Commentary/Opinion
Democrats May Fall Just Short
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — Of all the important electoral contests on North Carolina’s ballot, our General Assembly races will be among the most consequential. The state legislature funds and…
North Carolina Leads In Jobs Lost
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — There are about 300,000 fewer jobs in North Carolina today than there were in February, before the start of the COVID-19 recession. That’s a 7.5%…
Sparks Fly In State Treasurer Debate
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — The person who manages most of state government’s financial assets — the $107 billion pension fund for state and local employees, for starters — is…
You Decide: How Will The Virus Affect Economic Development?
By Dr. Mike Walden Although Covid-19 is still with us, there’s been a recent shift in the kind of attention given to the virus. For months, the focus has been…
COVID Shapes Debate On Worker Safety
RALEIGH — For 16 years, former state Rep. Cherie Berry has served as North Carolina’s labor commissioner. Now she’s retiring, and another Republican state representative, Josh Dobson of McDowell County,…
Ticket-Splitting Still Shapes Elections
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — North Carolina, like most of the country, has become increasingly polarized in our political thinking and behavior. But what does that really mean? Well, we…
Virtual Learning Continues, But Schools Too Important To Stay In Limbo
By: Becki Gray I spent several days with three students who are, by mandate from the governor and the Mecklenburg County school board, learning at home. Hayden, Stephen, and Caroline are…
Social Security Matters – About the Mystery of Spousal Benefits
By AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor Association of Mature American Citizens Ask Rusty – About the Mystery of Spousal Benefits Dear Rusty: From what I’ve researched, the formula for…
Take A Walk On The Sunny Side
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — In this seemingly endless year of disease, destruction, dissension, and despair, what’s an optimist to do? This is no hypothetical question for me. I’m a…
Candidates Clash On Reopening Schools
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — When Democrat Jen Mangrum and Republican Catherine Truitt first filed to run for state superintendent of public instruction, neither could have expected that the central…
You Decide: Recession, Recovery or Something Else?
By Dr. Mike Walden When I speak to groups – virtually for the last six months – I perceive two concerns. One is fear about the virus, especially how long it…
Letter To The Editor: Can The County Manager Or Commissioners Pick Up My Trash?
What’s the big deal about trash decals? A few days ago, I realized that my trash decal had expired and to ensure that I was compliant with County ordinances, I…
