There is a puzzling expression regularly being used by members of the Trump administration that, they argue, describes a major goal of their protectionist trade policies: “reciprocal trade.” The expression is troubling because, as an economist, I understand that all trade, by definition, is reciprocal. It is best to think of…
The N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Commission appears to operate with little, if any, oversight, aside from a board chairman and two — now one — commissioners, who are appointed by the governor. It’s time to reform the state’s antiquated state-run system, Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson, told Carolina…
The fallout continues over an audit that found a lack of oversight by the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control commission has cost the state about $13.5 million. Michael Herring, one of three members on the state ABC commission, resigned Wednesday, Aug. 15, according to…
A company cited for questionable contract dealings in a recent state audit of the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission in 2015 paid a civil settlement of $7.8 million under federal allegations of fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice alleged the company fraudulently obtained financial assistance…
Benjamin Phillips won’t forget the day Hurricane Matthew plowed into his house in Lumberton. He was watching a baseball game when news of the coming storm interrupted the broadcast. “The weatherman said, ‘You’re about to get hit.’” Phillips said. What Phillips saw next reminded…
Our two most-populous counties are responsible for a disproportionate share of North Carolina’s recent economic gains — but other counties, small and large, are also experiencing robust growth.
It wasn’t about partisan politics, former Gov. Jim Martin said. It’s something much worse. Martin, and the four other living former North Carolina governors, held a news conference Monday, Aug. 13, in the State Capitol building, standing in bipartisan opposition to two constitutional amendments they say…
In the “summer of plastic straw bans,” North Carolina’s restaurant industry is feeling the heat. “Drunk people, they are walking around without straws and they are confused,” Hibernian Assistant General Manager Susan Kemben said. After a video of…
From Carolina Journal Radio Program No. 795: A congresswoman from North Carolina is leading a new charge against unfunded federal government mandates. The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx’s legislation targeting unfunded mandates. You’ll hear highlights from Foxx’s speech defending the proposal on Capitol Hill.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez describe themselves as socialists. But neither one fits the classic definition of “socialist.” Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, distinguishes the two politicians from traditional socialists and explains why their policy goals would not lead to institutionalized socialism.
