News
Stein signs police retention, child protection bills into law
Gov. Josh Stein signed two bills into law on Thursday that focus on keeping communities and children safe, along with two other bills.
News
Gastonia K-9 officer recognized with Order of the Long Leaf Pine
A Gastonia K-9 officer was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Wednesday by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein for his service to the community.
August 2025 — Cooper shows early lead on Whatley in US Senate Race
RALEIGH — Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper has an 8.2-point lead in the race against Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley for North Carolina’s open US Senate seat. According to the latest Carolina Journal Poll, conducted by Harper Polling, 47.3% of voters say that they would vote for Cooper if the Senate election were held...
Opinion
Protecting the homeland starts at home
When asked what the biggest issue is influencing their voting decisions this election year, more voters across North Carolina chose “immigration” than any other option, even over the ever-relevant economy, according to a recent Carolina Journal poll. It’s an understandable area for concern; illegal immigration through our nation’s southern border has skyrocketed in the last...
Opinion
On Charlotte murders, Biden blew it
When officers from the US Marshal Service, the NC Department of Adult Correction, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and other agencies approached a home in eastern Charlotte on April 29, their purpose was to serve warrants on a fugitive named Terry Clark Hughes Jr. The fugitive fought back, costing four men their lives: Adult Correction officers...
Opinion
NC voters want better public safety
North Carolina started the year off with a bang, sadly, many of them. Those celebrating the New Year in Charlotte scrambled to flee a mass shooting downtown, as a gunman opened fire at Romare Bearden Park. Five were injured, and the police later arrested 19-year-old Daevion Crawford for the incident. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles released...
Opinion
NC’s move toward alternate crisis response will allow police to focus on crime
What happens when dialing 9-1-1 doesn’t involve criminal activity? Traditionally, overburdened and shrinking law enforcement agencies are the first responders to calls involving complex social issues like homelessness, mental health crises, and substance abuse. It’s a dual role that demands a balance of authority and compassion, and for the past 50 years, North Carolina has...
Opinion
Why do so many murders go unsolved?
There were more than 26,000 homicides in the United States last year, a record high. And yet, we pride ourselves as the most civilized country in the world. That is not the worst part of this story. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about half of these murders will be solved....
Opinion
Strengthening North Carolina’s Blue Line
Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our communities. They deserve our respect and appreciation. Police work is one of the most dangerous and under-appreciated jobs in today’s society. It requires courage, dedication, and a willingness to risk personal safety for the betterment of others. Across the...
Opinion
I’m former law enforcement, and the Second Amendment saves lives
I’m a former law enforcement officer for 20 years and a former U.S. Marine who served for four years. I had the luxury of being trained on several different weapons and firearms. I am not only an advocate for the Second Amendment but am very familiar with training and firearm safety. First, one should be...
Opinion
Double taxes for the unvaccinated and other outrageous stories
I’m up here at a conference in Washington D.C. and met somebody from Raleigh who is a fan of Carolina Journal and he told me he liked the outrageous stories segment. It’s nice to hear from readers and I try to pick out content that has a broad appeal. Here are a few stories that...
Opinion
Congress should take bold steps to keep feds out of local law enforcement
Under federal civil asset forfeiture, local and state law enforcement officers can take your property, including cash, if they suspect said property was somehow connected to a crime. You may be charged with a crime, or you may not. It doesn’t matter, because, as it’s technically a civil action, law officials will still take your...
