Like many other states, North Carolina has begun to implement the Common Core standards in North Carolina classrooms. As that happens, more and more questions have emerged about costs, data collection, and lack of rigor in the standards. John Locke Foundation Director of Research and Education Studies Terry Stoops provides the latest developments about Common Core and discusses why many are so concerned. Then we turn to a fascinating legal case playing out in our state. The N.C. Court of Appeals is weighing whether the North Carolina court system should hear a lawsuit over a $52 million exit fee the Atlantic Coast Conference assessed against the University of Maryland when the university announced its plan to leave the league. Attorneys for Maryland argue that North Carolina should recognize “sovereign immunity” and throw the lawsuit out. You’ll hear arguments from both sides of the case, along with pointed questions from one of the judges deciding it. Next is a look at politics. Longtime North Carolina political observers know the important role the late U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms played in this state’s politics. He also influenced political figures across the country. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz recently praised Helms during a speech in Washington, D.C. You’ll hear highlights from Cruz’s remarks. That’s followed by a look at a well known figure in North Carolina history, Josephus Daniels. The News & Observer founder and former U.S. Navy secretary is the subject of a recent biography from N.C. State University professor Lee Craig. Craig shares his highlights from Daniels’ fascinating life. And finally, we look at next steps for tax reform in our state. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Research Roy Cordato, offers recommendations for reforms legislators should pursue, and he recaps why the changes made this session will lead to long-term economic growth.