Just before Congress and the Obama administration finalized a deal to end the partial federal government shutdown this week, John Locke Foundation President John Hood explained for News 14 Carolina’s statewide “Capital Tonight” program why media coverage of the shutdown’s impact on North Carolina missed the mark.

Director of Research and Education Studies Terry Stoops also ventured to the “Capital Tonight” set this week to analyze the N.C. Supreme Court case involving North Carolina’s Pre-K program. Stoops discussed salary supplements for public school teachers with master’s degrees during an appearance with Donna Martinez on WPTF Radio. Stoops returns to WPTF this afternoon to share with Bill LuMaye thoughts about the Supreme Court case, government homeschool inspections, and a Chapel Hill school’s promotion of a partisan event.

N.C. Education Alliance Director Lindalyn Kakadelis joined Lockwood Phillips on WTKF’s “Viewpoints Radio” to discuss the Supreme Court case, the controversy over homeschool inspections, and the impact of Common Core public school standards on homeschoolers.

Vice President for Research and Resident Scholar Roy Cordato assessed North Carolina’s tax reform plan during an interview for the N.C. Family Policy Council’s radio program, “Family Policy Matters.”

Stoops shared his concerns about Common Core during a presentation for Bertie and Hertford County Republican Party members. Also hitting the road this week: Executive Vice President Kory Swanson and Health and Human Services Policy Analyst Katherine Restrepo, who took part in a panel discussion at Johnson C. Smith University sponsored by the NCGOP African-American Engagement Office. Panelists focused on pocketbook issues in Charlotte.

Director of Communications Mitch Kokai headed to Charlotte earlier in the week to take part in the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform’s panel discussion about redistricting reform. Kokai helped preview the meeting during an appearance on WFAE Radio’s “Charlotte Talks” program with Mike Collins. Kokai discussed concerns about the growth in federal disability payments with WECT Television. He analyzed the week’s major state government news for Curtis Wright on WMYT Radio.

Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray discussed the Charlotte redistricting forum with the Charlotte Observer. Gray returns to the “N.C. Spin” syndicated television program this weekend to discuss recent controversies surrounding the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and a proposed Cleveland County reservoir, along with 2014 election developments. She also discusses hot political topics on this weekend’s edition of Curtis Media Group’s “People In Politics.” Gray continues twice-weekly politics and public policy updates for WTSB Radio.