This week, the big news from Washington is also big news here in North Carolina. Approximately 50 people from North Carolina were among those pardoned by President Trump for their involvement in the Jan 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Also, an update on the North Carolina Supreme Court race, which still has not been certified. And, remembering a longtime member of the General Assembly who passed away this week. A panel of reporters joins WUNC's Colin Campbell for context and analysis of the week's news.

Then, presidents aren’t the only ones who can issue pardons and commutations. Michael Hewlett, Criminal Justice Reporter at The Assembly, talks with Due South’s Leoneda Inge about the 15 death sentence commutations issued by former Governor Roy Cooper on his last day in office. Hewlett also tells the story of one man whose clemency request was again denied, after more than 40 years in prison.