First day of testimony complete in Charlotte officer trial
After seven arduous days of jury selection, opening statements were presented this morning in the trial of former CMPD officer Randall "Wes" Kerrick. Kerrick is charged with voluntary manslaughter in...
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Kerrick Trial: The jury is out.
After two weeks of testimony, closing arguments wrapped up today in the trial of Randall "Wes" Kerrick. Kerrick, a Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) police officer, is charged with voluntary manslaughter in...
View ArticleKerrick trial: Jury deadlocked, still trying UPDATE: Mistrial declared
UPDATE 4:35 pm: Mistrial declaredFour days into deliberations, the jury in the Randall Kerrick trial is deadlocked. Kerrick, a Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) police officer, is charged with voluntary...
View ArticleJuror: "What did Jonathan Ferrell do to warrant death...?"
A juror in the Randall Kerrick trial is speaking out on the deadlock that led to a mistrial being declared after four days of deliberation. Kerrick, a Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) police officer, was...
View ArticleNC Attorney General: Kerrick will not be retried, charges dismissed
A quick, disappointing but not surprising follow up to last week's declaration of a mistrial in the excessive force case against Randall "Wes" Kerrick. Kerrick, a Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) police...
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What's for dinner? v10.05: Summer herbs
When I plan my kitchen garden every year, flavor and frugality are priorities. Since I got a late start this season, I went for maximum bang for my flavor buck: lots of herbs. Even if you don't have...
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DKos Connects Asheville: Ain't gonna let nobody turn me around
Cool air and rainy days did nothing to dampen the spirits of dozens of Kossacks and friends gathered in Asheville this weekend. It's my privilege to bring a few photos and reflections back to the...
View ArticleSomeone saved my life tonight (updated pics)
Today was a good day. My first shift at a brand new job went well and I clocked out content with my new career path. Driving home long past rush hour, the city lights and ELO on my stereo were the...
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NC church caught practicing Christianity. Neighbors complain.
A church in Concord, NC, called Showers Of Blessings has become the target of complaints from its neighbors for following the teachings of the Bible.“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain...
View ArticleNC-Gov: Candidate Roy Cooper (D) backs McCrory's call to "pause" refugees
North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper (D) is the establishment favorite to face incumbent Pat McCrory (R) in the 2016 gubernatorial election. Cooper’s coronation robes are already catching a chill...
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Meet NC Senator Jeff Jackson, crusader for equality
Throughout the NC General Assembly’s assault on LGBT rights in North Carolina this week, one State Senator has been a tireless ally for equality. His name is Jeff Jackson and he represents District 37,...
View ArticleNC Attorney General to seek indictment in Jonathan Ferrell case
Just a quick followup diary on a new development in the Jonathan Ferrell case. Today, we learned the North Carolina Attorney General will seek an indictment against Randall Kerrick, the...
View ArticleBreaking: Officer involved shooting in Charlotte UPDATED
Few details are available, but Charlotte media is reporting an officer involved shooting this afternoon. The crime scene remains active and I'm not going to speculate, it's very much a developing...
View ArticleBreaking: Roy Cooper calls for release of Charlotte officer-involved shooting...
North Carolina Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Roy Cooper, has released a statement calling for the videos of Tuesday's officer-involved shooting to be released to the...
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What's For Dinner: Pierogies
Tonight we’re going to make pierogies, little Eastern European dumplings of bliss with filling possibilities limited only by your imagination. If this diary inspires you to roll up your sleeves, start...
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Charlotte Women's March photo diary
This morning, the Charlotte Women's March restored a little bit of my faith in humanity. I've seen turnout estimates ranging from 15k to 25k, roughly triple the amount expected. The mood was peaceful...
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Unemployed Former NC Governor Pat McCrory (R) haz a sad
In early 2013, newly-elected North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory (R-Duke Energy) wasted no time gutting unemployment benefits. In September 2015 he signed Senate Bill 15, designed to punish unemployed...
View ArticleVA-HD-73: Sarah Smith needs your support
One of the few silver linings of the current administration has been the rise of a new generation of energized first-time Democratic candidates. When I read Sarah Smith’s story today on Facebook, I...
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What's for dinner? v.11.46: Cactus
The nine years I lived in Pueblo, CO were a culinary adventure. Our corner Mexican grocery had a produce department from foodie heaven and as a newly-vegetarian Philly girl, I began buying stuff I'd...
View ArticleMillenials rock the Charlotte vote
Something remarkable happened in Charlotte yesterday. As returns rolled in on the mayoral and city council primary elections, a wave of upsets emerged.Two City Council incumbents were defeated in their...
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