Commentary/Opinion

By John Hood RALEIGH — North Carolina continues to enjoy one of America’s fastest rates of population growth, adding some 165,000 new residents in 2024 alone. That was the fourth-largest…

By John Hood RALEIGH — Artificial intelligence is coming to public transit. In fact, in some functions and places, it’s already here. But can AI elevate transit into a major…

By John Hood ALEIGH — Ever written your congressman? I have. I always get a prompt and cordial, if bland, reply. Back in 1988, I actually spent a few weeks…

By Mike Walden Although I have lived and worked in North Carolina for almost 50 years, I wasn’t born in this wonderful state. I was born and raised in Cincinnati,…

By John Hood RALEIGH — In a recent column, I outlined three ways that North Carolina’s system of government differs from that of many other states, including our neighbors. First,…

By John Hood RALEIGH — After North Carolina conservatives won control of the General Assembly in 2010, they began a systematic application of supply-side principles to state policy. It’s been…

By John Hood RALEIGH — The North Carolina House and Senate have enacted very different versions of a 2025-27 state budget, even though two plans would authorize virtually the same…

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…

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…

By John Hood RALEIGH — North Carolina’s strong economic performance persists — as do the lessons it reveals about politics and public policy. The latest report from the U.S. Bureau…

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…