Carolina Journal
Volume 10, Number 10 - August 2001

Why does conservative talk radio con-tinue to thrive, especially in North Caro-lina? The answer is part Rush inspiration; and part public participation. One example of conservative chat’s influence resulted in the recent Taxpayer Tea Party at the legis-lature, which was led by WPTF’s Jerry Agar. Page 1

North Carolina:

Almost anywhere you go in North Caro-lina, you are likely to find a local conserva-tive radio talk show on the air. Page 4
The state auditor’s review of the Aviation Division of the Department of Transporta-tion revealed several irregularities in a grant for airport improvements. Page 5
The Department of Public Instruction raved about the state’s performance on na-tional math tests, but close analysis should temper their enthusiasm. Page 5

Education:

A few NC counties are working to re-duce dropout rates. Page 6
Paige Holland trumpets the work of edu-cation leader Linda Harrell. Page 7
Proofreading textbooks, and the NEA’s position on gays, mark school reform news from around the country. Page 8
Early childhood initiatives are leading to mandatory school attendance for very young children in some areas. Page 8
An interview with Rhonda Bridgers, prin-cipal of Raleigh’s PreEminent Charter School. Page 9

Higher Education:

Will higher education, offered on the Internet, be eventually attainable for free? Page 10
A study found that UNC tuition, despite increases, was still a bargain compared to other state universities. Page 11
George Leef says that by looking at how other states cut their university budgets, North Carolina might learn something. Page 11
UNC-Chapel Hill offered a summer in-doctrination course on “diversity.” Page 12
Some colleges are requiring students to have personal digital assistants. Page 12
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling could have a major impact on Title IX implementation on college campuses. Page 13
Another U.S. Supreme Court ruling hurts the cause of race-based preferences in cam-pus admissions. Page 13

Local Government:

North Carolina is home to many minor league baseball teams, and most receive benefits from taxpayers. Page 14
Sam Staley says regulations can unneces-sarily strangle new businesses. Page 15
The Heritage Foundation releases a study on the successes of competitive contracting for governments. Page 16
An interview with Wake County Com-missioner Kenn Gardner. Page 16
Tax dollars for beach renourishment and public-funded international mayoral trips top the local government news. Page 17

The Learning Curve:

Reviews of Making Patriots by Walter Berns and The Revolutionary Writings of John Adams by C. Bradley Thompson. Page 18
Reviews of Coming Out of the Woods by Wallace Kaufman and Antitrust after Microsoft by David Kopel. Page 19

Opinion:

Editorials on welfare reform and toll roads. Page 20
Editorials on bike helmets and posting the Ten Commandments. Page 21
Andrew Cline proposes that state legislators complete N.C. State’s Econom-ics 201 course. Page 22
Michael Walden debunks myths about the minimum wage. Page 23

Parting Shot:

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