Sunday sampler

A lot of meaty issues-oriented journalism on the front pages of state papers today.

Charlotte — Well, you have to love public servants sworn to uphold the law willingly breaking the law because they think they know better. And, in the case of at least one sheriff, putting lives of his constituents at risk. The Observer looks at the environment that, despite shock and sorrow over the mass shootings around the nation, makes gun owners feel more empowered.

Raleigh– The News & Observer takes another angle. “For the decade ending in 2011, handguns accounted for more than 81 percent of all firearm homicides in North Carolina in which the type of weapon was known, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Rifles, which include the assault weapons that have dominated the political debate, accounted for about 7.2 percent during the same period, the agency reported. Shotguns accounted for more deaths than rifles.”

Greensboro — They’re back! Or they’re trying to be. N.C. got rid of payday lenders 10 years ago. But hire a few lobbyists and you can pretty much get any bill introduced. The News & Record gives both sides a fair hearing. Count me unconvinced and willing to let Virginia have that business.

Shelby – I think it is important to keep community social problems at the forefront of coverage. So, the Star is to be commended for its spotlight on efforts to curtail teen pregnancies and to help teen mothers. Cleveland ranks among the top 30 worst counties in the state for teen pregnancies.

Fayetteville — The Observer has what looks to be a good story on a soldier’s suicide and how the VA handled it. Unfortunately, the link from the headline sends you to an unrelated story. I’ve linked to a sidebar. And thanks to writer Greg Barnes, the link to the story that initially interested me is here.