Commentary/Opinion
Opinion: Requiring Work For Benefits Is Wise
By John Hood RALEIGH — There are good reasons to criticize the “Big, Beautiful Bill” the U.S. House just sent to the Senate. But its imposition of work requirements for…
You Decide: Where Are We On The Inflation Battle?
By Mike Walden Price inflation was one of the top issues in the 2024 presidential election. People were tired of seeing big price jumps, especially if those increases were more…
Opinion: Carolina Patriots Showed Their Resolve
By John Hood RALEIGH — Our state’s official seal presents North Carolina as a series of dualities. In the background of the circular emblem are green-topped mountains to the west…
Why I Teach: A Story Of Heart Over Hype
By Dr. Ken Robol At Johnston Community College, we may not have the deep pockets or shiny new buildings of larger institutions like Wake Tech — but what we do…
You Decide: Is It Code Red For The Economy?
By Mike Walden Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its quarterly GDP report, the first of the year and the first during the new Trump administration. Normally, this…
National Police Week: Supporting Law Enforcement
National Police Week is May 11 – 17, 2025 By: A.Z Williams As someone who has been in public safety for 35 years, I appreciate the acknowledgement and homage paid…
Opinion: Agriculture Faces Severe Labor Shortage
By John Hood RALEIGH — Recessions hurt. North Carolina’s headline unemployment rate hit 11.2% during the peak of the Great Recession in 2010. During the COVID-era Great Suppression of 2020,…
Opinion: Higher Costs Threaten Housing Affordability
By John Hood RALEIGH — Few states are adding housing stock more quickly than our state — but far too many North Carolinians struggle to find reasonably priced residences to…
You Decide: Who Controls The Federal Reserve?
By Mike Walden One of my favorite topics, both when I was teaching at NC State University and now as I continue to speak to various groups, is the Federal…
Letter To Editor: Life Jackets Save Lives, But Only If They Are Worn
A close call on Holt’s Lake in Johnston County is a reminder of how important it is to wear a life jacket. Two people jumped into the water to rescue…
Opinion: Andrew Jackson Was No Protectionist
By John Hood RALEIGH — Shortly before Donald Trump’s return to the White House, staffers made sure to rehang an Andrew Jackson portrait that Joe Biden had removed. Trump described…
You Decide: Can We ‘Have It All?’
By Mike Walden After earlier jobs in the private sector (furniture) and the government sector (local and federal), I found my ultimate career in teaching. As I look back, I…
