Don’t let complaints about phantom cuts menace the budget debate

As the N.C. Senate prepares to release its budget plans, observers should watch for complaints about "cuts."

Pay it forward

North Carolina should raise age

While the juvenile justice system can cost more in the short run, it appears to produce lower rates of recidivism — of young offenders committing more crimes in the future.

Cursing the darkness

PARODY: Jordan, NBA lead fight against state feline

A proposal to name North Carolina’s state cat was purring toward passage. But the measure designating the bobcat as the state feline became entwined in controversy after basketball legend and Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan began a dogged campaign to stop it, with the help of the NBA, Carolina Journal has learned. House Bill 74,...

H.B. 500 left little but dregs for craft brewers

Rep. Chuck McGrady, R, Henderson, tried hard to smile this week while presenting the plundered remnants of House Bill 500. The bill, which at first carried much hope and optimism for beer brewers, ended looking much like a Kmart toy aisle on the last day of a going-out-of-business sale. All the good stuff was gone....