North Carolina State News

Duplicate drafts, ‘Daffy Duck’ tests: How NC caused nationwide death data delays

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

To fix problems, state health officials identified thousands of incomplete, duplicate forms and submitted about 300 missing death records to the CDC.

Duke students react to court storming at Wake Forest-Duke basketball game

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:15:11 +0000

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – Some Duke University students are rethinking rushing a basketball court after fans did just that at Saturday’s game against Wake Forest. Duke men's basketball coach Jon Scheyer is doubling down on his calls to ban it after star player Kyle Filipowski was injured in the ‘storm’.

CBS 17 spoke to Duke students who said they do not want court storming banned. Many said they love that part of the college sports experience, but after Filipowski's injury, they agree more needs to be done to keep everyone safe.

"I think it's fine if you do it, just wait for the players to get off so nobody gets hurt,” Duke student Jean-Luc Rabideau said.

Unfortunately, that was not the case at Saturday’s game. Filipowski collided with multiple Wake Forest students during the rush, and Duke staff and Coach Scheyer all had to help him off the court.

"It's a shame that he got hurt, but I hope he's okay,” Rabideau said.

Rabideau added he wants players to be safe.

"You shouldn't have to be unwillingly a victim of a court storm,” he said.

Other students said they are unhappy with how this was handled.

"I mean if you look at any of the games here or even there, they have huge security staffs, so I think it was kind of disappointing that they weren't able to control the crowd,” student Nick Sortisio said.

Scheyer is calling for a crackdown.

"One, there's a way to do it if it's going to happen, then two, there should be penalties,” he said during an ACC coaches call Monday morning.

After Saturday’s game, Wake Forest Director of Athletics Jon Currie responded on social media. He said security had practiced ways to keep athletes safe, but “we clearly must do better.” Currie also agreed with Coach Scheyer’s comments that “more must be done about the national phenomenon of court and field storming.”

However, some students want to keep court storming.

"It's just like a buildup of emotions when you're standing in the student section, you win, you want to get out there, you want to celebrate with the players,” senior Pradnesh Kolluru said.

Filipowski’s injury has made some more cautious, but they do not want the practice banned.

"I also, I love storming the court, but it had never occurred to me that it was a player safety thing, so make sure you think about some things,” senior Eliza Holt said.

Still, Scheyer is calling for the ACC to take action.

"I think it would be wrong of me not to speak up for all of the student athletes that can be put in this position. And something needs to change now before something serious happens,” he said.

The ACC released a statement, saying in part, “The safety of our student athletes is always our top priority… And we will continually assess with our schools the best way to protect our student athletes, coaches and fans.”

As of Monday night, the Atlantic Coast Conference has not announced any official changes to arena protocols.

In terms of how often court storming happens, there is no official data on this, but this is the second court storming incident involving a high-profile player this year. In January, Iowa star Caitlin Clark was knocked down by a fan.

An ESPN review also found over the past three months of college basketball, there have been about three court stormings a week.

Candidates rush to NC ahead of Super Tuesday

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:09:54 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- One week out from Super Tuesday, candidates and party leaders are making a last-ditch effort to win over voters. In the next week, former President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley and Vice President Kamala Harris are all expected to make visits to North Carolina.

The Tar Heel State is one of 15 states participating in Super Tuesday on March 5. The candidates will battle it out for North Carolina's 74 Republican delegates.

The visit is especially important for Haley who lost the Republican primary in her home state of South Carolina this weekend. It was former President Trump's fourth straight primary win and another sweeping victory. As the former governor of South Carolina, Haley lost among most key demographics.

Haley is making plans to stop in Charlotte and Raleigh while former President Trump will make his stop in Greensboro for the Get Out the Vote Rally.

On the Democrat side, Harris is making a stop in Durham this week. Harris is expected to champion the administration’s investments in strengthening entrepreneurship, increasing access to capital, and supporting small businesses in underserved communities. The visit is part of the Administration’s Investing in America tour and another opportunity to sway voters to re-elect President Joe Biden.

Nikki Haley visits

Charlotte stop

Friday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Norfolk Hall at Suffolk Punch
2905 Griffith Street
Charlotte, NC

Saturday, March 2 at 12:30 p.m.

Clouds Brewing Tap Room
1233 Front Street
Raleigh, NC

Former President Trump visit

Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m.

Greensboro Coliseum Complex
1921 W Gate City Boulevard
Greensboro, NC

VP Harris visit

Friday, March 1

Location and time have not been disclosed although Harris expected to touch down at RDU by noon.

NC salon owner to compete on CBS's Survivor; new season premiering Wednesday

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 02:09:26 +0000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WNCN) -- A North Carolina salon owner is one of the 18 new castaways competing on the 46th season of CBS's Survivor.

According to a news release, 29-year-old Kenzie Petty, of Charlotte, will compete against 17 other contestants in the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance after they're left stranded on the breathtaking islands of Fiji.

Petty is originally from Gibraltar, Michigan and owns a salon in the Queen City.

She and the other contestants are fans from diverse backgrounds that will bring fresh perspectives to the game with goals to outwit, outplay and outlast.

Kenzie Petty from Charlotte, North Carolina (Credit: Survivor, CBS)

Here's how it works -- players will need to form a new society and adapt to their surroundings while facing difficult obstacles and navigating a complex social game, the release said.

The participants will be broken up into three tribes of six in what the show is calling a "faster, more intense season."

"The moral dilemmas, extreme situations and new twists in the game will test even the strongest competitor, and the mental and physical challenges require players to masterfully evolve their strategies to survive another day," Survivor said.

In the season finale, only one contestant will remain to claim a $1 million prize as the Sole Survivor.

The two-hour premiere of Survivor airs on CBS 17 this Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

The premiere's second episode is scheduled to air on CBS 17 the following Wednesday, March 6 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

Survivor contestants (Credit: Survivor, CBS)

Amber Alert canceled after newborn reported missing from Chapel Hill found safe

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:16:48 +0000

The baby was last seen at a Chapel Hill hotel with his parents.

Friday is the deadline to apply for NC school vouchers; here's how

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 22:04:47 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- Right now, North Carolina families can apply for opportunity scholarships to send their children to private schools in the fall.

This year, all families are eligible for the vouchers.

The State Education Assistance Authority will review applications and the vouchers will be issued lottery style and not first-come-first-served.

The deadline for the applications is this Friday.

Click here to access the application.

Beautiful daffodil blooms lured hiker to ‘rugged’ trail in NC. Then came distress call

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:11:45 +0000

Rescuers warned hikers about the increasingly popular North Carolina destination a few weeks earlier.

What are the window tinting laws in North Carolina?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:33:54 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- As more people move to North Carolina every day, it's important that new residents familiarize themselves with the state's laws.

When it comes to vehicles, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has laws regarding window tinting.

How dark can window tint be in NC?

According to the NCDMV, tinted windows cannot measure darker than 32% with a North Carolina-approved window tint meter.

The law differs from South Carolina where tinted windows cannot measure darker than 27%.

On windshields, state law says the tint cannot extend further than five inches from the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line of the windshield, whichever is longer.

How can I check my tint?

Any vehicle with after-factory window tinting must be checked, according to state law.

When you bring your car for a safety inspection, the NCDMV says a technician can check your tint for $10 to ensure it meets state specifications.

What are the exceptions?

The NCDMV says requirements do not apply to other windows on the following vehicles:

Excursion passenger vehicles, as defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)a
Motor homes, as defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)d2
Ambulances, as defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)f
Property‐hauling vehicles (rear window only), as defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (31)
Limousines
Law enforcement vehicles
Multipurpose vehicles (e.g., mini-van, pickup truck, SUV) designed to carry 10 or less passengers – where the window is behind the driver and is built on a truck chassis or has special features designed for occasional off‐road operation
Vehicles with a medical exception issued by NCDMV

State officials say anyone with a photosensitivity to light who needs darker window tints can apply for a medical exemption permit through the NCDMV's Medical Review Program.

They say these permits are valid for up to five years, are not interchangeable and come with a medical exemption sticker that must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the rear window.

Click here to learn more.

‘Spirited’ pup rescued from dirt road in NC. Now she needs a home — with lots of cheese

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:39:17 +0000

The resilient dog is known for her energy and love for belly rubs.

Occupants not found after NC crash that left car upside-down

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:23:52 +0000

Note: In the accompanying video, a crash test shows electric vehicle may overpower safety barriers

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (WJZY) -- Officials were unable to find a person following a wreck that left a car upside-down, according to the Huntersville Fire Department.

Crews responded around 11 p.m. on Saturday to a wooded area near exit 23 (Gilead Road) of I-77 and found a single vehicle overturned.

Officials said no driver or patients were found after an extensive search that included looking inside and under the vehicle.

It is unknown at this time what led up to the crash and if any other vehicles were involved.

Firefighter hospitalized during NC house fire

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:58:45 +0000

GASTONIA, N.C. (WJZY) -- A firefighter was hospitalized while putting out a fire in a south Gastonia neighborhood, according to Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services.

Crews responded around 6 p.m. on Saturday to a house on the 2800 block of Forbes Road in Gastonia.

Credit: State Line Scanner
Credit: State Line Scanner
Credit: State Line Scanner

While firefighters were controlling the fire, a 'mayday' call was issued when a firefighter fell through the floor, officials said.

The firefighter was treated at the scene and taken to a local medical center with non-life-threatening injuries. The firefighter was released shortly before midnight.

The homeowner was home at the time of the fire and was safely evacuated.

The Union Road Fire Department was the lead agency responding to the fire. Crews from New Hope, Ag Center, Crowders Mountain, Lucia-Riverbend, Gastonia, Bethel and Clover also responded to the scene.

The house was determined a total loss, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Video credit: State Line Scanner

Mothers of girls in Greensboro bus fight speak out

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:30:44 +0000

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) -- Two mothers spoke out about a fight that took place on a Kernodle Middle School bus on Wednesday.

Both said they are not pleased with the way Guilford County Schools handled the situation.

One mother feels unsafe putting her children on the bus, and the other mother feels her daughter was treated unfairly.

A disturbing video showing a fight between three girls onboard a KMS bus is making the rounds on social media.

Mother Melanie Mays said her two daughters were involved in this ordeal and were hurt.

"I'm angry. I'm hurt to get that call. The initial call when my daughter said, 'Mom. School. Now, I heard the panic in her voice, and I could hear my other daughter in the background gasping for breath," Mays said.

Mays said her 13-year-old daughter is dealing with a wrist injury, and her 12-year-old has a knee injury.

"This could have been avoided," Mays said.

The third girl's mother is Monica Marcus.

She was charged and accused of getting onto a KMS bus and encouraging one of the students to fight in September.

In the most recent fight, Marcus admits her 11-year-old was involved and was also hurt.

"I feel as if the other student is not getting the same treatment my daughter is getting. They are trying to make an example ... and I have a problem with that," Marcus said.

It remains unclear from the video who the aggressor is.

GCS issued a statement today saying in part that "disciplinary action is being taken."

The school system could not release any other information because this fight involved minors.

Meanwhile, Marcus said her daughter has been suspended.

"It bothers me because my daughter is sweet ... She's not a bully ... She's not a troublemaker at all ... Before she even started going to the school, I never had this type of problem for my child with fighting," Marcus said.

All three girls sustained minor injuries from the fight, and they are all expected to be OK.

Fact check: Are COVID vaccine recipients ineligible to donate blood in NC?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:10:00 +0000

“What info are they hiding from us?” Some on social media are claiming vaccinated people can’t donate. Here’s the truth.

$15,000 reward offered in NC cold case killing of 22-year-old mom, 2-year-old son

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:57:38 +0000

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a nearly decade-old cold case.

On Feb. 23, 2015, officers came to an undeveloped area on Thurston Avenue after getting a report of a burned car with possible human remains inside.

Previously, 22-year-old Asia Brown and her 2-year-old son Ashton Brown were reported missing on Feb. 22, 2015, after Asia did not go to her job on Feb. 21, 2015, and Feb. 22, 2015.

DNA results later confirmed that the remains in the car belonged to Asia and Ashton.

Investigators later learned that Asia purchased a 2005 Buick Lacrosse and registered the car in her name on Feb. 20, 2015, at the DMV office in High Point at 1:30 p.m. Asia was last seen at an AutoZone at 3033 Randleman Road at 3:20 p.m. that same day. However, Ashton was not seen with her in the store.

The burned car that Asia and Ashton's remains were found in was the very same Buick Lacrosse.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. Tips can also be submitted with the P3tips app or on the P3tips website. All tips to Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. There is also a Governor's Reward of $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

With investigations at Poe Hall, UNC Lab, what does it take to find a cancer cluster?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Cancer cluster investigations, particularly in workplaces, often yield “unsatisfying results.” Here’s a look at why they’re so challenging.

Sea temps already at June levels: Hurricane season danger sign appears 75 days early

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:36:31 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) - Tropical weather meteorologists continue to sound the alarm about the upcoming 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

"I don't like coming across as an alarmist -- significant weather generates enough fear on its own without our help," CBS 17 Meteorologist Lance Blocker said. "But this hurricane season has multiple signs that it will be very busy, and residents in coastal states ought to be prepared."

One of the major concerns is the above-average sea surface temperatures from the Gulf of Mexico through the Atlantic Ocean.

Water temperatures are so warm that the current average temperature is on par with what we would expect to be occurring in the second week of May. That is over 10 weeks away.

Sea surface temperatures play a major role in hurricane development. As sea surface temperatures warm, more fuel is available for hurricane development.

Historically, this leads to more tropical weather systems, and stronger tropical weather storms.

Large swaths of the Central Atlantic, known as Hurricane Alley, are already above 80 degrees. We normally see temperatures like that in early June.

Unbelievable: the North Atlantic sea surface temperature is now 4.5 standard deviations above the recent 1991-2020 climatological mean... that translates to a 1-in-284,000-year event. Yet here we are watching it unfold, one day at a time. This is deeply troubling. pic.twitter.com/JWcm8atSIH
— Brian McNoldy (@BMcNoldy) February 22, 2024

Though the Atlantic temperatures could regress toward the mean, it doesn't appear that is very likely.

The significantly above-average sea surface temperatures have continued from 2023 through the start of this year.

Last year was the fifth busiest Atlantic hurricane season on record, despite it being an El Niño year.

On average, El Niño seasons have fewer storms in the Atlantic. The marked increase in tropical weather development was likely due to the above-average sea surface temperatures.

Also, just this past week, the National Hurricane Center released the names for Atlantic Ocean storms and hurricanes in 2024.

Here is the full list:

Alberto
Beryl
Chris
Debby
Ernesto
Francine
Gordon
Helene
Isaac
Joyce
Kirk
Leslie
Milton
Nadine
Oscar
Patty
Rafael
Sara
Tony
Valerie
William

NC pastor says rape suspects aren’t guilty if victims wore shorts, prompting outrage

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 14:55:29 +0000

“I was pissed,” woman who was sexually assaulted at age 20 says. “This is 2024.”

Republican National Convention: Charlotte public health officials 'concerned' by lack of people wearing masks

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:27:07 +0000

Convention started on Monday with Trump and Pence delivering speeches

Notre Dame reports record spike in Covid-19 cases as universities bring students back amid pandemic

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:19:56 +0000

Universities grapple with the challenge of beginning a new semester during a global pandemic with no signs of slowing down in the United States

Cannon Hinnant: Boy, 5, shot dead by neighbour while cycling in his yard

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:20:02 +0000

Man who shot the boy was neighbour and friend of the family

North Carolina earthquake: Locals 'scared' after state hit by strongest tremor for 104 years

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 16:19:39 +0000

More aftershocks are expected near the epicenter of the main shock throughout the week

Storm Isaias: Two killed by lightning in wake of hurricane

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:24:40 +0000

Men were clearing debris from aftermath of hurricane when they were fatally struck

'If you can talk, you can breathe': Video shows police ignoring black prisoner's pleas before he dies from lack of oxygen

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:31:46 +0000

Community holds vigil for prisoner seen on video begging for air while held down in controversial restraint for 19 minutes

Storm Isaias: At least four dead in US and millions without power as tropical storm races through East Coast

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 01:27:31 +0000

Residents endure tornadoes, flash floods, power outages and downed trees

Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in North Carolina bringing 85mph winds and storm surge warnings

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:39:49 +0000

Storm has already killed two as it passed through Caribbean, and warnings are in place all the way up the east coast

Black Lives Matter group apologises to family of man who died in police custody

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:32:57 +0000

Group called for a judge to release footage of John Neville's death to public