Blog #18

This article is about The National September 11 Memorial Museum that was dedicated today, and will be opening on May 21 to the general public. The ground zero museum leads people on an unsettling journey through the terror attacks, with forays into their lead up and legacy. There are scenes of horror, including videos of the skyscrapers collapsing and people falling from them. But there are also symbols of heroism, ranging from damaged fire trucks to the wristwatch of one of the airline passengers who confronted the hijackers. The museum and memorial plaza were built for $700 million in donations and tax dollars. Former President George W. Bush issued a statement saying the museum will "help ensure that our nation remembers the lessons of September 11." At the base level, 70 feet below ground, there are such artifacts as a mangled piece of an antenna from atop the trade center and a fire truck cab. Then, galleries plunge visitors into the chaos of September 11: fragments of planes, a set of keys to the trade center, the dust-covered shoes of those who fled the skyscrapers' collapse, emergency radio transmissions and office workers calling loved ones, even a recording of an astronaut solemnly describing the smoke plume from the International Space Station. Sprinkled in are snippets about the 19 hijackers, including photos of them on an inconspicuous panel. This memorial sounds awesome and I hope I will be able to visit it one day.


This article relates to United States Government and Politics because it discusses the building of a national memorial in honor of the terrible attacks on the twin towers on September 11, 2001. It was built from donations and tax dollars.


http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140515/APA/305159911?tc=ar

Blog #17

This article is about women aiding in gangs' crimes. Wilmington Police Department's community relations officer, Linda Rawley, explains that whenever you find a gang, there is normally a group of women working with them. Renting houses for gang-associated friends or ferrying messages back and forth during jail visits were among the examples Rawley gives of the roles women play in gangs. The family structure and social cred that draw young men into gangs are just as appealing to women growing up in the same circumstances. Dominique Olivia Gibbs is an example of one of these such women. She was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling in connection with the January 19 shootout death of 18-year-old Raequan Dupree Rouse. Gibbs, who was 16 at the time of her arrest, was one of four people charged in Rouse's death. Women are now being charged as accomplices in these gang crimes. When gang members are arrested, the police start looking at the females that are affiliated with them. They ask them questions about their nicknames, who their friends and family are, and who their boyfriend is. Investigators also monitor social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

This article relates to United States Government and Politics because it talks about gang violence and the punishments that are being given to gang members and those affiliated with gang members.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140428/ARTICLES/140429644/1037/news?p=1&tc=pg

Blog #16

This article talks about Queen Azalea Kirsten Haglund and her trip to Wilmington. She first stopped at Pine Valley Elementary School, where the kids sang and danced to the song Roar by Katy Perry. She then stopped at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for a visit with patients and parents staying at the Betty H. Cameron Women's and Children's Hospital. 10 year-old Allison Heath got the opportunity to wear Haglund's crown. The nurse said that she hadn't smiled or laughed since she had been in the hospital, and that this would make kids' days for several weeks to come. The queen wrapped up the day by visiting the Brigade Boys and Girls Club. I think that the Azalea Festival is a great way for the community to come together and celebrate. I also think it is great the the Azalea Queen would go visit all these people to help brighten their days.
This relates to Government and Politics because it deals with the media and how they let others know what the azalea queen is doing while she is here in Wilmington.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140410/ARTICLES/140419979/1004/ARTICLES?p=1&tc=pg

Blog #15

This article is about a teen who was found guilty on Monday of first-degree murder in the April 2012 shooting of Keith Gachett in Hallsboro. Marquice Alexander Antone, who is now 18, could spend the rest of his life when sentenced this morning by Superior Court Judge Gregory. Because Antone was 16 at the time of the killing, the judge could opt to sentence him to life in prison with parole possible after 25 years instead of life without parole, according to the Columbus County District Attorney's Office. Antone, along with 2 others, robbed and killed Gachett, 46, on April 13, 2012. I just don't understand why so many people are killing other people, especially a teenager. I am 18 and I could not even imagine spending the rest of my life in prison.
This relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with the court system and dealing with the sentencing for crimes.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140325/ARTICLES/140329800/1037/news?Title=Teen-found-guilty-of-murder-in-2012-shooting-death-&tc=ar

Blog #14

Tomorrow will be the 25th anniversary of Best Foot Forward. It began in 1989 as a way for students to win money for their schools. Dianne Avery, the district's former community relations director, worked with parents, local businesses, and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to fund a mini-grant program. Teachers could receive $500 dollars, for example, to pay for a special class project. But Avery and her team needed a way to decide who would get the money. So Best Foot Forward was born. Back then, schools had to audition to be included in the performance, and the top performers took home the rewards. The format changed in 2005, giving one-third of the elementary schools, one-half of the middle schools, and all the high schools a spot in the show each year. This year, sixteen schools are participating. I think that Best Foot Forward is a great way for students to show their talents to other people. Also, it's a great way to make new friends. I was in Best Foot Forward when I was little and I had so much fun.

This relates to US Government and Politics because it discusses the ways that schools used to get funding by letting students show off their talents.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140313/ARTICLES/140319841/1004/ARTICLES?p=1&tc=pg

Blog #13

This article describes a student from New Hanover that was arrested Monday night during a basketball game. The arrest came after deputies were called at 9:18 about a stolen cell phone. When the deputies approached the student, they could smell an odor of marijuana on him. During a search of the 15 year old, a deputy found heroin. When asked if the boy had anything else on him, he admitted that he also had a .22 caliber handgun. The stolen cell phone was also recovered, but the victim is not pressing charges. The teen was taken to juvenile detention where he was booked on charges of possession of heroin and possession of a weapon on school grounds. I don't know why anyone would have a gun or drugs on them, especially at a school! That is just ridiculous! I think that there needs to be more control on who can have guns because obviously there is not enough control on that.

This article relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with crime and punishment. It talked about this teenager being charged with possession of heroin and a weapon on school grounds and that he was take to juvenile detention.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140225/ARTICLES/140229793/1037/news?Title=New-Hanover-High-student-facing-drug-weapon-charges

Blog #12

This article is about Marshall Doran, who killed two men Thursday night. A truck driver had hit a patch of ice and had spun out of control. Two other cars stopped to help him: Nathaniel Williams and Larry Kepley. Doran hit both men while driving around the right side of the truck, and drove away. Authorities later found him hiding in a wooded area before he emerged and was arrested. The UNCW student was charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle, felony hit-and-run causing death, reckless driving with wanton disregard for others, driving while impaired, possession of a Schedule 2 drug, and resisting arrest. His bail has been set at $500,000. I think it is just ridiculous that two innocent men trying to help out someone in need were murdered. Marshall Doran should not have been driving because he was drunk. And he had drugs in his car!
This relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with the court system. It deals with charging people for their crimes and setting bails.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140214/ARTICLES/140219825/1037/news?p=1&tc=pg

Blog #10

This article is about Wilmington lawyer Michael Lee running as the Republican candidate for the District 9 Senate seat. He will be replacing Senator Thom Goolsby, who announced last week that he will not be seeking reelection later this year. Lee ran against Goolsby in the 2010 GOP primary, but lost. After losing, he threw his support for Thom Goolsby. Former state Rep. Danny McComas and State Rep. Ted Davis are endorsing Michael Lee. I think that it's good that someone local is running for the position, especially if he is being supported by a lot of other members of government.This article relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with people running for the position of Senator. It also deals with people endorsing him.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20140115/ARTICLES/140119796/1004/ARTICLES?p=1&tc=pg#gsc.tab=0

Blog #9

A 29 year old woman was robbed at gunpoint on Monday in the 17th Street Food Lion parking lot. She was sitting outside in her car, counting her money when a man got in the passenger seat and pointed a gun at her. Then he took her cash and fled on foot through the parking lot. The man is described as a white male, between the age of 20 and 30, 6 foot tall, and around 170 pounds. He was wearing a baseball cap and a bandana that covered the lower portion of his face. First of all, the lady should not have been sitting in her car counting money, especially with the doors unlocked! And the man was definitely wrong for getting in her car and taking her money, and with a gun?! This whole situation is just ridiculous and could have been avoided.
This relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with the judicial branch of the government. If the man is caught, he has the right to know what he is being arrested for. He also has the right to a trial in front of his peers. If convicted, he cannot be subject to cruel or unusual punishment.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131217/ARTICLES/131219747/1037/news?Title=Woman-robbed-at-gunpoint-in-Food-Lion-parking-lot

Blog #8

Ronald Bellamy pleaded guilty to killing two brothers in 2010. He was sentenced to a minimum of 200 months and a maximum of 249 months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of second degree murder in 2010. The victims were Lee Otis Vereen and his brother Jerome Williams. According to the district attorney's office, Bellamy and several others planned to rob Vereen of drugs and money, but during the robbery Vereen and Williams were killed. I just don't understand why people have to kill other people, especially for something as stupid as drugs and money. How do you explain to someone's family that their loved one has been murdered in a robbery for drugs and money? It's just ridiculous.

This article relates to United States government and politics because it deals with the judicial system and how they are handling the punishment for these crimes. Several of the others included in this crime have already been arrested and punished.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131204/ARTICLES/131209882/1037/news?Title=Man-pleads-guilty-in-double-murder

Blog #7

Gregglin White was sentenced as a habitual felon and ordered to serve a minimum of 4.8 years to a maximum of 6.8 years in a state prison for selling blue-colored crack cocaine. He pleaded guilty on Monday in Brunswick County Superior Court to felony sale of cocaine. He already has multiple previous felony convictions that include the sale of cocaine. An investigation by the District Attorney's office led to the arrest of White after he sold the crack cocaine to an agent of the sheriff's office on two occasions. This blue crack cocaine is more potent than regular crack cocaine. A search warrant on White's home revealed additional blue crack cocaine, as well as items used to manufacture and weigh it. I think that he should have been under supervision since he already had felonies dealing with the sale of cocaine. He was apparently trying to imitate someone on a tv show, but that is no excuse. He should have known better. Just because it is okay in movies and on tv does not mean it is okay in real life.

This relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with the judicial branch. White had the right to not incriminate himself. He also had the right to a jury trial in front of his peers. He has the right to no cruel and unusual punishment.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131119/ARTICLES/131119648/1037/news?Title=Man-behind-blue-colored

Blog #6

Two men were arrested in an armed robbery at a Hooper Road home. Alton Aireese Williams, Jr., was arrested Thursday, and is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. No bond has been set, and Williams will make his first court appearance Friday. Torrance Lemar Shaw was arrested Monday. He was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He is in Brunswick County jail and the bond is $100,000. Warrants for Williams and Shaw show that the two used handguns to threaten a man and woman before taking $320 from them. I don't think it's right to try and rob someone, especially when you are risking your life to take $320! That is ridiculous.

This story relates to United States Government and Politics because it relays to the way our police systems and court systems work. It deals with the accused having the right to a trial by jury, and a jury trial in front of your peers. Also, there can be no cruel and unusual punishment.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131107/ARTICLES/131109731/1004/ARTICLES?Title=Two-men-arrested-in-armed-robbery&tc=ar

Blog #5

12 year old Jose Reyes is in 7th grade at Sparks Middle School in Nevada. He has been identified as the assailant in the shooting at his school on Monday. He killed a teacher and wounded two other students before turning the gun on himself. The city came under pressure from media organizations to provide the name after police refused, saying they wanted to respect Reyes's family. City officials later acknowledged a report from the Univision affiliate in Reno that disclosed the name and said they would release it publicly to be fair to families and other media outlets. Students at the school have told reporters that they watched a video about bullying earlier this month. the video includes a dramatization of a female bullying victim who brings a gun on the school bus to scare the aggressors.
I think that it was wrong for that 12 year old to go to school and shoot other people, and then shoot himself. Many people do not feel like they have any other choice, but they do. They could talk to someone about their problems and that person could help them overcome the situation. Innocent people did not need to die because of this.
This relates to United States Government and Politics because it talks about how the media covered the story. At first the police refused to give the name of the gunman, but they later did to be fair to families and other media outlets.
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20131024/APA/1310240533?tc=ar

Blog #3

Wilmington Native Running for Congress

State Rep. Rodney Moore is one of several Democrats interested in the 12th District seat. Moore now represents Charlotte in the General Assembly, but said he makes regular visits to his hometown of Wilmington. He plans to hold a fundraiser and community event in the region soon and thank neighbors and others he has known for years. "It's important wherever you go that you remember your base and what shaped you, and Wilmington has shaped me," Moore said. The 12th Congressional District runs from Charlotte to Greensboro, and includes parts of Winston-Salem. Although this district does not include the Cape Fear region, Moore says that Wilmington could benefit by having a friend in Congress. Moore plans to advocate for economic development utilizing the port of Wilmington. He also plans to support consumer finance protections and small-business growth. I think it's great that a native from Wilmington is running for a seat in Congress and that he plans to help out Wilmington, even though it is not a part of his district. I think it is also great that he supports consumer finance protections and that he supports the growth of small businesses.

This article relates the US Government and Politics because it deals with a State Rep. trying to get elected into Congress and what he will do if he gets elected. It also explains what the 12th district is and what cities it includes.

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20130729/ARTICLES/130729598/1134/news102?Title=Wilmington-native-running-for-Congress&tc=ar

Blog #2

Former Hoggard teacher, Michael Supak, pleaded guilty to assault on a female and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He reportedly kissed the victim on the back of the neck in October 2012 after approaching her in the field house at Hoggard, and made sexually suggestive remarks. He even texted her and invited her to his house when his wife and kids were out of town. He has been sentenced to three years of supervised probation with a 120-day suspended sentence. I just think that this whole situation is wrong. This man was the head coach for the junior varsity football team and the girls track team, and was also an honors world history teacher. He has ruined his life, not to mention his career, because he now has a criminal record. He has also ruined his family life because he was trying to cheat on his wife with a teenage girl and his wife will probably leave him and take the kids with her (I know I would). People like this just disgust me and you would think that you could trust the teachers at your kid's schools to respect your children.

This relates to United States Government and Politics because it deals with the judicial system and determining what punishment to give this former teacher for the crimes committed.

http://www.wect.com/story/23418196/former-hoggard-teacher-pleads-guilty-to-assault-contributing-to-delinq-of-minor

Ilario Pantano starts his new job on September 5 with a starting salary of $90,000. In 2004, Pantano was charged with two counts of premeditated murder after he shot two Iraqis. However, the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. I do not believe that Pantano should have been given his new job due to the fact that he shot and killed two innocent people.
This article relates to US Government and Politics because it deals with Ilario Pantano, who is now the director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs. His jury trial and lack of evidence are also relevant to this class.

Ex-GOP Congressional Candidate gets NC Vets Job