For believers in freedom and free market capitalism, the world seems upside down right now. Massive federal government bailouts and spending plans are no longer here. Most states are in serious financial trouble, including North Carolina, and many local governments are pushing for a larger share of their residents’ income and a say in their lifestyles. John Locke Foundation President John Hood assesses the state of capitalism, explains the enduring principles of freedom, and offers conservatives advice on how best to defend freedom no matter the level of assault from government and its advocates. Then we turn to global warming. Those who believe manmade global warming creates an imminent threat to mankind rarely debate the scientific facts associated with their fears. That’s why a recent debate in Hickory co-sponsored by the John Locke Foundation offered valuable information. Scientific experts on both sides of the issue spent more than an hour presenting their arguments and rebutting counterarguments. William Schlesinger of the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies presented the alarmist viewpoint, while John Christy of the University of Alabama at Huntsville offered a skeptical take on global warming hysteria. You’ll hear both sides of the debate. Next, we turn to the aftermath of the horrific murder of UNC-Chapel Hill student body president Eve Carson in 2008. Her murder highlighted problems with North Carolina’s probation system. Now Rep. David Guice (R-Transylvania) and fellow Republicans are touting a potential solution: increased authority for probation officers and other law enforcement agents to conduct warrantless searches of probationers. Guice explains how this change could improve the system. That’s followed by a conversation with NC State political science chairman Andy Taylor. It is clear the Tar Heel state is not in line to collect its ‘fair share’ of the federal stimulus money based on the state’s population. Taylor explains why North Carolina regularly fares worse than other states in bringing home federal pork. And finally, Michael Sanera, director of research for the John Locke Foundation, discusses what has led up to the financial problems being experienced by many North Carolina local government entities. Sanera’s research shows that many cities and counties have increased spending well above the amount that would account for inflation and population growth. Thus, Sanera concludes, the local governments who are now in a fix, have no one to blame but themselves.