One thing you should know about those insurers that want big NC rate increases | Opinion
In Ned Barnett’s Commentary, “Insurers Want Another Huge Rate Increase in NC,” we learn that the hikes requested by private insurance companies come from the North Carolina Rate Bureau. This is the body that represents the insurance companies themselves, not a governing body, such as the NC Department of Insurance.
So, how are these insurance companies doing? Better than ever, says the Revolving Door Project. “In spite of the insurance industry’s public pessimism campaign, business is booming, and executives are thriving. According to fresh data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), property and casualty insurers made $166.8 billion in profit in 2024. These record-high profits, which include auto insurance, were up 91% from 2023 and 330% from 2022.”
Thankfully, crying wolf doesn’t fly with insurance commissioner Mike Causey or with Durham Sen. Natalie Murdock.
Dave Streifford, Chapel Hill
Minnesota “killing”
When masked agents shoot United States citizens dead in public, it’s not a “killing,” a “slaying”, a “shooting” — it’s murder, plain and simple. Call your US representatives and demand that they stop these murders!
Calvin H Allen, Black Mountain
USAID anniversary
It’s been one year since Trump and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency gutted USAID, the primary government agency responsible for delivering aid to foreign nations. The agency was designed to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War by fostering political and economic development, promoting democratic processes, and administering humanitarian aid. For over 60 years, USAID carried out these aims, all while boosting American global leadership and standing.
One year. What has happened in that one year? Over 600,000 deaths can be attributed to the sudden halting of these aid programs, around 400,000 of them children. Beyond the devastating loss of life, the U.S. has also ceded an untold amount of global influence. China signed 350 new contracts with foreign nations, providing assistance in development and project implementation. China gained 350, while the United States lost over 5,200.
That is why it is encouraging to see the House pass the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The bill, which received bipartisan support in the House, is crucial to guaranteeing our national security in an increasingly globalizing world. Grassroots organizations such as The Alliance for American Leadership are fighting to support this bill and other initiatives that solidify our international policy posture.
Elisabeth Convery, Apex
Message from monks
Although perhaps a few thousand showed up for last years’ Hands Off and No Kings rallies in Raleigh, the attendance at those events was dwarfed by the many, many thousands who braved the extreme cold to silently observe and then follow the monks’ walk for peace. Were the majority who lined miles of roadways Democrats or Republicans or Independents? Presumably, they all shared the monks’ message of peace and compassion. I cannot help but wonder if these same spectators have been equally willing to promote peace and compassion in other, more concrete ways.
It seems to me that if all those who stood to watch were to engage more actively in pursuance of peace and compassion, if we did more than stand by and watch as our democratic values are shattered, these devout monks would not feel compelled to sacrifice their peace for us.
Charles Putterman, Raleigh
Tear gas
Studies are showing a probable causal link between tear gas exposure and reproductive disturbances in females, ranging from menstrual irregularities to miscarriage. This is because tear gas has the ability to act as an endocrine disruptor. Miscarriage is only one of many health problems linked to tear gas, but it is an especially important one.
When tear gas is disbursed all people within its drift range are exposed, including those who were not being targeted. Its use on the civilian population should be banned. Please ask your representatives to introduce a bill to ban tear gas.
Marnie Cooper Priest, Raleigh
Our moral compass
As we navigate the deep political upheavals of 2026, many are asking where our country’s moral compass has gone.
As a Christian minister, the Jesus I follow did not preach the “Beatitudes of the Strong.” He did not say “Blessed are the wealthy” or “Blessed are those who win at all costs.” He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.”
When I look at the violence in Minneapolis, the crisis in Venezuela or the tipping points in Greenland, I see places where faith calls us to stand with care for others.
If our meaning as a nation is found only in our ability to dominate, then we have lost our way. But if we can rediscover the meaning found in mercy and compassion, there is hope.
Rev. Paula Womack, Garner, NC
This story was originally published February 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "One thing you should know about those insurers that want big NC rate increases | Opinion."