NC Policy Watch was founded in 2004 by Chris Fitzsimon, a veteran journalist and policy analyst. Fitzsimon recognized the need for a dedicated platform that could provide in-depth analysis and reporting on policy issues affecting North Carolina residents. The idea behind NC Policy Watch was to create a source of information that could help citizens better understand the complex policy decisions being made in their state. Today, NC Policy Watch is a project of the North Carolina Justice Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunity and protecting vulnerable populations in North Carolina. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, NC Policy Watch primarily covers state-level politics, policy issues, and their impact on North Carolina residents. Their reporting focuses on topics such as education, healthcare, environmental policy, criminal justice reform, and economic issues. The organization produces a variety of content, including news articles, investigative reports, opinion pieces, and podcasts. While their main focus is on policy and politics, they also touch on how these issues intersect with other aspects of life in North Carolina. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of NC Policy Watch is its “Defenders of Justice Awards“ program. Each year, the organization honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the fight for social justice in North Carolina. This program not only recognizes important work being done in the state but also helps to highlight issues that might otherwise go unnoticed by the broader public.