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BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency

BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency

BJ Murphy
Columns, Local News, Education, Politics

Roughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time. Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom. Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?

Sen. Jim Perry Op-Ed: PPP - I support small businesses

Sen. Jim Perry Op-Ed: PPP - I support small businesses

Neuse News
Columns, Politics, NC News, Local News

NC State Senator Jim Perry (R - Lenoir, Wayne) issues an op-ed on how the State of North Carolina should handle tax liability associated with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). “The State of NC shouldn’t think about these extraordinary events through the lens of normal operations. We shouldn’t saddle business people with a surprise state tax liability just because they helped distribute federal stimulus dollars to the people of North Carolina. I worked with Senator Chuck Edwards and Senator Dave Craven to file Senate Bill 104 requiring that NC not burden small business owners who participated in the Paycheck Protection Program.”

BJ Murphy: Killing the American Dream One Stimulus Check at a Time

BJ Murphy: Killing the American Dream One Stimulus Check at a Time

BJ Murphy
Columns, Politics

Whatever happened to tax credits and tax deductions? How many more payments will people expect in the future before we declare the pandemic over? The utter reliance and potential household budgeting for future stimulus payments disincentivizes Americans from using their skills and creativity to find a way to meet their obligations. The unintended consequence of stimulus payments may very well be a methodical way of killing the American dream by taking away all incentives of hard work and individualism.

North Carolina continues its commitment to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines

North Carolina continues its commitment to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines

Neuse News
Politics, Coronavirus, Local News

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., outlined Wednesday how North Carolina is working to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. They were joined by Charles Evans, president of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials and Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.

Rep. Chris Humphrey: A case for re-opening schools

Neuse News
Politics

2020 was a difficult year for all of us. Our lives were turned upside down because of a global pandemic that has caused great pain throughout our community. We were forced to adapt to various safety regulations and a completely new way to go about our lives. Through all those changes, I’m proud of how we’ve responded as a state. Our communities have found a way to bend – not break – in uncertain times and find creative ways to keep us moving forward.

NC Leaders work with ABC Commission to get permit issue resolved

NC Leaders work with ABC Commission to get permit issue resolved

Kristy Kelly
Politics, Local News

Governor Cooper issued a mandate on March 16, 2020, that forced bars to shut down due to the global pandemic. On January 4, 2021, the ABC Commission revoked the status of 120 bar permits across the state. Yearly permit renewals were due by April 1. As not all bars were able to renew their permits in time, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill that allowed a 60-day renewal permit.

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