By John Hood Raleigh, NC – In a few weeks, New York Times reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones will join the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, as the Knight Chair in…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – When it comes to our business climate and economic prospects, North Carolinians are used to receiving accolades. Let’s add another to the list. The Cato Institute just released a study of regulatory barriers facing…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – North Carolina is a popular destination for those seeking to make a new life in a new state. According to a tracking report by United Van Lines, we ranked sixth in the nation for…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – On March 31, the North Carolina Senate passed the hugely controversial SB 387, titled the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021, by a margin of 48 senators in favor, none opposed. The following day,…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – Thanks to the fiscally responsible policies of the North Carolina General Assembly, state government has some $5 billion in unspent funds and unanticipated revenues in its General Fund. And thanks to the fiscally irresponsible…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – North Carolina governments shouldn’t be in the liquor business. Two recent stories illustrate this story well. One was written by my Carolina Journal colleague John Trump. The North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission has…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – In North Carolina politics, few issues are as contentious as education. For years, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Republican-led General Assembly have locked horns on such issues as funding formulas, teacher pay, and…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – If you think the cost of living is too low, I bear good tidings. The Biden administration and its allies in Congress, regulatory agencies, and state governments across the country are working nonstop to…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – When it comes to giving out business incentives, you won’t find North Carolina at the top of the list. Don’t worry — that’s actually good news. Incentives can be targeted tax breaks, loans, marketing…
By John Hood Raleigh, NC – When will North Carolina’s economy return to normal, or at least to a “new normal”? Unfortunately, that destination is many months away, if not years. Still, we’ll know we’re making progress when we can…