Reforming the state’s public schools has emerged as a key issue in this session of the North Carolina General Assembly. John Locke Foundation Director of Research and Education Studies, Terry Stoops, delves into proposals being considered that will empower parents and create innovation through competition. Then we turn to the re-emergency of the death penalty as an issue. North Carolina has executed no death row inmates since 2006, but a New Hanover County Republican state senator has filed a bill to help the state resume its process for capital punishment. You’ll hear from Sen. Thom Goolsby and from the bill’s supporters, including three district attorneys and two family members of North Carolina murder victims. Next is a look at some fascinating North Carolina history. Long before people flocked to California in search of gold, North Carolina had its own 19th-century gold rush. John Locke Foundation President John Hood discussed that piece of state history during a recent public presentation. He says that short-lived economic boom has had a long-term impact on the Charlotte area. That’s followed by a discussion of energy-related issues, which have dominated headlines in recent years. Despite that, many people know little about energy, its sources, and its effective use. John Hubisz, visiting professor of physics at N.C. State University, offers some basic lessons about energy. And finally, Carolina Journal Publisher and media watcher Jon Ham discusses the national media narrative that has emerged during national debate over gun control and food regulations. Ham explains that the media has been on board with a narrative that presents more government control as good and necessary.