Faith, freedom, & Sept. 11, 24 years later

The lessons of 9/11 taught us that Americans are strongest when individuals, families, and communities act freely, guided by conscience and conviction.

NCInnovation faces new legislative demands amid leadership shake-up

The future of NCInnovation faces fresh uncertainty as lawmakers escalate their demands for transparency in a letter setting a deadline for documents that have so far been refused.

NC’s eugenics history should make us cautious on gender policy

How should our state approach deeply personal medical policies when the evidence is contested and the stakes are life-altering?

More than 75% of GenZers report bringing a parent to job interviews

A new survey indicates some surprising trends among young adults and their parents. Offering wisdom and encouragement, should leave space for independence to take root.

Pandemic spending’s permanent hangover: The bills are coming due

Returning to pre-pandemic spending levels and ending the temporary, emergency spending is being billed as "cuts," fueling the political appetite to make them permanent.

Carolina Journal’s Donna King analyzes Cooper-Whatley CJ Poll results

Donna King, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses the Carolina Journal Poll’s first assessment of North Carolina’s 2026 US Senate race between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley. King offered these comments during the Aug. 15, 2025, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “State Lines.”

Uncertain future for NCInnovation as CEO to exit and legislators renew scrutiny

As North Carolina’s budget stalemate drags on, the board of directors for NCInnovation met this week to confront the organization’s uncertain future and the growing threat of losing state support. This comes as NCInnovation’s CEO Bennet Waters announced that he is building out succession for his leadership tenure, with plans to step down within the...

Reality check: NC’s map is not partisan gerrymander; it’s geography

In a moment when both major political parties are continuing to pour millions of dollars into lawfare to redraw state maps, NC shouldn’t become a scapegoat in their national partisan arms race.

Lawmakers consider new elections bill that sets clear deadlines, tougher audits

The bill includes changes to ballot-counting timelines, absentee-voting procedures, campaign-finance thresholds, and the authority of the State Board of Elections. It replaces an earlier version of the bill, expanding and clarifying key procedures.

Republicans set the tone for NC’s post-Cooper era

The General Assembly’s rapid-fire overrides of Gov.Josh Stein’s recent vetoes send a clear message: The Republican-led legislature intends to lead, and lean into, the post-Cooper era.

Cooper launches US Senate campaign, setting up high-stakes campaign clash

Former NC Gov. Roy Cooper officially announced his campaign for the US Senate on Monday, launching a bid to flip the Republican-held seat and setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most competitive races of the 2026 election cycle.

Michael Whatley expected to launch US Senate campaign

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee and a key figure in North Carolina GOP politics, is reportedly preparing to enter the 2026 U.S. Senate race. Whatley is reportedly going to formally announce his candidacy within the next ten days, setting the stage for a nationally watched contest to succeed outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis.