Medical Marijuana Bill Likely Stalled In NC
(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina Republicans are blocking medical marijuana legislation. The proposal has stalled in the state House, even though the North Carolina Senate passed the measure four-months ago. House Speaker Tim Moore signaled yesterday that fellow members in the GOP aren't showing enough support for the bill. Asheville-area State Senator Julie Mayfield says it's time to allow people to acquire medical marijuana and use it with dignity and without fear.
Public Against Local Control Of Yancey Library
(Yancey County, NC) -- The idea of placing Yancey County's public library into the hands of the county is being rejected. A large crowd showed up at a special called meeting last night after county commission chair Jeff Whitson made a motion last month to bring the library under local control, rather than being a part of the regional system. Those who attended last night were strongly in favor of keeping things the way they are, citing a need for diversity in books. Whitson said his proposal was a misunderstanding.
Canton Mill Accused Of Violating Federal Standards
(Canton, NC) -- A now-closed paper mill in western North Carolina is accused of violating federal environmental policies. The Department of Environmental Quality says Pactiv Evergreen illegally dumped chemicals into the wastewater system during its shutdown process last month. Water resources staff allegedly informed the company that it was prohibited, but Pactiv Evergreen officials replied the product disposal was inherent. Canton's mayor told WLOS-TV there's no excuse for dumping items into the river.
Asheville Home Prices Outpace Other Large Cities
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Home prices in Asheville are above a number of large cities in the U.S. Smart Asset reports the average cost of a home in May came in at over 457-thousand-dollars, which outpaces a city like Atlanta at under 385-thousand. That's a growth of close to four-percent over the year. Despite higher sale costs than other cities in North Carolina, wages in Asheville are five-percent less than the state norm.
Deadly Trooper-Involved Shooting In Asheville Justified
(Buncombe County, NC) -- Buncombe County's district attorney says a trooper-involved deadly shooting in Asheville was justified. Trooper Jeffery Dunlap was injured when he was reportedly shot in the chest while trying to help a stranded motorist on I-26 westbound just over a week ago. He fired back at the suspect, who died at the scene. District Attorney Todd Williams concluded the trooper was legally justified after he reviewed body cam footage.
Mills River Adding To Town Park
(Mills River, NC) -- The town of Mills River is making a large addition to its main park area. The Citizen-Times reports the town will increase the size of Mills River Park by close to 50-acres, making it larger than Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher and the Park at Flat Rock. Residents will be offered public input sessions as town leaders figure out what to do with some of the land.
NTSB Released Prelim Report On CLT Emergency Landing
(Charlotte, NC) -- The NTSB is revealing more about an emergency landing in Charlotte. It's been two weeks since a Delta passenger flight from Atlanta landed without deployed landing gear at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. A report released yesterday shows a broken mechanism prevented the gear from functioning properly prior to landing. The flight crew was unsuccessful is trying to manually deploy the gear.
Medical Marijuana Bill Likely Stalled In NC
(Raleigh, NC) -- North Carolina Republicans are blocking medical marijuana legislation. The proposal has stalled in the state House, even though the North Carolina Senate passed the measure four months ago. House Speaker Tim Moore signaled yesterday that fellow GOP lawmakers aren't showing enough support for the bill. Asheville-area State Senator Julie Mayfield says it's time to allow people to acquire medical marijuana and use it with dignity and without fear.
Book Controversy Continues In CMS
(Charlotte, NC) -- A conservative group is fighting back against book policies in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. WCNC reports members of Moms for Liberty showed up at last night's school board meeting to show examples of alleged explicit material that could be available on school book shelves. The district's current policy is being restructured. Some school officials say the conservative group is taking readings out of context.
Ally Financial Boosts Charlotte Affordable Housing
(Charlotte, NC) -- Affordable housing in Charlotte is receiving another sizable funding boost. The Charlotte Business Journal reports Ally Financial is committing over four-million dollars locally. A board chair of Ally's charitable foundation says affordable housing is a pillar in supporting economic mobility. More than two-million dollars from Ally is also being provided to dozens of nonprofits in the Queen City and Detroit.
Juvenile Charged With Northwest Charlotte Murder
(Charlotte, NC) -- A teenager is being charged in a northwest Charlotte murder. Raynard Mahoney, Junior was shot to death on Larwill Lane nearly two months ago. The CMPD says a 17-year-old suspect turned himself in this week on charges of murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Savannah Bananas Sell Out Kannapolis Ball Park
(Kannapolis, NC) -- Baseball fans are going bananas in Kannapolis. That's because of the exhibition baseball team Savannah Bananas, which is showcasing its unique Harlem Globetrotters-style to the game at Atrium Health Ballpark. Tonight will mark the second sold-out game in Kannapolis. The owner of the team is a Belmont resident.
North Carolina Named By CNBC As Top State In The Country To Do Business
(Raleigh, NC) -- Once again, the state of North Carolina has been named by CNBC, as the top state in the country for doing business. For the second year in a row, the CNBC study looked at 86 metrics in 10 categories and cited the Tar Heel State for its workforce, overall economy, technology, innovation and access to capital. North Carolina has placed in the top five since the study first began in 2017.
FDA Awards 50 Million Dollar Research Grant To Duke And UNC
(Chapel Hill, NC) -- Researchers at UNC and Duke have announced the awarding of a federal grant worth up to 50-million dollars to establish a new joint science and innovation center. The Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation, or (CERSI), will work with FDA scientists to better inform regulatory decisions and improve public health. The Triangle (CERSI) is the newest of only five such research centers across the country.
DMV Offices Across Central And Eastern North Carolina Shut Down Due To Internet Outages
(Raleigh, NC) -- Some 30 North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle offices were forced to close yesterday, due to an internet outage. Most of them were in the central and eastern part of the state. DMV officials say the loss of internet and phone service was caused by a cut in fiber optic cable lines between Raleigh and Benson. The damage has since been repaired and the officers are scheduled to re-open today.
Federal Agency Fines Bank Of America 150-Million For "Double-Dipping"
(Charlotte, NC) -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ordered Bank of America to repay its customers more than 100-million dollars, for what it calls "double-dipping" on overdraft fees. The Bureau also claims the Charlotte based international bank withheld bonuses on credit cards and opened new accounts without customer consent. Bank of America was also fined 150-million dollars.
Cooper Signs Bill Outlawing Illegal Street Racing
(Raleigh, NC) -- A bill that would impose tougher penalties on those convicted of illegal street racing and other exhibition driving violations in North Carolina, has been signed into law. Starting December 1st, the bill signed by Governor Roy Cooper, would make it unlawful for anyone to take part in, or organize street racing and street takeover events. First-time offenders could be fined up to one-thousand dollars. Additional violations within a two-year period would be classified as a felony.
Canes Sign Veteran Forward Brendan Lemieux To One-Year Contract
(Raleigh, NC) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have announced the signing of veteran NHL forward Brendan Lemieux. In a statement released Tuesday, Canes general manager Don Waddell said Lemieux had agreed to a one year contract worth 800-thousand dollars for the 2023-24 season. Known throughout his career for getting into fights, Waddell said Lemieux, "will add some sandpaper to our lineup." Lemieux is the son of four-time Stanley Cup Champion Claude Lemieux.