Governor Tightens Face Mask Guideline
(Raleigh, NC) -- Face mask regulations are tightening around the state as counties grapple with rising COVID-19 cases. Governor Roy Cooper announced guidelines yesterday which require the wearing of face masks in any setting with non-household members. They're also required in private schools for the first time. The number of red zone counties in the state's new alert system doubled to 20 over the last week.
Hospitalizations Hit Record Again For COVID
(Raleigh, NC) -- COVID-19 numbers are not looking any better in North Carolina. Public health officials are now reporting a record 16-hundred hospitalization connected to the virus. There have been over five-thousand deaths due to COVID-19 in North Carolina as of Monday's report.
Suspects In Disappearance Arrested
(Rutherford County, NC) -- Two suspects wanted in the disappearance of a Rutherford County man are in custody. The sheriff's office says the pair was arrested in Georgia yesterday, but it was for unrelated charges. They were also wanted in connection with the disappearance of Darly Price, who hasn't been seen since he was in the Ellenboro area on Friday. There's still no word on his whereabouts.
Suspect Sought In Asheville Stabbing
(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville police are looking for a stabbing suspect. Investigators say a man was stabbed in the back while trying to board a bus at the Asheville Rides Transit station on Coxe Avenue last Friday. Luckily, the injuries were not considered to be life-threatening. The suspect ran away on foot, but hasn't been caught.
Asheville Seeks Input On Noise Ordinance
(Asheville, NC) -- The city of Asheville is looking for the public's input on changes to the noise ordinance. A proposal is now in place to restrict construction hours and require music venue permits. Escalating fines are also on the table. The proposal can be viewed on the government's website, and input is being taken through December 4th.
Business Center To Open In Mills River
(Mills River, NC) -- A new business center is coming to Mills River. The Hendersonville Times-News is reporting a 175-thousand-square-foot project is planned to be completed on School House Road in around a year. Distribution centers for Amazon and Lowe's are located nearby. It's unclear what business is planned to locate in the new center.
Teen Girl Charged In Charlotte Murder
(Charlotte, NC) -- A teenage girl is facing murder charges in Charlotte. The CMPD says a 16-year-old boy died on Sunday, two days after he was shot inside a Reid Avenue home. The bullets were fired from outside. Officers arrested the 16-year-old suspect yesterday for murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Residents Wait For COVID-19 Testing At Bojangles' Coliseum
(Charlotte, NC) -- Charlotte residents are scrambling for COVID-19 tests ahead of Thanksgiving. Cars were reportedly backed up for three-plus hours at the Bojangles' Coliseum testing site yesterday. Many are following guidelines to be safe before holiday events, but time for results is running out. The CDC has already warned against traveling this Thanksgiving due to COVID-19 concerns.
UNCC Basketball, Football Schedules Change Over COVID-19
(Charlotte, NC) -- Multiple UNC Charlotte athletic events are taking a toll in the coronavirus pandemic. The 49ers season-opening basketball games have been called off due to contract tracing at the University of Tennessee. A planned game against VCU was also canceled as part of the small tourney in Knoxville. Charlotte's football team is postponing yet another Saturday game, with hopes now of playing against Western Kentucky one week from today.
State's Coronavirus Hospitalizations Hit Record Again
(Raleigh, NC) -- COVID-19 numbers are not looking any better in North Carolina. Public health officials are now reporting a record 16-hundred hospitalizations connected to the virus. There have been over five-thousand deaths due to COVID-19 in North Carolina as of Monday's report.
Charlotte Food Pantry Seeks Turkey Donations
(Charlotte, NC) -- A Charlotte food pantry is continuing its massive effort to provide turkeys for those in need this Thanksgiving. Loaves and Fishes gave out 15-hundred turkeys in four days last week, which is three times the normal amount. The group told NBC Charlotte they're still taking donations, in hopes of giving out 500 more by this Thursday. Several churches are hosting pop-up food sharing events this week as well.
New Restrictions On Indoor Mask Wearing Announced By Cooper
(Raleigh, NC) -- Responding to recent record breaking numbers of new COVID-19 cases, as well as hospitalizations, Governor Roy Cooper on Monday announced the implementation of a stricter masks ordinance designed to slow the spread of the virus. The order, which goes into effect tomorrow, will require that masks be worn at home when being visited by someone who is not a member of the same household. It also requires masks be worn while working out in gyms and at restaurants, unless actively eating or drinking. The directive runs through December 11th.
Hospitals Forecasting Staff Shortages Within Next Week If Outbreak Continues
(Raleigh, NC) -- A recently released survey finds that at least 10-percent of the hospitals across North Carolina are anticipating staff shortages within the next week because of COVID-19. The data was compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The survey of 127-North Carolina hospitals reportedly found that seven are currently dealing with staff shortages and another three won't have adequate staffing if the current rate of new coronavirus infections continues.
North Carolina Families Given Deadline Extension To Apply For Grant
(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina families who would like to receive a state sponsored 335-dollar extra credit grant have been given an extension to apply for the funds. The new deadline is December 7th. The grant money must be used by parents to help pay for remote learning and daycare during the pandemic. To date, more than 14-hundred families have applied for the assistance.
Chapel Hill-Carboro Announces Its Choice For New School Superintendent
(Chapel Hill, NC) -- The Chapel Hill-Carboro School District has announced the selection of a new superintendent. Dr. Nyah Hamlett's career in public education spans more than 16-years, most recently serving as the Chief of Staff of the Loudon County School District in Virginia. Dr. Hamlett is scheduled to begin in her new role as superintendent on January 1st.
COVID Hospitalizations Smash Another Record
(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Coronavirus hospitalizations continue to break records. As of Monday, nearly 86-thousand Americans were in the hospital with the respiratory illness, according to the COVID Tracking Project. It's the 14th straight day the record has been broken. In North Carolina, just over 16-hundred people were hospitalized with the coronavirus as yesterday afternoon, also marking a new record.
Guilford, Alamance Added To COVID Red Zones
(Guilford Co., NC) -- Guilford and Alamance counties have moved up to the "red zone" on the state's COVID-19 alert map. That means there is critical community spread in those areas. Governor Roy Cooper unveiled the new alert system earlier this month. It uses metrics from the White House Coronavirus Task Force and North Carolina health officials to categorize counties based on the amount of positive coronavirus cases.
Greensboro Shooting Investigated As Homicide
(Greensboro, NC) -- Greensboro police are investigating a deadly shooting. It happened Sunday night in the eleven-hundred-block of Whisperwood Court. Police say 40-year-old Ivan Williamson the Third was shot. He died at the hospital. So far, no arrests have been made.
Myrtle Beach Getting New Amusement Park
(Myrtle Beach, SC) -- A new amusement park is opening up in Myrtle Beach. Ground broke last week on "Funplex" at Ocean Boulevard and 15th Avenue North. The tropically themed park will feature seven thrill rides, a walk-up bar and a restaurant. It's expected to open by the spring of 2021.