Two North Carolina Department of Commerce employees are in the spotlight due to their roles with a Raleigh based nonprofit and efforts to send funding to the organization. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson explains CJ’s investigation, which spurred an internal investigation over questions of disclosure and ethics. Next is a look at energy exploration and controversy over fracking. North Carolina’s governor, environmental regulators, and top legislative leaders have expressed varying degrees of interest in hydraulic fracturing for natural gas located in shale beneath the ground. Daniel Fine of the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy explained in a recent presentation for the John Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury Society why North Carolina is in a unique position to take advantage of this natural resource. Then we turn to ongoing questions over a well known federal program. Many students in North Carolina public schools eat free or reduced-price lunches at taxpayers’ expense. But some state lawmakers are concerned about the process used to ensure the special breaks extend only to children of the neediest families. You’ll hear highlights from a recent legislative debate on the topic. That’s followed by a look at the story of man who founded a key broadcasting entity. If you’ve ever watched the Weather Channel, you might be fascinated by the story of its founder, Frank Batten. Author Connie Sage has written a new biography of Batten. She shares details from his life and career. And finally, Jenna Ashley Robinson of the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy