North Carolina
North Carolina governor commutes death sentences of 15 inmates
LAUREN TAYLOR: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commuted the death sentences of 15 men on his final day in office. All fifteen will still serve life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The commutations reduce the state’s death row, which has 121 others on it, by more than ten percent.
Cooper is leaving office after eight years due to term limits. Fellow Democrat Josh Stein, currently the state attorney general, will assume the office on New Year’s Day.
Cooper’s office said they reviewed petitions for clemency from 89 different people on death row before choosing to act on the fifteen cases.
In a press release, Cooper said, “These reviews are among the most difficult decisions a Governor can make and the death penalty is the most severe sentence that the state can impose. After thorough review, reflection, and prayer, I concluded that the death sentence imposed on these 15 people should be commuted, while ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison.”
It’s a smaller set of commutations than President Joe Biden issued earlier this month for federal death row inmates. The president commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole.
It’s a move that received major criticism from Republicans, with President-elect Donald Trump saying he thought the move made no sense.
Although North Carolina allows the death penalty, the state has not executed anyone since 2006 as lawsuits work their way through the legal system.
Cooper also issued two other commutations for people convicted of crimes that did not come with a death sentence, as well as two pardons for people who have already served their sentences.
For Straight Arrow News, I’m Lauren Taylor.
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared June 14 as Flag Day.
Flag Day commemorates “Old Glory”, and is observed nationally. The day honors when the Continental Congress adopted the United States flag on June 14, 1777. North Carolinians are encouraged to fly the United States flag at full staff.
“Today, on the 249th birthday of our nation’s flag, we honor all those who have sacrificed for the freedoms it represents,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As North Carolinians, we can take special pride in being represented by both a star and a stripe. In this year of America 250, let us reaffirm our own commitment to a government of, by, and for the people.”
This year is the 249th anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777. The United States Congress declared June 14 as National Flag Day in 1949.
Longtime New Bern community leader Linda J. Staunch has received North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Staunch was surprised with the award during the North Carolina Symphony’s Concert in Your Community Patriotic Pops event celebrating America 250 in New Bern. Former Gov. Beverly Perdue presented the award.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and dedication to the state of North Carolina, according to a release.
According to the North Carolina Symphony, Staunch has been a trustee of the North Carolina Symphony Society since 2006 and served as the founding president of the Symphony’s Craven County Chapter.
In many respects, she is the face of the North Carolina Symphony in New Bern and across the region,” said Sandi Macdonald, president and CEO of the North Carolina Symphony. “The Symphony’s thriving presence in New Bern and throughout Craven and Jones counties would not exist without Mrs. Staunch’s vision and leadership.
Beyond her work in the arts, Staunch has been recognized for decades of service in education, community development, church leadership and civic organizations throughout eastern North Carolina.
An ambassador for the city, Linda is known for her tireless energy and integrity, making New Bern and Craven County a better place to live and work,” said Jeff Minges, president and CEO of Minges Bottling Group.
Staunch also played a key role in organizing New Bern’s 100th anniversary celebration of Pepsi-Cola in 1998 and has spent more than five decades serving First Presbyterian Church.
Linda Staunch is the very definition of an exemplary ambassador for the State of North Carolina,” said Rev. Anna Pinckney Straight, pastor of First Presbyterian Church.
She is widely regarded as the go-to person in New Bern — someone who brings people together, connects organizations, and gets things done,” Macdonald added.
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The award was presented during opening remarks before the concert, honoring Staunch’s lasting impact on New Bern, eastern North Carolina and the state of North Carolina.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Some North Carolina lawmakers are pushing age restrictions on the sale of hemp consumables and kratom.
Senate Bill 59 would prohibit the sale of hemp-derived consumable products to anyone under the age of 21 in the state. It would also require the seller to verify a buyer’s age.
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The bill also makes it unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess hemp-derived consumable products.
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