North Carolina
High stakes in North Carolina court races with majority on line
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The 2 North Carolina Supreme Court docket seats up for election in November have taken on additional significance as the end result might flip the court docket’s partisan make-up throughout a interval of political polarization.
Registered Democrats maintain a 4-3 benefit on the court docket, however Republicans would retake the bulk for the primary time since 2016 ought to they win not less than one race. The seats carry eight-year phrases, so barring unplanned retirements, Republicans can be assured of preserving the higher hand for not less than 4 1/2 years if profitable.
What You Want To Know
- The stakes in elections for a pair of North Carolina Supreme Court docket seats this fall are excessive
- Outcomes might flip the court docket’s partisan make-up throughout a interval of political polarization
- Registered Democrats maintain a 4-3 benefit on the court docket, however Republicans would retake the bulk with not less than one win
- The following version of the Supreme Court docket might think about a bunch of divisive points, together with abortion, particularly if Republican lawmakers achieve veto-proof majorities in Raleigh in order that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper cannot simply cease legal guidelines
- The elections characteristic Justice Sam Ervin IV, two sitting Court docket of Appeals judges and the final counsel for the state court docket system
Outdoors teams are spending large to affect the races. Within the two largest tv markets alone, two tremendous PACs have dedicated spending roughly $3 million on advertisements, in line with paperwork filed with the Federal Communications Fee.
In line with nonjudicial elections this 12 months, advertisements have targeted on crime and abortion.
North Carolina is amongst a handful of states with intense excessive court docket races after the U.S. Supreme Court docket’s choice giving states the ability to resolve the legality of abortion. Abortions are authorized in North Carolina by way of 20 weeks of being pregnant — with some well being exceptions afterward — making the state an choice for ladies from extra restrictive states close by.
Court docket of Appeals Judges Richard Dietz, a Republican, and Lucy Inman, a Democrat, need to succeed retiring Affiliate Justice Robin Hudson. And Affiliate Justice Sam Ervin IV, a Democrat, is looking for reelection in opposition to Republican Trey Allen, presently common counsel for the state court docket system.
State Republican Occasion supplies label Allen and Dietz as “conservative judges.” And at a latest Democratic Occasion rally, Gov. Roy Cooper urged Inman and Ervin’s election “as a result of they’ll be honest and observe the regulation.”
In interviews, the 4 candidates supplied commitments of ruling with out partisan and ideological agendas if elected.
“My vote in every case might be primarily based on my greatest understanding of the regulation and the information, and my private politics wouldn’t enter into the equation,” Allen mentioned.
Ervin, the grandson of late Watergate committee chairman Sen. Sam Ervin Jr., mentioned he is already met that normal throughout his appellate profession, calling himself “fairly allergic to ideological labels.”
Past typical authorized conflicts, justices might hear challenges to insurance policies enacted by a Republican-controlled Basic Meeting that might earn veto-proof majorities in November. These might embrace laws on voting, weapons and abortion that Cooper has stopped by threatened or precise vetoes since 2019. Lawmakers additionally should redraw congressional districts, which aren’t topic to veto.
North Carolina Republican leaders plan to think about additional restrictions on abortion in 2023 however haven’t reached a consensus.
North Carolina Supreme Court docket Candidates communicate throughout a panel dialogue on the North Carolina Supreme Court docket Candidate Discussion board at Duke College Regulation Faculty in Durham, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (AP Photograph/Karl DeBlaker)
The liberal-leaning North Carolina Households First PAC jumped on the abortion difficulty, operating a tv advert accusing Allen and Dietz of getting “excessive views” that “might permit lawmakers to criminalize abortions, forcing ladies and ladies to present delivery.”
Judges and judicial candidates are topic to guidelines designed to make sure impartiality on points they might rule on. Allen and Dietz mentioned they’d strategy any case with out presumptions on how they’d rule.
“Once I see advertisements like that, I’m dissatisfied as a result of I feel it’s reinforcing this concept to the general public that judges have already made up their minds,” Dietz mentioned.
Commercials from the skin group Cease Liberal Judges contend one ruling written by Inman and one other agreed to by Ervin that blocked sure convicted youngster intercourse offenders from being tracked electronically for many years are proof they’re “not defending our kids.”
Inman, who joined the Court docket of Appeals in early 2015 and ran unsuccessfully for Supreme Court docket in 2020, known as them a “false and deceptive smear” that belies her document as each a trial and appellate decide.
“It’s unsuitable and the antithesis of the regulation to use youngster victims for political achieve,” she mentioned.
The elections come close to the top of a two-year court docket time period marked by a number of high-profile cut up choices — favoring the Democratic majority — involving redistricting, voter ID and prison justice circumstances.
Democratic politicians and allies have praised such majority opinions as victories for equality and justice. Dissenting opinions from Republican justices have been acerbic at occasions, accusing the opposite aspect of judicial activism.
“It has been a really tough and difficult time period of court docket,” former Supreme Court docket Justice Bob Orr mentioned.
Whereas not talking about particular circumstances, Ervin pushed again on the concept partisanship has seeped by way of majority opinions.
“To say {that a} group of people that votes collectively are voting for partisan functions isn’t actually a good accusation within the absence of some exhibiting that the choice that’s into account was not legally supported,” mentioned Ervin, who if reelected must step down in late 2027 for obligatory retirement at age 72.
Allen and Dietz have highlighted the court docket’s perceived public picture.
“I’ve change into more and more involved about what I consider is a rising public notion that the court docket is appearing or has been appearing extra as a political physique than as a authorized physique,” mentioned Allen, who as common counsel works underneath Republican Chief Justice Paul Newby.
Dietz mentioned he is by no means written a dissenting opinion since becoming a member of the Court docket of Appeals in 2014, which displays his willingness to work with colleagues.
“The way you get stronger choices and in addition the way you reassure the general public that justice is being carried out is by bringing individuals collectively and reaching that end result that everybody agrees on,” Dietz mentioned.
Inman mentioned there’s been good cause for her dissenting opinions, a few of which have been finally adopted by the Supreme Court docket.
“It’s higher to have expertise figuring out when it’s a must to arise for the regulation, and going alongside to get alongside doesn’t serve that goal,” she mentioned.
North Carolina
North Carolina federal prison supervisor convicted after instructing physical punishment
BUTNER, N.C. — A North Carolina federal prison supervisor has been convicted after investigators say he instructed a correctional officer to physically punish a man incarcerated at the institution by beating him.
Daniel Mitchell, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons lieutenant, pleaded guilty earlier this week to a felony charge of conspiring to violate civil rights, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement.
“Corrections officers work in dangerous environments with limited resources and deserve our respect and gratitude,” U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. said in a statement. “But officers acting outside the law to injure an inmate erodes the rule of law, violates civil rights and puts other officers’ lives in jeopardy.”
An attorney who represented Mitchell declined to comment Saturday.
The beating happened at the Federal Correctional Institute Butner Medium II in the special housing unit in Granville County, which Mitchell supervised, authorities said. The prison houses more than 1,600 people, according to its website.
A correctional officer reported to Mitchell on Dec. 8, 2021, that the incarcerated man had exposed himself and “engaged in a sexual act” in front of her while she was doing rounds in the unit, investigators said. Mitchell then began discussing with another correctional officer about how to punish the man.
Neither the man nor the two correctional officers were named by the U.S. Department of Justice or court documents from the case. The department did not indicate whether the conspiring officer also faced charges.
Normally, the prison’s misconduct discipline process involves a writeup for violations. The writeup is then delivered to the person, which is referred to as “counseling,” according to court records.
Mitchell and the conspiring officer agreed traditional punishment methods wouldn’t work for the man, investigators said. While giving instructions, Mitchell allegedly told the officer to “teach a lesson” and “tune” him up — phrasing they both understood as physical punishment, according to court documents. He also ordered the officer to “stay away from face” while punishing him, authorities said.
The man was taken to another cell where the officer hit and kicked him until other correctional officers intervened, the department said. The man later had a medical emergency involving spasms after the beating aggravated his preexisting back condition, investigators said.
An eyewitness officer reported the beating, which prompted an investigation from the U.S. Justice Department’s Officer of Inspector General. Mitchell and the conspiring officer both admitted to investigators that they planned to physically punish the inmate as disciplinary action, authorities said.
Mitchell’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for late March, where he faces up to 10 years in prison.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The UConn Huskies had their best season since 2010, and their reward is a Fenway Bowl clash with a North Carolina Tar Heels side transitioning to an exciting new coaching staff in 2025, led by legendary NFL head coach Bill Belichick.
Between injuries, transfer portal entrants, and NFL Draft declarations, there will be several UConn and North Carolina players not playing in the Fenway Bowl.
Top UConn Players Not Playing in Fenway Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Huskies won’t be in action in the Fenway Bowl.
- Nathaniel Wallace-Dilling, P, UConn (transfer portal)
- Reggie Akles, CB, UConn (transfer portal)
- Durrell Robinson, RB, UConn (transfer portal)
- Jarvarius Sims, CB, UConn (transfer portal)
- Brock Montgomery, WR, UConn (transfer portal)
- Lee Molette III, DB, UConn (transfer portal)
- Julien Simon, LB, UConn (transfer portal)
- Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (transfer portal)
- Pryce Yates, DL, UConn (transfer portal)
- Malcolm Bell, CB, UConn (transfer portal)
10 UConn student-athletes entered the college football transfer portal at the end of the season. The Huskies haven’t issued a depth chart ahead of their matchup with the Tar Heels, and with very little information on social media as to individual intentions on social media, the assumption is that all those players are not playing in the Fenway Bowl.
FREE: Sign up for the College Football Network Newsletter to receive unique stories from the world of college football directly to your inbox!
Wide receiver Bell is the most notable of the UConn players not playing in the Fenway Bowl. He led the team with 783 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns this season. However, running back Robinson is also in the portal. He paced the team in yards per carry (6.8) and rushing touchdowns (8). The Huskies do have two players available with over 100 carries in 2024.
Top North Carolina Players Not Playing in Fenway Bowl
Thanks to the CFN Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know which players from the Tar Heels won’t be in action in the Fenway Bowl.
- Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (NFL Draft)
- Garrett Jordan, LS, North Carolina (transfer portal)
- Howard Sampson, OT, North Carolina (transfer portal)
- Zach Greenberg, iOL, North Carolina (transfer portal)
- Andrew Rosinski, OT, North Carolina (transfer portal)
- Conner Harrell, QB, North Carolina (transfer portal)
- Jordan Louie, RB, North Carolina (transfer portal)
- Eli Sutton, iOL, North Carolina (transfer portal)
While it will be Freddie Kitchens rather than Belichick who coaches the Tar Heels in the Fenway Bowl, there’s still some excitement around the program heading into Saturday’s game. Sadly, that will be tempered by the departure of star running back Hampton, who declared for the NFL Draft in early December and opted out of the Fenway Bowl soon after.
MORE: 2025 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker
That deprives college football fans of one final look at one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. Hampton led the ACC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns this fall, increasing his NFL Draft stock exponentially in the process.
Joining Hampton among the North Carolina players not playing in the Fenway Bowl is quarterback Harrell, who appeared in just six games this fall, and several offensive linemen. It’s worth noting that several of the Tar Heels players currently in the transfer portal are set to play on Saturday, including starting linebacker Amare Campbell, who tallied 11 tackles for loss in 2024.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
North Carolina
'I'm ready, y'all': Carrie Everett aims to become first Miss America from NC since 1962
On Saturday, Carrie Everett will start her journey to become the next Miss America.
The Johnston County native will head to Orlando on Saturday as she prepares to compete in the Miss America Pageant on Jan. 5.
Everett will be joined by Kamryn Howell, who won the 20th Miss Teen North Carolina.
“We are currently stopped in Georgia and on our way to Orlando in the morning,” Everett told WRAL News on Friday. “We just needed a bit of rest.”
In June, Everett won the 87th Miss North Carolina pageant. In an August interview, she told WRAL News that her family struggled with finances and that her journey to be Miss North Carolina was challenging.
She said it wasn’t a journey she wouldn’t have been able to do alone.
“I learned it’s okay to ask for help,” she said. “I have always been an individual who is scared to ask for help because I don’t want to feel the shame of not being able to do things myself.”
While she describes herself as independent, she said she has learned that you can be independent and still as for help.
She told WRAL News she plans to take those lessons into the competition and not only compete but bring Miss America back to North Carolina for the first time since 1962.
“I am feeling ready, willing and like I can totally bring that crown home with the grace of God,” she said. “I hope to make history for North Carolina. I’m ready, y’all.”
The Miss America pageant will take place at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, with preliminary competitions starting on New Year’s Eve.
The pageant has five areas of competition: interviews, sportswear, evening gowns, on-stage questions and talent.
Everett will perform “The Impossible Dream” from the Broadway musical, “Man of La Mancha,” an adaptation of the 17th-century novel Don Quixote.
“It’s a beautiful piece and tells the story of our lives [and] my family … It will tell the story of my life and how far I’ve come, dreaming the impossible dream to inspire [the] youth of this generation that they can dream so much bigger than they think they can,” she said.
The Miss America pageant will be live-streamed on YouTube and MissAmerica.TV.
Armed suspects pose as police officers, allegedly rob person at Los Angeles apartment building
NFL less understanding of Jameson Williams than his Detroit Lions coach
Former Florida State Star Progressing In Return From Injury For San Francisco 49ers
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized
Why Cam Ward left the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl for Miami
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Race to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik in upstate New York heats up with new challenger
US expected to announce $1.25bln military aid package for Ukraine
Severe weather could disrupt holiday travel, with tornadoes forecast in the South
Virginia Democrats 'asking the wrong question' amid outrage over DOGE federal workforce cuts, GOP leader says
One in six children live in conflict zones this year: UNICEF
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24924653/236780_Google_AntiTrust_Trial_Custom_Art_CVirginia__0003_1.png "Google’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps")
Technology1 week agoGoogle’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps
-
News1 week agoNovo Nordisk shares tumble as weight-loss drug trial data disappoints
-
Politics1 week agoIllegal immigrant sexually abused child in the U.S. after being removed from the country five times
-
Entertainment1 week ago'It's a little holiday gift': Inside the Weeknd's free Santa Monica show for his biggest fans
-
Lifestyle1 week agoThink you can't dance? Get up and try these tips in our comic. We dare you!
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25672934/Metaphor_Key_Art_Horizontal.png "There’s a reason Metaphor: ReFantanzio’s battle music sounds as cool as it does")
Technology4 days agoThere’s a reason Metaphor: ReFantanzio’s battle music sounds as cool as it does
-
News5 days agoFrance’s new premier selects Eric Lombard as finance minister
-
Business3 days agoOn a quest for global domination, Chinese EV makers are upending Thailand's auto industry