Carolina Journal Radio No. 873: Judge accepts key findings from outside consultant’s Leandro report

A judge has asked the parties in the long-running Leandro school funding lawsuit to develop a joint plan. It would implement consultant’s recommendations for major changes in the state’s public education system, including $8 billion of new spending in the next eight years. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, assesses the latest developments in the Leandro court proceedings. You’ve likely heard of Brexit, Great Britain’s well-publicized exit from the European Union. Now North Carolina is dealing with BLEXIT, a project of black Americans distancing themselves from the Democratic Party. Danielle Robinson, BLEXIT state director, discusses the group’s goals. Leaders of the University North Carolina System are going public with their concerns about the budget impasse between legislative leaders and Gov. Roy Cooper. Interim UNC President William Roper outlines the impact of the budget stalemate on the state’s public universities. North Carolina has taken the first steps toward remaking the state’s criminal code. That’s good news to Jim Copland, senior fellow and director of legal studies at the Manhattan Institute. Copland explains why it makes sense for the Tar Heel State to clean up a complicated and confusing compilation of crimes. A recent settlement will lead to major changes in disposal of Duke Energy’s coal ash. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, discusses potential environmental impacts and the possible costs for Duke Energy ratepayers.