The effect of Medicaid on state spending was the subject of a recent story published in several papers. Barry Smith’s piece included John Hood’s suggestion that costs could be curbed by instituting stricter Medicaid qualifications and by seeking waivers from some federal requirements. As a Senate committee meets to consider a state lottery, Roy Cordato wrote in the Fayetteville Observer that although proponents say their support is based on the need for educational funds, their budget priorities don’t reflect that emphasis. In a related discussion, on Wednesday, WTVD-TV turned to Chad Adams for comment on the lottery’s possible effects on local budgets and school-bond referenda. But it was the infamous “slush funds” that had Don Carrington talking to the AP for a recent story. What’s more, Carrington’s CJ Exclusive about discretionary grant money that benefited the Elizabeth City real estate holdings of Rep. Bill Owens, has generated buzz in that community and an editorial in the Daily Advance. Wednesday’s editorial gave Owens cover by telling readers it was a “paperwork snafu” over which downtown street should receive a grant that has created the appearance of conflict of interest. The editorial also said Owens sought the paper’s advice several years ago about appearance problems if he pursued funding for downtown projects.