A three-judge panel has weighed in on lawsuits filed by North Carolina Democrats and their allies over new legislative and congressional election maps drawn by the Republican-led General Assembly. John Locke Foundation President John Hood analyzes the ruling that allows a court challenge to the maps to continue, but which threw out nearly half of the claims. Both sides are claiming victory. Then we turn to the issue of taxation. Some North Carolina lawmakers wonder whether the state has any business taxing death. More specifically, they’re considering the future of the state’s estate tax. Dick Patten, chairman of the American Family Business Institute, recently testified before a legislative committee about the problems associated with a tax often dubbed the “death tax.” Next are highlights from two elected officials recently honored by the Locke Foundation for their contributions to limited government and transparency. Lisa Baldwin has questioned the status quo as a member of the Buncombe County school board, while U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers has helped lead the fight against ObamaCare as a freshman member of Congress. You’ll hear highlights from their remarks as they accepted JLF’s 2012 James Knox Polk awards. That’s followed by a look at North Carolina history. Some Wilmington residents believe their coastal city deserves federal recognition as America’s World War II city. Author, military historian, and Wilmington native Wilbur Jones makes the case for that designation and explains why Wilmington is pursuing that honor. And finally, John Locke Foundation Director of Research and Local Government Analyst Michael Sanera talks about the conclusions of a recent analysis of Wake County’s transit plan, which has three components: bus, commuter rail, and regional rail. Sanera explains why the analysts say the plan is neither fiscally nor financially feasible.
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