Cover

• Inquiries take toll on Easley team
• SBI brought in to investigate Duplin schools’ money matters
• State raises new charter school barriers

North Carolina

• Lawmaker calls for offshore drilling, end to global warming panel, Page 5
• Bail agents spar with government system, Page 6
• N.C. Briefs, Page 6
• Taxing online travel services next revenue grab? Page 9

Education

• Wake schools release checking account numbers of resident, Page 10
• Terry Stoops commentary: Slither to the top, Page 10
• ‘Mystery meat’ could become reality in N.C. school districts, Page 11
• Could California school reforms eventually reach N.C.? Page 12

Higher Education

• Seven years, six scandals in UNC system, Page 13
• Campus Briefs, Page 13
• In refreshing changes, NCSU showcases faculty, students, Page 14
• Jane Shaw commentary: Do what I say, not what I do, Page 14
• Issues in Higher Education: UNC can improve grad rates without handholding programs, Page 15

Local Government

• E-mails outline roles in Yadkin jail issue, Page 16
• Town and County, Page 16
• Ruling gives exclusive vid poker rights to Cherokees, Page 17
• Michael Lowrey commentary: An appeals court gift to homeowners, Page 17
• Durham to begin using staff again to monitor construction, Page 18
• Local Innovation Bulletin Board, Page 18
• Tax-funded redevelopment alive and kicking in Greensboro, Page 19

Learning Curve

• Movie review: ‘Holmes” movie not worthy of Conan Doyle canon, Page 20
• From the Liberty Library, Page 20
• Troy Kickler commentary: N.C. farm boy Malcolm P. McLean revolutionized shipping, Page 21
• Book review: Griswold: Trade not job-loss culprit, Page 22
• Short Takes on Culture, Page 22
• Book review: Paul Johnson’s Churchill concise, enjoyable, and a joy to read, Page 23

Opinion

• Editorial: What next for Easley? Page 24
• Donna Martinez commentary: If this is oppression, it’s fine by me, Page 24
• John Hood commentary: A farce playing in Garner, Page 25
• Editorial: Wake school blunder, Page 25
• Editorial: Road progress, Page 25
• Michael Walden commentary: Innovation is the key to prosperity, Page 26
• Editorial Briefs, Page 26
• Andy Taylor commentary: Most important Republican since Reagan, Page 27
• Marc Rotterman commentary: Can GOP capitalize on ‘Mass. Miracle’? Page 27

Parting Shot

• Financier seeks to compete with Pedro’s I-95 empire (a CJ parody), Page 28