VOLUME 9 ISSUE 9
|
WWW.NSJONLINE.COM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
the
BRIEF this week
Elizabeth City officer fatally shoots suspect Elizabeth City A police officer in Elizabeth City fatally shot a man suspected of killing another man early Saturday, authorities said. The officer was on foot patrol just before 2 a.m. when he heard gunshots, the police department said in a news release. Shortly afterward, he approached Bryan Christopher White, 33, of Belvidere, who police allege had just shot Cory Christopher Revelle, 39, of Elizabeth City. The officer shot White after he refused to comply with an order to drop his weapon, police said. White and Revelle were taken to a hospital, where both died of their injuries. The Elizabeth City Police Department is investigating the initial shooting and asked for members of the public to offer any information about both shootings. The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating White’s death.
CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO
Scuttled by the storm Supporters of former President Donald Trump file out of Saturday’s rally after it was canceled due to threatening weather in Wilmington.
Judge orders ACC, Florida State to mediation Tallahassee, Fla. A Tallahassee judge has ordered Florida State and the Atlantic Coast Conference to enter mediation in hopes of settling a high-profile lawsuit that could dramatically impact the future of the league. Judge John C. Cooper technically approved the ACC’s motion to dismiss Monday but gave FSU seven days to amend its complaint because the university needs more specificity regarding key facts in a case he said “is worth up to half a billion dollars.” The conference would have 20 days to respond afterward, and another hearing would be set. Cooper ordered the sides to begin mediation within 120 days. But a mediator cannot force an agreement, so the case could end up back in court. The Seminoles are pushing to exit the ACC and explore a more lucrative landing spot, potentially the Big Ten Conference. The hearing Monday was the latest in dueling lawsuits lodged in December. They include back-and-forth arguments pertaining to jurisdiction, a highly guarded grant-of-rights agreement between member schools and the league, and a confidential TV deal between the ACC and ESPN. The ACC wants the case heard in Charlotte, where the league is headquartered, and doesn’t want the broadcasting contract made public. Florida State wants to move the venue to Tallahassee and prefers the documents be unsealed for financial transparency.
Council of State seats, NC-13 on May 14 second primary ballot The second primary in the state features all Republican candidates
Annual statewide audit flags several agencies The yearly inspection examined $35 billion in funding spent across 618 programs
By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor conducted its annual Statewide Single Audit, examining how $35 billion in federal funds were spent across 618 programs managed by 103 state entities, including the university and community college systems, in fiscal year 2023. The Single Statewide Audit (SSA) ensures compliance with federal regulations and identifies areas for improvement. “This is an essential audit to ensure federal tax dollars are being spent appropriately and in the most efficient way possible,” said State Auditor Jessica Holmes in a press release. “By identifying areas for improvement, the state can serve
as better stewards of taxpayer dollars and resources.” Last December, Holmes was appointed as state auditor by Gov. Roy Cooper following longtime State Auditor Beth Wood’s resignation. Wood announced she would resign following an indictment related to her December 2022 hit-andrun while driving a state vehicle that occurred in downtown Raleigh following a Christmas party. Holmes, a Democrat, is running to keep the position this November. Key findings of the SSA included inadequate monitoring of programs in multiple agencies. In the N,C, Department of Commerce (NCDOC), issues were found with monitoring of Community Development Block Grant and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds. The NCDOC failed to conduct risk assessments, monitor activities and review reimbursement requests properly, resulting in misuse of federal See AUDIT, page A3
27.38%, and second place went to Brad Knott with 18.68%. “Since the Primary, two major things have happened,” Knott campaign adviser JonaBy A.P. Dillon than Felts said. “Kelly Daughtry, North State Journal who had already confessed to donating to Cheri Beasley and RALEIGH — Absentee bal- Josh Stein, was outed as an lots have begun going out for the Obama/Biden supporter and second primary in cerBrad Knott was entain North Carolina dorsed by President races, which is set for Donald Trump who May 14. Early voting “Our aim also said that Daughtry will begin Thursday. is ‘no friend to MAGA.’ is to win. Second primaries “It’s hard to break are being held for Re- Our resolve out in a crowded pripublican candidates in is to win.” mary but now voters North Carolina’s 13th have a clear choice beCongressional Dis- Hal tween two very differtrict as well as state- Weatherman, ent candidates. Brad wide races for Council Knott is a proven ConRepublican of State seats that inservative and Kelly clude lieutenant gover- candidate for Daughtry is a squishy lieutenant nor and state auditor. RINO.” In the 14-person governor “On March 5th I race for the NC-13 seat, was the top vote getno candidate secured ter and on May 14th I the 30% plus one vote needed to am confident we will be equally avoid a runoff. Republican Kelly successful,” said Daughtry. “The Daughtry was the top vote-getter in the first primary with See PRIMARIES, page A2
UNC BOG takes step toward repealing DEI policy The full Board of Governors will consider the change in May By A.P. Dillon North State Journal
ROBERT WILLETT / THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP
State Auditor Jessica Holmes, pictured in November, released the Statewide Single Audit earlier this month.
RALEIGH — During its April 17 meeting, the UNC Board of Governors Committee on Governance unanimously voted to repeal its diversity, equity and inclusion policies for the entire UNC System. The new superseding policy emphasizes the university’s commitment to equality, nondiscrimination, institutional neutrality, and the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom while at the same time ensuring compliance with federal and state laws regarding discrimination and harassment. “The University shall continue to ensure that diverse persons of any background, from North Carolina and beyond,
are invited, included, and treated equally,” the policy proposal reads in part. “Diversity means the ways in which individuals vary, including, but not limited to, backgrounds, beliefs, viewpoints, abilities, cultures, and traditions that distinguish one individual from another.” The new policy would prohibit discrimination in employment practices and educational programs, and maintain institutional neutrality on political and social issues. The policy also seeks to uphold the principles of treating individuals with “dignity” and “respect.” See DEI, page A8
$2.00