A new study from researchers at the University of Arkansas and Western Carolina University finds that a Democrat-backed budget bill pending in Congress would slash an average of $1,131 per student in resources for charter schools.
All in Opinion
General Assembly passes measure to rein in a governor's emergency powers
The N.C. House in a concurrence vote passed House Bill 264, Emergency Powers Accountability Act, 66-44, on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Specifically, the legislation requires the governor to get concurrence from the Council of State for an emergency declaration lasting more than seven days.
Charlotte school district criticized over failure to properly investigate sexual assaults
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools continues to come under fire for how it has handled allegations from students who say they were sexually assaulted on campus.
Surge in violence merits response
The overall crime rate, defined as the total number of reported crimes divided by North Carolina’s population, was lower in 2020 than in 2010. But most of these reports concern property crimes: arson, burglary, larceny, and motor-vehicle theft. Their frequency certainly affects the security of our homes and possessions. Places with high rates of property crime also struggle to attract business investment and residential development.
Public school health survey asks students about drug use, sexual behavior
A youth risk survey for middle- and high-school students in the public school system is raising eyebrows for asking students about drug use and sexual activity.
Judge could issue order compelling lawmakers to fund Leandro in early November
The judge in the long-running Leandro school funding case could issue an order as early as three weeks compelling the General Assembly to fully fund a court-ordered plan drawn up by California-based consultants.
State Senator Wiley Nickel first to announce for Congress to replace Price
Wake County State Senator Wiley Nickel, D-Wake, will run to replace David Price in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District. The deep blue district currently covers Orange, Durham, and parts of Wake County.
Rep. David Price calling it quits at end of term
U.S. Congressman David Price, D-4th District, will not seek reelection. Sources are telling Carolina Journal that Price, 81, is currently making calls telling Democratic leaders that this will be his last congressional term and he's expected to make an official announcement soon.
Where does North Carolina stand on the budget?
As legislative members prepare for another week of redistricting committee meetings and budget talks, North Carolina is more than three months into the new fiscal year. The state still does not have a budget in place. Both the House and Senate have passed their versions but there is a new aspect of the process that hopefully Governor Roy Cooper will agree to so that a new budget will be passed by his administration.
Independent expenditures play critical role in new N.C. Senate fundraising numbers
Third-quarter fundraising numbers for U.S. Senate candidates in North Carolina show little separation between the Republican front-runners, former Gov. Pat McCrory and U.S. Rep. Ted Budd. On the Democrat side, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley is solidifying her position as the front-runner.
Mortgage discrimination claims are bunk
A few weeks ago, the Associated Press and a nonprofit journalism outfit called The Markup released a dataset and news stories purporting to prove the existence of pervasive discrimination against racial minorities by mortgage lenders. The McClatchy newspapers in North Carolina (The Charlotte Observer, The News & Observer in Raleigh, and the Herald-Sun in Durham) splashed the Markup/AP findings across their front pages and contributed additional reporting about the North Carolina-specific data.
OPINION: Hearing over liquor shortage reveals the obvious: N.C. ABC system is a mess
Lawmakers held a hearing recently focused on the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control system. Their goal was to learn why ABC store shelves are empty and why bars and restaurants are scratching and scraping for typically ubiquitous brands such as Jameson’s and Titos.
Robinson says he's not resigning, says his comments were twisted
Robinson, in a news conference Tuesday, Oct. 12, said he wants to get books, which he says depicts “filth,” out of some school libraries. Robinson made earlier statements that he wants to remove books such as “George,” “Lawn Boy” and “Gender Queer,” which have sexually explicit content depicting gay and transgender people, from schools across the state.
School closures were a mistake
Closing down school buildings for many months last year — and offering poorly planned and executed virtual schooling as an inadequate substitute — proved to be a disaster for North Carolina children, families, and the education system itself.
OPINION: Court opinions highlight importance of separation of powers, economic liberty
North Carolina’s Supreme Court has been attracting negative attention in recent weeks. Its Democratic justices stand accused of plotting to boot two Republican colleagues from an important case dealing with voter ID.
Lawmakers OK regulatory sandbox bill to boost innovation in NC financial sector
A unanimous vote in the N.C. House means a "regulatory sandbox" bill is on its way to Gov. Roy Cooper. The new “sandbox” would waive certain obstacles for a trial period for fast-emerging financial and insurance products and services.
Winning? Biden lays blame for messy exits: Americans call for more transparency
We’re winning in Afghanistan. That was the mantra, what they told us. Never entirely true.
Report: Parental empowerment key to accountability in private-school choice programs
Accountability for publicly funded school choice programs should primarily come through parent empowerment, not regulatory overreach. That’s the assessment of a new report from Notre Dame Law School scholar Nicole Stelle Garnett published by the Manhattan Institute.
Yes, government can be shrunk
I’ve been spending a lot of time recently in conversation with right-leaning leaders, policy experts, donors, and activists. My purpose is to assess the health and trajectory of American conservatism at this critical moment.
Hudson, Crenshaw sponsor bill to coordinate federal emergency health response
North Carolina's 8th District congressman is teaming up with a high-profile Texas counterpart to help sponsor a bill clarifying the federal government's response to health care emergencies.