Phil Berger

August 1, 2012 - The University of Texas promoted research by a faculty member as an independent study of fracking's environmental hazards -- but it turns out the scientist holds a big financial stake in a fracking company and sits on its board, which he failed to fully disclose. Meanwhile, another conflict-of-interest controversy over fracking arises in North Carolina.

May 31, 2012 - Big industrial polluters have been investing millions in lobbying and campaign contributions while seeking to weaken North Carolina standards governing health-damaging pollution.

May 24, 2012 - A report from North Carolina Voters for Clean Elections documents how companies with an interest in legalizing fracking in the state are investing heavily in legislators' campaigns.

November 29, 2011 - During debate before the North Carolina Senate voted to repeal a law addressing racial bias in death-penalty administration, Republicans refused to respond seriously to studies that show race plays a role in who's sentenced to death.

August 12, 2008 - The Greensboro (N.C.) News & Record reports that Wal-Mart's federal political action committee, the retailer's political arm, has been expanding its donations to candidates seeking North Carolina state office, including $54,000 to state-level candidates during the current election