“I will be unable to attend President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, as I am continuing to care for my wife as she recovers from her recent back surgery. If this were not the case, I would have chosen to be there for it,”
All in Politics
The inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America
On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States as the oldest man to take the oath of office. His running mate, Kamala Harris will become the first female Vice President of the United States, as well as the first female of color to assume the role.
Rep. Chris Humphrey to chair House Insurance Committee
North Carolina Representative Chris Humphrey has been selected to chair the House Insurance Committee. House Insurance reviews legislation that impacts the markets that provide a very unique type of financial service product that consumers may need to have.
Governor Cooper sworn in for second term
On Saturday, Governor Roy Cooper was sworn in for his second term as North Carolina’s Governor. Members of North Carolina’s Council of State also took the oath of office. The theme of the Inaugural ceremony was North Carolina: Strong, Resilient, Ready, and due to the ongoing pandemic, the ceremony was altered to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
John Hood: Trashed Capitol should revolt us all
Led into the building and encouraged by a cadre of alt-right provocateurs, the mob also produced priceless propaganda for the enemies of our country. “The celebration of democracy is over,” one Russian official wrote. “America no longer forges that path, and consequently has lost its right to define it. Much less force it on others.” A state-run Chinese newspaper headlined its coverage this way: “An iconic humiliation! The madness of the Capitol has dragged the U.S.’s standing into its Waterloo!”
Governor Cooper Extends Modified Stay At Home Order Amid Rising Case Counts
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen shared an update today on North Carolina’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the vaccination effort currently underway.
Sen. Jim Perry to Co-chair Appropriations on Health and Human Services
Senator Jim Perry, Majority Whip of the NC Senate (R - Wayne, Lenoir) has been appointed to the following committees, for the 2021-2022 biennium by Senator Phil Berger:
Murphy objecting to Electoral College certification
Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) will object to certain Electoral College votes on Wednesday during the Joint Session of Congress certifying the presidential election results. Murphy released the following statement:
Kinston City Council Meeting on Tuesday
The Kinston City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at their regular meeting time of 5:30 pm. The City Council meets on the first Monday of each month (except holidays). Click here to download Tuesday’s agenda.
Lenoir County Board of Commissioners Meeting on Monday
The County Commissioners will meet on Monday, January 4, 2021, at the Cooperative Extension in Kinston. Please click here to access a copy of Monday’s Agenda.
Influential Sen. Harry Brown issues final statement
Today is my last day of being the senator for Jones and Onslow Counties. It has been a humbling sixteen years of serving the people of these two great counties. As I think back and start thinking of all the good things that have happened in my district and the state in those years I honestly feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Governor extends North Carolina evictions moratorium
Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 184, extending North Carolina’s evictions moratorium through January 31, 2021. Research shows that eviction moratoriums help prevent the spread of COVID-19. States that let their eviction moratoriums lapse saw a COVID-19 incidence rate that was 1.6 times higher than states that kept a moratorium in place.
$600 one-time payments as part of a second stimulus payout
A second stimulus check was approved on Sunday as part of a $900 billion dollar bill. The $600 one-time payment will be sent to those eligible based on their 2019 reported income. The amount of the one-time payment depends on the income of the household. President Trump disagreed with the amount of the one-time payment, and instead recommended the amount of $2000 as a direct payment to eligible individuals. On Monday, the House of Representatives passed a measure to increase the stimulus checks to $2000. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader McConnell blocked a bid to unanimously pass the $2000 stimulus check without a vote, and then also blocked allowing a vote to be brought to the floor on Wednesday though he did say the $2000 stimulus check was his focus.
ICYMI: Executive Order Allows for To-Go or Delivery Sales for Mixed Beverages
RALEIGH: Earlier this month Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina ABC Commission to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption. This Order is effective December 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm through January 31, 2021.
Executive Order Allows for To-Go or Delivery Sales for Mixed Beverages
RALEIGH: Today Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order authorizing the North Carolina ABC Commission to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption. This Order is effective December 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm through January 31, 2021.
Governor Cooper urges cities and counties to levy covid-19 penalties
On Friday, Governor Roy Cooper, Secretary Mandy K. Cohen and Secretary Erik Hooks wrote a letter to local elected officials imploring them to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities by considering additional enforcement measures.
Governor Cooper: Help is on the way. But first we have to dig deep
When I announced North Carolina had its first known COVID case on March 3rd, most of us didn’t expect to be living like this in December. Instead of preparing for beloved holiday traditions, we’re making virtual gathering plans and mourning the loss of more than 290,000 Americans from COVID-19.
State and local leaders are not in agreement with Governor Cooper’s latest mandate
Governor Roy Cooper announced a modified Stay-At-Home order as of 5:00 pm on Friday to slow the spread of COVID-19. US Congressman Dr. Greg Murphy, NC Senator Jim Perry and NC Representative Chris Humphrey all react to Governor Cooper’s curfew. The order requires businesses to remain closed from 10:00 pm until 5:00 am. and shortens the timeframe on-site alcohol can be sold to 9:00 pm, from the previous order of 11:00 pm.
Additional vacation days for county employees passes unanimously, Chad Rouse sworn in
The County Commissioners met Monday morning and elected Linda Rouse Sutton as the Chair, and Eric Rouse as the Vice-Chairman. After swearing-in for new terms, including new Commissioner Chad Rouse, the board voted on the additional three days of vacation for county employees.
County cites "burnout" in request for three additional vacation days
In the upcoming Lenoir County Commissioners meeting on Monday, there is a resolution to approve three additional days of vacation for county employees in 2021. The proposal in the agenda cites employee burnout as a real prospect in which they hope to avoid by approval of the resolution. The average daily payroll for county employees is $66,612.24. In 2020 the Board of Commissioners currently provides 14 paid holidays for county employees.