Too many North Carolinians suffer from the high cost of prescription drugs. Fifty-four percent of Tar Heels say they struggle to afford the medication they need. Over 30% say they skip taking their prescription drugs to save money. North Carolina’s drug costs problems are only expected to get worse. Pharmacies throughout the state are experiencing substantial supply shortages of...
Because of the tremendous benefits conferred by better education, it would be great if policymakers knew precisely what silver bullets to fire to eliminate obstacles to higher achievement. But obstacles to achievement aren’t werewolves. They are complex and deeply rooted, not simple and fictional. Unfortunately, far too many political discussions of education reform turn into...
On Good Friday state offices will be closed in North Carolina for Holy Week, along with 10 other states. However, that has not always been the case in North Carolina. The Monday after Easter — rather than Good Friday — was a legal holiday in North Carolina for 52 years, and for many years before...
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s new book, “The Anxious Generation,” lays out the latest research on what constant screen time is doing to America’s youth. And the trends are very troubling. Haidt shows how mental health problems, sleep deprivation, social isolation, suicide attempts, and attention fragmentation have all spiked among youth and suggests a direct link to...
As the pinks, purples, and whites of blooming dogwood trees paint the landscape and a blanket of yellow pine pollen settles over everything, signaling the unmistakable arrival of springtime in North Carolina, another significant event is near — the “short session” of the state General Assembly. Yet, amidst the seasonal renewal, there is a healthy...
In her recent State of the City address for 2024, Mayor Nancy Vaughn of Greensboro put forward a bold proposal: a citywide 1% prepared-food tax. The rationale behind this initiative, according to Vaughn, is to inject much-needed revenue into the community, with estimates suggesting a minimum influx of $20 million. While on the surface, this...
In response to a recent Carolina Journal opinion piece written by Glen Stephens, who acknowledges the poor record of North Carolina’s services to its academically and physically challenged students, let me say, I share your frustration. I have a child with developmental and academic challenges. Public schools could not accommodate my child’s unique learning needs,...
