Commentary Archives • NC Newsline

This Fourth of July, North Carolina should be expanding freedom, not limiting it

Nothing says “Happy Fourth of July” like spending Independence Day week debating a voter suppression bill. It’s a bold choice to celebrate America’s birthday by advancing legislation that could ma

NC Homeless Union: Proposed ‘unauthorized camping’ ban cruel, dangerous

We, the North Carolina chapter of the National Union of the Homeless, condemn the legislature’s proposed camping ban bill as dangerous to our lives and an affront to our human rights. Rather than providing housing

“Beach for me, not for thee.”

Juneteenth reminds us of Black Americans’ long struggle for education following end of slavery

The abolitionist and writer Frederick Douglass is known for many things, but perhaps among the most significant is his views on education’s relationship to slavery. Douglass himself was born into slavery in Maryland in 1

During Gun Violence Awareness Month, advocates elevate safe firearm storage initiative

As the country recognizes Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, we want to highlight the work of NC S.A.F.E., a statewide initiative that is saving lives through the adoption of safe firearm storage practices. This month

Honor Solomon’s memory with action on youth vaping

June is a heartbreaking month for my family. On June 5th my stepson, Solomon, would have turned 18 years old. On June 6th he should have graduated from New Hanover High School alongside his friends and classmates. Instea

The GOP’s relentless voter suppression strategy seems destined to fail this year

There’s an old, humorous and semi-serious piece of strategy advice often dispensed to new lawyers which holds, “When the facts are on your side, pound on the facts. When the law is on your side, pound on the law. And whe

Amend with caution: why constitutional changes are rarely necessary

North Carolina has had three constitutions. The first was written when our state joined a brand-new nation. The second emerged after the Civil War, when North Carolina finally prohibited slavery and secession. The third,

When the closest hospital is an hour away: rural healthcare at a crossroads

Last February, a child with no prior history had a severe allergic reaction in a rural North Carolina middle school. EMS promptly responded and per the parent’s request, initiated transport to a large medical cente

Lame Duck’s Legacy

Judicial independence and the rule of law

President Donald Trump recently called for personal loyalty from U.S. Supreme Court Justices he appointed, criticizing them for rulings he disagreed with and asserting that they should “be loyal to the person that appoin

Navigating North Carolina’s home insurance affordability crisis

Home insurance isn’t something that people think about until disaster strikes. But for many North Carolinians, insurance is front-of-mind as climbing premium prices strain household budgets. This month, homeowners’ premi

The great GOP tax scam continues apace in NC

There are several noteworthy policies and policy choices that have marked the last decade and a half of Republican control of North Carolina state government. Nonstop attacks on voting rights. Relentless gerrymandering.

Along for the ride

Five truths about North Carolina property taxes and a proposed GOP constitutional amendment

North Carolina property taxes are in the news this spring. Republican state lawmakers are advancing a proposed constitutional amendment that would direct the legislature to limit local property tax increases. Though it h

Who are your county’s primary voters – in 2026 and beyond?

Do you wonder which voters in your county turned out more than others in the March primary? Did Republican men cast more ballots than Democratic women? Did Black seniors outperform white voters age 65 and older? How did

Duke Energy doubles down in the Carolinas: What consumers stand to lose—and gain

The Duke Energy Carolinas/Duke Energy Progress merger, approved by North and South Carolina regulators on May 1, may appear to be routine corporate restructuring. In practice, it could shape the future of electricity in

Return of Jim Crow

UNC classroom ‘First Amendment’ policy advances right-wing war on expertise

Last month, a group calling itself the UNC Alumni Free Speech Alliance (UNC AFSA) sent a letter to UNC chancellor Lee Roberts urging UNC to adopt a policy requiring all course syllabi to include language assuring student

NC’s new Medicaid ‘compromise’ comes at a cruel and frightful cost

It’s understandable that North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein decided to host a signing ceremony last week that featured a smattering of legislative Republicans when he approved new “compromise” legislation to extend funding f