Davis raises $140k in U.S. House bid

SNOW HILL — State Sen. Don Davis, Democratic candidate for Congress in North Carolina’s Second Congressional District, reported raising more than $140,000 in less than a month following his December campaign launch.

With more than 90% of those contributions coming from in-state supporters, Davis ended the quarter with more than $132,000 cash on hand.

"As a native eastern North Carolinian, the grassroots support for our campaign has been inspiring," Davis said. "In just 30 days, we’ve earned endorsements from over 100 leaders across North Carolina with over 90% of our contributions from in-state donors."

Davis said his campaign for Congress isn’t the first time he’s felt the call to serve.

"As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Presbyterian minister, educator, former Snow Hill mayor and state senator, I have a proven track record of delivering for eastern North Carolina," Davis said. "Our community needs an experienced leader that will fight to expand rural broadband, connect rural communities with the health care we need, and revitalize our economy.”

Davis currently serves in the state Senate and lives in Greene County with his wife Yuvonka and three sons. He is running to replace G.K. Butterfield in the U.S. House representing Nash, Wilson and multiple other counties.

Davis announced endorsements by VoteVets, New Politics and more than 100 state and local leaders across the Second Congressional District and statewide.

The long list of endorsements includes: (Read more)

Edgecombe County Citizens’ Academy

The DCN Online TV – I would love to attend but I have pledged to help some folk on every 2nd Tuesday evening. My word is my bond.

Applications are open for the 2022 Edgecombe County Citizens Academy – SIGN UP TODAY!

To learn more, visit: sites.google.com/view/EdgecombeVoice/Citizens-Academy

Judge rejects plea deal for man who killed Ahmaud Arbery in federal hate crime trial

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — A federal judge rejected a plea agreement Monday that would have averted a hate crimes trial for the man convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery.

Arbery’s parents denounced the proposed deal for Travis McMichael, with mother Wanda Cooper-Jones and father Marcus Arbery emotionally asking the judge to reject agreements filed for McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael.

In rejecting the deal, U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said it would have locked her into specific terms — including 30 years in federal prison — at sentencing. Wood said that in this case it would only be appropriate to consider the family’s wishes at sentencing, which the proposed deal wouldn’t allow.

Travis and his lawyer asked for a 10 minute break to discuss whether he moves ahead with pleading guilty. The judge had yet to rule on his father’s proposed deal.

Marcus Arbery told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Brunswick that he’s “mad as hell” over the deal, which lawyer Lee Merritt said could enable Travis and Greg McMichael to spend the first 30 years of their life sentences in federal prison, rather than state prison where conditions are tougher. (Read more)