Donna King
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Editor-in-Chief @CarolinaJournal unapologetic liberty lover, storyteller, skeptical but optimistic.
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Articles by Donna King
The last tactical mile: Good government starts at the polling place
This week, one of Carolina Journal’s employees, who is new to our great state, went with a significant other to early vote. Both voters had identical paperwork and circumstances: They are registered voters outside the 90-day window prior to the election, legal residents of the state, and have voted in previous elections, but only possess an out-of-state driver’s license.
Before they could vote, they came with us Original
My kids are among the nearly 50 million young people eligible to vote in this year’s midterm elections, but they became familiar with the voting booth long before they could cast a ballot. From early grade school, they’ve known when every Election Day was coming because we checked them out of school for voting and lunch. It wasn’t always easy on our work schedules, but once you start something like that, it’s hard to stop. Now, as 20-somethings, they see voting as an automatic civic responsibility.
Before they could vote, they came with us
My kids are among the nearly 50 million young people eligible to vote in this year’s midterm elections, but they became familiar with the voting booth long before they could cast a ballot. From early grade school, they’ve known when every Election Day was coming because we checked them out of school for voting and lunch. It wasn’t always easy on our work schedules, but once you start something like that, it’s hard to stop. Now, as 20-somethings, they see voting as an automatic civic responsibility.
A bluer ballot isn’t a mandate for bigger government Original
In a recent Carolina Journal Poll, 49.5% of North Carolina likely voters favored Democratic candidates to 41.3% who said they intend to vote for a Republican. The results indicate an advantage for Democrats heading into November. Historically, the party in the White House often faces headwinds in midterm elections, but the advantage still looks like it is for Democrats. Here is where it gets interesting. Candidate preference is only part of the story.
Don’t let fear drive the data center debate Original
North Carolinians are not immune to what has become near hysteria over the growth of data centers and their role in the modern economy. Just one year ago, a Heatmap Pro/Embold Research poll found that 42% of Americans opposed a data center near their homes. Today, 75% oppose one. What changed so dramatically in just a year? Some conservatives think data centers represent “woke” ideology, while liberals associate them with Big Tech and corporate fat cats.
NC pension fund gains as Social Security insolvency concerns loom
North Carolina’s public pension fund posted a strong year, earning an estimated $17 billion and returning 12.4% during the year ending June 30. The report from the North Carolina Investment Authority (NCIA) chaired by State Treasurer Brad Briner was presented in a July 30 joint meeting of the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System and Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System trustees.
Opinion: The most expensive paint job in CMS
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools just turned a painted spirit rock into a $95,000 civics lesson, after settling a lawsuit over Ardrey Kell High School’s decision to erase a student’s tribute to Charlie Kirk in the aftermath of his assassination. The rock had long served as a free-speech emblem on the public school campus. Over the years, it had displayed all sorts of messages, from Black Lives Matter to sports teams.
Election integrity lives in the fine print Original
Most North Carolinians will never attend a State Board of Elections rulemaking hearing. They will never read 17.0101 or 17.0109. But those obscure rules can decide whether voter ID works as lawmakers wrote it, or as election administrators later quietly rewrite it in practice. This week, the now-Republican-majority North Carolina State Board of Elections held a hearing, inviting public comment on two measures that would roll back rules put in place by the previous Democratic-majority board.
Will lawmakers fund ballooning health care or fix it?
Carolina Journal’s latest poll shows that North Carolina voters strongly support market-oriented reforms to bring down health care costs. With our state being the most expensive state in the nation for health care, it is increasingly clear that North Carolinians want health care made more affordable not by spending more taxpayer money, but by removing government barriers that restrict supply. 68.5% are concerned about North Carolina’s 97% increase in Medicaid expenditures since 2021.
Will lawmakers fund ballooning health care or fix it?
Carolina Journal’s latest poll shows that North Carolina voters strongly support market-oriented reforms to bring down health care costs. With our state being the most expensive state in the nation for health care, it is increasingly clear that North Carolinians want health care made more affordable not by spending more taxpayer money, but by removing government barriers that restrict supply. 68.5% are concerned about North Carolina’s 97% increase in Medicaid expenditures since 2021.
Opinion: Will NC lawmakers fund ballooning healthcare costs or fix them?
Carolina Journal’s latest poll shows that North Carolina voters strongly support market-oriented reforms to bring down healthcare costs. With our state being the most expensive state in the nation for healthcare, it is increasingly clear that North Carolinians want healthcare made more affordable not by spending more taxpayer money, but by removing government barriers that restrict supply. • 68.5% are concerned about North Carolina’s 97% increase in Medicaid expenditures since 2021.
Opinion: A veto override for school choice, parental rights and accountability
This week, the North Carolina House voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 87, the Educational Choice for Children Act, a bill that would allow North Carolina to participate in the new federal scholarship tax credit program. The program allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar, nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations. As of April 15, 27 states have decided to opt in, including both red and blue states.
This time it was personal: Cooper and the left’s dangerous vitriol
Reporters who are used to documenting crises found themselves inside one, raising a question: has the political language they’ve normalized begun to erode the civic institutions they claim to defend? I’ve attended the White House correspondent dinner several times over the years while working as a journalist in Washington, DC.
This time it was personal: Cooper and the left’s dangerous vitriol
Reporters who are used to documenting crises found themselves inside one, raising a question: has the political language they’ve normalized begun to erode the civic institutions they claim to defend? I’ve attended the White House correspondent dinner several times over the years while working as a journalist in Washington, DC.
It’s time for a Right-to-Work Amendment Original
Last week the North Carolina General Assembly gaveled in for the 2026 short session, marking more than a decade of progress in making our state one of the most pro-growth, business-friendly climates in the nation. Our reputation as THE place to launch your business, headquarter a corporation, or find opportunity to put down roots and support your family. We’ve been carving out that coveted spot in the economy by driving down taxes and welcoming high-paying jobs.
Why newcomers are choosing North Carolina
You can feel it in conversations across North Carolina, more new neighbors, more out-of-state license plates, more people saying they “just moved here from New York” or “decided to leave California.” That anecdotal sense is backed up by new IRS migration data analyzed by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. The numbers show a steady flow of Americans leaving higher-tax states like California, New York and Illinois and relocating to lower-tax, lower-cost states.
Fairytale Farm case tests civic freedom in NC
In mid-February, the North Carolina Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Dunckel v. Winston‑Salem, a case with implications for civil society in a limited government. The dispute centers on Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit run by Kimberly Dunckel, and the city’s decision to enforce zoning laws that closed the sanctuary to the public. Fairytale Farm provided a home for abused and neglected farm animals, including donkeys, goats, rabbits, and ducks.
Fairytale Farm case tests civic freedom in NC
In mid-February, the North Carolina Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Dunckel v. Winston‑Salem, a case with implications for civil society in a limited government. The dispute centers on Fairytale Farm Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit run by Kimberly Dunckel, and the city’s decision to enforce zoning laws that closed the sanctuary to the public. Fairytale Farm provided a home for abused and neglected farm animals, including donkeys, goats, rabbits, and ducks.
Hidden taxes: The housing affordability crisis is math, not politics Original
Last week’s State of the Union address showed that the nation’s inflation rate is headed in the right direction: in 2022, it was 8.0%; in 2023, it was 4.1%; in 2024, it was 2.9%; and in 2025, it was 2.7%. The first year of the Trump administration also saw extension of his 2017 tax cuts, no tax on tips and overtime, and a long-awaited crackdown on crime and illegal immigration. It is good news, and there is more work to do.
Hidden taxes: The housing affordability crisis is math, not politics
This week’s State of the Union address showed that the nation’s inflation rate is headed in the right direction: in 2022, it was 8.0%; in 2023, it was 4.1%; in 2024, it was 2.9%; and in 2025, it was 2.7%. The first year of the Trump administration also saw extension of his 2017 tax cuts, no tax on tips and overtime and a long-awaited crackdown on crime and illegal immigration. It is good news, and there is more work to do.
A decade after reform, NC’s film industry still thrives
For years, we were told that if North Carolina didn’t keep writing generous checks to Hollywood, the cameras would stop rolling, the studios would empty out and thousands of jobs would vanish overnight. That didn’t happen. Last week, the North Carolina Department of Commerce released a list of 2025 film projects that generated $185,521,578 in estimated direct, in-state production expenditures.
Religious rights can’t be silenced by activist agendas Original
When anti-ICE activists interrupted a church service in Minnesota this week, chanting slogans and confronting worshipers mid-service, the act itself was troubling, but what followed was worse. A livestream showed former CNN anchor Don Lemon, rushing into the church to confront the pastor and defend the disruption as an exercise of “freedom of speech.” He implied invoking the First Amendment was enough to excuse intimidation inside a house of worship. It isn’t.
Religious rights can’t be silenced by activist agendas
When anti-ICE activists interrupted a church service in Minnesota last week, chanting slogans and confronting worshipers mid-service, the act itself was troubling, but what followed was worse. A livestream showed former CNN anchor Don Lemon rushing into the church to confront the pastor and defend the disruption as an exercise of “freedom of speech.” He implied invoking the First Amendment was enough to excuse intimidation inside a house of worship. It isn’t.
New year, new focus on good policy as election season heats up Original
A new year brings fresh calendars, new legislative sessions, and, inevitably, the early rumblings of the next election cycle. With 2026 midterms on the horizon, North Carolinians should welcome the season not with campaign slogans, but with a clear-eyed demand for good public policy. As we head into the new year, the question voters should ask is simple: Are lawmakers or candidates truly heroes of liberty in the ways that matter, or just in stump speeches?
First in flight, not first in line Original
Last week we celebrated the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their achievement on Dec. 17, 1903, is rightly celebrated for ushering in the age of modern aviation. But one lesson is often overlooked: the Wrights succeeded not because of government grants, tax incentives, or industrial policy. They succeeded because they were free to experiment. America’s greatest innovations emerge from freedom, not government direction.
First in flight, not first in line
This week, we celebrated the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ historic flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their achievement on Dec. 17, 1903, is rightly celebrated for ushering in the age of modern aviation. But one lesson is often overlooked: the Wrights succeeded not because of government grants, tax incentives or industrial policy. They succeeded because they were free to experiment. America’s greatest innovations emerge from freedom, not government direction.
Corporate subsidies and taxpayer risk Original
Earlier this month Wolfspeed, a semiconductor firm in North Carolina, announced that it received nearly $700 million in federal tax refunds through investment credits tied to the CHIPS and Science Act. Wolfspeed emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September after filing in June. The company says that about a third of the credit will go toward its remaining debt.
Federal shift could give NC more control over K-12 education
A major federal policy shift is underway as the US Department of Education transfers administration of dozens of K-12 grant programs to the Department of Labor. According to a joint fact sheet from both agencies, the move is intended to "return authority over education to the States and local communities" while improving alignment between K-12 schools and the workforce pipeline.
Federal shift could give NC more control over K-12 education
A major federal policy shift is underway as the US Department of Education transfers administration of dozens of K-12 grant programs to the Department of Labor. According to a joint fact sheet from both agencies, the move is intended to “return authority over education to the States and local communities” while improving alignment between K-12 schools and the workforce pipeline.
Federal shift could give NC more control over K-12 education
A major federal policy shift is underway as the US Department of Education transfers administration of dozens of K-12 grant programs to the Department of Labor. According to a joint fact sheet from both agencies, the move is intended to “return authority over education to the States and local communities” while improving alignment between K-12 schools and the workforce pipeline.
Political brinksmanship fails taxpayers again
The latest federal government shutdown is not just another Washington standoff. It’s a symptom of deeper dysfunction: Congress’s inability to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while our national debt soars past $35 trillion. North Carolina offers a telling contrast. Under state law, when lawmakers in Raleigh cannot agree on a new budget by July 1, the previous budget remains in effect until a new one is enacted.
Political brinksmanship fails taxpayers again
The latest federal government shutdown is not just another Washington standoff. It’s a symptom of deeper dysfunction: Congress’s inability to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while our national debt soars past $35 trillion. North Carolina offers a telling contrast. Under state law, when lawmakers in Raleigh cannot agree on a new budget by July 1, the previous budget remains in effect until a new one is enacted.
Locke’s lessons for a government in gridlock
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s worth revisiting the philosopher whose ideas made that revolution possible, and whose warnings still apply today — a time when government faces gridlock over spending and public trust bottoms out. John Locke argued in the late 1600s that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
The left misreads the nation’s new reality
Sitting on a public affairs television panel last weekend, flanked by two progressive commentators, I was struck by how out of touch their arguments sounded. They clung to decades-old talking points about public schools and government solutions, even as the country is clearly moving on from that idea. As much pride as the left takes in being the first through the cultural door, surrounded by youth, finger on the pulse of what’s next; they’ve misread today’s momentum.
Why you should care about municipal elections
Former U.S. House Speaker Tip O’Neill used to say, “All politics is local.” That feels even more spot-on this week as early voting begins for North Carolina’s 2025 municipal elections. Also this week, a new report revealed that Raleigh city employees quietly advanced a DEI agenda out of view of the public. It’s a reminder that while the country obsesses over national politics, the choices that most affect our day-to-day are made in city halls and county offices, often with little public scrutiny.
More than 75% of GenZers report bringing a parent to job interviews
It is back-to-school time, and the list of supplies, sign-up sheets and extra activities seems to get longer every year. As I personally phase out of parenting in a K-12 world, I saw my role as shepherding student development as largely over. However, I’m also hearing that some of my peers are entering a new phase of hovering. Modern classrooms may seem like a battleground of screen time, but the greater struggle is shaping self-reliance in an age of on-demand answers.
Pandemic Spending’s Permanent Hangover: We All Got Hooked on ‘Temporary’ Spending
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was sold as an emergency measure — an extraordinary response to the once-in-a-century shock of COVID-19. Signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021, its many provisions included a temporary sweetener to the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits. It expanded the credits to cover premiums for those below 150 percent of the poverty line and subsidize them for those up to 400 percent.
Pandemic spending’s permanent hangover: The bills are coming due
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was sold as an emergency measure; an extraordinary response to the once-in-a-century shock of COVID-19. Signed by President Joe Biden in March of 2021, its many provisions included a temporary sweetener to the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits. It expanded the credits to cover premiums for those below 150% of the poverty line and subsidize them for those up to 400%.
Column: Provision Offers Donors a Way to Support Education
Tucked into the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” — a package that includes the largest federal tax cut in decades — is a potentially transformative measure: the first-ever federal tax credit for school choice. North Carolina is already a national leader in educational freedom through its Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which supports school choice regardless of family income.
Why North Carolina should embrace neighbor-state license...
When “Samantha,” a licensed real estate agent from Tennessee, moved to Charlotte to be closer to her aging parents, she thought she’d hit the ground running in North Carolina’s fast-paced housing market. With six years of experience, glowing reviews from clients and a spotless professional record, Samantha assumed her license would transfer easily. Instead, she hit a bureaucratic wall.
EDITORIAL: Certificate of Need laws raise health-care costs
By Donna King North Carolina is on the brink of delivering long-overdue relief to patients and health-care providers by advancing Senate Bill 370, a powerful reform that would eliminate many of the state’s outdated Certificate of Need (CON) laws. The bill has already passed the North Carolina Senate with overwhelming support in April and now awaits action in the House Rules Committee, alongside the House’s companion version of CON repeal.
Frustration mounts as health care costs soar: Time to repeal certificate of need laws
North Carolina is on the brink of delivering long-overdue relief to patients and health care providers by advancing Senate Bill 370, a powerful reform that would eliminate many of the state’s outdated certificate of need laws. The bill has already passed the North Carolina Senate with overwhelming support in April and now awaits action in the House Rules Committee alongside […]
Donna King: ‘Bread lines and ugly shoes:’ Explaining economics is easier than you might think - Salisbury Post
Salisbury to host info session on East Fisher Street Bridge over two years after closure Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 5, 2024 By Donna King Elon Musk can certainly paint a picture in ways that fiscal conservatives have always struggled to do. It has never been easy to phrase complicated economic policy in such a way that Americans, who are largely uninterested, pay attention.
Is Democracy on the ballot in 2024?
Throughout this election year, we’ve heard a common refrain from the left that “democracy is on the ballot.” Beside the obvious flaw (we are a republic, not a democracy), I’ve struggled to follow the breadcrumbs of that narrative, until this week. It appears that the “democracy is at risk” message was projection, as the Democrat elite bided their time until after the primaries to replace President Biden in the November race.
State & Regional Spotlight
The Southwest Parking and Transportation Association (SWPTA) has an amazing group of volunteers who support the organization. We live and breathe the SWPTA life each and every day. Each year, SWPTA volunteers have come up with out-of-the-box ideas to bring the parking industry and our members excellent educational and networking opportunities that are fun and new. #VIVAlaSWPTA is our latest innovative hashtag, released in 2024. In 2023, we had three educational webinars.
Coming Off South Carolina Victory, Trump To Rally In Greensboro Saturday
By Donna King Carolina Journal Nikki Haley will make stops in Charlotte and Raleigh this weekend ahead of Super Tuesday. In South Carolina’s Saturday Republican presidential primary, 60% of voters choose former President Donald Trump as their nominee for the 2024 presidential race. Just over 39% of voters chose the state’s former governor, Nikki Haley, as the nominee. The vote comes as North Carolina voters prep for the March 5 primary and as Trump plans a visit to Greensboro this weekend.
Vandal uproots 'kidnapped' signs posted on Town Green
Signs posted along the Town Green, showing Hamas hostages in now-ubiquitous images, were ripped out of the ground Wednesday morning and strewn about. Norwalk Police are investigating the vandalism. “This morning we received a report that signs of Israeli hostages that were posted at the Norwalk Green were knocked down,” Chief James Walsh said in an email.
Public needs more access to records, not less
Public needs more access to records, not less By Corey Friedman | on October 03, 2023 By Donna King On Tuesday, a coalition of media outlets led by the Carolina Journal sent a letter to all North Carolina lawmakers opposing language in the state budget that grants legislators broad discretion, as custodians of their own public records, to determine what qualifies as a “public record.” Further, it allows for the destruction of documents lawmakers deem not to be public […] Sorry! An active...
Budget amendment means lawmakers could destroy their public records
Budget amendment means lawmakers could destroy their public records By Corey Friedman | on September 21, 2023 By Donna King Among the policy changes in the 2023 state budget is a small mention of public records that has escaped notice by nearly everyone, except journalists. In Section 27.9, a small paragraph from bill writers empowers records “custodians” at the N.C. General Assembly to determine what qualifies as a “public record” and what does not.
Medicaid Expansion triggers can’t fix bad policy
A bill filed Thursday in the N.C. Senate would repeal a law permitting state employee organizations to draft dues automatically from members’ paychecks. Senate Bill 87, State Emps./No Payroll Dues Deduction, was filed by Sens. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell, Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, Todd Johnson, R-Union, Carl Ford, R-Rowan, and Buck Newton, R-Wilson. Almost alll primary bill sponsors chair powerful appropriations sub-committees. Newton chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. 20 HOURS AGO
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