Carolina Journal Radio No. 883: Post COVID-19 future unclear for North Carolina

Much of the N.C. economy has shut down because of government orders linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not clear when the economy can move forward again. Nor can we tell what the “new normal” will look like once the pandemic has subsided. John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke addresses questions and concerns linked to planning for the post-coronavirus world. The shutdown of public school buildings across North Carolina has thrust many families toward the world of online education. Lauren Acome, head of school at the public charter N.C. Virtual Academy, offers parents ideas for helping students transition from a brick-and-mortar school building to learning from home. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, state lawmakers already were raising questions about the N.C. Department of Transportation’s spending practices. You’ll hear highlights from a pre-COVID-19 legislative debate about the future of DOT spending. Today’s pandemic woes might make some people yearn for the old days, when nonlethal political scandal was the most likely topic to dominate the headlines. That includes the Watergate scandal that drove former President Richard Nixon from office. Rufus Edmisten, former N.C. attorney general and secretary of state, had a front-row seat for Watergate in his role working for famed N.C. Sen. Sam Ervin. Edmisten recounts Watergate stories in his recent memoir, That’s Rufus. Edmisten ponders valuable lessons from Watergate. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed plans for every candidate seeking an elected office this year. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses the pandemic’s impact on two marquee N.C. matchups: the races for governor and U.S. Senate.