North Carolina Open Government Coalition

North Carolina elections investigator to probe missing records after WBTV investigation WBTV Investigates: Prosecutor also reviewing potential case

More great reporting by Nick Ochsner @wbtv.com

Great template for watchdog reporters across the state for any long-standing elected official. How widespread is this problem? How many required disclosures remain un-digitized and offline? Missing? Destroyed?

www.wbtv.com/2025/06/06/n...

Our June/July newsletter is out! We've added a NC Watchdog Reading List to keep you up-to-date. Please subscribe and share.

mailchi.mp/elon/happy-s...

Our spring newsletter's out now. Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn!

mailchi.mp/elon/happy-s...

We're dropping our spring newsletter today. Please sign-up and help us grow our incredible audience!

ncopengov.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

With Sunshine Week right around the corner (March 16-22), please bookmark our NC Bill Tracker, developed by @billtrack50.bsky.social , @nfoic.bsky.social and the good folks at the @brechnerfoi.bsky.social! Reach out if you know of FOI/OG bills not listed. ncopengov.org/nc-bill-trac...

A graphic in shades of blue and green with a mountain image in the background. The image is mostly text, describing a legal clinic for newsrooms. The text reads: ProJourn is organizing a series of Legal Checkup Clinics for Summit attendees who sign up in advance. During these clinics, attorneys will assess news organizations’ legal health by reviewing a checklist developed with the support of the firm Davis Wright Tremaine. This checklist includes a review of business models, governance, fundraising guidelines, media liability, intellectual property, and privacy. For more information and to sign up visit bit.ly/SummitLegalCheckup

We’re excited about this special service available at the 3/12 NC News & Information Summit which we're co-hosting with @ncopengov.bsky.social. Please note, you need to sign up in advance and slots are limited! Info here: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

A graphic in shades of blue and green with a mountain image in the background. The image is mostly text, describing the Data Secrets of Political Scientists session. The text reads: "How liberal is Jeff Jackson? How conservative is Richard Hudson? How many people of color voted in the 2024 election in North Carolina? Who had their ballots rejected because of North Carolina's voter ID Law? Bring your questions and a laptop for an interactive session to find the answers. Facilitated by Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University"

We are 16 days away from the 2025 NC News & Information Summit on 3/12! Join us for the Sunshine Awards, a keynote featuring WNC journalists on covering Helene & 20+ sessions, like this one with @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social.

Sunshine Award Nominations - N.C. Open Government Coalition Sunshine Award nominations recognize individuals or groups whose efforts improve government transparency in North Carolina.

We would like to extend Sunshine Award nominations in the Government, Citizen and Advocacy categories through February 10. That extension also includes nominations for the Frank Barrows Award for Excellence in Student Journalism. The Sunshine Awards Journalism category remains closed.

Submit your session pitches before Jan. 3! We've already received some incredible FOI and watchdog proposals. More please! #FOI #NC #journalism

Loved chatting with @ncopengov.bsky.social's new Director Pate McMichael. He's been busy since starting in September & is looking forward to meeting & assisting NC news & info friends. Also, send him links to your stories using public records so he can promote your work!

Registration is now live for the 2025 NC News & Information Summit on March 12 at NC Central! Pitches open until Jan. 3.

Register:
www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-nc-ne...

Pitch a session:
airtable.com/appP80Znvhp2...

Our statewide news summit returns for its fourth year March 12, 2025! 📅 Save the date now. Registration opens Dec. 2!
This annual convening brings together hundreds of news professionals, academics, funders, supporters and more to address challenges and spark ideas. Join us:

Save the date! March 12, 2025. Registration will open soon. You can pitch your session at the link below.
airtable.com/appP80Znvhp2... #FOI #OpenGov #NC