All in Opinion
RALEIGH — North Carolina is in a mess. It was an entirely predictable mess. Indeed, I and others have been predicting it for more than two years. But former Gov. Roy Cooper, coming soon to a U.S. Senate race near you, and lawmakers of both parties didn’t listen. They expanded Medicaid to include hundreds of thousands of childless, able-bodied North Carolinians — without a realistic means of paying the bill.
In my decades of public service—from the sheriff’s office in Rutherford County to the UNC Board of Governors—I’ve seen the strength, grit, and heart of Western North Carolina. We’re resilient people. But resilience doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes planning, protection, and the right long-term partners.
RALEIGH — Are today’s elected leaders incapable of addressing public problems in a serious, respectful, bipartisan manner? If your answer is yes, I’ll concede that you have a strong case. Congress just enacted a sweeping reconciliation bill by the narrowest of margins, with no Democrats in favor. Neither party exhibits any serious intention to close our yawning federal deficits. Current and would-be officeholders seem more interested in talking up conspiracy theories than talking down political tensions or taking on tough issues.
RALEIGH — It was 250 years ago this week that Patriot militiamen carried out the first military operation of the Revolutionary War in what became the Tar Heel State. There was no pitched battle. No one died. But the Patriots made their point: reasserting British control over North Carolina would be no easy task.
RALEIGH — If I didn’t believe public-policy research mattered, I wouldn’t have spent so much of my career commissioning and funding it.
What do North Carolina’s incredible universities have in common, in addition to diehard fans? More than you might think.
Energy dominance requires America to do more than just drill for oil. For decades, conservative energy policy has wisely embraced an all-of-the above approach. The more energy sources we have, the more we can produce what we need, when we need it, at competitive prices.
My grandmothers were born in a time when their race made casting a ballot dangerous. Now, their grandson is a mayor.
For decades, private foundations have served as catalysts for American values – independence, compassion, and community. From faith-based food banks to veteran support services, these local organizations are working every day to address needs that government programs cannot be expected to meet. In North Carolina alone, these groups provide critical support to military families, rural health clinics, schools, and disaster relief efforts and they rely on private philanthropy to survive.
As a concerned North Carolinian and President of the North Carolina Faith Fellowship Foundation, based in the Triangle, I care about the role that charitable organizations play in our local communities.
Today, Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (“PMI U.S.”) unveiled “Invested in America,” a bold advertising campaign that brings to life the company’s deep-rooted commitment and increased contributions to America and Americans.
RALEIGH — When we commemorate the formal birthday of the United States of America, we don’t just celebrate a place, a set of governmental institutions, and a shared history that binds together people with differing backgrounds, faiths, and aspirations. We celebrate a revolutionary act.
I’ve spent my life in North Carolina’s public schools, as a student, a teacher, and most recently an advisor to the N,C. State Board of Education. These experiences created a core belief: education expands our worlds, develops our voices, and empowers us to make positive change in the world.
As a single mother of three and cancer survivor, I work hard to lower my bills however I can. After undergoing radiation treatment, I was playing catch-up with many of my expenses.
From the beginning of his tenure in the North Carolina General Assembly, it’s always been evident that Thom Tillis was not a true right-wing, authoritarian extremist.
As a father and former North Carolina state senator, I know the sacrifices parents make to provide for their families. The cost of child care is a relentless burden, consuming a significant portion of hardearned paychecks.
RALEIGH — Artificial intelligence is coming to public transit. In fact, in some functions and places, it’s already here. But can AI elevate transit into a major mode of daily travel in North Carolina cities and towns? Sorry, the answer remains no.
In the Tarheel State, North Carolina is setting an example for the nation when it comes to utilizing homegrown energy sources to power local communities, create jobs and boost the state’s economy. What makes this practice so successful, though, are economic resources which come in the form of clean energy tax credits.
RALEIGH — Fiscal negotiations between the North Carolina House and Senate appear to have stalled out for now, with the two chambers too far apart on the timing and magnitude of future tax cuts to strike a budget deal before the July 1 start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
As a father in an increasingly digital world, I understand the desire to shield our children from the dangers that lurk online. Like many parents, I’m deeply concerned about the impact of social media on kids’ mental health, safety, and overall development.
