John Locke Foundation: Triangle

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Headlines

Shearon Harris nuclear plant shut down because of cracking

RALEIGH — Duke Energy Progress shut down the Shearon Harris nuclear plant in Wake County on Wednesday after the company discovered that the reactor vessel – which holds the plant’s nuclear fuel and contains the nuclear reaction – showed early indications of corrosion and cracking. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission reported Thursday morning that plant officials made the discovery earlier this week during a review of ultrasonic data that had been recorded in spring 2012.

Tensions flare as Wake leaders discuss school bond

RALEIGH — Efforts to put a school construction bond referendum on the fall ballot continued Thursday, even as Wake County school board members and commissioners publicly squabbled over details of the plan. Discussion of a $939.9 million school-construction program finished 90 minutes early in an attempt to defuse the heated exchanges.

Senate backs Wake County takeover of school construction

RALEIGH — Wake County commissioners on Wednesday neared their goal of taking possession of more than $1.8 billion in Wake school property, as the state Senate passed a bill that would strip the school board of its authority to own and build schools. Initially a statewide bill, the measure, approved by a Republican majority with no Democrats voting yes, applies to just nine of the state’s 100 counties – including Wake – prompting charges of political payback.

Triangle's Greatest Hits

In Defense of (Most) Photojournalism

Regardless of the recent examples of unethical photojournalism, most photographers have very high standards.

Will TTA Use Eminent Domain?

Many in the Triangle fear the TTA will resort to Kelo-style eminent domain condemnations.

The Joke's on U

In the new movie, "Accepted," a group of friends make up their own college after being rejected by real ones. The real joke is, the hoax college isn't any more outrageous than many real ones.

Research

Carolina Cronyism: Introduction, Overview, and Reforms

Cronyism is an umbrella term covering a host of government activities by which an industry or even a single firm or speculator is given favors and support that they could not attain in market competition. This report explains what opens government to cronyism, gives a brief rundown of recent examples of cronyism in North Carolina, and offers several possible reforms.

By the Numbers: What Government Costs in North Carolina Cities and Counties FY 2010

County and municipal governments provide many key services while taking in billions of dollars in revenue, but finding comparative data is hard. That's why this report provides information of how much local government costs in every city and county in North Carolina.

Wake County Sustainability Task Force Report: An Alternate Opinion

This Regional Brief critiques the process used by the Wake County Sustainability Task Force and its final report. The author was a member of the task force.