Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina will not face an easy path to re-election in 2020. While Democrats have not yet lined up a high-profile challenger, retired conservative businessman Garland Tucker recently announced his plan to challenge Tillis in the GOP primary. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes…
Thousands of N.C. public school teachers walked off the job May 1 for a march and rally in downtown Raleigh. They called for higher pay, more benefits, and Medicaid expansion, among other demands. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the impact…
Tax incentives are back in the headlines. Carolina Journal reports the rare story of a major aircraft industry company building operations in Winston-Salem without seeking any handouts from state local government. Meanwhile, S.C. legislators squabble over a multimillion-dollar incentives package designed to lure the Carolina Panthers business operations south of…
Health care providers in North Carolina need a government permission slip called a certificate of need before they can add hospital beds, build new facilities, or purchase major pieces of equipment. Health care reforms say scrapping CON requirements would boost health care innovation in this state. Jordan Roberts, John Locke…
The N.C. Association of Educators union is urging public school teachers across the state to skip school on May 1 to take part in a march and rally in Raleigh. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the union’s goals. He also…
North Carolina has been able to cut tax rates in recent years without having to slash state services. That’s thanks to sustainable budget practices. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, outlines several key steps lawmakers have taken to pursue sustainable budgets. When Margaret Spellings wrapped up her tenure as…
North Carolina’s ongoing congressional redistricting dispute returned to the U.S. Supreme Court recently. As justices decide whether Republicans engaged in too much partisanship when they drew election maps, a case challenging state legislative district maps is proceeding to trial in state court later this year. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief,…
After months of controversy involving his job status, East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton has announced his resignation. He’ll collect a severance package of nearly $600,000. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes Staton’s decision and the implications for the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors. The U.S. Supreme…
With the appointments of new Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and Associate Justice Mark Davis, the N.C. Supreme Court now has six Democrats and just one Republican. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the political implications of changes within the state’s highest court. Henderson also looks ahead to three contested Supreme…
Gov. Roy Cooper recommends average 9 percent public school teacher pay raises and a $3.9 billion bond package in his latest budget plan. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes Cooper’s proposals and highlights key pros and cons. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton garner more attention, but…
