Posts by CFB Staff
Educators jump to the front of the vaccine line, even as many seniors wait
by Julie Havlak, Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — Education workers will leap to the head of the line for COVID-19 vaccines on Feb. 24. More than a million seniors are still waiting for their first dose. Seniors will share their priority status with teachers, child-care workers, and anyone working in Pre-K–12 schools, beginning Feb. 24. The…
Read MoreAfter first missing the mark on vaccinations, N.C. hones in on target
by Julie Havlak , Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — After a slow start, North Carolina is ramping up its COVID-19 vaccinations. Some 9.2% of residents got the first shot of COVID-19 vaccines by Monday, Feb. 8, when 970,162 people had received a first dose, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Two days…
Read MoreOPINION: Nonprofits Must Go the Distance
by John Hood RALEIGH — The COVID-19 crisis has brought death, economic destruction, and wrenching social change. As a combination of post-illness immunity and rising vaccinations begins to suppress the pandemic, we’re going to feel a powerful impulse to put as much of this horrendous experience as possible behind us. As well we should. But…
Read MoreState lawmakers look to eliminate hand-held cellphone use by drivers
by Johnny Kampis – Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — State lawmakers are trying again to eliminate the use of hand-held cellphones by operators of motor vehicles. A bipartisan group of legislators recently introduced Senate Bill 20, “Hands Free NC,” in hopes it will go into effect July 1 if passed by the legislature and signed into…
Read MoreBill extending deadline on alcohol permits clears House committee
by John Trump – Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — A bill seeking to extend a delay on payment deadlines for certain alcohol permits quickly cleared an N.C. House Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 3. The measure, House Bill 4, applies to businesses hurt by the governor’s executive order restricting travel and business operations, and…
Read MoreOPINION: Build on North Carolina’s Strengths
by John Hood RALEIGH — 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 see the most damaging events of 2020 only in our rearview mirrors. For example, entrepreneurs, investors,…
Read MoreOpinion: Legislators Should Reclaim Their Power
By JOHN HOOD RALEIGH — Among the many reasons the political discourse in Washington has gotten so toxic, and at the same time so unproductive, is that the legislative branch of our federal government has allowed itself to become increasingly irrelevant. It isn’t just that the presidency and the courts have usurped policymaking authority that…
Read MoreOPINION: States Can Limit Regulatory Damage
by John Hood RALEIGH — Shortly after taking office, President Joe Biden began revving up the federal government’s regulatory engine. He’s already run over the Keystone Pipeline. We can expect a pileup of other rules that will increase the cost of energy, food, and many other goods and services across our economy. Fortunately, there’s something…
Read MoreAG recommends lawmakers use Dish settlement money to expand access
By Johnny Kampis – Carolina Journal News Service RALEIGH — N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein wants lawmakers to use millions won from a settlement with Dish Network to expand internet access for students, but legislative leaders are so far noncommittal on the proposal. In December, a federal appeals court agreed with a trial court’s judgment that held…
Read MoreOpinion: Court filing highlights Cooper’s calculated campaign against private bars
by Mitch Kokai The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives. But few in North Carolina can argue that they’ve taken as big a hit as owners and operators of private bars. A court filing this month makes clear that these businesses have faced special damage at the hands of an unsympathetic governor. The filing in Waldron…
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