Standoff Risks Leaving North Carolina US Court at Half Capacity

A rift between the White House and a North Carolina senator over judicial nominees could spell trouble for a Greensboro federal trial court bracing for the retirement this year of half its active bench.

The two upcoming vacancies on the US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina aren’t likely to be filled soon, due to a disagreement between the White House and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) over a separate appellate court vacancy. Approval is needed from both of North Carolina’s two Republican senators to confirm federal district court judges in the state.

Once down to half capacity, ...