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NCRR launches strategic property acquisition initiative

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) announced last week the launch of an economic development program company executives say will ease the path to further economic growth by boosting industrial site readiness along the 317-mile rail corridor. The aim of the Options Program is to preserve land for future industrial users and strengthen North Carolina’s...

Jeff Moore
News

Bill would help curb student smartphone use during class

A bill introduced Wednesday in the North Carolina Senate aims to empower local school districts to restrict the use of smartphones and similar devices during instructional time in public schools. Senate Bill 55 — sponsored by Republican Sens. Michael Lee of New Hanover County, Jim Burgin of Harnett County, and Lisa Barnes of Nash County —...

David N. Bass

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Private roads damaged by Helene may see federal funding under new bill

US Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, along with US Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, have introduced a bill in the Senate that will allow public assistance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be used for permanent repair of private roads and bridges that Hurricane Helene destroyed.

Theresa Opeka
News

New report uncovers bias against faith-based pre-K providers

Despite recent United States Supreme Court rulings affirming religious neutrality in public education, a new Manhattan Institute report reveals that many publicly funded pre-K programs across the United States continue to exclude faith-based providers. The practice violates the Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution and undermines the Supreme Court’s clear mandate for government neutrality toward religion, the...

David N. Bass
News

State lawmakers will visit schools of choice to celebrate National School Choice Week

National School Choice Week kicks off on Sunday, and a variety of events are planned across North Carolina to celebrate educational access. Legislators, students, families, and educators are taking part in a series of school tours and interactive read-alouds to spotlight the diverse educational options available to families in the Tar Heel State. On Jan. 27...

David N. Bass
News

CMS asks NC Supreme Court to reverse ruling on campus police retirement benefits

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is asking North Carolina’s highest court to reverse a lower court order that would force the school system to pay additional retirement benefits for campus police. A unanimous state Court of Appeals panel determined in February 2024 that CMS must pay into a state retirement fund to cover those officers.

CJ Staff