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Friday Forward News Roundup

Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump Sparks National Outcry

An attempted assassination on Donald Trump has led to widespread condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. President Biden and others emphasized the necessity of unity and the rejection of violence in politics. Trump expressed condolences to the victims, while authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack. (StarNews)


Bipartisan Support for Bill to Lower Plasma Medication Costs

North Carolina lawmakers, led by Republican Thom Tillis and Democrat Mark Kelly, support the PLASMA Act, aimed at reducing the cost of plasma-based medicines for patients on Medicare. The bill would shift more costs to manufacturers and modify the Inflation Reduction Act's rebate provisions. Plasma medications, essential for treating rare autoimmune diseases, can cost between $500 and $3,000. The initiative has backing from both Republican and Democratic representatives in the House, reflecting the significant role of the plasma industry in North Carolina, exemplified by Grifols' large plasma processing facility in Johnston County. (WUNC)


NC Nonprofit Run by Lt. Gov's Wife Found Deficient in Meal Program Operations

A state review found Balanced Nutrition Inc., a nonprofit run by Yolanda Hill, wife of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, "seriously deficient" in managing a federally funded meal program. The nonprofit owes the state $24,400 for unverified expenses and faces potential disqualification from the Child and Adult Care Food Program if deficiencies are not corrected within two weeks. Since 2017, the organization received $7 million in government funding but struggled with compliance and record-keeping. Hill's attorney has questioned the timing of the review, suggesting political targeting due to Hill's connection to Robinson. (ABC 11)


NC Democrat Joins Republicans in Vote Condemning VP Harris Over Border Policy

North Carolina Democrat Rep. Don Davis joined House Republicans in a vote condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of immigration as the "border czar." The House passed the resolution 220-196, with six Democrats, including Davis, siding with Republicans. Davis, who represents a competitive district and is known for his bipartisan stance, emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform and securing the border. This vote comes as immigration becomes a focal point in the 2024 presidential campaign, with Harris endorsed by President Biden following his decision not to seek reelection. (News & Observer)


Justice for All Party Seeks Emergency Injunction for NC Ballot Access

The Justice for All (JFA) Party is heading to federal court to challenge the North Carolina State Board of Elections' decision denying their recognition as a state political party. A hearing is scheduled for July 30 in Elizabeth City to address the party's request for an emergency injunction. JFA, associated with academic and activist Cornel West, claims the board's 3-2 vote against them was unjustified, despite meeting petition requirements with 17,362 valid signatures. The board cited ongoing fraud investigations as the reason for rejection. JFA's lawsuit, representing three Fayetteville voters, argues the decision violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights and seeks certification by August 19 for the 2024 general election ballot. The party also requests a waiver of the July 1 certification deadline. (Carolina Journal)


Activist Challenges NC Board's Decision on Party Ballot Access

Italo Medelius, a former member of the North Carolina Democratic Party's executive committee, has joined the Justice For All (JFA) Party to support Cornel West's presidential bid. Medelius, disillusioned by Democratic tactics, helped gather signatures for JFA’s ballot access. However, the NC Board of Elections voted 3-2 against JFA’s certification, citing petition issues. Medelius and others allege harassment and political bias, while the opposing Clear Choice Action PAC argues JFA's signature process was flawed. JFA plans to file a lawsuit seeking ballot inclusion, reminiscent of the 2022 Green Party controversy. (WFAE)


Testimony Highlights Election Barriers for New Parties

Andy Jackson, Director of the Civitas Center for Public Integrity at the John Locke Foundation, testified before the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding the North Carolina State Board of Elections' handling of new party petitions. Jackson highlighted that while the Constitution Party and We the People Party met the required signature thresholds, the Justice for All Party faced rejection due to alleged irregularities and Democratic opposition. Jackson criticized the board's partisan decisions and called for reforms to ensure equal treatment for all parties, including banning per-unit payment for petition signatures and systematic verification processes. (John Locke Foundation)


NC Voters Sue State Board Over Ballot Access for Justice for All Party

Three North Carolina voters have filed a lawsuit against the State Board of Elections, alleging their constitutional rights were violated when the board rejected the Justice for All Party's petition to place Cornel West on the presidential ballot. The board, which has a Democratic majority, certified two other parties that met the signature requirement: We The People, supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Constitution Party of North Carolina. Board Chair Alan Hirsch cited concerns over the validity of some petition signatures, prompting accusations from Republicans of selective scrutiny. The lawsuit seeks to have Justice for All recognized as an official party, with a decision needed by mid-August to meet ballot deadlines. (ABC 13)


Federal Appeals Court Panel's Split Decision Forces NC Prison to Reconsider Inmate's Sex-Change Surgery

A divided federal appeals court ruled that the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction must reconsider its denial of sex-change surgery for inmate Kanautica Zayre-Brown. The department initially deemed the surgery medically unnecessary. However, U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn ruled against this decision and issued an order to reconsider or form a new review committee. Judges Roger Gregory and Stephanie Thacker upheld Cogburn's ruling, while Judge Allison Jones Rushing dissented, arguing that the department is likely to succeed on appeal and that the district court's order oversteps by imposing medical judgments. (Carolina Journal)


Court Ends FTC's Legal Battle Against Novant Health's Hospital Purchase

A federal appeals court officially ended the FTC's case against Novant Health's proposed $320 million acquisition of two Iredell County hospitals. Novant dropped the deal after the FTC secured an injunction. Judges Benjamin, Wilkinson, and Thacker of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals granted an unopposed motion to vacate a lower court ruling that would have allowed the purchase. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell had initially rejected the FTC's injunction request, but a split appellate panel later issued an injunction, citing concerns over market concentration and competition. (Carolina Journal)


Wilmington Launches Greater Downtown Plan with Community Engagement

The City of Wilmington has initiated the Greater Downtown Plan, aiming to develop strategies to address the needs of the area. During an open house held with the Northside Food Co-op at the DREAMS Center for Arts Education, residents learned about the plan and shared their input. Comprehensive Planning Manager Travis Henley emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping recommendations for land use policies, zoning regulations, local incentives, and programming. The event marked the second recent meeting to involve residents in the planning process. (WWAY 3)


Jackson County Projects Facing Delays and Challenges

Jackson County's capital projects have encountered multiple delays, as County Manager Kevin King reported to the Board of Commissioners on July 16. The Cullowhee Recreation Center's aquatics addition faces delays due to subcontractor issues, pushing the expected opening past Labor Day. Two recreation projects—Glenville-Cashiers' splash pad and Qualla-Whittier Park—are delayed due to pending construction document finalizations and complex site considerations, respectively. Repairs to the Department on Aging facility have also stalled due to unforeseen structural issues, with costs exceeding initial estimates. Additionally, the repurposing of the 28-acre Drexel Furniture site in Whittier is complicated by floodplain challenges and insufficient flood control measures, requiring further evaluation by FEMA engineers. (Sylva Herald)


President Biden Withdraws from 2024 Race, Endorses Harris

President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement on the Democratic ticket. Biden's decision followed a poor debate performance against Donald Trump and pressure from party insiders, citing his health and concerns over re-election viability. With 107 days until Election Day, this unprecedented move leaves Democrats scrambling for a new candidate as Trump gains in the polls. Biden praised Harris as an extraordinary partner and highlighted his administration’s achievements in his resignation letter. (NC Newsline)


NC DNC Delegation Backs Harris for President Following Biden's Withdrawal

North Carolina's delegation to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) has announced unanimous support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president after President Joe Biden declared he will not seek reelection. North Carolina DNC delegate Diana Williams Robinson also endorsed Gov. Roy Cooper as a potential vice-presidential pick, among other prominent Democrats being considered. The Harris campaign has begun vetting Cooper and other candidates for the VP slot, with Sen. Mark Kelly currently seen as the frontrunner. Harris has been securing endorsements and delegates, with DNC nomination rules under scrutiny to ensure a seamless path to her nomination. (North State Journal)


Obamas Endorse Kamala Harris for President in 2024

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race. The endorsement was announced in a video where the Obamas expressed their pride and support for Harris, who is aiming to become the first woman, Black woman, and person of Asian descent to be elected president. This endorsement comes as Harris solidifies her position as the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race and his subsequent endorsement of Harris. Harris has also garnered support from major Democratic figures and has secured the backing of a majority of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention. (WRAL)


Black Voters Express Mixed Reactions to Biden's Withdrawal and Harris's Candidacy

Black voters, crucial to Joe Biden's 2020 victory, are experiencing a mix of hope and anxiety following his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. While some, like Brianna Smith from Decatur, Georgia, feel pessimistic about Harris's chances due to potential racial and gender biases, others, such as Cyria Adams, are heartbroken and nervous about the political shift. Despite these concerns, many Black voters see Harris positively, with over 40,000 Black women participating in a fundraising Zoom meeting, raising $1.5 million for her campaign. The Congressional Black Caucus and other Democratic leaders have also endorsed Harris, though some voters remain wary about her visibility and ability to challenge Donald Trump. (WRAL)


Potential Impact of Gov. Roy Cooper as Kamala Harris’s VP Pick

Governor Roy Cooper is being considered as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 presidential election. If selected, Cooper's presence on the ticket could significantly influence North Carolina's political landscape, particularly in a state where Donald Trump has previously won. Rep. Wiley Nickel and Duke professor Mac McCorkle suggest that Cooper's popularity and proven electoral success could bolster Democratic candidates in the state, such as Josh Stein for governor, by drawing more attention and support. However, the impact may vary across different races, potentially benefiting down-ballot candidates incrementally in a closely contested election year. (CBS 17)


Trump Rallies Supporters in North Carolina Following Assassination Attempt

Former President Donald Trump held a rally at Bojangles Coliseum in North Carolina, his second since an assassination attempt two weeks prior. The event featured speeches from prominent Republican figures and focused on Trump's criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris and his plans for his potential second term, including border security and energy independence. Trump also addressed the handling of the 2020 election and President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the upcoming race. (Carolina Journal)


Netanyahu Applauds UNC Fraternity for Defending U.S. Flag in Congressional Address

During his congressional address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised students from the University of North Carolina for defending the U.S. flag from pro-Palestinian protesters, a gesture that garnered over $500,000 in donations for the students. Netanyahu's address, which also featured a viral comparison of "Gays for Gaza" to "chickens for KFC," coincided with large anti-Israel protests in Washington, D.C., some of which turned violent, prompting Capitol Police to use pepper spray. Notably, Elon Musk attended the address as Netanyahu's guest. (ABC 45)


Zionist Supporter Receives Threat Following Assault at Asheville Event

David Moritz, a self-described Zionist, received an anonymous threat nearly a month after he and two others were assaulted at an event in Asheville titled "Strategic Lessons from the Palestinian Resistance." Moritz, Monica Buckley, and Bob Campbell, all supporters of Israel, were attacked for live-streaming the event. The assault, which took place in a public library, resulted in two men being charged with ethnic intimidation. The Asheville Police Department is seeking public assistance in identifying other individuals involved. (Carolina Journal)


Rise in Cannabis-Impaired Driving in North Carolina and Legal Challenges

Cannabis-impaired driving appears to be increasing in North Carolina, though defining legal impairment remains complex. A recent crash on Memorial Day in Garner, involving Jordan Porter, highlighted these issues. Despite having alcohol and marijuana in his system, Porter's blood alcohol content was below the legal limit. Cannabis impairment falls under the general impairment category, where prosecutors rely on officer testimony rather than specific THC levels. From April 2023 to June 2024, there was a notable rise in cannabis detection during drug-influence evaluations, yet tracking cannabis-specific data remains challenging due to varying testing procedures and the lack of a standardized impairment threshold. (News & Observer)


Airlines Struggle with Delays and Cancellations After Global Internet Outage

A week after a global internet outage caused by Crowdstrike, airlines are still working to rebook passengers and manage delays at Charlotte Douglas International. While most major airlines had rebooked the majority of affected passengers by Friday, frustrations persist over lost baggage and owed refunds. New regulations set to ease refund processes for cancellations or significant delays won't take effect until October. The DOT is investigating Delta Airlines for its handling of nearly 500,000 canceled flights. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need for higher industry standards, referencing a $140 million penalty imposed on Southwest Airlines for mass cancellations last winter. The recent outage is predicted to cost American Fortune 500 companies $5.4 billion in losses, with airlines facing nearly $1 billion in direct losses. (Queen City News)


Cary Ranked as One of the Most Affordable Cities for Remote Workers

Cary, North Carolina, ranked No. 2 out of 176 U.S. cities in a study by CoworkingCafe, identifying it as one of the most affordable places for remote workers. The study highlighted that 41% of Cary’s workforce is remote, the highest percentage among the cities analyzed, and noted Cary’s low unemployment rate of 1.6%. With a median income of nearly $63,000 and a high score in economic conditions and remote work infrastructure, Cary stands out as an ideal location for remote professionals. Other North Carolina cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham also made the list but ranked lower. (News & Observer)

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