Governor Visits Flood-Damaged Haywood County

(Haywood County, NC) -- North Carolina's governor is continuing to assess flood damage in hopes of gaining federal assistance. Yesterday, Roy Cooper visited Haywood County, which was hit especially hard from rain as the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred moved through the region last week. Canton's mayor made a plea with President Biden to give the town the opportunity to rebuild. Cooper said he's trying to make sure Haywood County can get as much support from FEMA as possible.

Hospital Capacity Issues Cause Ambulance Diversions In WNC

(McDowell County, NC) -- Some hospitals in western North Carolina are being forced to divert ambulances. Both Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville and Mission Health McDowell have been forced to send ambulances elsewhere this week due to capacity issues. More than 35-hundred hospitalizations statewide are linked to COVID-19 cases.

General Assembly Passes Bill Covering School Face Mask Guidelines

(Raleigh, NC) -- New legislation over the use of face masks in school is heading to the governor's desk. Yesterday, the General Assembly approved a measure which would require school districts to vote on mask requirements every month. The News and Observer reports more than 75-percent of school systems statewide have a mandate in place.

Haywood County Implements Curfew

(Haywood County, NC) -- A curfew is in effect for parts of Haywood County. The board of commissioners decided last night to implement curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the communities of Cruso, Bethel and Canton. County officials are trying to prevent people from being out on roads heavily damaged during flooding. The curfew also comes as some damaged homes have been burglarized.

APD Investigating After Teen Hit In Crosswalk

(Asheville, NC) -- Asheville Police are still investigating an accident after an Asheville high school student was hit in a crosswalk. The victim was heading from TC Roberson High to an afterschool job on Tuesday when he was struck. A senior Asheville police officer told WLOS-TV we have to do our part to keep kids safe after going so long without seeing students in school zones. Injuries to the student weren't considered life-threatening.

Emergency Funds Help Nearly 400 Buncombe Businesses

(Buncombe County, NC) -- Hundreds of Buncombe County businesses are benefitting from emergency pandemic funds. WLOS-TV reports the Development Authority has shelled out grants to nearly 400 businesses from the five-million-dollar Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund. It's a program that has helped businesses keep four-thousand jobs in place.

Huntersville Mayor Wants Info On County Mask Mandate

(Huntersville, NC) -- Huntersville's mayor wants more information on Mecklenburg County's mask mandate. A public health rule passed by commissioners last week means all cities and towns in Mecklenburg must implement indoor mask requirements by the end of the month. Huntersville Mayor John Aneralla sent a letter to the board of commissioners this week asking for more details on how the decision was made. The requirement is already in effect for the city of Charlotte.

Fort Mill School Goes Virtual Due To COVID Cases

(Fort Mill, SC) -- A Fort Mill middle school is switching to virtual learning. District officials say over 100 kids were told to quarantine after nearly 30 students and two staff members at Forest Creek Middle School tested positive for COVID-19. The remote learning period begins today and lasts for two-weeks. All school activities and sports have been canceled as well.

Bill Over School Face Mask Policy Goes To Governor

(Raleigh, NC) -- New legislation over the use of face masks in school is heading to the governor's desk. Yesterday, the General Assembly approved a measure which would require school districts to vote on mask requirements every month. The News and Observer reports more than 75-percent of school systems statewide have a mandate in place.

Albemarle Officer On Leave After Arrest

(Albemarle, NC) -- An Albemarle Police officer is facing assault charges. Jeremy Brown was arrested Tuesday night for allegedly assaulting a woman at Chimney Apartments. The police department has placed Brown on administrative leave as the case unfolds.

Over 60 COVID Cases Reported At Mecklenburg Jail

(Mecklenburg County, NC) -- COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. More than 60 residents in custody have recently tested positive, which has led to isolations and quarantines. Incoming residents are screened and offered a vaccine before isolating for two-weeks.

CMS Offers Incentives To New Hires

(Mecklenburg County, NC) -- CMS is offering some significant bonuses for new hires in four areas. New bus drivers and HVAC technicians can receive a one-thousand-dollar recruitment bonus. The incentive is even higher for exceptional children teachers, who will be eligible for 25-hundred-dollar bonuses if hired by September 30th. New substitute teachers are being offered 250-bucks.

General Assembly Passes Bill To Require More Flexible Face Mask Policies In School Districts

(Raleigh, NC) -- In response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 among school children, the North Carolina General Assembly has passed a bill requiring local school districts to adopt more flexible policies with reference to the use of face coverings. The bill would also require school boards to vote monthly on whether or not to amend face masks policies. The measure now goes to Governor Roy Cooper for his signature.

Those Charged With Rioting, Participating In Violent Protests Could Face Harsher Punishment In NC

(Raleigh, NC) -- The North Carolina Senate has approved a bill that would impose stiffer penalties on those who are found guilty of rioting and engaging in violent demonstrations. The harsher penalties would include requiring those arrested to spend at least 48-hours in jail without bond. It would also allow businesses owners who suffer property damage to file lawsuits against the demonstrator. The bill returns to the House for final consideration before moving on to Governor Cooper's desk.

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against TSA, RDU Over Forced Strip Search Of Transgender Teen

(Raleigh, NC) -- A North Carolina mother has filed a lawsuit against the TSA alleging her transgender teenager's civil rights were violated in 2019. The woman, who lives in Wake County, claims her child was forced to undergo a strip search at RDU Airport. The suit also claims the forced strip search was a violation of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution, TSA policy and North Carolina state law. The suit is also requesting an undisclosed amount of money in punitive damages.

HOPE Program Reports Millions Distributed To NC Residents Over Last Year

(Raleigh, NC) -- A new report released by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety said the State has distributed tens of millions of dollars in rental and utility assistance. The report, published Wednesday, said since last fall, the North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions program has distributed more than 342-million dollars in rent and utility payments to over 96-thousand households across the state. The Agency also said the HOPE program is still accepting applications from low-income renters in 88 counties. The HOPE program is administered by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency.

Fight Between Johnston County Brothers Leaves One Dead

(Johnston County, NC) -- Authorities in Johnston County say a fight between two brothers left one dead of a gunshot wound and the other jailed. It happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday in front of an apartment building on Steven's Sausage Road in Smithfield. Investigators did not release any further details related to the cause of the altercation, only saying it stemmed from a domestic dispute. No word of whether any charges will be filed.

COVID-19 Pilot Program Approved For Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co. Schools

(Winston-Salem, NC) -- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is moving forward with plans to test students and staff, who are involved in high-risk activities, for COVID-19. The district recently approved the pilot program, which will test students involved in athletics, performing arts, chorus, dance and other extracurricular activities. If parents don't approve the tests, their students will not be allowed to participate. Testing is expected to get underway in September.

Alleghany Co. Schools To Require Masks

(Alleghany Co., NC) -- Alleghany County Schools is joining other districts in the Piedmont Triad that are requiring masks. The board voted in favor of the mandate this week. It takes effect next Wednesday for all students and staff. The board plans to review the policy weekly.

Woman Hit By Train In Thomasville ID'd

(Thomasville, NC) -- Thomasville Police are identifying the woman hit and killed by a train. It happened Monday evening on the 300-block of West Main Street. Forty-three-year-old Mary Fowler reportedly tried to cross the tracks when she was hit. Amtrak says the engineer was unable to stop. No one else was hurt. An investigation is ongoing.

Bill Raising NC Juvenile Prosecution Age Approved

(Raleigh, NC) -- A bill raising the age for juvenile prosecution in North Carolina passed in the legislature. That's up from the current age of six. The state has had the lowest age for juvenile judgment set by law in the country. The House also approved the bill. The measure will now go to Governor Cooper for a signature.

Two People Arrested In Deadly Burlington Stabbing

(Burlington, NC) -- Two people are under arrest in connection to a deadly stabbing in Burlington. Twenty-nine-year-old Scottie Pringle is charged with second-degree murder, and 40-year-old Eva Meierdiercks [[ MY-UR-derks ]] is charged with being an accessory. The incident happened last Saturday at Corporate Suites on Saconn Drive. Twenty-four-year-old Lucas Cook was found dead of a single stab wound. Police did not say what the motive was.

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