Unaffiliated Candidate Qualifies for North Carolina's 9th Congressional District
Shelane Etchison, an Army Special Operations veteran, has become the first unaffiliated candidate in decades to run for Congress in North Carolina. To appear on the ballot, she needed nearly 7,500 signatures, a challenging requirement she met with the help of friends, volunteers, and paid staff. Despite raising $166,000 for her campaign, mostly through personal loans, she faces an uphill battle against incumbent Republican Congressman Richard Hudson and Democratic opponent Nigel Bristow. Etchison's platform focuses on reducing political gridlock, advocating for independent redistricting, and balancing fiscal conservatism with social liberalism. (WFAE)
RFK Jr. Secures North Carolina Ballot Spot, Cornel West Denied
The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "We The People" party for the 2024 presidential ballot with a 4-1 vote, while denying Cornel West's "Justice For All" party in a 3-2 decision. The board's Democratic majority cited concerns about the legitimacy of West's petition signatures, while some Republicans criticized the decision as politically motivated. Despite initial opposition, two Democrats joined Republicans to certify Kennedy's party, acknowledging potential subterfuge but deferring to judicial review. The decisions sparked criticism from various political factions, accusing the board of bias in favor of President Joe Biden's re-election campaign. (News & Observer)
Justice for All Plans to Sue for Ballot Access in North Carolina
The Justice for All party intends to file a federal lawsuit to gain recognition as a political party in North Carolina, enabling Cornel West to appear on the November ballot. The state Board of Elections rejected their petition in a 3-2 vote, with Democrats raising concerns about the validity of petition signatures. The situation mirrors the Green Party's 2022 battle for ballot access, which required a federal court order. Despite approving the "We the People" party for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Board's decisions have faced criticism from Republicans and third-party advocates, alleging partisan bias. (NC Newsline)
NC Judge Orders Smithfield Funds to Support Public Schools
A Wake County Superior Court judge ruled against North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, directing that $12 million paid by Smithfield Foods since July 2019 must be allocated to public schools for environmental enhancements. This decision followed a lawsuit by Pastor Jonathan Burris on behalf of the Randolph County school board, challenging Stein's use of the funds for an environmental grant program. Despite previous state court rulings supporting Stein's control over the funds, the judge determined that, per the state constitution, the funds should support public education. The decision mandates the reallocation of these funds to ensure they benefit public schools exclusively. (Carolina Journal)
Lawsuit Against Alamance-Burlington School Board to Proceed Over Teacher Misconduct
A Wake County Superior Court judge has denied the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education's motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging negligence related to sexual misconduct by former middle school teacher Ivan Danilo Ardila-Perez. Ardila-Perez, charged with indecent liberties with students, was accused of inappropriate behavior by multiple students who reported feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. Despite these reports, the school did not take adequate action to prevent further abuse. The plaintiffs argue that the school board's failure to act violated the students' constitutional right to a safe education. The lawsuit seeks $25,000 in damages and a jury trial. (CBS 17)
NC House Democratic Deputy Leader Ashton Wheeler Clemmons to Resign for UNC Role
North Carolina House Democratic Deputy Leader Rep. Ashton Wheeler Clemmons announced her resignation from the General Assembly next month to take a new position within the University of North Carolina system. Clemmons, a three-term representative from Guilford County and former educator, has been a prominent voice on education and other legislative issues since joining the House in 2019. She will become an associate vice president for strategy and policy on education from preschool through high school within the UNC system. Guilford County Democrats will need to select a replacement nominee and someone to complete her term. Clemmons' resignation date is pending the selection of her successor. (WRAL)
Kolt Ulm Named Chief of Staff for NC Senate Leader Phil Berger
North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger has appointed Kolt Ulm as his new chief of staff, succeeding Brian Folk, who is transitioning to CEO of the parent company of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. Ulm, currently Berger's deputy chief of staff for policy and budget, has been with Berger's office since 2013 and has extensive knowledge of the General Assembly and Senate operations. Berger praised Ulm's strong relationships with nonpartisan staff, state agencies, and legislators. Ulm holds degrees from Bethel University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and N.C. State University. Berger has led the Senate since 2011. (WRAL)
Tillis Joins Republicans at RNC After Attempt on Trump’s Life
Senator Thom Tillis, despite past tensions with the state party, attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Tillis emphasized the importance of unity and supported the party's updated, more moderate platform. He praised Trump's choice of Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, highlighting their shared policy priorities. Tillis called for respectful political discourse, linking its deterioration to the violence at Trump’s rally, where a shooting left Trump injured and one attendee dead. (News & Observer)
Trump Selects Sen. J.D. Vance as Running Mate Amid RNC Unity
Former President Donald Trump has chosen Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his vice-presidential running mate, making Vance the first millennial on a major-party ticket. The announcement came as the Republican National Convention began in Milwaukee, days after an assassination attempt on Trump. Vance, once a Trump critic, has become a loyal ally and a staunch supporter of the "Make America Great Again" agenda. The selection aims to energize Trump's base, especially in crucial Midwestern swing states, despite concerns over a lack of diversity on the ticket. Vance's nomination has been met with criticism, particularly from Biden's campaign, highlighting his controversial stance on the 2020 election results. (WBTV)
UNC Fraternity Brothers Honored at RNC for Defending American Flag
A group of UNC-Chapel Hill fraternity brothers were honored at the Republican National Convention for protecting the American flag during a pro-Palestinian protest on campus in April. Alex Johnson, a fraternity member, spoke about their actions, emphasizing respect for the flag and its symbolism. Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts was also recognized for his role in restoring the flag. The fraternity brothers, from Pi Kappa Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi, have since raised over $500,000 through a GoFundMe campaign for a party and to benefit military families, veterans, and pro-law enforcement groups. (Carolina Journal)
North Carolina State Superintendent Race Gains National Attention
The North Carolina state superintendent race has garnered national attention after far-right candidate Michele Morrow, who defeated incumbent Republican Catherine Truitt, faces public education veteran Mo Green. Morrow, a nurse and homeschooler, has faced scrutiny for past conspiracy theory comments. The race has become financially competitive, with Morrow raising $206,974 and Green $667,132 in the second quarter. Green, who began the quarter with $142,061, ended with $578,384, while Morrow started with $22,970 and ended with $50,661. Overall, Green has raised nearly a million dollars, significantly outpacing Morrow’s quarter-million total. (FOX 8)
Transylvania County Unveils New $5.2 Million EMS Facility
Transylvania County has opened a new $5.2 million Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility, significantly improving response times and operational capacity. The 10,750-square-foot facility, which is five times larger than the previous one, will house modern ambulances and provide ample space for crew quarters, training, and storage. Funded locally and with $750,000 from state grants, the project was completed under budget. Commissioner Jason Chappell emphasized the facility's role in better supporting the dedication and service of emergency responders. (ABC 13)
New H.O.P.E. CDC Launches Second Round of Rental Assistance Program for Public Workers
New H.O.P.E. CDC has announced the second round of its Rental Assistance Program, targeting public workers such as police, firefighters, and teachers. The initiative aims to support workforce housing, emphasizing the importance of accessible housing for societal well-being and economic mobility. Within the first hour and a half of opening applications, 230 submissions were received, highlighting the significant demand. The application deadline for the program is July 21st. Communications Director Doug Wahl noted the overwhelming response, reflecting the urgent need for housing assistance in the community. (WWAY 3)
Tight Race in NC 1st Congressional District Highlights Chinese Land Ownership Controversy
The New York Post spotlighted the competitive race between incumbent Democrat Rep. Don Davis and Republican Laurie Buckhout in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, focusing on Davis' past connections to the Chinese Communist Party. Davis took a funded trip to China in 2013 and spoke at Wuhan University in 2014. His district contains 6,500 acres of Chinese-owned farmland, a growing national concern. As vice-ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, Davis has remained silent on the issue. The National Republican Congressional Committee has targeted Davis in ads, accusing him of covering up President Biden's alleged mental decline, intensifying the scrutiny in this tight race. (North State Journal)
Tackling North Carolina's Housing Crisis
As North Carolina's urban and suburban counties, particularly Charlotte, experience significant population growth, housing prices have surged, with Charlotte's median home price rising by 92% in the last seven years. Meanwhile, Austin, Texas, facing similar growth challenges, has successfully reduced housing costs through pro-density policies, streamlined approval processes, and the elimination of mandatory parking minimums. Austin's median home prices declined by 17% since 2022, contrasting with Charlotte's 4.5% increase. Charlotte can emulate Austin by reinforcing pro-density zoning, fast-tracking approvals, loosening anti-housing restrictions, resisting NIMBY influences, supporting skilled trade apprenticeships, and advocating for immigration reform. (Carolina Forward)
Fort Liberty Training Slides Labeling Pro-Life Americans as Terrorists Spark Controversy
Training materials at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) have been found to label Pro-Life Americans as terrorists, a practice reportedly ongoing for seven years. This revelation, brought to light by a letter from US Senator Ted Budd, has led to a backlash from 88 members of Congress demanding answers from Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. The slides, used to train soldiers for installation access control duties, erroneously included Pro-Life groups and individuals as part of terrorist organizations. Wormuth clarified that these materials do not represent the Army's official stance and will no longer be used, with further investigations promised. The incident has fueled concerns about the politicization of the military and its impact on recruitment. (Carolina Journal)
Raleigh-Durham Airport Hit by Delays and Cancellations Amid Global IT Outages
At least 35 flights were delayed and 40 canceled at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Friday morning due to global IT outages affecting airlines, banks, and media companies. American Airlines, United, and Delta experienced communication issues, prompting a global ground stop request to the FAA. Passengers faced long lines and significant frustration, with some rebooked flights delayed until evening. The IT disruptions, linked to a third-party software outage involving CrowdStrike, have also impacted Berlin Airport and the London Stock Exchange. Airlines are working to resolve the issue and resume normal operations. (ABC 11)
UNC-Asheville Alum Henry Patten Wins Wimbledon Men's Doubles Title
Henry Patten, a former top-ranked NCAA doubles player from UNC-Asheville, and his partner Harri Heliovaara from Finland triumphed in the men's doubles final at Wimbledon, defeating Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson. The victory earned them £650,000 in prize money. Patten, a three-time Big South Player of the Year, expressed his astonishment at the win, struggling to find words during the trophy ceremony. Patten made history at UNC-Asheville in 2018 as the first student-athlete to compete in the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Singles Championships. (WUNC)
N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson Set to Depart After 14-Year Tenure
Long-serving N.C. State University Chancellor Randy Woodson is expected to announce his departure, ending a notable tenure since 2010. Under Woodson's leadership, the university saw significant academic and fundraising advancements, including a $2.1 billion "Think and Do" campaign for scholarships, research, and facilities. His retirement adds to the growing list of chancellor vacancies within the UNC system, joining openings at UNC-Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University, and Elizabeth City State University, with several other campuses appointing new leaders in 2024. (Indy Week)