Phil Kirk, who has worked for Republican and Democratic N.C. governors, discusses lessons learned from decades in state government. Kirk offered these comments during an interview for Carolina Journal Radio (Program No. 626).
RALEIGH — North Carolina state government would boost its savings reserves and set aside more money for infrastructure, while still increasing starting teachers' pay, providing additional tax relief for families, and limiting government spending growth. That's if state lawmakers adopt the recommendations in the John Locke Foundation's 2015-17 alternative General Fund budget. JLF is releasing its plan as the N.C. House of Representatives begins a week of budget debate and votes.
RALEIGH — The spending plan would exceed anticipated growth in inflation and population over the two-year budget cycle. It also faces an uncertain fate in the Senate, where leader Phil Berger has suggested his chamber wants to use an unanticipated budget surplus to build up state reserves or provide additional tax relief.
RALEIGH — Two of the state’s most powerful lawmakers are perplexed that their education reform bill passed unanimously in the House but immediately was assigned to the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, a graveyard for legislation. Among other things, the bill would authorize school districts to convert low-performing traditional schools into facilities operated similar to charter schools.
RALEIGH — A greater reliance on federalism could help address key political concerns for both traditional conservatives and libertarians. That’s one of the key arguments in Charles C.W. Cooke’s new book, The Conservatarian Manifesto. Cooke discussed key themes from the book during a speech Monday for the John Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury Society and the National Review Institute.
This retreat is known in military history circles as an ingenious strategy by Greene to survive and keep an army in the field against one of the best experienced generals in the world — Lord Cornwallis.
North Carolina's highest court will hear oral arguments next month in a case involving one of the state's best-known sports teams.
Investing is about ownership, long-term growth, and building a future. Wagering on whether the Tar Heels cover the spread this weekend is not investing, no matter how sleek the interface.
Studying the classics, history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities will make you a better person — a better partner, parent, friend, and citizen — regardless of whether it will ever make you a buck.
The year 2024 was marked by significant developments across politics, the economy, education, and energy in North Carolina. As one of the nation’s most dynamic and closely watched states, it played a pivotal role in shaping regional and national conversations.
"Dan has been a tireless fighter for our MAGA Movement in the House of Representatives on the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees," Trump said in a press release issued Tuesday night. "Dan will implement my cost-cutting and deregulatory agenda across all Agencies, and root out the Weaponized Deep State."
The North Carolina Democratic Party filed a lawsuit Friday to ensure challenges of 60,000 ballots in the state's latest election are addressed in federal court. Republicans filed the challenges with the State Board of Elections. The challenges could affect the outcome of the state Supreme Court race between Democrat Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin, along with a handful of state legislative contests.
Republican North Carolina Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin is turning to North Carolina’s second-highest court for an order that would force state election officials to make a final decision about Griffin’s election protests Tuesday. The State Board of Elections had planned to hear oral arguments about the protests the following day, according to a document Griffin filed Friday with the state Court of Appeals.
A federal judge will allow state and national Republican groups to move forward with their lawsuit challenging 225,000 voter registrations in North Carolina. An order issued Friday denied requests from the State Board of Elections and Democratic National Committee to have the case dismissed.
Donna King, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses key pieces of North Carolina’s new state budget. King offered these comments during the July 10, 2026, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “State Lines.”
In this special episode of The Debrief, Jeff Moore sits down with Bob Rosser to discuss Running the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the Revolutionary War history behind one of North Carolina’s most important early battles. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this conversation explores the people, places, and legacy of Moores Creek —...
This week on The Debrief, The Center Square’s Alan Wooten joins the show with the latest on North Carolina’s booming sports betting industry as state revenues approach the $300 million mark ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Plus, the Carolina Journal team examines growing controversy surrounding Gov. Josh Stein’s selection to lead North Carolina’s Department...
This week on The Debrief, we break down the latest on Helene recovery efforts and Lake Lure bridge safety, where rebuilding, public access and long-term infrastructure questions remain front and center. We also bring you an update on North Carolina’s budget process, examine the renewed push to abolish the US Department of Education and what...
This week on The Debrief, Mitch Kokai and Donna King discuss the remaining covid lawsuits and other court cases in North Carolina. Plus, North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes sat down with Carolina Journal’s Theresa Opeka to talk about his first year in office, including his accomplishments and what’s on the...
If you don’t like key characteristics of your community, including how it is governed, you and your family can move somewhere else.
Brittany Boltinhouse was crowned Miss North Carolina USA in June of 2026, but two days ago she was stripped of her title. The Miss USA organization says Boltinhouse did not uphold their organization’s standards but she believes her Mormon faith and outspoken conservative views may have played a role in the decision.
State lines and county boundaries provide no protection from a federal government that has lost control of who enters and who remains.
"Manufacturing Delusion" is a deeply-researched, intellectually rigorous, yet readable volume that should occupy a prominent spot on the shelf of every American concerned about the future of our republic.
Outrage won’t solve our problems. And it won’t prepare us for tomorrow. What is needed now is a sense of redemption and reasons to feel hopeful.
What YMCA's Youth and Government program is doing is remarkable. This year’s conference garnered interest from NC state legislators, mayors, policy analysts, and state officials.
Times change. When we introduce IOPL to potential fellows, partners, and donors, some hear the word “political” and think “toxic,” or at least “partisan.”
Like a faith gathering, it incorporated music, fellowship, shared meals, and thoughtful discourse — but with democracy as its central theme.
Political and cultural causes are important. They motivate us to make the world around us better and hone our sense of justice. Also, the excitement of fighting the good fight can be, for lack of a better word, fun. But everything has its time and place. And even if we think a particular political issue...
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