is also not a feasible solution for North Carolina. The state needs to focus on developing its nuclear power capabilities and increasing its natural gas infrastructure to meet its energy needs. [... more]

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about North Carolina's housing supply, with experts discussing the need for more affordable housing and the impact of higher property taxes. The University of North Carolina's new president, Peter Hans, addressed the challenges facing the university, including balancing public health with public education. The long-running Leandro school funding lawsuit has raised constitutional issues, with some arguing that the courts should not dictate how the state budget is spent. Meanwhile, a hospital in western North Carolina is at the center of a unionization effort, with nurses voting on whether to join the National Nurses United union, which could have implications for the state's right-to-work status. [... more]

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has named California Sen Kamala Harris as his running mate in the bid to replace Republican Donald Trump in the White House Rick Henderson Carolina Journal editor-in-chief explores Harris' credentials for the vice president's job Henderson discusses the VP candidate's pros and cons for the Biden campaign in North Carolina and nationwide The U S Supreme Court declined this year to take up new cases clarifying Second Amendment rights During a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation Campbell University law professor Greg Wallace analyzed the high court's rejection of gun-rights cases Wallace [... more]

Carolina Journal Radio celebrates its th weekly episode marking more than years of documenting interesting developments in N C politics and public policy Using that milestone as a starting point John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke looks ahead to the future for JLF efforts to spread the message about individual freedom personal responsibility and limited constitutional government Plaintiffs tied to the N C Association of Educators teachers union are challenging Opportunity Scholarship school vouchers in court Opponents contend vouchers violate the state constitution despite the fact that the N C Supreme Court upheld Opportunity Scholarships in Jeanette Doran president and [... more]

A recent study reveals the characteristics of COVID-19 patients, including age, gender, and underlying health conditions. The University of North Carolina system faces scrutiny and criticism from higher education watchdogs. A federal electric vehicle tax credit is being used to subsidize wealthy Californians, rather than helping average Americans. North Carolina congressman Richard Hudson expresses disappointment with the direction of the police reform conversation. [... more]