An alleged cash-for-votes scheme tied to upcoming city council races in Wilmington, North Carolina has been referred to the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) for further investigation.The scandal emerged when a voter in New Hanover County revealed that they had received text messages offering cash payments in exchange for voting for three Democratic Party city council candidates. According to redacted text messages, the voter was promised $100 for each ballot cast.
In one of the messages, the sender said they were following up on a conversation had during last month’s “No Kings” protests and reminder the recipient of upcoming municipal elections in New Hanover County. After listing the Democratic Party candidates and urging the recipient to vote, the sender stated that “each candidate will pay you 100 dollars for your vote.”
The same prompt appears to have been sent multiple times, according to messages shared by state Republican officials
The North Carolina Republican Party confirmed that they had reviewed unreacted messages it had received before forwarding them to the State Board of Elections for further investigation. North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Jason Simmons stated that a thorough investigation is vital to ensuring election integrity.
“This is troubling. An allegation of paying a voter and attempting to buy votes in an election is an affront to our shared values,” Simmons said in a press release. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to the integrity of honest elections and will continue to work diligently to keep North Carolina elections fair, free, honest, and transparent.”
John Hinnant, chairman of the New Hanover County Republican Party, urged voters to remain vigilant while speaking with the Carolina Journal.
“We take these allegations very seriously. The voter who received this message did the right thing and reported it to the election integrity hotline,” he said. “For voters, if you see something, say something and remember, it is a violation of law to take a photograph inside the polling place.”Jill Hopman, chairwoman of the New Hanover County Democratic Party, said the messages are not connected to any local Democratic candidates or the party before claiming the story is a hoax.“The New Hanover Democratic Party is fully committed to free, fair, and secure elections and believes anyone trying to purchase votes should be prosecuted. That said, let’s be clear about the facts here,” Hopman said in a statement. “One well-known local MAGA activist received a text message from an anonymous untraceable number not affiliated with any candidate or party, with nothing to suggest it’s indicative of a widespread scheme. Unfortunately, instead of waiting for the NC Board of Elections to investigate this farce, the NCGOP is trying to turn this into a sensationalized circus.”
State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a social media post that his office has been made aware of the allegations.
“Our office will provide any additional resources or assistance needed to thoroughly investigate this matter. We will hold any bad actors accountable and give voters confidence in our elections,” Boliek posted on X.
A federal appeals court on Friday turned away an attempt by President Donald Trump to have a lower court’s ruling in his $5 million sexual abuse case involving former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll overturned.
The decision, first reported on the X platform by Politico’s Kyle Cheney, stemmed from a divided Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in which all 11 judges were involved en banc
The ruling left intact a three-judge decision on Dec. 30 to enforce the jury award.
Carroll, now 81, alleged that Trump assaulted her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan around 1996, and later defamed her in an October 2022 Truth Social post by calling her accusation a hoax.
In May 2023, a jury found that Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll and defamed her by making false statements. However, the jury did not conclude that Trump had raped her, as she originally claimed.
In requesting reconsideration, Trump argued that the trial judge made a mistake by allowing jurors to view the 2005 Access Hollywood video, in which he boasted about his sexual behavior, along with what he described as a “pile-on” of prejudicial evidence involving allegations from two other women.
“Two of the Trump appointees, Judges Steven Menashi and Michael Park, on the bench dissent from the en banc decision, saying the judge shouldn’t have admitted ‘propensity’ evidence like the Access Hollywood tape,” Cheney reported on X.
One accuser, businesswoman Jessica Leeds, claimed Trump groped her on a plane in the late 1970s. The other, former People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff, alleged he forcibly kissed her at his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2005. Trump has denied both allegations.
Trump, who turns 79 on Saturday, is also appealing an $83.3 million jury verdict issued in January 2024, which found he defamed Carroll and harmed her reputation in June 2019 when he first denied her allegation about the incident at Bergdorf Goodman.
In that appeal, Trump contends that the U.S. Supreme Court’s July decision granting him broad criminal immunity also shields him from civil liability in Carroll’s case.
In his 2019 and 2022 statements denying Carroll’s accusations, Trump claimed she was “not my type” and alleged she fabricated the story to promote her memoir.
Trump could also face a third lawsuit from Carroll over a post he made to his Truth Social account during the Memorial Day observance a year ago.
“Happy Memorial Day to All, including the Human Scum that is working so hard to destroy our Once Great Country, & to the Radical Left, Trump Hating Federal Judge in New York that presided over, get this, TWO separate trials, that awarded a woman, who I never met before (a quick handshake at a celebrity event, 25 years ago, doesn’t count!), 91 MILLION DOLLARS for ‘DEFAMATION,’” Trump wrote.
“She didn’t know when the so-called event took place – sometime in the 1990’s – never filed a police report, didn’t have to produce the ‘dress’ that she threatened me with (it showed negative!), & sung my praises in the first half of her CNN Interview with Alison Cooper, but changed her tune in the second half – Gee, I wonder why (UNDER APPEAL!)? The Rape charge was dropped by a jury! Or Arthur Engoron, the N.Y. State Wacko Judge who fined me almost 500 Million Dollars (UNDER APPEAL) for DOING NOTHING WRONG, used a Statute that has never been used before, gave me NO JURY, Mar-a-Lago at $18,000,000 – Now for Merchan!” he added.
Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, confirmed to Newsweek that her client was considering yet another lawsuit.
“We have said several times since the last jury verdict in January that all options were on the table. And that remains true today. All options are on the table,” Kaplan said in a statement at the time.
The passing of Lou Dobbs, the veteran television journalist and longtime political commentator, has prompted heartfelt tributes across the political and media landscape. The news of his death at age 78 was confirmed by his family on July 18, 2024, sparking remembrance of a career that helped shape American cable news.
Lou Dobbs leaves behind a powerful legacy—one that spanned decades of broadcasting, both on CNN and Fox Business. His influence on political discourse, particularly on economic and immigration issues, was significant. Known for his direct delivery and unapologetically conservative viewpoints in later years, Dobbs maintained a large and loyal audience through times of change in the media world.
Lou Dobbs’ Early Career and Rise in Broadcast Journalism
Louis Carl Dobbs was born on September 24, 1945, in Childress County, Texas. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in economics in 1967, he pursued various roles in public policy and finance before turning to journalism.He began his broadcasting career at KBLU radio in Yuma, Arizona. In the mid-1970s, Dobbs transitioned to television, becoming a reporter and anchor for KING-TV in Seattle. This move was instrumental in positioning him for national recognition.
When CNN was founded in 1980, Dobbs was among its first anchors. He was tasked with creating a business-focused news program, and the result was Moneyline. Over time, the show evolved into Lou Dobbs Tonight, which became one of the network’s staple programs. His reporting earned him accolades for making economic news accessible to everyday Americans.
Career Highlights and National Recognition
During his time at CNN, Dobbs received several journalism awards. Notably, he earned a George Foster Peabody Award for his coverage of the 1987 stock market crash and an Emmy Award for lifetime achievement in financial journalism. His style of blending complex economic issues with direct, relatable commentary helped establish him as a prominent name in financial reporting.
Dobbs was often praised for his ability to analyze markets and policy developments with clarity and authority. The Wall Street Journal once referred to him as “TV’s premier business news anchor.”
Transition to Fox Business Network
In 2009, Dobbs left CNN amid controversy surrounding his coverage of immigration policy and his opinions on national politics. His departure followed criticism over editorial independence and political leanings, particularly as he began to advocate more openly for tougher immigration laws.
In 2010, Dobbs joined Fox Business Network, where he relaunched Lou Dobbs Tonight. The show quickly gained traction and became one of the network’s highest-rated programs. His interviews with political leaders, including then-candidate Donald Trump, resonated with a growing segment of conservative viewers.
Dobbs became known for his unapologetic support of the Trump administration and his vocal stance on issues like trade, border security, and election integrity. His views attracted both strong support and fierce criticism, reflecting the broader divide in American media and politics.
Show Cancellation and Legal Implications
In February 2021, Lou Dobbs Tonight was abruptly canceled by Fox Business. The move came one day after Smartmatic, an election technology company, filed a defamation lawsuit against the network. Dobbs, along with other Fox personalities, was named in the lawsuit, which alleged the spread of misinformation about the 2020 election results.
While Fox did not publicly link the show’s cancellation to the lawsuit, the timing raised questions in the media. Dobbs did not return to mainstream television after the show ended but continued to share his views via podcasting and other digital platforms, including The Great America Show on Lindell TV.
A Personal Note from Donald Trump
Following Dobbs’ passing, former President Donald Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social. He described Dobbs as “an incredible talent” and praised his dedication to journalism and love for the United States. Trump also referred to Dobbs as “a great friend” and someone who “loved our nation.”
This message echoed the sentiments of many in conservative circles who viewed Dobbs as a champion of their values during a period of major political change. Trump’s public message served as a reminder of Dobbs’ influence and his close alignment with populist themes in recent American politics.
Family and Private Life
Lou Dobbs is survived by his wife, Debi Segura, a former CNN sports anchor. The couple married in 1982 and had four children together. Dobbs also had two children from a previous marriage. The family released a brief statement announcing his passing but requested privacy as they grieve.Outside of his public persona, Dobbs was known to be a private and family-oriented individual. He often spoke about his upbringing and the importance of perseverance, values he credited to his working-class roots in Texas and Idaho.
Legacy and Impact
Dobbs’ passing marks the end of a media career that spanned more than four decades. While his later years were characterized by political commentary and polarization, his early work in economic journalism remains influential.
He helped shape CNN’s initial identity, and his programs contributed to the public’s understanding of economic trends, government policy, and financial markets. His journalistic style, characterized by strong convictions and plain language, continues to influence both television and digital media commentary.
Dobbs’ critics have pointed to his role in spreading politically charged narratives, particularly during the 2020 election. However, supporters highlight his advocacy for American workers, his skepticism of globalization, and his call for transparency in governance.
Conclusion
Lou Dobbs was a significant figure in the development of American cable news. From his role in the founding of CNN to his peak influence at Fox Business Network, his career mirrored the evolution of the news media itself. Whether as a journalist, commentator, or host, he remained a recognizable voice in American households for decades.
His legacy is one of both journalistic accomplishment and deep political engagement. He leaves behind a family, a devoted audience, and a lasting impact on the world of media and politics
This is not just the story of one family. It is a reminder of how fragile life can be, how quickly ordinary days can change, and how important community support, mental health resources, and protective services are in preventing tragedies.
The man returned home on what should have been an uneventful day. Like many parents, he was expecting to embrace his children, enjoy their laughter, and unwind from daily responsibilities. Instead, he discovered them in a dangerous and distressing situation that no mother or father should ever have to face.
Authorities confirm that the children were immediately removed from harm and given urgent medical evaluations. Thankfully, they survived. Yet survival is only part of the story — emotional scars often outlast physical wounds. For the father, the sight of his children in danger shattered the sense of security he had built for his family. Witnesses described his heartbreak in raw terms, saying his cries for help echoed through the neighborhood.
News of the incident spread quickly. Neighbors gathered outside the home, shaken by the father’s anguish. One witness later said, “His screams were something I’ll never forget. You could hear the pain in his voice from down the street.”
Communities often see themselves as safe havens, places where families can raise children free from fear. When such a disturbing situation occurs, it disrupts not only the lives of those directly involved but also the shared sense of safety among neighbors. People who lived nearby expressed disbelief, struggling to comprehend how such a crisis could happen in their quiet surroundings.
Police and emergency responders acted quickly. The children were placed under protective care, and officials began investigating the circumstances. Early reports suggest the crisis may have been connected to ongoing domestic struggles within the household. A female suspect was taken into custody and is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation.
Charges including child endangerment and attempted harm have been filed, but the legal process will take time. In the meantime, authorities are ensuring that the children remain safe, supported, and away from any further risk.
This case highlights a painful but necessary truth: untreated mental health challenges can sometimes spiral into dangerous behavior. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have emphasized the role that mental health may have played in the situation.
Mental health professionals stress that crises like these rarely happen without warning signs. Family stress, unresolved trauma, and lack of access to counseling or treatment can all contribute to tragic outcomes. Experts believe that if communities offered more resources — such as accessible therapy, crisis hotlines, and family support centers — some situations could be prevented before reaching a breaking point.
The most important fact is that the children survived. Physically, they are expected to recover. Emotionally, however, the journey will be much longer. Specialists in child trauma explain that children who endure shocking events may carry invisible wounds for years.
Protective care teams, therapists, and foster programs exist to provide safety and healing. The children will likely receive long-term counseling to process what they experienced and to rebuild a sense of trust and stability. Every effort is being made to ensure they can still look forward to bright futures despite the ordeal.
Once news of the case reached social media, outrage spread quickly. Thousands of people voiced anger and heartbreak, demanding stronger protections for children and harsher consequences for those who harm them.
Community leaders also spoke out, noting that while punishment is necessary, prevention should be the greater priority. They called for increased investment in family services, mental health care, and educational programs that teach conflict resolution and emotional resilience.
The female suspect remains under evaluation and faces multiple charges. In the justice system, such charges are treated with the utmost seriousness, especially when children are involved. Legal experts explain that beyond punishment, cases like this often involve lengthy hearings, assessments of parental rights, and decisions about guardianship or custody.
While the courts will determine the suspect’s fate, one truth is clear: protecting the children and ensuring they never face such danger again is the top priority.
This tragedy has raised pressing questions: How can families recognize early signs of trouble? How can communities respond more effectively when someone shows signs of mental distress?
Experts offer several recommendations:
Open communication within families can help detect problems before they escalate.
Community awareness programs can teach people to recognize when a neighbor or loved one may need help.
Accessible mental health care ensures that those struggling don’t feel alone or abandoned.
Emergency hotlines and crisis centers provide immediate intervention when danger is imminent.
By learning from such incidents, families can strengthen their bonds, and communities can improve their support networks.
For the father, life has been permanently changed. He walked into his home expecting to share laughter and warmth with his children but instead found himself in the midst of the unthinkable. Family members say his grief is overwhelming, yet his love for his children gives him strength to move forward.
Healing from such trauma will take years. Therapists often note that parents in these situations face feelings of guilt, even when they did nothing wrong. With counseling, community support, and time, many eventually find a way to rebuild their lives while focusing on the well-being of their children.
What happened in this household may be unique in its details, but sadly, child endangerment is a widespread issue. Across the world, countless children face risks that could be prevented if stronger systems were in place.
Organizations dedicated to child welfare emphasize the importance of early intervention. Teachers, doctors, neighbors, and relatives all play roles in recognizing warning signs. When communities remain vigilant, many crises can be averted.
Community leaders and mental health advocates are united in one demand: better resources for families under stress. Too often, people suffering from depression, anxiety, or untreated trauma are left without affordable or accessible care. When support is lacking, the consequences can be devastating.
Investing in mental health services is not just about helping individuals — it protects families, strengthens communities, and saves lives.
Though the story is heartbreaking, it carries an important reminder: children are resilient. With proper care, love, and community support, they can overcome even the darkest of moments. For parents, the message is equally clear — cherish your children, protect them fiercely, and never hesitate to seek help when life feels overwhelming.
An ordinary evening turned into a nightmare for one father and his children, but their survival gives hope for the future. The incident has awakened an entire community — and indeed, many people across the country — to the urgent need for stronger child protection measures and accessible mental health care.
No parent should ever have to face what this father did. No child should ever endure such danger. While the legal system moves forward and the family begins a long journey of healing, society must take this tragedy as a call to action. By prioritizing prevention, offering support, and standing united in the mission to protect children, we can ensure that such crises become far less common.
In the end, the story is not only about heartbreak but also about survival, resilience, and the hope that tomorrow can bring brighter, safer days for all children.