Cawthorn Acknowledges Video, Cites Blackmail
(Haywood County, NC) -- Western North Carolina's Congressman says he's not backing down despite a newly leaked video. Madison Cawthorn confirmed on Twitter yesterday that a crass video showing him naked in bed with a friend was authentic, but it was only done as a joke. The Republican has speculated there's a campaign from his own party to blackmail him. More than half-a-dozen other candidates are facing Cawthorn in the District 11 primary.
Cooper Giving Vaccine-Boosted Employees Extra Day Off
(Raleigh, NC) -- Some state employees are getting an extra paid day-off. Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order yesterday that awards eight paid hours to those who receive their first COVID booster shot by the end of August. He said staying up-to-date on shots and getting boosters will help keep communities safe. State health officials also reported yesterday there's been a slight uptick in COVID cases.
Asheville Wants Court To Ignore Appeal Over Monument
(Asheville, NC) -- The city of Asheville is still trying to have a case over its downtown Confederate monument tossed out of court. A Confederate group wants the North Carolina Supreme Court to hear an appeal after lower courts denied its challenge to keep the Vance Monument in place. The city removed everything but the base of the obelisk last summer, but was ordered to stop before completion. Asheville has just asked the Supreme Court to avoid considering the appeal.
Buncombe Commissioners Divide Out More Rescue Plan Funding
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Buncombe County is dividing out more funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Commissioners voted this week to give the Buncombe Partnership for Children's Pre-K expansion plan just over three-million-dollars. Close to one-million is going to a rental assistance redevelopment at the Deaverview complex in Asheville. Over 700-thousand is being awarded to the non-profit Mountain Housing Opportunities.
Two Cabins Destroyed In McDowell County Blaze
(McDowell County, NC) -- A large fire near Lake James in McDowell County is being investigated. WLOS-TV reports firefighters from a dozen departments worked for several hours yesterday when a blaze broke out off Bear Cliff Village Drive. The fire completely destroyed two cabins and caused major damage on two other properties. There were no injuries.
Hiking Trails Closed During Fire Now Open Again
(Haywood County, NC) -- Trails affected by a wildfire along the Blue Ridge Parkway are back open. Firefighters spent several days last week battling a blaze that spread over 370-acres near the Pisgah Inn outside Canton. The Forest Service says closed portions of the Barnett Branch Trail, Buck Springs Trail and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail re-opened yesterday. It's suspected the fire started from an unattended campfire.
Teen Found Dead In Chesterfield County River
(Chesterfield County, SC) -- A child's drowning is being investigated in Chesterfield County. A 13-year-old girl was reportedly swept away by the current while swimming with another teen in the Pee Dee River yesterday. It took around half-an-hour for a dive team to find the victim. The other teenager made it safely out of the river.
Tepper Sports CEO Resigns
(Charlotte, NC) -- Tepper Sports and Entertainment is looking for a new CEO. The Panthers revealed yesterday that current executive Nick Kelly is stepping down. He's only been in the position since February after serving in the president's role for Charlotte FC in December 2020. Panthers and Charlotte FC owner David Tepper said Kelly has been a key contributor to the organization.
Suspect Arrested For Salisbury Murder
(Salisbury, NC) -- A suspect in a Salisbury murder nearly six-weeks ago is behind bars. A 39-year-old woman was shot to death at a home on Ludwick Avenue March 26th. The suspect was found in Mecklenburg County earlier this week. His charges include first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Catawba County Man Appealing Capitol Riot Sentencing
(Catawba County, NC) -- A Catawba County man is fighting against his sentence connected to the U.S. Capitol riot. James Little was sentenced to two-months in prison and three-years of probation in March after he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. The probation period also includes a reported ban on texting and from social media. WBTV reports Little has appealed the sentence before he is required to report.
Union County Schools Expanding Mental Health Services
(Union County, NC) -- Mental health treatment is being expanded to high schoolers in the Union County system. NBC Charlotte reports the school board has given the go-ahead on a plan with Atrium Health to offer virtual sessions with a therapist. Five high schools may be the first to test out the new program during summer classes.
CMS Gives Out More Bikes
(Charlotte, NC) -- CMS is continuing in efforts to get kids active using bikes. The school district gifted a dozen strider bikes yesterday at the Oakhurst STEAM Academy, where kindergarteners will have the opportunity to learn how to ride. It's part of the All Kids Bike program, which has assisted around 30 system schools.
Two People Wounded In Stabbing Incident In Cary; Suspect Still On The Run
(Cary, NC) -- An area wide search is underway for a suspect wanted in connection with the stabbing of two people in Cary Wednesday night. It happened around 8 p.m. along the 3800-block of Cary Parkway near the intersection of High House Road. Officers arrived to find one victim with serious stab wounds, the other person's injuries were not considered to be life-threatening. Witnesses say the male suspect fled the scene on foot to an area near neighborhoods, schools and shopping centers. Police did not release a description.
Carrboro Police Searching For Man Who Attacked And Sexually Assaulted Woman Jogger
(Carrboro, NC) -- Authorities in Carrboro are looking for a suspect who allegedly attacked and sexually assaulted a female jogger. The incident occurred just after midnight Wednesday morning along the 600-block of Jones Ferry Road near the Willow Creek Shopping Center. The woman told police that while she was jogging, the adult male grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground. Neighbors who heard her scream called 911 and the suspect ran away. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries. A description of the suspect has not yet been released.
Health Department Reports COVID Hospitalizations On The Rise Again In North Carolina
(Raleigh, NC) -- Weekly figures released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services show the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 on a steady increase. The report, released Wednesday, said there were 373-more patients admitted over the past week, and increase of 119-within a seven day period. The Key Metrics also showed an increase in COVID visits to the emergency room for the first time in the past seven weeks.
North Carolina Member Of The Oath Keepers Pleads Guilty To Taking Park In Attack On U.S. Capitol
(Sampson County, NC) -- A member of the North Carolina Oath Keepers militia group has pleaded guilty to federal charges for his part in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. William Todd Wilson of Newton Grove entered the plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court in D.C. The guilty plea came on charges of seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding. Wilson now faces up to 20-years in prison for each conviction.
Hurricanes Go Up 2-0 In Seven Game Playoff Series Against The Bruins
(Raleigh, NC) -- The Carolina Hurricanes went up two games to none last night, with a five-two victory over the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoff series at PNC Arena. This, despite the loss of goalie Antti Raanta, who went down with an injury to the face early in the first period. Backup rookie goalie Pyotr Kochetkov stepped right in and had 30-saves. The Canes meet the Bruins again for Game Three in Boston tomorrow night.