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☀️ In Today’s Edition

1. Gender and the Jury Box
2. Around Our Network
3. What We’re Reading
4. Our Recent Stories

More than 30 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court forbade using gender to remove potential jurors, but North Carolina appellate courts have done little to enforce that.

Michael Hewlett reports today on the case of Bryan Christopher Bell and Antwaun Kyral Sims. Eleven years after they were convicted of first-degree murder, the assistant district attorney actually admitted he’d removed a potential juror because she was a woman.

It’s rare to have such direct evidence of intent. Yet it was still not enough to get the state Supreme Court to overturn the convictions and order new trials. Now lawyers for Bell and Sims believe their best shot is persuading the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit the issue.  

It’s Illegal to Use Gender in Jury Selection. That Hasn’t Stopped it From Happening.

The U.S. Supreme Court has forbidden using gender as a reason to remove potential jurors, but North Carolina appellate courts have done little to enforce that. Now two men convicted of murder hope the high court will act.

Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.

Around Our Network

Fayetteville residents recently learned that hazardous gases detected near a local landfill have exceeded the state’s cancer-risk threshold—and may pose an even more immediate threat of explosion, CityView reports.

Last week’s Due South was an Assembly two-fer, with Chris Cooper discussing his recent analysis of voter registration data and Jim Morrill talking about how Mecklenburg Democrats came to love the sales tax. Hear them both here.

The Cumberland County Association for Indian People has a newly renovated community center and a new, 25-year-old leader who wants to focus on cultural enrichment, community outreach, and intergenerational learning. Read more at Border Belt Independent.

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What We’re Reading

Heckofa Friday News Dump: Facing criminal charges for sex crimes involving a minor, state Rep. Cecil Brockman resigned on Friday night. The House had formed a committee to investigate him that same day, per The N&O.

Vroom to Grow: Mansion Global reports that the Charlotte suburb of Mooresville has become a fast-growing hub for luxury homes, including many Nascar champs. The article includes some tours of the lavish homes.

Vote Note: Tomorrow is an election day! If your municipality is casting ballots, here’s what you need to know from WUNC.

Our Recent Stories

The Most Elite Real Estate in Winston-Salem Is for the Dead

Salem Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s best-known families.

Former Employee Accused Greensboro Candidate April Parker of Sexual Harassment 

Parker did not deny the allegation that she had smacked and grabbed an employee’s buttocks in July 2021.

How SNAP Delays Could Impact NC College Students

Colleges are preparing for increased demand at campus food banks if the shutdown affects November payments.