Gov. Pat McCrory has been in office for nearly two months and has begun to lay out his priorities. John Locke Foundation President John Hood analyzes the governor’s vision for government efficiency, transportation, and more. Then we turn to tax reform. As North Carolina lawmakers prepare to undertake a redo of the system, they’re hearing ideas from a number of outside groups. Douglas Lindholm, president and executive director of the Council on State Taxation, offered his thoughts during a recent business gathering. COST represents some of the nation’s largest businesses. Next is a look at lawmakers’ reforms of North Carolina’s unemployment insurance reforms as the state tries to repay $2.5 billion in debt owed to the federal government for unemployment benefits. You’ll hear arguments for and against the reform from the state Senate debate on the issue. That’s followed by a look at energy policy. The process of hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – for natural gas has generated quite a few headlines in North Carolina in recent years. Algenon Cash, chairman and small business ambassador for the N.C. Energy Forum, explains why his group is sharing information about fracking and other topics tied to homegrown energy resources. And finally, Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson updates the unusual circumstances surrounding the awarding of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award to former state Sen. R.C. Soles, who then cancelled the awards ceremony.
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State Supreme Court questions defamation lawsuit against 2016 McCrory boosters
The North Carolina Supreme Court raised concerns Thursday about a lawsuit targeting lawyers who helped file election protests after the state’s 2016 governor’s race. One justice described the plaintiffs as asking the court to “blow up” protections provided to people engaged in those protests.
Diverted cargo en route to NC’s Port of Wilmington
Additional cargo shipments are headed to North Carolina’s coast this month amid the ongoing Baltimore Port closure, North Carolina Ports has disclosed.
Riggs to sit out 2016 election defamation case
State Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs will not take part in an upcoming defamation case stemming from the 2016 governor’s election. Riggs revealed Monday that she had recused herself from the case before defendants filed a motion requesting her recusal last week. The case Bouvier v. Porter is scheduled for oral arguments on April 11.
Bald Head Island, transportation provider split on lawsuit’s timeline
The Village of Bald Head Island and the provider of transportation services to and from the mainland are taking contrasting approaches to the timeline for resolving a legal dispute. Competing court filings Thursday at the North Carolina Court of Appeals exposed the divide.