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  • Unused funds for HIV housing in Durham total $1.3 million

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    DURHAM, N.C. —  A Spectrum News 1 investigation reveals that over a million dollars meant to help provide housing to people with HIV and AIDS in Durham remain unspent, leaving local organizations and advocates frustrated and confused.

    What You Need To Know

    • Over $1.3 million in the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, or HOPWA, funding from 2023-24 remains unspent in Durham, according to city records

    • The HOPWA program provides federal funding to states, cities and counties for housing assistance for people living with HIV and AIDS

    • Durham County ranks No. 5 in the state for total HIV and AIDS cases

    • City officials say staff changes, compliance issues and the government shutdown have delayed their ability to give out funds




    Since 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, has sent the city anywhere from half a million to a million dollars a year under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, or HOPWA.

    These grants aim to help people with HIV and AIDS, ensuring they have secure, affordable housing, which researchers say boosts survival rates.

    However, records show funds from five years ago are still waiting to be used, and there’s currently no plan for how to use over $1.3 million received in the past two years. 

    CAARE-The Healing Center in Durham, once a bustling hub for community care, now sits mostly quiet.

    Executive Director Carolyn Hinton, who co-founded the organization, said the need for housing and health support hasn’t gone away, but funding delays have made it harder to keep up.

    “We want to continue to help build our community up,” Hinton said. “Our community consists of everyone, not just people with healthy lives.”

    CAARE and several other nonprofits applied for HOPWA funding from the city earlier this year. They waited for months before hearing back.

    When responses finally came in September, every request was rejected.

    A city memo obtained by Spectrum News 1 stated the applications were denied because the organizations “lacked sufficient organizational capacity to effectively administer their proposed programs.”

    “It has made a significant difference in my ability to have clients,” Hinton said. “Fees paid for housing and to locate… housing in the community.”

    According to 2024 data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, almost 1,900 people in Durham County are living with HIV, and more than 700 residents have been diagnosed with AIDS at some point.

    It makes Durham County the fifth-highest in North Carolina for total HIV and AIDS cases.

    Duke infectious disease fellow Dr. Hayley Cunningham, who helps leads a Coalition to End HIV in Durham, spoke up at the Oct. 23 city council meeting, urging the council to move the process along. The deadlines for using HOPWA money are approaching rapidly, unless HUD extends them, which is possible.

    The city acknowledges that it’s struggled to distribute the money efficiently. Officials cited a department reorganization, staff turnover, and what they called “notification delays.”

    Durham has requested extensions from HUD to spend leftover funds from 2020 through 2022, but HUD returned the request asking for more information, which the city says it’s now preparing. Those extensions, they said, are held up by the government shutdown.

    As organizations await clarity, advocates said the delays come with a high cost. 

    “My question to the city of Durham is, why are you creating a barrier for people to have a decent quality of life?” Hinton asked.

    The community and health leaders keep pushing city officials for info and to guarantee the money helps the intended recipients.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Ryan Hayes-Owens

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  • Errol Lewis on NYC mayoral race and the impact it could have in N.C.

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    This week, Tim talks with Spectrum National Political Anchor Errol Louis about Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral race. 

    Louis, host of NY1’s “Inside City Hall” and his podcast “You Decide,” interviewed Mamdani and moderated one of the mayoral debates. They talk about Mamdani’s background, democratic socialism and how it could play out in other races across the country, including North Carolina’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

    Later, Louis talks about what it’s like to end up as a character in a Saturday Night Live sketch.

    About the Podcast

    With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.

    Listen and Subscribe

    Apple | Spotify | Stitcher

    Join the Conversation

    Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • How Charlotte police cracked a 10-year-old cold case from New Jersey

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    A person’s remains found in 2016 have finally been identified, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Monday.

    Skeletal remains were found on Jan. 29, 2016 in a wooded area off of University Point Boulevard in the University City area, investigators said. At the time, officials said they were only able to determine the victim was male and there were “no obvious signs of foul play.”

    After conventional means failed to identify the victim, authorities said a sample of the remains was sent to Texas-based Othram Labs in 2022 for advanced DNA testing.

    In 2025, genetic research that stemmed from the 2022 sample allowed investigators to ultimately obtain a DNA profile from a close relative and confirm the victim’s identity, according to a release.

    The victim has been identified as Kenneth McCarthy. McCarthy, born in 1961, was a New Jersey native living in Charlotte at the time of his disappearance.

    His family said McCarthy worked in the IT field for several major corporations, the release said.

    Police have not said what led to McCarthy’s death. The investigation is, however, active and ongoing, CMPD said.

    Anyone with information is asked to call 704-432-8477 (TIPS) or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • It’s time to spin your ceiling fan the other way

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    If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on and look up at it. Which direction are the blades spinning? If they’re going counterclockwise, it’s time to change direction.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clockwise-turning fans circulate warm air around

    • Counterclockwise-turning fans give a cooling breeze

    • Changing the fan’s spin direction can lower your energy bill

    • Get the most out of your fan with the right size and position

    You may have noticed that your ceiling fan blades have slight angles. There’s a reason for that! They’re designed to move the room’s air a certain way, depending on which direction the fan is spinning.

    Which way?

    In the summer, a counterclockwise-spinning ceiling fan will push air down and out, creating a small cooling breeze.

    In the winter, a clockwise-spinning ceiling fan on low-speed will draw up the air and circulate it so that it mixes. Warm air rises, so it’ll make use of the warmer air that’s hanging above your head.

    To change your fan’s spin direction, check the manual to make sure you do it correctly. Most likely, the switch is on the body of the fan fixture or inside the light globe. If your fan has a remote or wall panel, check for a fan direction button there.

    This little trick of running your ceiling fan the right way can also lower your energy bill. Since your fan is returning warm air down, you may find yourself turning your thermostat down.

    Is your fan doing its best work?

    One other note: make sure your ceiling fan is right for the room.

    Ceiling fan blades work best when they’re 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling, 7 to 9 feet above the floor and at least 18 inches away from walls.

    Fans with a diameter of 44 inches or less are good for circulating rooms up to 225 square feet. Larger rooms should use larger fans, often 52 inches or bigger.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • It’s time to spin your ceiling fan the other way

    [ad_1]

    If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on and look up at it. Which direction are the blades spinning? If they’re going counterclockwise, it’s time to change direction.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clockwise-turning fans circulate warm air around

    • Counterclockwise-turning fans give a cooling breeze

    • Changing the fan’s spin direction can lower your energy bill

    • Get the most out of your fan with the right size and position

    You may have noticed that your ceiling fan blades have slight angles. There’s a reason for that! They’re designed to move the room’s air a certain way, depending on which direction the fan is spinning.

    Which way?

    In the summer, a counterclockwise-spinning ceiling fan will push air down and out, creating a small cooling breeze.

    In the winter, a clockwise-spinning ceiling fan on low-speed will draw up the air and circulate it so that it mixes. Warm air rises, so it’ll make use of the warmer air that’s hanging above your head.

    To change your fan’s spin direction, check the manual to make sure you do it correctly. Most likely, the switch is on the body of the fan fixture or inside the light globe. If your fan has a remote or wall panel, check for a fan direction button there.

    This little trick of running your ceiling fan the right way can also lower your energy bill. Since your fan is returning warm air down, you may find yourself turning your thermostat down.

    Is your fan doing its best work?

    One other note: make sure your ceiling fan is right for the room.

    Ceiling fan blades work best when they’re 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling, 7 to 9 feet above the floor and at least 18 inches away from walls.

    Fans with a diameter of 44 inches or less are good for circulating rooms up to 225 square feet. Larger rooms should use larger fans, often 52 inches or bigger.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Sisters pool resources to feed families during SNAP uncertainty

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    “You have the pinto. You have the tomatoes. We’ve got the kidney bean.”

    What You Need To Know

    • Sisters Jeanna and Amanda Peoples usually get SNAP benefits each month

    • Both have yet to see that money for November in their accounts  

    • As the shutdown continues, they have been digging deep in their pantries to feed their families 

    • They also are starting to pool resources to help neighbors in need


    Over the last few weeks, sisters Jeanna and Amanda Peoples have been getting pretty resourceful. 

    The sisters, who live in Lexington, have four children each.

    “If you have four children, each of them eats three meals a day, sometimes two to three snacks a day,” said Jeanna Peoples. “That’s four times everything. Plus, I have to eat.”

    While they usually can find a way to stretch a dollar, earlier this year, Jeanna Peoples had to have hand surgery and lost her job in the process.

    While she’s been trying to get back on her feet, the sisters’ shared resources have been stretched thin.

    “When we do get the food like this, like the bowl, I try to make big meals, like, big pots of chili, chicken, chicken noodle soup, things like that,” said Amanda Peoples. “Like a hearty meal.”

    As the government shutdown reached its second month, neither sister received SNAP benefits for November.

    “At first I wasn’t that nervous, especially because I get my stamps on the third,” said Jeanna Peoples.  “So, I was like, well, I’m not going to get nervous until the third whenever I check it. But I am starting to worry a little bit.”

    They have found odd jobs to help make ends meet and dug deep into their pantries to find some extra items.

    But they are starting to worry about how long this may drag on.

    “I hate it for people who weren’t stocking up,” said Jeanna Peoples. “They were relying on the government and trusting that they would be OK. But it doesn’t look like we are going to be.”

    Still, as their pantries, and even their mother’s pantry empties, they have been encouraged to lean into community.

    “Make friends with your neighbor and maybe they might have the rice, you might have the meat,” said Jeanna Peoples. “You can come together and do potlucks.”

    They said they are hoping that pooling resources can make what little they have stretch to help neighbors as well.

    “Sometimes it’s the little gestures that help somebody out in a big way,” Amanda Peoples said. “There’s never anything too small or too big to ask for, especially in a time like this.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Courtney Davis

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  • Teacher attendance seems normal, schools say, despite calls for walkout

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    School districts across the state were concerned about teacher shortages after an anonymous social media post pushing for teachers to call out of work Friday and Monday went viral.

    What You Need To Know

    • An anonymous post called on North Carolina teachers to call out of work Friday and Monday

    • Schools in Durham and Guilford counties said there were not an unusual number of teacher absences as of Friday morning 

    • The post called for the protest because of the lack of a state budget, leading to stagnant wages for teachers 

    • Teachers’ unions across the state criticized the anonymous post and asked its members to not participate in the walkout 


    Some schools alerted parents Thursday to warn them of the potential disruption.

    “While students may have a different teacher or classroom location for the day, learning will continue as planned,” reads an email from North Garner Middle School sent to parents Thursday night.

    But administrators from Durham and Guilford county schools said they had not seen an increase in teacher absences as of Friday morning.

    The post calling for the protest cited the lack of a state budget, leaving schools to operate with the same amount of funding as last year. Without money for regular raises, teacher’s wages were left stagnant. 

    None of the large teacher unions in North Carolina have claimed credit for the post, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Association of Educators asked its members not to take part in the walkout.

    “CMAE does not endorse and will not participate in the anonymously organized social media campaign encouraging educators to call out on Nov. 7 and 10,” reads a statement issued by the union Thursday. “Our power as educators comes from unity, strategy, and collective action—not isolated walkouts.”

    Wake North Carolina Association of Educators also criticized the post.


    “Big serious actions aren’t generated by viral social media posts,” reads its post reacting to the call for the walkout.

    It highlighted the months of planning and organizing that it took for previous walkouts in 2018 and 2019.

    On May 16, 2018, more than 1,000 teachers called out of work in Durham County Schools alone, causing the county’s schools to close that day.

    The following year, Raleigh’s streets were once again filled with teachers, who called out of work to protest and demand higher compensation.  

    “Winning campaigns are strategic,” the post from the Wake North Carolina Association of Educators reads. “They have specific targets, with well-designed tactics, and demands.”

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

     

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    Caroline King

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  • Cleveland Co. deputy charged in deadly domestic violence shooting, officials say

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    A deputy with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office has been charged in connection to a deadly shooting late Thursday evening, authorities said.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputy Mitchell Hilton is accused of fatally shooting someone during a domestic incident Thursday evening

    •  The deputy was off-duty, officials said, when the shooting happened at the Crown Ridge Apartments in Shelby, N.C.

    •  Hilton is charged with first-degree murder

    • The SBI is leading the investigation


    Deputy Mitchell Hilton, 37, was off-duty when authorities say he shot and killed someone during a domestic dispute at the Crown Ridge Apartments on South Dekalb Street in Shelby, North Carolina.

    Shelby police officers responded to the shooting call, according to a release, and immediately asked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for assistance.

    After learning the suspect in the case was a deputy, “the NC SBI was called to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” officials said.

    Hilton has been charged with first-degree murder.

    “Domestic violence is a devastating issue that affects individuals and families from all walks of life, including members of the law enforcement community. It serves as a painful reminder that no one is immune to the far-reaching impact of these tragedies,” the sheriff’s office said in a release. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.”

     

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • ‘This is No. 1 priority for us’: Authorities continue manhunt in Craven County

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    The State Bureau of Investigation, N.C. State Highway Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard have deployed air units to assist in the search for a Craven County man accused of killing his grandmother and stabbing a deputy, Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes said Tuesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The search continues for Dominic Connelly, 24, who is accused of multiple crimes, including arson, murder and stabbing a Craven County deputy

    • The deputy was stabbed inside a Bojangles in Vanceboro on the night of Wednesday, Oct. 29

    • Connelly’s grandmother was found dead inside a burning home on Oct. 25

    • He is considered armed and dangerous, officials said, and should not be approached. Anyone who sees him should immediately call 911


    Craven County Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals have also issued a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Dominic Connelly.

    On Nov. 4, authorities said Connelly was seen on a home surveillance camera in the area of N.C. 43 Highway and Mile Road in Vanceboro, North Carolina.


    Hughes said that in prior sightings, Connelly had typically been seen wearing dark-colored clothing and seemed unprepared for the elements. However, in the Nov. 4 footage, Hughes said Connelly appears to have gotten a pair of desert sand colored coveralls.

    “We do have reason to believe there might be people out there assisting him in some way, shape or form. Whether it’s money, food, water, clothing… he does have family in the area,” the sheriff said.

    Authorities are continuing to ask the public to report any sightings of Connelly. He is considered armed and dangerous, officials say, and should not be approached.

    Anyone who sees Connelly should call 911 immediately.


     

    On Oct. 29, a deputy encountered Connelly in the bathroom of a Bojangles at the corner of Dawson Lane and Highway 43 in Vanceboro, North Carolina, according to a release. Connelly stabbed the deputy with a knife, officials said, before running off toward the Bailey Lane Apartments behind the Bojangles.

    The sheriff’s office said they were initially looking for Connelly in connection to the death of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, 72, on Oct. 25.

    Lopedote’s body was found inside a burning home on N.C. 101 Highway in Havelock, North Carolina, investigators said.

    Authorities said Connelly set the fire and took off in Lopedote’s vehicle, which was found unoccupied in a New Bern, N.C., parking lot on Pine Tree Drive on Oct. 28.

     

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    Justin Pryor, Caroline King

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

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    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

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    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this Wednesday. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 5th.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on December 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this week. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Even though its peak is Wednesday morning, it will appear full on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of the three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on Dec. 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall, and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • This November’s ‘Beaver Moon’ will be the biggest seen in several years

    [ad_1]

    The second supermoon of the year will appear in the skies this week. The Beaver Moon, which is always the name of November’s full moon, will be the second of three supermoons in 2025.

    The Beaver Moon will reach peak illumination around 8:19 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Even though its peak is Wednesday morning, it will appear full on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

    What You Need To Know

    • November’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon

    • This is the second and biggest of the three supermoons that will occur this year

    • The next supermoon will appear on Dec. 4, 2025

    The Beaver Moon is named for the time of the year when beavers are preparing to take shelter in their dams for the winter months. An earlier sunset will allow many on the east coast to see the full moon for a longer period of time.

    What’s a supermoon?

    A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit is at its closest to Earth. The moon will appear brighter and larger than normal. This year’s Beaver Moon will be the biggest supermoon since 2019. It’s the second of three supermoons that round out 2025.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The month is a transitional month as we move away from summer toward fall, and the alternative names reflect this. 

    • Digging (or Scratching) Moon (Tlingit)
    • Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota and Lakota)
    • Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Election Day: A quick voting guide for N.C. municipal elections

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    Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and will remain open until 7:30 p.m.

    What You Need To Know

    • The General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4

    • There are more than 1,000 seats up for election across the state 

    • In addition to voting for elected officials, some will get to vote directly on local legislation through referendums 

    • Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.




    There are more than 1,000 seats up for election and several referendums to be voted on.

    The map of where municipal elections are happening can be accessed online here. 

    To participate in a municipal election, people have to live and be registered to vote there. People can check their registration status and view more voter details, including jurisdictions, polling place and more, by clicking here.

    Voter Requirements

    • Be a U.S. citizen

    • Be at least 18 years old by election day 

    • Not serving a felony sentence





    People will also be asked to show a photo ID when voting. The list of acceptable IDs can be found here. If someone does not have a photo ID, they can still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form.

    More information on what to expect when voting on Election Day, click here.

    Here are some elections across the state to look out for:

    Mayoral race in Greensboro

    After the primary election narrowed the field from four to two candidates, Marikay Abuzuaiter, who secured 39.89% of the primary vote will face Robbie Perkins, who received 32.49%. Abuzuaiter is the current at-large council member and Perkins previously served as Greensboro’s Mayor from 2011 to 2013, prior to the incumbent Nancy Vaughan, who did not run for reelection.

    Mayoral race in Durham

    Leonardo (Leo) Williams and Anjanée Bell were the top two candidates out of the five that ran in the primary, receiving 55.35% and 29.78% of the vote, respectively.

    Williams has been Durham’s mayor since 2023, and Bell is the daughter of William V. “Bill” Bell, who was the city’s longest serving mayor, holding the office from 2001 to 2017.

    Cary Town Council race

    This year, the at-large representative seat and seats for districts A and C are up for election. The map of the town’s districts can be viewed here.

    Carissa Kohn-Johnson is the current at-large representative and will face Marjorie K. Eastman, who is challenging her for the seat.

    Jennifer Robinson, who has served as the representative for District A since 1999, is challenged by Brittany Richards.

    Jack Smith, the current representative for District C, opted not to run for reelection, leaving Bella Huang and Renee Miller in competition for the seat.

    A North Carolina voter fills out her ballot. (Associated Press)

    Referendums:

    Voters in some municipalities will get the chance to vote on legislation directly. The full list of referendums that will be on this year’s ballots can be viewed here.

    Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, proposed a new sales tax that would add one cent to every dollar of local sales. The proceeds from this new tax would go toward paying for public transportation. Eligible voters will be able to mark if they are for or against this tax on their ballots.

    Nearby in Union County, residents of Stallings and Indian Trail will get to vote on a new room occupancy tax of up to 5% which if approved, would apply to all guests staying at hotels and other short-term rentals in the towns.   

    The counties of Cleveland, Columbus and Richmond are considering allowing mixed drinks to be sold in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theaters, and convention centers and allowing malt beverages and unfortified wine to be sold in qualifying locations. It will be up to voters to decide whether or not to allow these sales.

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    Justin Pryor

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  • How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

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    Halloween was a few days ago, but don’t throw out those pumpkins. There are lots ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

    • Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

    • Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

    Turn pumpkins into food

    If you didn’t carve the pumpkins yet, consider using it for food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

    To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

    The puree could then be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

    (Pexels)

    You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them. One cup of pumpkin seeds is equivalent to approximately 12 grams of protein. 

    Pumpkin for animals

    Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

    You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

    Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals. Polar bears enjoy them as a snack.

    Composting pumpkins

    Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

    You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

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  • How to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween

    [ad_1]

    Halloween was a few days ago, but don’t throw out those pumpkins. There are lots ways to reuse your pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns now that the trick-or-treating is done. 

    What You Need To Know

    • There are several ways to recycle your pumpkins

    • Leftover pumpkins can make tasty dishes

    • Pumpkin scraps are also an excellent fertilizer for your garden.

    Turn pumpkins into food

    If you didn’t carve the pumpkins yet, consider using it for food. You can scoop out the guts of the pumpkin and turn it into a puree.

    To make a puree, you need to cut up the pumpkin and roast the halves. After they’ve roasted, scoop out the flesh and blend it to turn into a puree.

    The puree could then be used to make pies, soups and sauces.

    (Pexels)

    You can also the roast the pumpkin seeds too after taking out the guts and rinsing them. One cup of pumpkin seeds is equivalent to approximately 12 grams of protein. 

    Pumpkin for animals

    Leftover pumpkins can also become bird feeders.

    You just have to cut off the top third of the pumpkin, empty the cavity, fill it with bird seeds and hang it in the yard for the birds.

    Check with your local zoo. Some will take donated pumpkin scraps and use them as feed for animals. Polar bears enjoy them as a snack.

    Composting pumpkins

    Pumpkins are also good for composting. You can use the pumpkin scraps to help fertilize your garden.

    You can even make it a game for kids to smash leftover pumpkins and use it as compost.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Keith Bryant

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  • As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues

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    It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.

    Do we proceed with the current standards and switch the clocks biannually in 48 of the 50 states? Or do we establish one standard and end this shifting of time? 

    19 states say yes, end the shifting and establish permanent daylight saving time. Federal law says no, and thus the debate continues. 

    Why we change the clocks

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. The thought was that by advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame for daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007, but this practice, according to millions of Americans, is outdated. 

    Not every state changes the clocks

    The law passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of observing daylight saving and stay in standard time year-round but not the other way around. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, along with multiple U.S. territories have done so and thus stay in standard time the full year. 

    Hawaii doesn’t take part because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    President Trump’s feelings on time change

    Even President Trump sees it from both sides of the debate.

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social post in April boasted something completely different.

    A hearing convened in April by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act and its opponents

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, three and a half years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Not everyone agrees with eliminating standard time.

    Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton was on hand to thwart a bipartisan effort on the chamber floor to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. 

    “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans,” said Cotton in his objection to a request by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to advance the bill by unanimous consent.

    Adding, “For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. during the dead of winter,” Emphasizing, “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for the Senate to pass the bill this week, citing states’ rights as a major reason for his support for the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act.” 

    “It allows the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Scott. “The American people are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s confusing, unnecessary and completely outdated.”

    Cotton strengthened his argument by bringing up the “abject failure” of the last time Congress enacted permanent daylight saving time in 1974, pledging to always oppose legislation that would do just that.

     

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues

    [ad_1]

    It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.

    Do we proceed with the current standards and switch the clocks biannually in 48 of the 50 states? Or do we establish one standard and end this shifting of time? 

    19 states say yes, end the shifting and establish permanent daylight saving time. Federal law says no, and thus the debate continues. 

    Why we change the clocks

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. The thought was that by advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame for daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007, but this practice, according to millions of Americans, is outdated. 

    Not every state changes the clocks

    The law passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of observing daylight saving and stay in standard time year-round but not the other way around. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, along with multiple U.S. territories have done so and thus stay in standard time the full year. 

    Hawaii doesn’t take part because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    President Trump’s feelings on time change

    Even President Trump sees it from both sides of the debate.

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social post in April boasted something completely different.

    A hearing convened in April by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act and its opponents

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, three and a half years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Not everyone agrees with eliminating standard time.

    Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton was on hand to thwart a bipartisan effort on the chamber floor to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. 

    “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans,” said Cotton in his objection to a request by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to advance the bill by unanimous consent.

    Adding, “For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. during the dead of winter,” Emphasizing, “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for the Senate to pass the bill this week, citing states’ rights as a major reason for his support for the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act.” 

    “It allows the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Scott. “The American people are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s confusing, unnecessary and completely outdated.”

    Cotton strengthened his argument by bringing up the “abject failure” of the last time Congress enacted permanent daylight saving time in 1974, pledging to always oppose legislation that would do just that.

     

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • As we “fall back” this weekend, the time change debate continues

    [ad_1]

    It’s that time of the year again, when we “fall back” one hour, ending daylight saving time and returning to standard time and thus igniting the semi-annual debate.

    Do we proceed with the current standards and switch the clocks biannually in 48 of the 50 states? Or do we establish one standard and end this shifting of time? 

    19 states say yes, end the shifting and establish permanent daylight saving time. Federal law says no, and thus the debate continues. 

    Why we change the clocks

    The United States began the concept of daylight saving time in 1918, during World War I, to save fuel. The thought was that by advancing one hour ahead, coal-fired energy would assist the war effort rather than that hour at home.

    Standard time returned following the war and continued until World War II. After World War II, some states and even cities kept daylight saving time, creating various time zones within regions. Frustrated with no uniform time, the public pushed Congress to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966.

    This established the time frame for daylight saving time would begin the last Sunday in April and end the last Sunday in October.

    In 1987, it extended to include the first Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October.

    Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the modern daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

    This current time shift began in 2007, but this practice, according to millions of Americans, is outdated. 

    Not every state changes the clocks

    The law passed by Congress in 1966 allows states to opt out of observing daylight saving and stay in standard time year-round but not the other way around. Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, along with multiple U.S. territories have done so and thus stay in standard time the full year. 

    Hawaii doesn’t take part because of its location. With not much variation throughout the year between sunrise and sunset, it made little sense to switch the clocks. 

    Only the Navajo Nation in Arizona observes daylight saving time. The rest of the state exempted itself in 1968. 

    They cited the heat as their reason for opting out, adding that if they switched the clocks ahead one hour, the sun would not set until 9 p.m. in the summer, limiting nighttime activities.

    President Trump’s feelings on time change

    Even President Trump sees it from both sides of the debate.

    “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our nation,” he wrote on his social media back on Dec. 13, 2024. 

    However, his Truth Social post in April boasted something completely different.

    A hearing convened in April by the Senate Commerce Committee was debating this issue. Trump’s endorsement might help settle the debate for lawmakers. 

    Sunshine Protection Act and its opponents

    On March 15, 2022, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year to account for the time change. 

    While the Senate passed the bill, three and a half years later it remains stalled in the House and has not been signed into law by President Trump.

    Not everyone agrees with eliminating standard time.

    Earlier this week, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton was on hand to thwart a bipartisan effort on the chamber floor to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. 

    “If permanent Daylight Savings Time becomes the law of the land, it will again make winter a dark and dismal time for millions of Americans,” said Cotton in his objection to a request by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to advance the bill by unanimous consent.

    Adding, “For many Arkansans, permanent daylight savings time would mean the sun wouldn’t rise until after 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m. during the dead of winter,” Emphasizing, “The darkness of permanent savings time would be especially harmful for school children and working Americans.”

    Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called for the Senate to pass the bill this week, citing states’ rights as a major reason for his support for the so-called “Sunshine Protection Act.” 

    “It allows the people of each state to choose what best fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Scott. “The American people are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s confusing, unnecessary and completely outdated.”

    Cotton strengthened his argument by bringing up the “abject failure” of the last time Congress enacted permanent daylight saving time in 1974, pledging to always oppose legislation that would do just that.

     

    Vote in Live Poll: Cancel daylight saving time or stay on it permanently?

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Search continues for murder suspect accused of stabbing Craven County deputy

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    A helicopter and drones have joined the ongoing search for a murder suspect accused of stabbing a Craven County Sheriff’s deputy late Wednesday night.  

    What You Need To Know

    • The search continues for Dominic Connelly, 24, who is accused of multiple crimes, including arson, murder and stabbing a Craven County deputy

    • The deputy was stabbed inside a Bojangles in Vanceboro late Wednesday night

    • Connelly’s grandmother was found dead inside a burning home on Oct. 25

    • He is considered armed and dangerous, officials said, and should not be approached. Anyone who sees him should immediately call 911


    Dominic Connelly, 24, is wanted on charges of murder, first-degree arson, vehicle theft, first-degree attempted murder, felony assault on law enforcement, causing serious injury and resisting a public officer.

    “We will not stop,” Craven County Sheriff Corporal Kelly Cox said Thursday in a recorded statement addressed to Connelly. “We are asking you to end this peacefully now for your own safety and for the safety of the public and our officers.”


    He urged Connelly to turn himself in.

    “We are asking you to end this peacefully now for your own safety and for the safety of the public and our officers,” he said. “Do not make this situation worse.”

    Cox also called on Craven County residents to be on their guard.

    Connelly is considered as armed and dangerous and should not be approached if seen, he said.

    Connelly is described as a white male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 135 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Deputies said he was last seen wearing dark clothing and running toward the Bailey Lane Apartments. 

    Craven County Schools closed Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary, West Craven Middle and West Craven High School for all students and staff on Thursday and announced that Friday would be a remote, asynchronous learning day.


    On Oct. 29, a deputy encountered Connelly in the bathroom of a Bojangles at the corner of Dawson Lane and Highway 43 in Vanceboro, North Carolina, according to a release. Connelly stabbed the deputy with a knife, officials said, before running off toward the Bailey Lane Apartments behind the Bojangles.

    The sheriff’s office said they were initially looking for Connelly in connection to the death of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, 72, on Oct. 25.

    Lopedote’s body was found inside a burning home on N.C. 101 Highway in Havelock, North Carolina, investigators said.

    Authorities said Connelly set the fire and took off in Lopedote’s vehicle, which was found unoccupied in a New Bern, N.C., parking lot on Pine Tree Drive on Oct. 28.

    Anyone with information on Connelly’s whereabouts is asked to call Craven County Sheriff’s Office at 252-636-6620, Craven County Communications at 252-633-2357, or submit an anonymous tip to the Craven County Crime Stoppers app at p3tips.com/986. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to Connelly’s arrest.

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    Justin Pryor, Caroline King

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