Lawmakers are back in action and other items of interest

The General Assembly’s return to action this week means John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray will appear this weekend on WRAL Television’s “On The Record.” Gray will preview the year’s legislative session. She also joins JLF Chairman John Hood on the syndicated “N.C. Spin” program to discuss the week’s hot political news, including the University of North Carolina athletic scandal, a court fight over teacher tenure, and the state Read to Achieve law.

Gray and JLF Director of Outreach Donna Martinez enjoyed a conversation on WPTF Radio recapping opening-day action at the state Legislative Building. Gray continues twice-weekly politics and public policy updates for WTSB Radio. She discussed JLF’s 2015 agenda during a presentation for the Greater Greensboro Republican Women’s Club, and she will serve as keynote speaker Saturday for the N.C. Republican Hispanic Convention.

Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson and Martinez dissect the week’s big political stories for this weekend’s edition of Curtis Media Group’s syndicated “People In Politics” program. Director of Communications Mitch Kokai recapped top state government news during an appearance with Curtis Wright on WMYT Radio. Kokai guest hosts Bill LuMaye’s program this afternoon on Talk Radio WPTF.

NCPoliticalNews.com promoted CJ Associate Editor Barry Smith‘s article on Wake County public schools’ pursuit of charter-style flexibility, along with Associate Editor Dan Way‘s report on a charter school fair. N.C. Senate Republicans promoted in their daily press email Way’s report on charter schools seeking adequate funding.

A new report from N.C. State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education, titled “Diversifying Revenues to Improve Commerce and Economic Prosperity,” cites N.C. History Project Founding Director Troy Kickler‘s NorthCarolinaHistory.org encyclopedia entry on “plank roads.” The Goodnight Raleigh website cited the N.C. History Project in an article about the history of Raleigh’s Cameron Village shopping center.