Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez describe themselves as socialists. But neither one fits the classic definition of “socialist.” Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, distinguishes the two politicians from traditional socialists and explains why their policy goals would not lead to institutionalized socialism. Most of consider ourselves to be law-abiding citizens. But we might be breaking laws without our knowledge, thanks to the problem of overcriminalization. James Copland, senior fellow and director of legal policy at the Manhattan Institute, explains the problems created when a state has too many crimes on its books. Copland emphasizes the negative impact for small business owners who might face criminal charges when they run afoul of complicated regulations. North Carolina could be leading the nation in educational achievement if it had joined Florida years ago in launching reform efforts. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush delivered that message during a recent visit to Raleigh. You’ll hear Bush’s recommendations for N.C. policymakers interested in pursuing reforms. A congresswoman from North Carolina is leading a new charge against unfunded federal government mandates. The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx’s legislation targeting unfunded mandates. You’ll hear highlights from Foxx’s speech defending the proposal on Capitol Hill. The N.C. School Boards Association and local school boards across the state are heading back to court to get more money from state government. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, explains why the school boards are turning to the judicial branch to help secure more funding.
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North Carolina scored zero of 100 points in Reason Foundation’s 2026 ranking of state open enrollment laws, tying for last for the third straight year. The state has no statewide policy, and a legislative study due in 2027 covers only within-district transfers.
NC elections board Democrats question noncitizen-voter findings
Two Democratic members of the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) raised concerns Thursday over the investigation into more than 1,500 potential noncitizen voter registrations, questioning the accuracy of the federal database used to identify them and warning that the findings could fuel perceptions of widespread voter fraud.
Stein signs gas tax relief bill, takes aim at GOP lawmakers
Democratic Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3, Relief at the Pump, at the farm of NC-11 US House Democratic candidate Jamie Ager in Buncombe County on Friday morning, as fuel prices continue to climb for drivers.
DPI rejects call by charter schools to recalculate growth scores
Charter school leaders say a 2025 change in how retests count toward growth caused their growth scores to fall even as proficiency rose, and they want the state to review it. DPI says its model worked as intended and it will not recalculate the results.