“One thing is for certain in light of the pandemic-plagued days in which we live: there is no shortage of political and morally divisive policies on the horizon. On March 30th, over 25 heads of state called for an international pandemic treaty to greater combat and alleviate the risk of future life-altering pandemics from arising. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that “the world cannot afford to wait until the pandemic is over to start planning for the next one,” and during a news conference he campaigned on its urgency due to the WHO’s lack of ability for surveillance and oversight within member nations. Origins of the treaty stem from member nations, such as China over the past year, being able to deny WHO access to novel epidemic data or disease materials that could prove crucial in combating a novel pathogen.”

GlobalNicholas LongApril 13, 2021WHO, COVID-19Comment

Cooper Changes NC Unemployment Benefit Requirements by Executive Order

“Beginning on March 14th, 2021, North Carolinians seeking unemployment benefits will have to provide proof that they are actively pursuing employment opportunities to qualify. Governor Roy Cooper laid down an executive order detailing the changes which negate a previously issued executive order from March of 2020. Typically, in a non-COVID time, the requirements for unemployment stipulate that one must be actively searching for a job before receiving any state issued benefits. However, Governor Cooper struck down the requirement due to the increased unemployment during the pandemic. Now, that period is closing, and within the new executive order, Governor Cooper promotes the usage of NCworks.gov to promote job opportunities and employment training.”

LocalNicholas LongMarch 7, 2021Roy Cooper, NCPOL, COVID-19, UnemploymentComment

Rush Limbaugh: A Legacy

Ultimately, Rush leaves a mixed legacy behind. He vaulted American conservatism, and the spectacle of politics as a concept, into the mainstream. The elimination of the Fairness Doctrine Act is the sole reason for his notoriety, and with it, he was able to establish a daily listenership and millions of followers across the country. Since 1988, he has served as a trusted voice in many conservative households, and he created an avenue for others to follow in his stead. Often, however, his comments were ill regarded, made in bad faith, or outwardly offensive, reflecting a deep seated hatred of the Democratic party and pandering to a hyperconservative audience rather than journalism through the pursuit of facts.

NationalNicholas LongFebruary 23, 2021Comment

UNC Re-opens Amidst COVID: Take Two

“Once more unto the breach as the saying goes, for once again the Carolina community is back on campus, at least partially. For many first year students, moving back onto campus was the only way to feel as if they got some college experience this year. Other students also chose to return to operate with some semblance of normalcy, albeit six feet apart, as the few in-person classes available are prime opportunities to get away from the screen and return to the feel of traditional learning.”

LocalNicholas LongJanuary 25, 2021COVID-19, UNC Comment

Hunter Biden’s Scandal: Russian Meddling or Genuine Cause for Concern?

“Last week, a damning set of emails and a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden were released into the public sphere. This discovery could prove harmful to the prospect of Joe Biden’s election. However, with the recent confirmation from the United States intelligence community that Russia and Iran have been actively meddling in the 2020 election, the validity of the Hunter Biden hard drive has come into question.”

NationalNicholas LongOctober 27, 2020Hunter BidenComment

What Happens If the 'Blue Wave' Comes Ashore in the 2020 Election?

“With the contentious 2020 election season coming to a close, polls and simulations predict Democrats are poised to secure the White House and the House of Representatives, and at least hold a competitive edge in securing the Senate. As of October 12th, Joe Biden claimed a 12% lead over incumbent President Donald Trump, according to a poll of likely voters conducted by The Washington Post and ABC. Ultimately, with the statistics of the race and the lackluster Republican counter efforts failing to make a dent in the polls, Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress and the Executive branch is probable. If the Democrats accomplish such a daunting task, it is likely American institutional norms that have been established for decades will likely face some serious reflection and reform.”

NationalNicholas LongOctober 17, 20202020 ElectionComment

School Choice in North Carolina: A Complicated Battle for the Preservation of Liberty

“This topic is one of the most pressing issues facing the two candidates for North Carolina Superintendent, Democrat Jen Mangum and Republican Catherine Truitt. Mangum is championing the prioritization “of funding… [for] traditional public schools to ensure that they remain the best alternative,” as she seeks to uphold the traditional standing of public schools as a trustworthy institution of the state. However, Truitt, over her career, has “come to believe that charter schools can and should exist wherever there is a desire to create one.” Furthermore, Truitt supports closing down underperforming public schools, but her same qualifiers extend to charter schools as well. Ultimately, this election for the NC superintendent’s seat will determine the future of the NC educational system, and quite possibly the future of North Carolina as a whole.”

LocalNicholas LongOctober 4, 2020School Choice, NCPOLComment