Commentary/Opinion
Opinion: Welfare Reforms Create Good Problems
By John Hood RALEIGH — When Congress passed its budget-reconciliation bill last summer, it created a bunch of problems for North Carolina policymakers — thank goodness! No, really. Federal law…
You Decide: Is The Homebuying Market Improving?
By Mike Walden Ever since COVID-19, buying a home has been a challenge, especially for first-time buyers. Buyers have been hit by a triple-whammy. Home prices surged, homes for sale…
Letter To The Editor: Red Cross Month Honors Neighbors Who Give Hope When Help Can’t Wait
As our country marks its 250th year, I’ve been thinking about what truly brings communities together. For me, it always comes down to people — neighbors caring for neighbors. In…
When War First Came To Fayetteville
By John Hood RALEIGH — A couple of weeks ago, I was privileged to speak at a ceremony honoring those who fought at the first major southern engagement in the…
Social Disconnection Is Everyone’s Problem
By John Hood RALEIGH — I have a large and loving family, many cherished friends and colleagues, daily opportunities for meaningful work and enjoyable play, and countless other blessings. Still,…
Budget Writers Shouldn’t Hope For Miracles
By John Hood RALEIGH — During the just-completed primary campaigns for North Carolina General Assembly, you may have heard one or more candidates say that state government is currently operating…
You Decide: Will Tariffs 2.0 Be Different Than 1.0?
By Mike Walden Tariffs continue to be an ongoing issue in the country, receiving much attention. Recently, there was a Supreme Court decision that some of the tariffs imposed by…
State Shouldn’t Rest On Its Laurels
By John Hood RALEIGH — Over the most-recent 12-month period, North Carolina’s economy expanded by an inflation-adjusted 3%. Among the 50 states, only South Carolina (3.5%) posted a significantly faster…
Ruling Could Lighten Carolinians’ Load
By John Hood RALEIGH — Last week, when the U.S. Supreme Court released its long-awaited ruling in the “emergency tariff” case, President Donald Trump called the decision “ridiculous,” its reasoning…
Carolinians Thwarted Britain’s Southern Gambit
By John Hood RALEIGH — During the first few months of America’s war for independence, the British redcoats occupying the rebellious city of Boston won one major battle (for Bunker…
You Decide: What’s Wrong With The Job Market?
By Mike Walden The most recent job market report for January was received with much enthusiasm. Total jobs in the country increased by 130,000, the highest number since May 2025.…
A Retirement Nightmare – Social Security’s Annual Earnings Test
By Russel Gloor National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Picture this: You’ve worked all your life in your chosen…
