ReportWire

Tag: mountain

  • Sheriff Sam Page on why he’s vying for Phil Berger’s N.C. Senate seat

    [ad_1]

    On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum talks with the man who is challenging North Carolina’s most powerful politician.

    Senate leader Phil Berger has led Republicans ever since they took full control of the legislature in 2011. However, an unsuccessful attempt to expand casinos in the state opened the door for criticism.

    As a result, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page plans to run against Berger in next year’s Republican primary.

    This week, we get to know Page, why he’s running, and why he thinks he can beat the Berger campaign and the money behind it.

    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!

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • N.C. GOP leader spars with California governor over gerrymandering plans

    [ad_1]

    After moves to change congressional districts to get more Republicans elected in Texas and more Democrats in California, North Carolina is getting in on the state action over the control of Congress in the 2026 election.

    It comes down to gerrymandering. That’s the practice of drawing electoral districts to favor one political party over another. And the North Carolina GOP wants to help add another seat in the U.S. House for the Republicans. The North Carolina GOP announced Monday they plan to redraw maps to flip a seat to a Republican in the next congressional election.

    North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger, a Republican, got into a public spat with California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom after Monday’s announcement.

    Berger tagged the governor in a post, saying that state Republicans were on their way back to Raleigh to support President Donald Trump in redistricting North Carolina.

    Newsom responded, saying in part, “This started in Texas — and if North Carolina gives in, CALIFORNIA PATRIOTS WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR AMERICA.”


    North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein responded to Republican leadership in the General Assembly separately in a social media post.

    “The Republican leadership in the General Assembly has failed to pass a budget, failed to pay our teachers and law enforcement what they deserve, and failed to fully fund Medicaid,” Stein said. “Now they are failing you, the voters.”


     

     

    [ad_2]

    Daniel Gray

    Source link

  • Panthers face tough decision with RBs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rico Dowdle has been phenomenal since stepping in as the Carolina Panthers’ starting running back two weeks ago, totaling 473 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in two outings.

    Coach Dave Canales now faces a tough decision: whether to keep Dowdle in the starting lineup once Chuba Hubbard returns from a calf injury, which could be as soon as this week against the New York Jets.

    “A great question,” Canales said after the Panthers’ 30-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys, which moved his team to 3-3. “We’re going to figure that part out. But I know Rico is doing a great job, and he will be a big part of what we’re doing.”

    Canales calls it a good problem to have.

    But that doesn’t make the decision any easier, given the team’s loyalty to Hubbard.

    Dowdle, in his sixth NFL season, is doing it all for Carolina. He ran for 183 yards on 30 carries and caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, just days after warning his former Dallas Cowboys teammates to “buckle up.” That effort came seven days after Dowdle rushed for 206 yards on 23 carries while catching four passes for another 28 yards in a come-from-behind win over the Miami Dolphins.

    He set a franchise record for scrimmage yards in back-to-back games. And he become only the seventh player in the last two decades to amass more than 200 yards from scrimmage in consecutive outings.

    Hubbard has been the Panthers’ starter and arguably their best player over the past couple of seasons, and the team rewarded him with a four-year, $33 million contract late last season after he ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s earned Canales’ respect for his toughness and leadership.

    So Hubbard will definitely play.

    But it’s hard to imagine Canales putting a hot hand — a scorching hand, in fact — on the bench after two incredible weeks and two Carolina wins.

    What’s working

    The running game. It’s remarkable what the Panthers have done on the ground the last two weeks — a combined 455 yards rushing against the Cowboys and Dolphins — considering they lost guard Robert Hunt, their best offensive lineman, and center Austin Corbett to injuries in Week 2, and that a third starter, right tackle Taylor Moton, missed Sunday’s game with an elbow injury. Top reserve Chandler Zavala has also missed the last two games. But the Panthers keep plugging and playing guys and seemingly improve each week. It might be time to give offensive line coach Joe Gilbert a raise.

    What needs help

    The Panthers need to take better care of the ball in the first half. Seven of Bryce Young’s eight turnovers this season have come before halftime. He had one on Sunday, but it wasn’t the QB’s fault. Young was intercepted when his pass went straight through the hands of rookie Tetairoa McMillan.

    Stock up

    McMillan may have messed up that catch, but he more than made up for it later in the game. The No. 8 pick in the NFL draft has been solid all season and on Sunday caught his first two touchdown passes from Young. McMillan has 27 catches for 380 yards, which puts him on pace for nearly a 1,200-yard season. He’s still very raw in some respects, but his upside is off the charts.

    Stock down

    Carolina’s pass defense needs to find a way to slow down opposing quarterbacks with more frequency. Although the defense had some timely stops against the Cowboys, the Panthers allowed Dak Prescott to throw three touchdown passes — and that was without CeeDee Lamb. Carolina’s inability to cover the tight end has really stood out, and Jake Ferguson became the latest to find the end zone. Miami’s Darren Waller also had a big game against the Panthers in Week 5.

    Injuries

    The Panthers are expected have “a few more guys” available this week against the Jets, Canales said. Receiver Jalen Coker was close to returning from injured reserve last week and could make his debut on Sunday. Hubbard, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and defensive lineman Turk Wharton could also be back this week if they make progress in practice. Also, the Panthers plan to open the 21-day window on Corbett, who avoided surgery for a knee injury earlier this year.

    Key number

    2 — Sunday marked only the second time the Panthers have won back-to-back games under Young, their third-year quarterback.

    Next steps

    Carolina has a chance to move above .500 on Sunday with a victory at the winless Jets. The last time the Panthers were above .500 this late in the season was Nov. 3, 2019, when they started 5-3, only to lose all of their remaining games.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Burke County brings pen and paper back in the classroom

    [ad_1]

    BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Burke County Public Schools is putting pen and paper back in the classroom. It is giving teachers the freedom during the day to choose when computers are better and when paper is better during this transition year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Burke County has decided to put pen and paper back in the classroom

    • The district has voted to pass a resolution for teachers
    • It gives teachers the freedom during the day to choose when computers are better and when paper is better during this transition year

    • They will still be using computers when needed but say it’s important to go back to the basics


    Tiana Beachler is both a mother and Burke County Board of Education member. She says when she was home, she saw her sons’ attachment to devices.

    “When the devices go away, now we get the emotions,” Beachler said.

    She saw it’s happening with other families too, so she came up with an idea to take a step back.

    “In order to run you have to learn how to walk, in order to walk you have to crawl, so instead of the thought that we are taking a step back, it’s important to teach them the foundation of how to work things out on paper,” Beachler said.

    Teachers say they like it. Connie Fox teaches kindergarten and says the computers were too much for her students.

    “Eight years ago, they were writing sentences, and last year they were barely writing words, and in my head they were on the computer so much,” Fox said.

    Now, she does more hands-on work and made them a reading corner.

    “This has just been such a blessing to be able to go back to what is age-appropriate for these children especially,” Fox said.

    Fifth-grade teacher Emily Hendrix says it’s good for math. She says students can now show their work.

    “A computer, it’s very easy just to click and push the buttons until it moves you on to the next problem,” Hendrix said.

    She mentioned that they’re now able to learn cursive.

    “Students don’t know cursive, and they do struggle to sign their names, and in documents later in life they need to know how to do that,” Hendrix said.

    They say they are going back to the basics to try to give students a well-rounded education.

    “We’re seeing paper come home again, because we have kids in the system. We see the homework come home again,” Beachler said.

    [ad_2]

    Rose Eiklor

    Source link

  • Tropical Storm Lorenzo forms in the central Atlantic

    [ad_1]

    Tropical Storm Lorenzo formed this morning in the central tropical Atlantic becoming the 12th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • This is the 12th named storm of the season

    • Lorenzo will remain a tropical storm

    • No threats to the U.S.


    Lorenzo is a tropical storm with maxium sustained winds at 45 mph moving northwest at 17 mph. Tropical storm Lorenzo will continue to churn in the open waters of the Atlantic posing no threat to any land over the next 5 days.



    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict what areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside, but near the cone, should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • ‘Winter-like storm’ could hit Southern California late Monday through Wednesday

    [ad_1]

    A “winter-like” storm will sweep across Southern California late Monday into Wednesday, bringing the chance of “significant” rainfall, the National Weather Service said Sunday.

    Most of the rain is expected to occur Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, potentially creating a headache for commuters.

    Rainfall totals during that time could range from three-quarters of an inch to 1½ inches, said Richard Thompson, meteorologist for the weather service. Mountain and foothill areas could see up to 3½ inches of rain.

    Rainfall rates could be half an inch or more per hour, leading the weather service to put burn areas on flood watch from Monday night to Tuesday afternoon, he said.

    There’s also a chance of thunderstorms and strong and gusty winds.

    Though it is early in the season, it’s not unheard of to get a storm or two in October, Thompson said.

    “Usually our Octobers are dry,” he said, “but we do get storms from time to time.”

    The early-season-storm forecast coincides with the official return of La Niña, a climate pattern usually responsible for driving drought in Southern California.

    The reemergence of the ocean phenomenon — after last year’s rainfall was below average — could mean another drier-than-average winter, further worsening fire conditions in the region.

    Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.

    [ad_2]

    Samantha Masunaga

    Source link

  • Durham is alive with ‘The Sound of Music’

    [ad_1]

    “The Sound of Music” has been a favorite for audiences around the world, both on screen and on stage, for more than 60 years. Now, a piece of Broadway history has made its way to Durham.

    The Broadway musical that first debuted in 1959 and was later made into the iconic film starring Julie Andrews in 1965 is currently on tour and will be wrapping up its stop at the Durham Performing Arts Center this weekend.

    Two of the shows stars, Cayleigh Capaldi, who plays Maria Rainer, and Kevin Earley, who plays Captain Georg Von Trapp, stop by to share behind-the-scenes insights from the show and talk about why it has continued to captivate audiences for more than six decades. Check out the video for Spectrum News 1’s conversation with Capaldi and Earley.

    The show will also be making stops in Charlotte and Greensboro in the coming months. For information on the show’s schedule and tickets, click here.

    Kevin Earley (Captain Georg von Trapp) and Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) in “The Sound of Music.” Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

    [ad_2]

    Justin Pryor

    Source link

  • Subtropical Storm Karen won’t survive long in the northern Atlantic

    [ad_1]

    Subtropical Storm Karen isn’t expected to last long in the northern Atlantic. Karen formed on Oct. 9, becoming the 11th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Karen is not expected to last long

    • It’s moving over cold water

    • Karen will have no impact on the U.S.


    Subtropical Storm Karen will remain in the northern Atlantic before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday. It’s moving over cold waters. Karen will not pose a threat to any land.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict what areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside, but near the cone, should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Jarvis, new arrival Miller help Hurricanes beat Devils 6-3 in season opener

    [ad_1]

    RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Seth Jarvis scored the go-ahead goal with a redirect with 2:43 left to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 6-3 in Thursday night’s opener for both teams.

    Jarvis got position at the top of the crease as Sebastian Aho sent the puck in for the deflection, with Jarvis getting it past Jacob Markstrom. That allowed Carolina to finally take control after alternating goals with New Jersey.

    Jarvis added a long-distance empty-netter with 54.1 seconds left off a turnover, while Eric Robinson added one more — this one past Markstrom after he returned to net — with 12.6 seconds left.

    Defenseman K’Andre Miller scored twice in his debut with Carolina, which acquired him from the New York Rangers and signed him to a long-term deal. Taylor Hall also scored for Carolina.

    Dougie Hamilton, Cody Glass and Jesper Bratt scored goals for the Devils, who answered scores from Carolina each time until Jarvis’ first score.

    Frederik Andersen finished with 19 saves, while Markstrom had 27.

    Carolina is opening a season among the Stanley Cup favorites after winning at least one series in seven straight postseasons, including twice reaching the Eastern Conference final in the past three seasons before falling to two-time reigning champ Florida each time.

    New Jersey is trying to reach the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, with the previous two trips both ending with losses to Carolina.

    The Devils are opening the season with three straight road games, followed by a home opener against Florida. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, get another home game before going on their annual lengthy October road trip due to the arrival of the North Carolina State Fair taking over the area from the adjacent fairgrounds.

    Up next

    Devils: New Jersey visits Tampa Bay on Saturday night.

    Hurricanes: Carolina hosts Philadelphia on Saturday night.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Nor’easter to bring rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to East Coast

    [ad_1]

    A low pressure is expected to develop today and bring rain, wind and coastal flooding all along the east coast this weekend into early next week.

    What You Need To Know

    • A coastal low will develop off the coast of Florida on Friday

    • The low will strengthen as it moves northward along the Carolina coast, bringing heavy rain, wind and flooding potential

    • The system will produce wind gusts 30 to 50 mph along coastal regions of the East Coast

    • Rainfall totals will be highest along coastal North Carolina



    This storm system — a nor’easter, named for the wind direction it produces — usually brings heavy snow along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast during the winter months. However, any weather disturbance can take a similar track and produce wind and heavy precipitation, and that is expected to happen this weekend into early next week.

    Unfortunately, the Outer Banks of N.C. will see their third storm so far this season. As recently as two weeks ago, rough surf and big waves collapsed eight homes into the Atlantic Ocean in this area. 

    A beach house in Rodanthe in Dare County toppled into the surf Friday. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Track of storm

    Here’s one computer model’s interpretation of the storm. 

    Futurecast - National this weekend

    Wind gusts

    A nor’easter will produce gusty winds, and depending on the location of the storm to the coast will determine how windy it gets inland. Gusts will generally be around 30 to 50 mph for coastal regions, with some localized higher gusts. Interior sections will see less gusty conditions, with winds around 20 to 30 mph.

    Rainfall totals

    Rainfall totals will be highest along coastal North Carolina, with 3 to 5 inches possible. 

    The low is expected to move east from the coast during the day on Tuesday, taking with it the heavy rain and gusty winds. 

    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]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard out, Rico Dowdle to start against Cowboys

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard will miss his second straight game on Sunday with a calf injury.

    What You Need To Know

    • Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard will miss his second straight game due to a calf injury

    • He was ruled out on Friday for the game against the Dallas Cowboys after not practicing all week

    • Rico Dowdle, who ran for a career-high 206 yards last Sunday in a win over the Miami Dolphins, will start against his former team

    • The Panthers will also be without right tackle Taylor Moton, defensive lineman Turk Wharton, and defensive back Akayleb Evans


    Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle celebrates after scoring against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (Associated Press)

    Hubbard was ruled out on Friday for the game against Dallas after not practicing all week.

    Rico Dowdle, who ran for a career-high 206 yards in last Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins, will start against his former team. Dowdle played five seasons for the Cowboys before signing with the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent.

    Dowdle said earlier in the week the Cowboys “better buckle up.” He had two runs of 50 yards or longer last week as the Panthers overcame a 17-point deficit. 

    The Panthers (2-3) will also be without right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow), defensive lineman Turk Wharton (toe) and defensive back Akayleb Evans (hamstring). Wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) and cornerbacks Mike Jackson (ribs) and Chau Wade-Smith (chest) are questionable. Coker remains on injured reserve, but could be activated this week.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Here’s what happened when a fire truck caught fire inside the fire station

    [ad_1]

    Fire crews sprang into action when a blaze broke out in their own Morganton station Friday, quickly putting out a burning old fire engine. 

    The engine caught fire inside the station outside of Morganton Friday afternoon, according to a statement posted by the fire department.  

    What You Need To Know

    •  A fire truck caught fire inside the Drexel Fire Station in Burke County

    •  The station is connected to Drexel’s town hall building 

    •  No injuries were reported 

    • Nearby fire stations helped put out the blaze 


    At about 1 p.m., the Drexel Fire Department Chief Jonathan Wilkie first heard a pop and then saw smoke coming from one of the older fire engines parked in the station.


    The crew was close by and responded quickly, containing the blaze before anything else burned. The fire station is connected to Drexel’s town hall building. All town staff working inside had to evacuate, and there were no injuries reported.

    Other nearby departments came to help put out the fire, including Valdese Fire Department, Triple Community Fire Department, Chesterfield Fire Department, Salem Fire Department, Burke County Fire Marshal, and Burke County EMS.

    “We are thankful there were no injuries and no damage to the building as a result of this fire,” Drexel Mayor Dennis Anthony said in the statement from the department. “A huge thanks to the responding mutual aid agencies for quickly assisting us in knocking the fire down.”

    The investigation is ongoing, but the statement said that early reports suggest the fire began in the engine compartment of the older fire truck.

    The Drexel Fire Department is still operational, and further updates will be posted on its Facebook page.

    [ad_2]

    Caroline King

    Source link

  • Armadillos in N.C. — New map shows where to spot them

    [ad_1]

    The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission shared a map on Wednesday of where nine-banded armadillos have been seen in the state.  

    What You Need To Know

    • The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission posted an armadillo range map for the state   

    • Nine-banded armadillos have been reported in the U.S. since the 1800s 

    • Nine-banded armadillos are one of the only animals to naturally carry leprosy 

    • There is no evidence that the armadillos in N.C. are carrying leprosy, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission


    Confirmed observations of these armadillos have been more common in the western part of the state, but nearly every one of North Carolina’s counties have at least had an unconfirmed sighting report.

     


    There are 20 types of armadillos, but the nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the United States, according to the National Wildlife Federation. They get their name from the banded pattern on the armor-like plates that cover their bodies. Unlike their three-banded armadillo counterparts in South America, the ones in North America do not roll.

    The first recorded sighting of an armadillo in the U.S. was in Texas in 1849, but they have been expanding their range ever since, according to research published by Bradley University.

       Fun facts about nine-banded armadillos, according to the Rainforest Alliance

    • Nine-banded armadillos spend most of their time in burrows underground

    • They typically grow to be about the size of a domestic cat

    • Their long tongues allow them to eat up to 40,000 ants in one meal

    • When scared, they can jump more than three feet in the air

    A less fun-fact about nine-banded armadillos is that they are the only animals, besides humans, known to naturally carry leprosy, according to the Emerging Pathogens Institute.

    A 2015 study by the institute found that more than 16% of armadillos in Florida carried Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria that causes leprosy. Now known as Hansen’s disease, it is treatable and 95% of people cannot get it because their immune system can fight off the bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    The Wildlife Commission responded to concerned comments about the armadillo’s capacity to carry leprosy.

    “We don’t have evidence that armadillos in North Carolina carry the bacteria, which is easily treated by modern antibiotics,” the commission commented on Facebook. “If worried about it, just don’t touch any armadillos.”

    [ad_2]

    Caroline King

    Source link

  • $1 million bond for longtime N.C. legislator charged with child sex crimes

    [ad_1]

    A longtime state legislator from Guilford County facing multiple charges related to indecent liberties with a minor has allegedly attempted to contact and locate the victim using his political status, according to court documents.

    A judge set a $1 million bond for Rep. Cecil Brockman Friday.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Court records show Rep. Cecil Brockman, a six-term Democratic lawmaker from Guilford County, was arrested on charges of statutory sexual offense and taking indecent liberties with a child

    • Court documents say he attempted to contact and locate the victim 

    • A judge set a $1 million bond for Rep. Cecil Brockman Friday

    • The alleged crimes involved a 15-year-old


    Brockman, a Democrat representing part of Guilford County, has served six terms in the North Carolina House. He is charged with two counts each of taking indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said.

    He was jailed without bond.

    A magistrate’s order says Brockman is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a 15-year-old twice and is twice alleged to have committed “a lewd and lascivious act” upon the juvenile. The alleged victim in each felony count was identified by the same initials.

    Court documents say he made attempts to locate the juvenile in the hospital and tried to use his state legislator title to get access to information about the victim’s whereabouts.

    After Brockman’s arrest was announced on Wednesday, several other state legislators, including North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton who was speaking on behalf of the state’s Democratic Party, called for his resignation.


     

    State Republicans leaders also have called for Brockman to immediately step down.

    “If true, there is no place in public service now or in the future for someone accused of these heinous crimes,” the N.C. GOP stated in a tweet. 

    The leader of the state House, Republican Rep. Destin Hall, urged Brockman to resign so the charges would not be a distraction for his chamber. 


     

    [ad_2]

    Justin Pryor, Caroline King, Associated Press

    Source link

  • N.C. legislator arrested on child sex charges, officials say

    [ad_1]

    Leaders on both sides of the aisle are calling on a state legislator from Guilford County to step down after he was arrested on multiple charges related to indecent liberties with a minor.

    Rep. Cecil Brockman, Democrat, is charged with two counts each of taking indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office said.

    After news of his arrest, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton said in a statement on X, “The North Carolina Democratic Party calls on Representative Brockman to resign effective immediately. The profound seriousness of these criminal charges makes it impossible to represent his community.”

    The N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall, Republican, also joined the calls for Brockman’s resignation. “The charges against Rep. Brockman are shocking and extremely serious. Given the evidence that’s publicly known, he should resign immediately so these charges do not distract from the work of the North Carolina House,” he said in a statement.

    Brockman has served six terms in the North Carolina House, according to the N.C. General Assembly’s website.

    Other leaders in North Carolina also weighed in on Brockman’s arrest.

    “The allegations against Rep. Brockman are serious and, if true, would disqualify him from public office,” House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said in a statement Thursday morning. “This is a developing situation and it is important to let the legal process unfold.”

    “These charges are extremely serious and deeply troubling. While the legal process has yet to play out, it’s clear he cannot effectively serve his constituents and should resign immediately,” Gov. Josh Stein said.

    The N.C. GOP also released a statement saying, “These allegations are abhorrent. If true, there is no place in public service now or in the future for someone accused of these heinous crimes.”

    [ad_2]

    Justin Pryor

    Source link

  • NASCAR and teams to meet in court to try to resolve yearlong feud

    [ad_1]

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR and the two teams suing it over antitrust allegations will participate in a judicial settlement conference later this month in an attempt to resolve the yearlong feud over the charter system.

    The conference involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing — which co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin — and Bob Jenkins-owned Front Row Racing will be Oct. 21 before District Judge Kenneth Bell in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

    NASCAR filed a motion Monday seeking the conference and Bell granted it Wednesday. Jeffrey Mishkin, the former executive vice president and chief legal officer of the NBA, also will participate. Mishkin has been unsuccessful in previous attempts to mediate between the two sides.

    Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI and Front Row, said the teams welcomed the decision “to bring all parties together to engage in a meaningful resolution.

    “We remain open to a settlement that genuinely benefits the sport and its fans,” Kessler continued. “The goals my clients have raised are clear, and the teams have affirmed them in their own declarations. From the outset, our objective has been unwavering: to secure lasting stability and growth for every team, their employees, and the sport. It’s time for all parties to step up and deliver.”

    The judicial settlement conference will take place two days before an Oct. 23 hearing on motions for summary judgment.

    The charter system is at the heart of NASCAR’s business model and the focal point of the court fight. It is NASCAR’s version of a franchise model and a charter guarantees cars spots in the field, a base amount of revenue each year, and according to NASCAR, has created more than $1.5 billion in equity value for its teams since 2016.

    A year ago, 13 of the 15 teams re-signed when they believed two-plus years of negotiations would not lead to a better deal. 23XI and Front Row Motorsports went to court instead.

    For months, the other 13 teams have complained privately that the lawsuit is creating uncertainty over the future of NASCAR. Most of the top teams in NASCAR last week issued declarations urging a settlement of the case while defending the charter system.

    Many of the declarations also stressed the team owners want the charters to become permanent — they are currently renewable — and that issue is one of the biggest sticking points to 23XI and Front Row.

    The case is currently set for a Dec. 1 start of trial.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Swannanoa to see new EMS station

    [ad_1]

    Buncombe County’s Board of Commissioners accepted a construction bid for a new Emergency Medical Services station in Swannanoa. 

    What You Need To Know

    •  Buncombe County is building a new EMS station in Swannanoa

    •  It is set to open in early 2027 

    •  The total project cost is estimated at more than $9.99 million 

    • The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.


    The county says once open in early 2027, it will reduce emergency service response times, potentially saving more lives.

    Carolina Specialties Construction will build the EMS East facility in front of the Owen Pool at 750 Old U.S. 70 Highway, 15 minutes from Asheville. The construction contract allows for about 14 months and expects it to be finished by December of next year. It will be the first standalone EMS station ever built by the county.

    EMS East will be 12,214 square feet and hold six emergency vehicles. It will also have bedrooms, a kitchen and a dining area for staff, which will include two paramedics and one EMS supervisor. The center will be staffed and operational 24/7.

    The total cost of the project is estimated at more than $9.99 million, according to the county.

    There will be two information sessions where people can meet with EMS to learn more about the facility:

    • Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. – Q&A session with EMS at the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance meeting at United Methodist Church, 216 Whitson Ave.
    • Nov. 3 at 4:30 p.m. – Meet EMS leadership at the Community Engagement Market at Asheville Christian Academy, 74 Riverwood Road

    The groundbreaking ceremony for EMS East is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.

    [ad_2]

    Caroline King

    Source link

  • Green Beret to Congressman: Republican Pat Harrigan on crime and partisan divide

    [ad_1]

    (Harrigan website)

    On this week’s episode of Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum chats with Congressman Pat Harrigan. 

    The Republican representing the 10th District is a former Army Special Forces officer and Green Beret. He graduated from West Point with a degree in nuclear engineering, as well. 

    Tim and Harrigan talk about his background in the military, why he ran for Congress, the partisan divide and the debate over crime in cities like Charlotte.

    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!

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

    [ad_1]

    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    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

  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

    [ad_1]

    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    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