Close partisan divide will persist

If you subtract voter preference for Democrats from voter preference for Republicans, only nine states — including North Carolina — have values no greater than two percentage points.

One false step

New Bern trailing the field in Sunday alcohol sales

New Bern has given opponents of Senate Bill 155 — teetotaling lawmakers and religious leaders — a reason to flash a crooked smile. Those who wrung their hands and told of dark times to come should North Carolina pass a law allowing 10 a.m. Sunday alcohol were somewhat vindicated Tuesday, when aldermen in the Craven...

All in the family

Our so-called ‘expertise’ can sometimes be enshrined in law

I read an interesting story the other day. Colorado anesthesiologist Tim Farnum wants his state to prohibit retailers from selling smartphones for use by anyone younger than 13. After noticing his children became “moody” and “withdrawn” when on the devices, Farnum created a group called Parents Against Underage Smartphones to push for reform. He requires...

Deregulation boosts economic growth

When it comes to figuring out the right combination of elements to create a successful venture, entrepreneurs seeking competitive rates of return are the only practical answer.