Darrell Allison’s Departure makes the UNC Board of Governors Even Less Diverse
Darrell Allison’s Departure makes the UNC Board of Governors Even Less Diverse

“The lack of racial diversity on the administration board is increasingly problematic, especially among the heightened racial conflict and consciousness in the United States - and right here in North Carolina - at this moment in history. UNC needs to recognize this and change their policies and the demographics of its leadership to better represent their students. Following Allison’s departure as one of the few nonwhite members of the Board, and an active advocate for nonwhite UNC students, the Board of Governors needs to elect a member with a similar commitment to increasing the inclusion and equity of students of color.”

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LocalEsha ParikhboardofgovernorsComment
Another Round of Lawsuits leaves NC Absentee Ballot Curing Law in Limbo
Another Round of Lawsuits leaves NC Absentee Ballot Curing Law in Limbo

“Currently, voters will be notified of any mistakes that would invalidate their ballots and be given the opportunity to ‘cure’ those errors, either by signing an affidavit, in cases where the voter’s signature is missing, or, in most other cases, by returning a new ballot… While both sides expressed a belief that they were vindicated by Judge Osteen’s ruling, the court battle is not yet over. The case was appealed, and the State Board of Elections has been unable to implement any changes due to a stay, leaving thousands of deficient ballots yet again in limbo. As court battles drag on, there is growing anxiety that time is running out for deficient ballots to be cured.”

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LocalDavid Woodlief2020 ElectionComment
What Happens If the 'Blue Wave' Comes Ashore in the 2020 Election?
What Happens If the 'Blue Wave' Comes Ashore in the 2020 Election?

“With the contentious 2020 election season coming to a close, polls and simulations predict Democrats are poised to secure the White House and the House of Representatives, and at least hold a competitive edge in securing the Senate. As of October 12th, Joe Biden claimed a 12% lead over incumbent President Donald Trump, according to a poll of likely voters conducted by The Washington Post and ABC. Ultimately, with the statistics of the race and the lackluster Republican counter efforts failing to make a dent in the polls, Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress and the Executive branch is probable. If the Democrats accomplish such a daunting task, it is likely American institutional norms that have been established for decades will likely face some serious reflection and reform.”

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NationalNicholas Long2020 ElectionComment
U.S. Court Finds Iran Culpable for American Hostage’s Death
U.S. Court Finds Iran Culpable for American Hostage’s Death

“A U.S. district court ordered Iran to pay $1.4 billion in damages for the 2007 capture and likely death of former FBI agent Robert Levinson who was on a rogue mission with the CIA… Judge Kelly is therefore officially holding Iran responsible for Levinson’s capture and likely death, a fact they have long disputed. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Minister decried the judgement calling it “another example of the American's extravagances and bullying.”

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GlobalMadison UrbanIran, International RelationsComment
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Visits Raleigh to Promote School Choice
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Visits Raleigh to Promote School Choice

“Secretary DeVos’ visit likely did not solve the issue of school choice vs. public school funding in North Carolina, though it did provide a glimpse of how President Trump’s education policy would affect NC schools. The round table discussion was yet another proxy campaign event for the president in a state that he desperately needs to win in November. Yet after the election, NC schools will still face the challenge of returning to school during the pandemic, and for public school students this could mean returning with less funding.”

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LocalAdam TatumNCPOLComment
Why this Election Season Poses a Unique Threat to American Democracy
Why this Election Season Poses a Unique Threat to American Democracy

“The 2020 election could be one in which baseless accusations of fraudulent voting result in the sitting president refusing to adhere to the outcome of the votes. This refusal could then move to the Supreme Court, a third of whom was appointed by the sitting President. They would decide on an election which the American people have already reached a verdict on. No matter how likely this outcome is, the risk it poses is a great threat to American democracy.”

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NationalBrennan Maynard2020 Election, Opinion PickComment
Key Takeaways from the Vice Presidential Debate
Key Takeaways from the Vice Presidential Debate

“Twelve feet apart and separated by plexiglass barriers, Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence engaged in their one and only debate on Wednesday night. This debate had a starkly different, “politics as usual” mood that was absent from the earlier presidential debate. While there were still questions dodged by both sides and attempts to speak over the moderator, largely the debate maintained civility and allowed the participants the opportunity to speak on policy.”

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NationalCourtney Halverson2020 Election, Mike Pence, Kamala HarrisComment
NC Legislature’s Partisan Infighting Emblematic of Larger Problems in US Politics
NC Legislature’s Partisan Infighting Emblematic of Larger Problems in US Politics

“As Democrats and Republicans become more starkly divided, political preferences are increasingly less motivated by fact and instead determined by individual party allegiances. Information that is contrary to an individual’s belief is written off as fake news and no longer given any reasonable merit. The recent contentious developments in the North Carolina legislature are examples of a much larger problem of intense polarization that grows in the United States every year.”

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LocalGrace KinleyPartisanshipComment
Turkey and Greece Resume Peaceful Negotiations as Pompeo Wraps up Mediterranean Visit
Turkey and Greece Resume Peaceful Negotiations as Pompeo Wraps up Mediterranean Visit

“The deterioration of relations and escalating conflict between Greece and Turkey puts the United States in a somewhat precarious political position. Not only does the United States fear being forced to choose between its two NATO allies, its partnership with Turkey has been key to the Trump administration’s mission to defeat Shiite volunteer armies and other Iranian-led activities in Syria in support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.”

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GlobalLucia HagertGreece, TurkeyComment
Japan and South Korea: A Time for Reconciliation?
Japan and South Korea: A Time for Reconciliation?

“The consolidation of an Asian bloc against Chinese influence is a top priority for the United States, and the strained relationship between South Korea and Japan has been problematic in creating a united front. With aggressive Chinese actions in Asia ramping up in the recent past, including expansion in the South China Sea and disputes with India in the Ladakh region, both Japan and South Korea understand the necessity of aligning their foreign policy goals to contain China’s authoritarian influence. It is impossible to say whether a new Japanese Prime Minister will be able to overcome the decades of resentment between the two nations, but recent conciliatory statements made by South Korean President Moon Jae-in regarding the mending of ties bode well for future cooperation.”

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GlobalDeep UpadhyayJapan, South KoreaComment
Trump’s Tax Returns
Trump’s Tax Returns

“One argument commonly cited by conservative voters is that President Trump is fiscally-responsible and makes a good leader on the basis of his business acumen. The new revelations surrounding President Trump’s tax avoidance and his facade of a billionaire is now shaking that argument to its core.”

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NationalMichaela AusbrooksTrump, TaxesComment