Opinion

Five New Year’s resolutions to consider for 2024

This year, I am tired of being frustrated and angry. Inflation, governmental overreach, and an apparent disregard for the authority of parents and the importance of personal autonomy have reached a breaking point for me. Instead, I resolve to focus on what is going right, and work to encourage it.

Donna King
News

Media coalition targets Charlotte public records dispute at NC Appeals Court

A coalition of media groups is taking interest in a public records dispute at the N.C. Court of Appeals. The case involves WBTV’s request for surveys completed by members of the Charlotte City Council in late 2020. The coalition filed paperwork Thursday seeking permission to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the case.

CJ Staff

Help Support Non-profit Journalism & Donate Today

News

Treasurer urges legislative action in wake of Spring Lake official’s indictment

The indictment of a former Spring Lake town official on embezzlement and fraud charges highlights the need for legislative action. That’s the reaction from state Treasurer Dale Folwell, who urged lawmakers “to help prevent future abuses in state and local gove

CJ Staff
Opinion

Transparency of operations is a constitutional issue

Senate Bill 355, legislation that promotes and enhances public access to the performance records of public employees, is generating significant resistance from various state organizations that have several things in common—they are all union related and they are determined to continue operating without public scrutiny. The Government Transparency Act of 2021, championed by Sen. Norman...

Lockwood Phillips
News

Sunshine Amendment could test lawmakers’ commitment to transparency

N.C. Senate leaders say they value government transparency — especially given the COVID-19 pandemic. A bill recently filed in the House presents an opportunity for those senior officials to show commitment to the state’s “sunshine laws.”  House Bill 1111, Sunshine Amendment, would make access to public records and meetings a constitutional right in North Carolina....

Kari Travis
News

Records requests: How transparent are North Carolina’s counties?  

Four Carolina Journal staff members in February sent public records requests to all 100 county governments in North Carolina. Counties were asked to provide the number of full-time equivalent positions authorized over the three most recent fiscal years, as well as the operating budget authorized by the respective county commissioners for the three most recent fiscal years.  ...

CJ Staff
News

Bill setting daily webcasts of legislature moves ahead

The North Carolina General Assembly lags behind most other states as one of seven state governments that doesn’t offer video of any legislative sessions or committees. Reps. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell; Jason Saine, R-Lincoln; and Brendan Jones, R-Columbus, are behind a new bill which would turn on cameras in the House. House Bill 218, “Broadcast NC...

Kari Travis