Latest news with #RoyCooper
Al Arabiya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
North Carolina Judges Side With GOP Lawmakers on Who Gets Say on Highway Patrol Commander
A panel of North Carolina judges dismissed one of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's cases against Republican legislative leaders Monday, upholding part of a power-shifting law that prevents Stein from selecting the State Highway Patrol commander. Three Wake County Civil Superior Court judges made the decision unanimously. The judges' decision means that the dispute won't go to trial, but it can be appealed. The lawsuit focuses on a portion of a more sweeping law passed by the GOP-dominated General Assembly that eroded the governor's powers, as well as the abilities of other top Democrats that hold statewide offices last year. A day after its passage, Stein and former Gov. Roy Cooper filed the legal challenge that the judges dismissed Monday. The law says Stein cannot select his own commander to the State Highway Patrol, and instead State Highway Patrol Commander Col. Freddy Johnson will keep the job until 2030. Johnson was appointed by Cooper in 2021 and is a defendant in the lawsuit. In the order that sided with legislative leaders and Johnson, the judges wrote there were no genuine issues of material fact and that the plaintiff–Stein–did not prove that the provision was unconstitutional. An attorney for Stein, Eric Fletcher, had argued in court Monday that the provision guts the governor's abilities and violates the separation of powers. 'The commander would not be directly accountable to the governor,' Fletcher said, 'but rather indirectly accountable to the General Assembly.' Fletcher insisted that the lawsuit was not a reflection of Johnson's character and ability to do his job. Lawyers representing Republican legislative leaders Destin Hall and Phil Berger argued the case should be thrown out because Stein hasn't publicly contended that he wants to remove Johnson from his post, and the governor's arguments were largely hypothetical. Johnson's lawyer, William Boyle, further affirmed that 'there is no crisis here between the governor and the State Highway Patrol commander and that they aren't at odds with each other.' Granting the governor the ability to appoint a new commander as the suit makes its way through the courts would also cause lasting detrimental harm, Boyle said. Stein's office is separately fighting another provision in the same state law passed last year that transferred the power to appoint State Board of Elections members from the governor to the state auditor, who is a Republican. Appointments have stayed in place as the provision's constitutionality continues to be debated in courts. They shifted the state elections board from a Democratic to a Republican majority.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
North Carolina judges side with GOP lawmakers for who gets say on highway patrol commander
A panel of North Carolina judges dismissed one of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's cases against Republican legislative leaders Monday, upholding part of a power-shifting law that prevents Stein from selecting the State Highway Patrol commander. Three Wake County Civil Superior Court judges made the decision unanimously. The judges' decision means that the dispute won't go to trial, but it can be appealed. The lawsuit focuses on a portion of a more sweeping law passed by the GOP-dominated General Assembly that eroded the governor's powers, as well as the abilities of other top Democrats that hold statewide offices, last year. A day after its passage, Stein and former Gov. Roy Cooper filed the legal challenge that the judges dismissed Monday. The law says Stein cannot select his own commander to the State Highway Patrol and, instead, State Highway Patrol Commander Col. Freddy Johnson will keep the job until 2030. Johnson was appointed by Cooper in 2021 and is a defendant in the lawsuit. In the order that sided with legislative leaders and Johnson, the judges wrote there were 'no genuine issues of material fact' and that the plaintiff — Stein — did not prove that the provision was unconstitutional. An attorney for Stein, Eric Fletcher, had argued in court Monday that the provision guts the governor's abilities and violates the separation of powers. The commander would not be "directly accountable' to the governor, Fletcher said, but rather 'indirectly accountable' to the General Assembly. Fletcher insisted that the lawsuit was not a reflection of Johnson's character and ability to do his job. Lawyers representing Republican legislative leaders Destin Hall and Phil Berger argued the case should be thrown out because Stein hasn't publicly contended that he wants to remove Johnson from his post and the governor's arguments were largely hypothetical. Johnson's lawyer, William Boyle, further affirmed that there is 'no crisis here' between the governor and the State Highway Patrol commander and that they aren't 'at odds with each other.' Granting the governor the ability to appoint a new commander as the suit makes its way through the courts would also cause 'lasting detrimental harm,' Boyle said. Stein's office is separately fighting another provision in the same state law passed last year that transferred the power to appoint State Board of Elections members from the governor to the state auditor, who is a Republican. Appointments have stayed in place as the provision's constitutionality continues to be debated in courts. They shifted the state elections board from a Democratic to Republican majority.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
North Carolina judges side with GOP lawmakers for who gets say on highway patrol commander
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A panel of North Carolina judges dismissed one of Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's cases against Republican legislative leaders Monday, upholding part of a power-shifting law that prevents Stein from selecting the State Highway Patrol commander. Three Wake County Civil Superior Court judges made the decision unanimously. The judges' decision means that the dispute won't go to trial, but it can be appealed. The lawsuit focuses on a portion of a more sweeping law passed by the GOP-dominated General Assembly that eroded the governor's powers, as well as the abilities of other top Democrats that hold statewide offices, last year. A day after its passage, Stein and former Gov. Roy Cooper filed the legal challenge that the judges dismissed Monday. The law says Stein cannot select his own commander to the State Highway Patrol and, instead, State Highway Patrol Commander Col. Freddy Johnson will keep the job until 2030. Johnson was appointed by Cooper in 2021 and is a defendant in the lawsuit. In the order that sided with legislative leaders and Johnson, the judges wrote there were 'no genuine issues of material fact' and that the plaintiff — Stein — did not prove that the provision was unconstitutional. An attorney for Stein, Eric Fletcher, had argued in court Monday that the provision guts the governor's abilities and violates the separation of powers. The commander would not be 'directly accountable' to the governor, Fletcher said, but rather 'indirectly accountable' to the General Assembly. Fletcher insisted that the lawsuit was not a reflection of Johnson's character and ability to do his job. Lawyers representing Republican legislative leaders Destin Hall and Phil Berger argued the case should be thrown out because Stein hasn't publicly contended that he wants to remove Johnson from his post and the governor's arguments were largely hypothetical. Johnson's lawyer, William Boyle, further affirmed that there is 'no crisis here' between the governor and the State Highway Patrol commander and that they aren't 'at odds with each other.' Granting the governor the ability to appoint a new commander as the suit makes its way through the courts would also cause 'lasting detrimental harm,' Boyle said. Stein's office is separately fighting another provision in the same state law passed last year that transferred the power to appoint State Board of Elections members from the governor to the state auditor, who is a Republican. Appointments have stayed in place as the provision's constitutionality continues to be debated in courts. They shifted the state elections board from a Democratic to Republican majority.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Reentry program in North Carolina helps former felons find work
RALEIGH, N.C. (WAVY) – The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) started a reentry program in 2024 to help those formerly incarcerated get jobs on transportation work crews. The program, which was created as a result of Executive Order 303, helps those who were incarcerated get identification cards to access housing and healthcare more easily. 'Removing barriers, creating job opportunities, and improving reentry services so participants can be successful and productive after they leave prison helps reduce crime and breaks the cycle of relapse,' said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. The Executive Order was signed in January 2024 under former Gov. Roy Cooper and continued under Gov. Josh Stein. In addition to the reentry program, NCDOT's On the Job Training program trains formerly incarcerated people in operating heavy equipment, directing traffic in work zones or surveying property. 'Individuals with prior incarceration face significantly lower callback rates from potential employers compared to those without criminal records,' said NCDOT's Ebony Pittman, the agency's deputy secretary for Business Administration. 'This program provides a meaningful pathway to both short-term and long-term employment for people who may be losing hope due to their past. Ultimately, formerly incarcerated people deserve a second chance.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Former Governor Roy Cooper shows strong support for the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of the Eastern Conference Final
Image Via Twitter As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare to take on the Florida Panthers in the crucial Eastern Conference Final , former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has yet again affirmed his favorite team. An ardent Hurricanes supporter for years, he shared a photo of himself from days long gone on social networks: sporting in hockey gear, a customized Hurricanes jersey, helmet, and hockey stick. Any such gesture goes not so much for a millisecond's casual wink but instead tells an entire story regarding the feelings of connection, fervor Cooper has had with that team and sport. Roy Cooper's genuine bond with the Carolina Hurricanes and coach Rod Brind'Amour Roy Cooper has long supported the Carolina Hurricanes. However, his support goes beyond mere fan enthusiasm. Earlier in the season, he shared a picture of himself fully dressed in Hurricanes hockey gear, helmet on, with a hockey stick in hand and a custom-made jersey. The less said about the team facing the Florida Panthers, the better. His comments about holding back against Brad Marchand, a player who is rather high profile and now on some other team, speak of Cooper's knowledge of the game and individual players, thus making the support all the more personal and playful. Cooper has even honored the Hurricane leadership on a formal basis beyond a social media shout-out. In December, he bestowed upon Rod Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes' head coach, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor. This gave due recognition of Brind'Amour's impact on the team and the pride that the state feels in its hockey franchise. That honor symbolized a strong bond tying the team, its fans, and North Carolina at large. The Eastern Conference Final is one of the most crucial stages of the NHL Playoffs, and Cooper's public endorsement greatly helps in sustaining the excitement among Hurricanes fans throughout the state. Cooper's involvement also speaks to how hockey has come to be a major sport in North Carolina. It is neither a game of ice nor one of sportsmanship; it is all for the communal spirit and pride that welds the fans with their team and consequently with their leaders. As the Hurricanes get ready to face off against the Florida Panthers, fans feel upbeat knowing that Cooper remains an avid supporter. Even the governor himself has supported the team commitment, being so genuine that he has worn full gear to an event, and to recognize their achievements right here on the living example, is where one can see how deeply sports unite people, inspiring players and fans alike in this high-stakes contest. Also Read: Philadelphia Flyers shock the NHL world by hiring Rick Tocchet as new head coach Finally, the governor's personal and visible passion for the Carolina Hurricanes marks a sincere commitment on his part. His endorsement is a testament to the affinity the team shares with the countrymen of North Carolina at this steep and taxing playoff run. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
