Cover • Superior Court Judge Howard Manning last fall ruled that North Carolina was required to fund a pre-school program for “at-risk” children. Some lawmakers want to transform Smart Start into that program. But Smart Start officials say that would do children a major disservice. Page 1 North Carolina •…
Cover • North Carolina has spent the past 15 years pursuing economic development through an “interventionist” model. But that model is being increasingly challenged by those who prefer a “competition” model. Gov. Mike Easley must choose which model will shape the state’s economic development policy in the next four years.
Cover • North Carolina faces a $468 million budget shortfall this fiscal year and $490 million next fiscal year. At the same time, lawmakers, Gov.-elect Mike Easley, and a Wake Count judge have proposed a host of new initiatives they want to fund. State budget writers say they will cut…
