Raleigh, N.C. — Today, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) announced the formation of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations (Gov Ops): Subcommittee on Prisons.
All in Opinion
John Hood: Expand Choice Among Public Schools
RALEIGH — For all the satisfied smiles among school-choice supporters, and the gnashing of teeth among its opponents, North Carolina is not one of the top-ranked states for educational freedom.
COLUMN: Let's Not Miss Our Chance to Continue North Carolina's Conservative Successes
Raleigh, N.C. — Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following column highlighting his goals and thoughts ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins on Tuesday, April 21. This column is available for publication by media outlets.
New "Forgotten Smoker" White Paper from PMI U.S. Warns That America Didn't End Smoking; It Just Moved On--and 8 in 10 Americans Surveyed Demand a Better Approach
America likes to believe it has solved the problem of smoking. It hasn't. Results of a new national survey, released today, show that 79% of Americans say more must be done to combat smoking-related harm. Philip Morris International's U.S. business (PMI U.S.) agrees, as detailed in The Forgotten Smoker: Modern Solutions to America's Oldest Public Health Challenge. This white paper makes the case for policymakers, public health authorities, and medical professionals to recenter cigarette smoking as a public health priority.
John Hood: State Isn’t Prepared for Bad Times
RALEIGH — Is there an immediate prospect of resolving the budget standoff between the North Carolina Senate and House? I hear conflicting signals.
John Hood: Leandro Should Have Ended Long Ago
RALEIGH — For all the confusion, finger-pointing, and rancor that accompanied the North Carolina Supreme Court’s final ruling in the Leandro school-finance case, the primary emotion it conjured in me was relief. This is likely the last time I’ll feel compelled to comment on the matter.
John Hood: Why the Halifax Resolves Matter
RALEIGH — On April 12, a large crowd of North Carolinians will gather in the town of Halifax to commemorate the 250th anniversary of a pivotal historical event.
John Hood: Facts Must Come Before Explanations
RALEIGH — Who is to blame for North Carolina losing its industrial base over the past two decades? Misguided federal lawmakers who passed free-trade agreements? Foolish state policymakers who refused to invest in new infrastructure? Overzealous local regulators?
Letter to the editor: App Store Accountability Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
As a North Carolinian who cares deeply about the well-being of our families and children, I was encouraged to see the App Store Accountability Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month. This common-sense legislation represents an important step toward giving parents more control over their kids’ digital lives.
Wellie Jackson: It's Time to Put North Carolina Families First: Why We Must Reform Drug Pricing Now
As a turkey and hog farmer in Sampson County and the proud husband of Tara, who owns and operates our local independent pharmacy, I see firsthand the challenges our rural communities face every day. For too many families across North Carolina, the rising cost of prescription drugs is not just a line item on a budget—it's the difference between putting food on the table or filling a life-saving prescription. That's why the latest report from the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance (PRA), "The State of U.S. Drug Pricing: Unaffordable," hits home for me and countless others in our state.
John Hood: In Politics, Decency Should Still Matter
RALEIGH — Among the worst features of today’s politics is its pervasive crudity. Democrats and Republicans don’t just compete for electoral power and disagree on policy. They question motives, hurl insults, and seek not just victory but utter domination. They exude mutual contempt.
John Hood: Welfare Reforms Create Good Problems
RALEIGH — When Congress passed its budget-reconciliation bill last summer, it created a bunch of problems for North Carolina policymakers — thank goodness!
Zach Miller: North Carolina seniors need CMS physician fee schedule corrected to protect their care in skilled nursing facilities
As the owner of assisted living communities here in North Carolina, I am proud of the work that we do to help our seniors live healthy, fulfilling lives. Part of this work involves coordinating with other local healthcare providers to ensure our residents receive the care they need to thrive.
Kristen Bell: North Carolina Must Prioritize Housing Reform
Affordability challenges and the skyrocketing cost of living are burdens felt by millions of Americans. Nowadays, Americans are opting to relocate to urban areas that offer access to more affordable neighborhoods, thriving public schools, and extensive infrastructure. According to a January 27 article in the News & Observer, North Carolina added nearly 150,000 new residents last year – behind only Texas and Florida. Are we prepared for such an influx?
John Hood: Economic Progress Isn’t Confined to Cities
RALEIGH — The Triangle and Charlotte regions are among the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. But they are hardly the only North Carolina communities with expanding economies. Indeed, a new study from the state Department of Commerce shows that over the past decade and a half, 90 of our 100 counties have outperformed the national average.
John Hood: When War First Came to Fayetteville
RALEIGH — A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to speak at a ceremony honoring those who fought at the first major southern engagement in the American War of Independence. Our commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge on February 27 was part of a broader First in Freedom Festival, which I’m pleased to report attracted thousands of people to tours, presentations, reenactments, and other events throughout the greater Wilmington area.
John Hood: Social Disconnection Is Everyone’s Problem
RALEIGH — I have a large and loving family, many cherished friends and colleagues, daily opportunities for meaningful work and enjoyable play, and countless other blessings. Still, on occasion, I feel lonely and disconnected.
Andy Ellen: America's Manufacturing Renaissance Starts in Towns Like Wilson, NC
As a retail association representing thousands of small business owners across North Carolina, we understand firsthand that what truly drives local prosperity are well-paying jobs, everyday purchases at hometown stores and long-term investments in communities that set them up for future economic growth.
That’s why the recent $37 million investment in the manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina, by Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) is so important—not just for Wilson, but for retailers and consumers across our state.
John Hood: Budget Writers Shouldn’t Hope for Miracles
RALEIGH — During the just-completed primary campaigns for North Carolina General Assembly, you may have heard one or more candidates say that state government is currently operating without a budget. That is not, strictly speaking, true.
Peter J. Pitts: North Carolina Gives Non-profit Hospitals Billions in Tax Breaks. Are Patients Getting Anything in Return?
North Carolina’s non-profit hospitals occupy a privileged position in the state’s healthcare system. In exchange for their charitable mission, they receive sweeping tax advantages including exemptions from federal, state, and local taxes, access to tax-exempt financing, and eligibility for tax-deductible donations. These benefits are not symbolic. They represent a substantial public investment.