John Locke Foundation President John Hood returned this week to Curtis Media Group’s “Carolina Newsmakers” radio program with Don Curtis to discuss the economy, state budget picture, and other hot topics. The Charlotte Observer interviewed Hood for an article about former Queen City Mayor Pat McCrory’s political plans. The News & Observer picked up the McCrory story. The N&O‘s WakeEd blog cited Hood’s latest column on the Left’s unsuccessful efforts to promote the Wake County public schools’ recently scrapped forced-busing policy. The WakeEd blog also took forced-busing policy supporters to task for “arguably taking out of context” Hood’s criticism of the Wake school system. N.C. Senate Republicans promoted this week Hood’s Daily Journal columns on economic freedom, shortening the state election ballot, and the N.C. Revenue Department’s efforts to withhold some tax refunds. Hood also continues his contributions to National Review Online’s primary blog, “The Corner,” including at least one “finger-lickin’ good” item. USA Conservative News picked up a “Corner” entry on Al Sharpton’s unique view of advertising.