North Carolina was the only state where it wasn't considered a crime to continue to have sex with someone after they revoked their consent. The loophole was a result of a 1979 court decision. In State v. Way, the North Carolina Supreme Court determined if "the actual penetration is accomplished with the woman's consent, the accused is not guilty of rape, although he may be guilty of another crime because of his subsequent actions." As a result, many sexual assault victims felt that they couldn't report their experiences, and if they did, they'd find out the system was rigged against them.
Now, North Carolina is entering the 21st century when it comes to sexual assault. The North Carolina legislature unanimously voted to modernize their consent laws. "This is the most common sense piece of legislation we'll ever pass," state Senator Jeff Jackson told NBC News. "Every year victims would call us, share their stories and ask why this loophole still existed." Sen. Jackson also called the law, "a big win for basic decency." After 40 years, no will finally mean no.
Sen. Jackson cited hearing stories from sexual assault survivors as his motivation for pushing the issue.
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Sen. Jackson had been working to close the loophole since 2015, proposing legislation each year. In March, Senate Bill 199 was introduced to protect children from sexual abuse, but lawmakers worked together to expand the bill, combining the best aspects of four different sexual assault bills. "There were multiple bills moving in the Senate on sexual assault, child abuse, better protecting survivors, and other topics that are a major part of our public discourse," state Representative Chaz Beasley told Forbes.
The legislation received bipartisan support and passed unanimously. "We were able to get such a huge bill done, and do it in a way that really avoided some of the partisan pitfalls that can happen on issues like this," Rep. Beasley told Forbes. This is what happens when we work together.
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In 2008, a court ruling created another loophole that made it legal to have sex with someone who was incapacitated if it was caused by their own actions, like drinking or doing drugs. North Carolina's new law changes that. The law also bans attempts to drug someone's food or drink (even if no sexual assault takes place), increases the statute of limitations for child sexual assault victims to sue, bans online conduct by high-risk sex offenders, and expands the duty of those over 18 to report knowledge of sex crimes against minors.
This is great news across many fronts. Consent laws now reflect common sense. Sexual assault victims no longer have to feel like the system is rigged against them, and legislators are no longer stubbornly upholding a rigged system with vague excuses like, "boys will be boys."
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.