What the Zarutska Case Could Mean for the Future of Crime and Punishment in North Carolina

The recent murders of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte and popular political personality Charlie Kirk have resulted in heightened questions about the prioritization of public safety in America. These two stories have largely developed state and national politicians’ stances around how our nation needs to handle crime moving forward, resulting in fierce party-line attacks. In North Carolina specifically, politicians such as Governor Josh Stein and House Representative Tim Moore have clashed on the most effective ways to prevent and mitigate violent crime. These ideological confrontations can stifle legislative progress, and must be reconciled to the extent possible for any significant progress to be made.

Editor's Picks, LocalJaya NadellaOctober 24, 2025Zarutska, Ukraine, Crime, Death Penalty, Josh Stein, Roy CooperComment

NC General Assembly Begins Long Session with End of GOP Supermajority

In the last legislative session, House Republicans overrode 29 of Governor Cooper’s vetoes. Now, no override will occur unless Democrats are persuaded to work with Republicans or if a Democrat is absent during a General Assembly vote.

LocalElise ChangFebruary 27, 2025Local, Roy Cooper, Josh Stein, General AssemblyComment

Mark Robinson: A Fascinating Case Study of the Failure of Cultural Conservatism

Mark Robsinson’s recent digital footprint has marred both his campaign and represents a larger failure of the Republican party to put forth a competent nominee for the position. But this scandal demonstrates a deeper fallacy in conservative ideology. By studying Mark Robinson, we can learn much more valuable insights about the GOP and the mechanisms of conservatism than Robinson’s character itself.

An Early Look at the Race for North Carolina’s Governor

“North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D) announces his candidacy for governor in the 2024 election to replace current Governor Roy Cooper, who is serving his second consecutive term and is therefore ineligible for re-election.“

Local, Editor's PicksAlanna PaschallMarch 25, 2023NC Governor Race, Josh Stein, NC Politics, 2024 Election, Editor's Pick, Local NewsComment