Forest City Police Make Progress In Cold Case Homicide
(Forest City, NC) -- Investigators are making big progress in a Forest City cold case homicide. It's been just over three-years since Robert Blanton was found shot to death in his Big Springs apartment. One detective tells WLOS-TV a motive and a suspect have recently been identified. Only two other homicides have been reported in Forest City since then.
Suspect Sentenced In WCU Murder
(Cullowhee, NC) -- A suspect is facing time for charges in the 2017 death of a Western Carolina University student. Investigators say a Hendersonville native was shot to death during an alleged marijuana deal in Cullowhee. The district attorney said Tuesday a 21-year-old was sentenced to at least 20-years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, kidnapping and more. Another suspect was sent to prison several years ago.
One Dead In Black Mountain Explosion
(Black Mountain, NC) -- The SBI is piecing together details from a death at a Black Mountain motel. Fire broke out after a suspected explosion at the Apple Blossom Motel on West State Street Monday night. One person was found dead inside a room. Utilities have since been cut off at the motel. It's unclear what caused the explosion.
Hundreds Of Students Homeless In Asheville, Buncombe County
(Asheville, NC) -- Hundreds of students in Asheville and Buncombe County have experienced homelessness at some point this school year. Nearly 560 were counted in Buncombe County Schools, while more than 200 were in Asheville City Schools. The Citizen-Times says the number of homeless kids jumped over 20-percent from 2021.
Multiple Break-Ins Reported At Asheville Plant Nursery
(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville police are looking for suspects accused of breaking into a local plant nursery multiple times last month. Thousands of dollars worth of plants have been stolen. The latest break-in at B.B. Barns in south Asheville happened early Tuesday morning. Investigators are trying to identify one woman caught on surveillance video.
Three Injured At Charlotte Gas Station Shooting
(Charlotte, NC) -- The CMPD is investigating a triple shooting in the University City area. Two men and one woman were injured when gunfire erupted at a Circle K on North Tryon Street yesterday. Investigators say they believe everyone involved knew each other. Officers are looking for more information from witnesses.
Flight From Charlotte To Rome Encounters More Problems
(Charlotte, NC) -- Troubles for some airline passengers heading from Charlotte to Rome appear to be over. The initial American Airlines flight departed CLT Monday, but turned back around due to mechanical issues. NBC Charlotte says a rescheduled flight left again yesterday before landing at JFK Airport in New York with more mechanical problems. Passengers were finally sent to Rome on another plane last night.
City Planning For Improvements At Spectrum Center
(Charlotte, NC) -- The home of the Charlotte Hornets is ready for upgrades. The city council went over details last night which could total close to 250-million-dollars. Plans include an upgrade to the HVAC system, roof work and bathroom renovations. Public input is being taken on the city's website.
Suspect Injured In Locust Officer-Involved Shooting
(Locust, NC) -- The SBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Stanly County. A driver was allegedly shot by an officer during a traffic stop on the north side of Locust last night. WSOC-TV reports the suspect allegedly refused to stop initially. The officer was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
City Council Approves New Charlotte Budget
(Charlotte, NC) -- The city of Charlotte's spending plan for the next fiscal year is in place. The council approved the three-point-two-billion-dollar budget on Tuesday. Hourly employees will see a pay bump of eight-percent, while minimum wage will climb to 20-dollars-an-hour. The budget won't require an increase in property taxes.
Charlotte FC Head Coach Fired
(Charlotte, NC) -- Charlotte FC's head coach is on his way out. Miguel Angel Ramirez was fired through just 14-games in the club's inaugural season. An assistant coach, head fitness coach and first team video analyst were also let go. Charlotte's sporting director said the club wishes Miguel and his staff the best moving forward. Assistant Coach Christian Lattanzio will take over in the meantime.
One Of Four Suspects In Henderson Gas Station Shooting Turns Himself In
(Henderson, NC) -- Authorities in Henderson have announced the arrest of one of four suspects in connection with a wild shootout at a BP gas station over the weekend. Police say 21-year old Jordan Turnage turned himself in Tuesday afternoon. Arrests warrants have also been issued for 3-other suspects who were involved in that shooting.
Cooper Slams Robinson For Recent Comments Made About AR-15 Assault Weapons
(Raleigh, NC) -- A war of words has apparently erupted between Governor Roy Cooper and Lt. Governor Mark Robinson over statements Robinson recently made about guns. During a speech before a church congregation earlier this month, Robinson said he owned AR-15 assault rifles "In case the government gets too big for its britches". Cooper called the comments "dangerous".
Full Senate Could Vote On Parents Bill Of Rights Proposal Today
(Raleigh, NC) -- The so-called Parents Bill of Rights bill was approved by a North Carolina Senate Committee Tuesday. The controversial piece of legislation now goes before the full Senate, where it could be voted on as early as today. House Bill 755-would ban teachings and discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity to students in grades K-3. If approved in its current form, the bill will likely be vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper.
Senate Committee To Reconsider Medical Marijuana Bill This Week
(Raleigh, NC) -- A Senate committee is expected to reconsider a bill today, that would legalize the use of medical marijuana in the state of North Carolina. Under the terms of the Compassionate Care Act, people who suffer with a number of debilitating conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, MS and PTSD, would be allowed access to the drug with a doctor's prescription. The Republican backed proposal could be voted on by the full Senate later this week.
Wake County Teacher Resigns Over Use Of Controversial Flash Cards
(Wake County, NC) -- A Wake County preschool teacher has been forced to resign after being accused of using inappropriate LGBTQ flashcards to instruct students in her classroom. According to the Wake County Board of Education, the flashcards used at the Ballentine Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina, were not part of the approved curriculum. The school's principal said she was not aware that the flash cards, which included a depiction of what appeared to be a pregnant man, were even being shown in class. Additional police patrols were dispatched to patrol the grounds of the school building on Tuesday.
Special Olympic Summer Games Return To Central North Carolina This Weekend
(Raleigh, NC) -- The North Carolina Special Olympic Summer Games will be held in parts of the Triangle this weekend. This marks the first time the competitions have been held since 2019 because of the pandemic. More than 900-Special Olympic athletes from across the state will compete in seven different sports on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The games will take place at venues in Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs.