WT – Editorials

From North Carolina to California, political hot potatoes such as immigration and Israel’s war with Hamas have become a convenient excuse for schools to suppress student speech. Central Davidson High School gave 16-year-old Christian McGhee a three-day suspension for using the term “illegal alien” in his English class last week, the Carolina Journal reported. And the University of Southern California […]

When police officers, teachers, social workers and other government employees are disciplined for misconduct, state law requires agencies to keep the details hidden under lock and key. Your representatives and senators can change that during the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2023 short session, which begins Wednesday with opening ceremonies in both chambers. The term provides legislators with another opportunity to […]

Government officials can maintain private social media accounts to communicate with family and friends, but when a profile or page becomes a platform for public business, they forfeit the right to block users and delete critical comments. Americans have a First Amendment right to interact with their elected and appointed leaders in any forum used for official business, the U.S. […]

A savvy spinoff engineered in a London boardroom might have spared North Carolina a $40 million ice cream headache. Unilever will move Ben & Jerry’s into a separate company that will oversee five of the world’s 10 top-selling ice cream brands, the UK-based conglomerate announced Tuesday. State Treasurer Dale Folwell said the change could avert a purge of state-owned Unilever […]

With its business-friendly climate and relatively low cost of living, North Carolina often lands at or near the top of national lists ranking the best states for tech startups, young families and retirees. Lawmakers have earned the Tar Heel State another distinction, but it’s not one you’ll see touted on roadside billboards or visitor guides. The Society of Professional Journalists […]

Thirteen members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation voted to block you from using TikTok unless its Chinese parent company agrees to a forced sale of the video-sharing app. Just one stood up for your right to engage with ideas on social media platforms the federal government distrusts or dislikes. Rep. Dan Bishop, a Waxhaw Republican representing the state’s 8th District, […]

The best-trained noses can’t tell the difference between legal hemp and illegal marijuana, but at least for now, the smell of cannabis still gives police a valid reason to search your car in North Carolina. A three-judge N.C. Court of Appeals panel upheld a Sampson County man’s drug convictions on Tuesday after he sought to suppress evidence seized in a […]

North Carolina’s junior senator believes federal agents, IRS auditors and backroom bureaucrats have no business tracking the way you spend your money. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., is throwing his weight behind legislation to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency. Budd helped Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduce the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act on Monday. “As Americans […]

Can cities shortchange public schools to pay for traffic camera systems that shake down drivers for profit? We’ll find out once and for all when the North Carolina Supreme Court weighs in. Justices heard oral arguments Wednesday in Fearrington v. City of Greenville, a case that challenges Greenville’s red light camera scheme on constitutional grounds. In March 2022, a unanimous […]

The gridlock gripping Washington might serve as a timely reminder to tie up a loose end when state lawmakers return to Raleigh next month. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis introduced the Safe and Open Streets Act, a bill that would establish a criminal offense for blocking public roads, in the closing days of the 118th Congress’ 2023 term. With most of […]