"Today at the NCGA" by Annie Dance provides unfiltered access to North Carolina lawmakers' statements
A new subscriber-only feature of Cops & Congress will focus on what is said at public meetings in Raleigh, word-for-word.
I have been a journalist for over 20 years, and I have never seen it be so difficult to get access and archives of public records until recently. State lawmakers’ public meetings in Raleigh, NC are live-streamed, but the videos are not available on-demand for archiving, to my knowledge. Last week Cops & Congress unveiled an exclusive new feature titled "Today at the NCGA." (See my previous reporting for details, including this story about Sen. Ralph Hise.)
Going forward, this subscriber-only feature offers unfiltered access to what lawmakers are saying at the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA), capturing their statements word-for-word. With a keen focus on transparency and accountability, I aim to provide invaluable insight into the workings of the state's legislative body.
"Today at the NCGA" promises to revolutionize the way constituents engage with their elected representatives by delivering real-time updates on legislative proceedings. (Tomorrow, April 25, early in-person voting begins for the runoff election!)
“The capitals of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia are all closer to Murphy than Raleigh…Tallahassee, Columbus, and Indianapolis are within striking distance,” Jeremy Markovich of NC Rabbit Hole said in 2021. It is unreasonable for lawmakers and decision-makers in Raleigh to think that citizens can travel such a distance easily, or watch a live stream as-it-happens. What if someone wants to watch it at a later time? That has not been possible, to my knowledge, until now, with Today at the NCGA.
How will it work? The video will “live” in two places - on substack in a paid post and on YouTube via an unlisted link that will only be accessible to subscribers of Cops & Congress. Please do not share the YouTube link with others. But, please DO SHARE AnnieDance.substack.com widely to help me better serve you and the greater Lake Lure community in western North Carolina. (Be sure to follow me on X, a.k.a Twitter, too.) That way, you may watch it via substack without leaving the website or app, or you may watch it on YouTube depending on your preferences.
Here are five compelling reasons why becoming a paid subscriber for only $15/month, or becoming a founding member, is essential for residents in the news desert of western NC:
Unparalleled Access: Gain direct access to the voices shaping legislative decisions in North Carolina. "Today at the NCGA" offers an unfiltered glimpse into the discussions, debates, and decisions happening within the hallowed halls of the General Assembly.
Informed Citizenship: Stay informed about crucial issues affecting western NC by receiving timely updates on lawmakers' statements and actions. With access to comprehensive coverage, subscribers can make informed decisions and actively participate in the democratic process.
Transparency: Hold elected officials accountable by having their statements readily available for scrutiny. "Today at the NCGA" fosters transparency by ensuring that lawmakers' words are accessible to the public, fostering accountability and trust in government.
Local Perspective: Receive nuanced insights into how legislation directly impacts western NC communities. Cops & Congress by Annie Dance’s non-partisan coverage goes beyond the headlines, providing context and analysis that resonate with residents.
Combatting the News Desert: Support my independent journalism and help combat the news desert plaguing the Lake Lure area of western NC. By becoming a paid subscriber, individuals contribute to the sustainability of high-quality reporting, ensuring that essential information reaches underserved communities.
In a time when reliable news sources are increasingly scarce, "Today at the NCGA" emerges as a beacon of transparency and accountability. With my direction, subscribers can trust that they are receiving accurate, unbiased coverage of legislative proceedings in North Carolina. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay informed and engaged—subscribe today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of western NC, with Today at the NCGA.
I am seeking virtual volunteer(s) to help with upcoming data journalism projects. If you or someone you know is interested, please click here for details and apply by April 30.
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