Carolina Journal

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Top NC court says UNC, NCSU students can pursue suit seeking fall 2020 refunds

A unanimous North Carolina Supreme Court will allow students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University to move forward with a lawsuit seeking refunds from the university. The students challenged mandatory fees they paid in fall 2020, when the two flagship UNC System campuses closed for most students.

CJ Staff
News

Split at top NC court means racial epithet will not cost Currituck worker’s job

The North Carolina Supreme Court split, 3-3, in the case of a Currituck County employee fired in 2017 after uttering a single racial epithet to a supervisor. The split decision Friday means that Judith Ayers can return to her job and collect back pay and attorneys’ fees.

CJ Staff
News

Trump executive order moves to shrink US Department of Education

In a bold move that signals a significant shift in US education policy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that will drastically reduce the size and influence of the U.S. Department of Education. While the order does not fully dissolve the agency, it will significantly scale back its operations and responsibilities, shifting those responsibilities to the states.

Donna King
Video

The Debrief: Breaking down Gov. Stein’s proposed budget

This week on the Debrief, we’re diving into the latest action from the NC General Assembly. From the heated debate over banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs to Governor Stein’s $33.6 billion budget proposal—this week has been packed with big moves. We’re breaking down the freeze on tax cuts, major spending boosts, and what it...

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The Debrief: Reacting to Gov. Stein’s first State of the State Address

This week on The Debrief: Governor Josh Stein’s State of the State address, featuring plans for free community college, a $4 billion school construction bond, and more. Plus, new poll numbers show Stein’s strong start, but most North Carolinians want a state-level watchdog to keep an eye on their tax dollars.

Video

Locke’s Jon Sanders testifies in favor of occupational licensing reform

Jon Sanders of the John Locke Foundation testifies about the impact of occupational licensing on North Carolina’s economic freedom. Sanders directs Locke’s Center for Food, Power, and Life. He offered these comments during a March 11, 2025, presentation to the state House Regulatory Reform Committee.

Jon Sanders
Video

The Debrief with State Auditor Dave Boliek

This week on The Debrief, we’re pulling back the curtain on North Carolina’s state government! Newly elected State Auditor Dave Boliek joins us to reveal what he’s uncovering as he steps into office—and what needs to change to make government more transparent and accountable. Don’t miss this inside scoop!

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Polls

January 2025 — Majority of North Carolinians Dissatisfied with Local School Education

RALEIGH — A majority of North Carolinians are dissatisfied with their local schools, according to the latest Carolina Journal Poll. This survey of 606 likely North Carolina voters asked participants how satisfied they are with the quality of K-12 education students receive in their local schools. Only 33.3% said they were satisfied, while 55.2% said they...

November 2024 – General Election Renews Voter Optimism

RALEIGH — Optimism about the direction of the country and North Carolina has surged among voters following the 2024 general election, according to the latest Carolina Journal poll. Nearly half of voters (48%) believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction following the 2024 election, a 21-point increase since this question was last polled, while...

October 2024 – Trump and Harris in Dead Heat in North Carolina Battleground

RALEIGH – The race for president remains at a statistical tie in North Carolina, a key battleground state on the road to the White House. Former President Donald Trump (47.2%) is .6 points ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris (46.6%). The number of undecided voters has declined to 4.1%. Only 2% of voters say they...

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State Government

News

Top NC court says UNC, NCSU students can pursue suit seeking fall 2020 refunds

A unanimous North Carolina Supreme Court will allow students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University to move forward with a lawsuit seeking refunds from the university. The students challenged mandatory fees they paid in fall 2020, when the two flagship UNC System campuses closed for most students.

CJ Staff
News

Split at top NC court means racial epithet will not cost Currituck worker’s job

The North Carolina Supreme Court split, 3-3, in the case of a Currituck County employee fired in 2017 after uttering a single racial epithet to a supervisor. The split decision Friday means that Judith Ayers can return to her job and collect back pay and attorneys’ fees.

CJ Staff

Federal Government

News

Trump executive order moves to shrink US Department of Education

In a bold move that signals a significant shift in US education policy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that will drastically reduce the size and influence of the U.S. Department of Education. While the order does not fully dissolve the agency, it will significantly scale back its operations and responsibilities, shifting those responsibilities to the states.

Donna King
News

Voter ID critics hope recent 9th Circuit Arizona ruling will affect NC case

Critics challenging North Carolina’s voter identification law in federal court are asking the judge to take note of a recent ruling from an Arizona election case. Voter ID supporters and opponents have been waiting for a decision in the North Carolina case since a trial last May.

CJ Staff

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