Should we do this every four years?
If the primary were earlier, both parties might enjoy the thrill of making a difference.
- Early primary would empower voters and level playing field for candidates
- North Carolina's timing is fine, but primaries need national coordination
- A primer on the issue of changing the primary schedule
- How the state figured in previous primaries
- Primary history
- Letters: To be a national player, should North Carolina move up the date of its presidential primary?
How can education be improved?
No child left behind is leaving a sour taste for some. candidates offer their own proposals.
Who'll pay the tab when you're ill?
Voters want to know which candidate has a plan to ensure that people can get the care they need.
How will we handle the slowdown?
As Job insecurity, stagnant wages and rising prices pinch voters, candidates grope for answers.
How open should records be?
Some information that never sees the light of day is concealed by accident, such as water records. Amid such goofs -- and deliberate bids for secrecy -- hope dawns for broader change to ensure transparency.
Why do fans need their fix?
Their enthusiasm seems over the top. They're devoted to their teams and players. And they brook little criticism of their faves. Bet you know several fans like that.
- What does being a fan mean to you?
- Pack passion colors his relationships, work
- All baseball all the time
- Born and bred Cubs fan hoping for pennant
- Four generations savor Red Sox milestones
- Red Sox fever sneaks up on fan's wife
- A lifetime of family and fun
- A Cameron Crazy, born and bred
- His UNC pride will follow him to the grave
- More letters from more fans
- Just like us
How can N.C. fix a broken mental health system?
Q:In 2001, state legislators and Gov. Mike Easley's administration set out to reform the public mental health system with a sledgehammer.
Can N.C. thrive in new energy economy?
If rising energy costs, dependence on foreign oil and global warming give you the jitters, be glad you're in North Carolina.
- What issues affecting N.C.'s future growth are likely to emerge this year?
- Technologies key to greener living
- Drive less, cut oil dependence
- N.C. must be proactive in energy revolution
- Global warming's effects far-reaching
- The energy sector
- Lighting technology cuts energy waste
- Charts: N.C. energy consumption
- Charts: N.C. greenhouse gas emissions
Extreme makeover
As universities expand enrollment and the competition for top scholars becomes increasingly fierce, some historically black institutions have found themselves in a dogfight for students they haven't always had to work so hard to impress.
What if you had 15 minutes?
When we asked, in the inaugural citizenQ, what you'd say if you had 15 private, uninterrupted minutes with the presidential candidate of your choice, you sounded off in force. About the war, health care, global warming, taxes, national security, the limits of presidential power -- even a famous feline's fate.
Do piety and profit mix?
A federal investigation into the finances of several high-profile ministries heightens debate over the credibility of the 'Gospel of Prosperity.'
What should Raleigh look like in 2030?
We put that question to you -- and you offered up dreamy visions of a thriving city with an ample supply of affordable housing, more neighborhood parks and gyms, and state-of-the-art public transportation.
- How should Raleigh evolve over the next couple of decades?
- More thoughts on Raleigh's future
- What's this about?
- Some principles key to managing growth
- Transport, high-rises are vital
- Don't let my hometown change
- Let technology drive growth
- Develop the city's core
- Build up, not out
- Tax the commuters
- Create a central park
- Solve water issues first
- Determine city's ideal size
- Impact fees are a must
- Create an urban boundary
- A vision for the Triangle
- Preserve the city's civility
- A tribute to Southern hospitality
- Beware of city's tax burden
- 4 steps to stabilize growth
The biggest draw '07
This year brought our toastiest summer ever and eye-popping scandals that put some N.C. big shots in the hot seat. Dwane Powell captured it all.
Who wins? who loses?
The education of illegal immigrants in N.C. has sparked fierce debate. To some, it's an investment in the future; to others, it enables lawbreaking.
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