Record #:

3463

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

Nationally, the state ranks third in the number of year-round schools. Programs at Newton-Conover City Schools, Mooresville Graded School District, Wake County Public Schools, and Blowing Rock Elementary are profiled.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 17 Issue 1, May 1997, p32-41, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Year-round schools

Record #:

7834

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

Agriculture in eastern North Carolina is a major contributor to the state's economy. In 2003, farms generated over $7 billion in cash receipts. Of the ten counties that brought in the most cash receipts for crops and livestock, seven were from the east. Duplin, Sampson, and Bladen Counties rank one, two, and three in hog production in the state. However, this section of the state does face challenges. Tobacco is no longer the number one crop; the federal buyout of the tobacco support program changed the business arrangement for raising it. Livestock producers face environmental regulations. Many farms are consolidating into larger ones. Whether this is good or bad for the farmer is yet to be determined. Global competition will affect the east, as well as the whole state.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 22 Issue 1, Feb 2006, p38-63, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

North Carolina, Eastern--Economic conditions; Agriculture--North Carolina, Eastern

Record #:

3545

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

To compete with neighboring Mecklenburg County and to attract new businesses, Cabarrus County developed its own incentives program for commercial and business development. While successful, the program's constitutionality has been questioned.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 17 Issue 2 and 3, Dec 1997, p31-33, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Cabarrus County--Economic conditions; Business relocation--Cabarrus County; Economic development--Cabarrus County

Record #:

1042

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

Seventeen North Carolina citizens wrote essays proposing ideas and action for newly-elected Governor Jim Hunt.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 14 Issue 3, Feb 1993, p27-49, por Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Governors

Record #:

3461

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

Most parents with children participating in year-round schools support the concept. Parents indicate the schedule fits their lifestyle, their children are more enthusiastic, and opportunities for parental involvement are greater.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 17 Issue 1, May 1997, p24-25, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Year-round schools; School year

Record #:

4514

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike; Coble, Ran

Abstract:

Does North Carolina have a citizen legislature - one in which legislators met in a part-time body in Raleigh each year but still hold jobs back home? With sessions now lasting over 200 days, many wonder if being a legislator has become full-time. Factors indicating this change include longer sessions; issues that require calling the legislature back into session to deal with; and many study commissions and investigative committees that meet between sessions.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 18 Issue 4, Feb 2000, p2-29, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

North Carolina. General Assembly

Record #:

5856

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

NORTH CAROLINA INSIGHT published a study in 1991 entitled \"Voting in North Carolina: Can We Make It Easier?\" The authors discuss \"voter participation to determine what is different in 2003, what remains the same, and what needs to change to vault North Carolina into the top ranks of states in the number of its citizens who cast a ballot on election day.\"

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 20 Issue 3/4, Apr 2003, p2-57, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Voting

Record #:

3676

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike; Guillory, Ferrel

Abstract:

Eight state agencies expend about $800 million yearly in job training programs, with results varying from program to program. Upcoming issues to deal with include program consolidations, declining federal funding, and the impact of Work First.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 17 Issue 2 and 3, Dec 1997, p82-99, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Occupational training; Occupational retraining

Record #:

2902

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike; Lehman, Jennifer

Abstract:

Unfunded mandates, or programs passed on from a higher level of government to a lower one without funds to pay for them, can be a burden. Legislation passed by Congress and the General Assembly in 1995 addresses this issue.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 16 Issue 3, May 1996, p42-75, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Local finance; Intergovernmental fiscal relations; State-local relations

Record #:

448

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

The NC legislature convened for the 1991 session with a $1.3 billion gap in money needed for the budget. This article deals with the choices facing the General Assembly as it wrestles with adding and cutting programs and the issue of raising taxes.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 13 Issue 2, June 1991, p2-19, il, bibl, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Budget

Record #:

6763

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

The cultural mix of North Carolina's population is changing, but white and blacks still remain the largest groups, with blacks being the largest minority at 21.6 percent. However, other population groups, including Asians and Hispanic/Latinos, are increasing in the state. This growing diversity will offer challenges to state and local governments in areas including education, housing, health, and criminal justice. The article includes a table of state population by county and racial or ethnic group and definitions of each racial or ethnic group.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 21 Issue 1-2, June 2004, p2-11, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

North Carolina--Population--Minorities

Record #:

1220

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike; Otterbourg, Ken

Abstract:

The 1990 Census revealed four trends in North Carolina's population: it contains more urban dwellers, more minorities, fewer poor, and more elderly. These trends are sure to affect policy decisions in the future.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 14 Issue 4, Aug 1993, p2-49, il, por, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

North Carolina--Census, 1990; Population--Statistics

Record #:

313

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

The author offers a follow-up to the 1987 theme issue on correction policy and prison overcrowding, and offers more suggestions for state policy.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 11 Issue 4, Aug 1989, p21-32, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Prisons--Overcrowding; Prisons--Laws and legislation

Record #:

325

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike; Krueger, Bill

Abstract:

NC has routinely shown up near the bottom in funding for parks, and its per capita operating budget ranks 49th. Recently, the state has moved toward funding but the question remains: Will the state commit the resources needed to overcome decades of neglect?

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 11 Issue 1, Oct 1988, p30-46, il, bibl, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Parks--Government policy

Record #:

1417

Author(s):

McLaughlin, Mike

Abstract:

The North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research, reiterating a call first made in 1986, has challenged the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tem of the Senate to curb the practice of inserting special provisions into budget bills.

Source:

North Carolina Insight (NoCar JK 4101 N3x), Vol. 15 Issue 1, Jan 1994, p42-43, il, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Budget; Bill drafting