New COVID-19 Cases Hit High In North Carolina

(Raleigh, NC) -- A record number of new coronavirus cases is being reported in North Carolina. State health officials said more than 18-hundred new cases were reported yesterday, which marks an all-time high for a 24-hour period. The positivity rate came in at around ten-percent. Governor Roy Cooper said yesterday he was happy to see so many people wearing face masks, which was mandated statewide at the end of last week.

Teenage Murder Suspect Surrenders

(Asheville, NC) -- The search is over for a teenager accused of second-degree murder in Asheville. Investigators say a 43-year-old man was stabbed to death at the Klondyke apartments in Montford early Wednesday morning. Eighteen-year-old Devone James, Junior surrendered to Asheville Police last night.

Cooper Delays Decision On Schools

(Raleigh, NC) -- Students will have to wait a little longer to see what North Carolina's governor has planned for the new school year. Roy Cooper initially intended to release plans yesterday, but has decided to wait up to a couple of weeks to decide what to do depending on COVID-19 trends. He says he wants to resume in-person instruction when the fall semester begins if possible. Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest was critical of the decision to delay since school starts in six weeks.

Forest City Shooting Suspect Says It Was Self-Defense

(Forest City, NC) -- The suspect of a shooting in Forest City is claiming self-defense. Byron Forney told WLOS-TV a group of people shouted racial slurs at him and his sister while being confronted over wearing face masks at the Chili's restaurant last Saturday. He says he aimed shots at a man's legs when he started to approach his sister. Police arrested Forney for assault.

Investigation Into Protest Links Potential KKK Member

(Asheville, NC) -- An investigation is continuing into a late June protest in Asheville. Armed protesters have been accused of inciting violence at a demonstration in downtown on June 21st. A police captain tells WLOS-TV one of those people may be tied to the KKK. Findings are expected to be presented to the district attorney next week.

Two Pedestrians Struck In Asheville

(Asheville, NC) -- Two pedestrians are being treated for injuries in an accident in Asheville. Police say they were hit by a car in front of the ABC store on Sweeten Creek Road Wednesday morning. The injuries were considered serious. There's no word if the driver stopped at the scene or if any charges have been filed.

Healthcare Company Bringing Thousands Of Jobs To Charlotte

(Charlotte, NC) -- Thousands of new jobs are coming to the Queen City. Governor Roy Cooper announced yesterday that the healthcare company, Centene Corporation, is opening its east coast headquarters in Charlotte. It's a planned one-billion-dollar investment in the next 12 years that will add more than 32-hundred jobs. Centene's CEO says they intend to be a strong part of the Charlotte community.

Lincolnton Business Cited For Ignoring Mask Policy

(Lincolnton, NC) -- A Lincolnton business owner is accused of not complying with the state's new face mask orders. A police captain told NBC Charlotte that city hall received multiple complaints this week from Burton Farms General Store. Employees were allegedly not wearing masks, and customers weren't being asked to wear one. The owner was issued a criminal summons for a late August court appearance.

Pastor Remains On Administrative Leave After Abuse Claims

(Charlotte, NC) -- The pastor of Saint Matthew Catholic Church will remain on administrative leave. The Charlotte Catholic diocese placed Father Patrick Hoare on leave last December after claims of child sex abuse from 25 years ago were brought against him. Bishop Peter Jugis said yesterday he accepted a recommendation from a review board over the continued administrative leave.

Students Waiting On Decision About Schools

(Charlotte, NC) -- Students will have to wait a little longer to see what North Carolina's governor has planned for the new school year. Roy Cooper initially intended to release plans yesterday, but has decided to wait up to a couple of weeks to decide what to do depending on COVID-19 trends. He says he wants to resume in-person instruction when the fall semester begins. CMS held a virtual meeting with town leaders about re-opening options yesterday, but will still be awaiting guidance from the governor.

Tega Cay Cancels July Fourth Parade

(Tega Cay, SC) -- The July Fourth parade in Tega Cay is canceled. City officials announced plans to call off the event yesterday, but will still continue with the fireworks show on Saturday night. The police department urged Tega Cay officials to call off all events due to personnel concerns. Many area July Fourth activities have been canceled, and Tega Cay may seem like an inviting place to attend. The city will release safety protocols for the fireworks show today.

Health Department Making Sure Schools Have Adequate Supply Of PPE

(Raleigh, NC) -- The State Health Department announced Wednesday that it has begun distributing Personal Protective Equipment to school districts across the state for the upcoming school year. The thousands of PPE starter packs include thermometers, surgical masks, face shields and gowns. The equipment is being delivered by either UPS or contracted trucking firms.

Police Arrest Protesters Opposed To Death Records Bill

(Raleigh, NC) -- Eleven-more arrests were made outside the Governor's Mansion Wednesday as protesters staged a second day of demonstrations in opposition to Senate Bill-168. The bill, which was approved by the North Carolina General Assembly last week, would essentially keep records of deadly police shootings confidential while the case is being reviewed by the state medical examiner. Cooper, who has yet to sign the legislation into law, said Wednesday that the so-called 'Death Records Bill' is problematic.

St. Augustine Fires Winningest Track And Field Coach In School History

(Raleigh, NC) -- Legendary track and field coach George Williams has been fired by St. Augustine University. The confirmation came Wednesday from Williams' attorney Nick Sanservino, who said the termination was unlawful and without cause. Williams, who also served as the school's Athletic Director, had worked at the HBCU for more than 50-years. During his tenure, he led the team to 39-NCAA national championships and coached 33-national runners up. The school has yet to comment on the firing.

Forsyth Co. Deputy Involved In Crash On U.S. 52

(Winston-Salem, NC) - At least one person is hurt after a crash involving a Forsyth County sheriff's deputy. It happened around 2:30 yesterday afternoon on U.S. 52, near the Clemmonsville Road exit. Deputies were trying to stop a car when it sped off and hit a patrol vehicle. One person was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance, but it's not clear whom.

Series Of Paintball Attacks Under Investigation In High Point

(High Point, NC) - At least four people are arrested in connection with a series of paintball attacks in High Point. The suspects are identified as 20-year-old Daniel Gelzer, 19-year-old Cory Williams, 20-year-old Tiquan Brooks and a juvenile. Police have responded to over a dozen calls involving assault and vandalism with paintball guns since June 25th. In one case, a pedestrian was shot 17 times at close range. More arrests are expected.

BLM Protest Held In Hanes Mall

(Winston-Salem, NC) - A group in Winston-Salem is demanding racial justice. Dozens of people gathered for a Blake Lives Matter event at Hanes Mall yesterday afternoon. They walked around the lower level to the food court and then through the upper level. The protest lasted for about 45 minutes.

Pools, Splash Pads Reopen In Winston-Salem

(Winston-Salem, NC) - Public pools and splash pads are back open in Winston-Salem. They opened their doors to the public yesterday. The facilities will operate at 50-percent capacity and will close periodically throughout the day for cleaning. City pools and splash pads will be open through October 31st.

Guilford Co. Will Not Open Aquatic Centers

(Guilford Co., NC) - Guilford County's three aquatic centers will remain closed this summer. County officials say they're going to keep the aquatic centers at Hogan-Stone, Bur-Mil and Northeast parks closed due to coronavirus concerns. They say the safety of their employees and visitors is their top concern.