John Hood: Defining Terms Can Shape Political Debate
RALEIGH – Are you an epicurean? The answer to this question reveals something about you, the English language, and the power of propaganda.
Latest News and Opinion
State Auditor’s Office Introduces Cardinal Award, Gives Inaugural Recognition to Morganton’s Finance Director
State Auditor Dave Boliek is pleased to introduce the Cardinal Award – a special distinction from the State Auditor’s Office bestowed upon North Carolina’s finest individuals.
Op-Ed: One-sided and misleading view of the App Store Accountability Act
My name is Josiah Hafner, and I’m 16 years old. I’m writing in response to the recent op-ed titled *“Protecting kids online is easier than it seems”* by Lee Currie. While I appreciate the concern for child safety, the article presents a one-sided and misleading view of the App Store Accountability Act (S.1586/H.R.3149)—a bill that directly affects teens like me.
Op-Ed: North Carolina is built for road trips—until your car breaks down. A bill before Congress could help.
North Carolina’s mountains, beaches, and vibrant cities rank it among the top states in the country for hitting the road. While smooth summer travels are always the goal, a popped tire, broken engine, or minor collision can dampen a vacation.
Op-Ed: Protecting kids online is easier than it seems
In all my years involved in politics, I have seen only a handful of proposals that receive real overwhelming support among the public. The federal App Store Accountability Act is one of them.
John Hood: Popularity Is Precisely What We Want
RALEIGH — What is the most popular state in the continental United States? You guessed it: our own North Carolina.
NC House Approves Medicaid Rebase Plan
Raleigh, NC — Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives approved a fiscally responsible plan that funds the state’s Medicaid rebase while safeguarding teacher and state employee pay raises and avoiding new provider rate cuts.
Leader Reives Statement on Failure to Fund Medicaid Rebase
“House and Senate Republican Leadership continues to fail North Carolinians, 1 in 4 of whom rely on Medicaid coverage,” House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said. “Our state needs real leadership and decisive action from the General Assembly to ensure that coverage doesn’t lapse for thousands of families across the state. Lives are hanging in the balance -- political gamesmanship cannot continue to get in the way of health care for North Carolinians.”
NC House Passes Iryna’s Law to Crack Down on Violent Offenders and Protect Public Safety
Raleigh, NC — Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 307, “Iryna’s Law,” with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority. Named in memory of Iryna Zarutska—who was tragically murdered in Charlotte last month by a repeat violent offender released pretrial despite severe mental health issues—the legislation takes direct aim at soft-on-crime policies and ensures stronger protections for victims and communities. The bill now heads to the Governor's desk for his consideration.
Governor Stein On Medicaid Funding Impasse Between House and Senate
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement as the General Assembly fails to come together on a solution to fund Medicaid in North Carolina:
Senate Republicans Approve Measure to Revive Death Penalty in North Carolina
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the Republican-led N.C. Senate approved a measure that seeks to revive the death penalty in the state as part of a broader criminal justice reform package.
One Month After Brutal Charlotte Light Rail Murder, NC Senate Passes ‘Iryna’s Law’
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the N.C. Senate passed House Bill 307, "Iryna's Law," which includes numerous criminal justice reforms that tackle the weak crime policies that played a role in the murder of Iryna Zarutska on Aug. 22, 2025.