NC Senator Says Trump Bears Responsibility For DC Violence
(Washington, DC) -- A North Carolina senator has strong words for President Trump over yesterday's violent riots at the nation's Capitol. Republican Richard Burr said Wednesday night that Trump bears responsibility for the events. He also criticized the president for fueling the fires by spreading what he called unfounded conspiracy theories.
Governor Extends Curfew Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
(Raleigh, NC) -- The curfew is being extended due to COVID-19 trends in North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper announced yesterday the 10 p.m. curfew will now last through January 29th. The state's top health official, Dr, Mandy Cohen, is urging people to stay at home with the exception of essential activities. The total of deaths due to COVID-19 in North Carolina rose over seven-thousand on Wednesday.
Snow Hits Mountains Tonight
(Asheville, NC) -- Snow is moving into the mountains. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for western North Carolina beginning tonight. Most of the region could see anywhere between two to six inches of snow, which is expected to start falling overnight. The Department of Transportation is sending out crews to prepare roadways.
Buncombe County Starts Next Vaccine Phase Monday
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Buncombe County is rolling out a few details about another phase of COVID-19 vaccinations. Health officials said yesterday those residents 75-years-and-older will be able to receive a vaccine beginning Monday. A-B Technical College is expected to serve as a large distribution site. More information about registration for appointments is coming out soon.
Asheville Men Arrested Near Capitol Before Riots
(Asheville, NC) -- Two Asheville men who visited Washington D.C. yesterday are facing charges. One man was charged for illegally carrying a gun near the U.S. Capitol. WLOS-TV reports he also possessed more than 300 rounds of ammunition. Another Asheville resident was cited for not having a permit to drive a bus. Both arrests happened before things turned violent at the Capitol building.
Buncombe Offering Financial Help To County Residents
(Asheville, NC) -- Financial help is coming to Buncombe County residents who are struggling to pay bills. The Citizen-Times says the county is receiving a 900-thousand-dollar community development block grant that was applied for in October. Qualified residents will be eligible to receive funds to help pay for rent, mortgages and utility bills. Those who live in Asheville aren't eligible, since the city has its own aid.
Charlotte Politicians React To Capitol Violence
(Washington, DC) -- Charlotte-area politicians are reacting to a horrifying day at the U.S. Capitol. Pro-Trump supporters stormed the building, where one woman was shot and killed. Congresswoman Alma Adams called it a sad day and said the people's house should be respected. Congressmen Ted Budd and Dan Bishop both said violence is unacceptable.
Curfew Extended By Governor
(Raleigh, NC) -- The curfew is being extended due to COVID-19 trends in North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper announced yesterday the 10 p.m. curfew will now last through January 29th. The state's top health official, Dr, Mandy Cohen, is urging people to stay at home with the exception of essential activities. The total of deaths due to COVID-19 in North Carolina rose over seven-thousand on Wednesday.
Vaccinations Underway For Older Charlotte Residents
(Charlotte, NC) -- COVID-19 vaccinations are underway for residents aged 75-and-older in Charlotte. More than five-thousand appointments through Mecklenburg County's Health Department have already been completely booked for this month. Novant and Atrium Health are also offering vaccines for the age group. Cabarrus County health officials had to cut off vaccinations early yesterday after reaching maximum capacity.
Salisbury Police Investigating Homicide
(Salisbury, NC) -- Salisbury police are investigating a Wednesday night homicide. Officers found a woman dead at the Brenner Crossing Apartments on Standish Street. While the cause of death hasn't been released, investigators say the circumstances were suspicious. No arrests have been announced.
Rock Hill Police Officer Dies From Cancer
(Rock Hill, SC) -- Rock Hill Police are mourning the loss of a fellow officer. Trevor Arrowood passed away from cancer at the age of 25 on Tuesday. He began serving the department in 2017. The police department said Arrowood got into law enforcement to follow in the footsteps of his father, who is police chief in Tryon.
Reward Offered In York County Home Invasion
(York County, SC) -- A large reward is being offered for information in an attack on a York County elderly couple. Investigators say a husband and wife were tied up and beaten by three suspects during a robbery at their home in Hickory Grove Christmas night. The suspects fled in the couple's SUV, but left it abandoned. The FBI is offering up to ten-thousand-dollars in the case.
COVID-19 Numbers Soaring Out Of Control In North Carolina
(Raleigh, NC) -- COVID-19 key metrics in North Carolina reached another record high Wednesday. The Department of Health and Human Services reported there were three-thousand-893 in the hospital, an increase of 112 over the day before. The state's test positive rate also spiked to a record 17-point-eight-percent. Yesterday also marked the first day that the number of COVID-related deaths topped seven-thousand, with an additional seven-thousand-76-reported.
Unemployment Benefit Payments Have Restarted In North Carolina
(Raleigh, NC) -- Unemployment benefits payments have started to go out to North Carolinians again. According to the State Division of Employment Security, claimants began receiving an additional 300-dollars a week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation during the week that ended January 2nd. The additional payments will last another 11-weeks.
Wintry Mix Of Snow And Ice Expected In Triangle
(Raleigh, NC) -- Parts of the Triangle are expected to get a wintry mix of snow and ice beginning tonight and into tomorrow morning. According to the European model, Raleigh and surrounding areas have about a 56-percent chance of about an inch of snow by Saturday morning. A winter weather advisory is expected to be issued for the Triangle later today.
Swim Club Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child
(High Point, NC) -- A swim club coach is accused of sexually assaulting a child over the course of several years. Twenty-seven-year-old Aaron Key was arrested Tuesday on 12 counts of statutory sex offense and six counts of indecent liberties with a child. He is being held in the High Point Jail on a 250-thousand-dollar bond.
One Death, Two-Dozen COVID-19 Cases At Assisted Living Facility
(Greensboro, NC) -- The state Department of Health and Human Services is reporting one death and about two-dozen new coronavirus cases at an assisted living facility in Greensboro. That brings the total amount of cases at St. Gales Estates on Lees Chapel Road to 31, including residents and staff. The administrator at St. Gales has not commented.
Guilford College Won't Make Cuts To Academic Majors
(Greensboro, NC) -- Guilford College will not make significant cuts to academic majors and faculty jobs after all. Trustees voted this week to nix a proposal to phase out nearly half of its 40 academic majors after overwhelming response from alumni and supporters. Instead, the college will try to raise money to help make up for declining enrollment. Trustees hope to raise six-million dollars over the next year.