WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A new bill introduced into the North Carolina Senate could let patients suffering from debilitating illnesses legally consume marijuana for the first time in the state if passed.It’s known as the and it has backing from local, Republican state lawmakers.Republican Senators Michael Lee and Bill Rabon, along with Democrat Paul Lowe are the primary sponsors of the bill that would protect doctors and patients from criminal and civil penalties imposed by law enforcement under current laws. It would also allow the growth and sale of cannabis in North Carolina.“That bill...…WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A new bill introduced into the North Carolina Senate could let patients suffering from debilitating illnesses legally consume marijuana for the first time in the state if passed.It’s known as the and it has backing from local, Republican state lawmakers.Republican Senators Michael Lee and Bill Rabon, along with Democrat Paul Lowe are the primary sponsors of the bill that would protect doctors and patients from criminal and civil penalties imposed by law enforcement under current laws. It would also allow the growth and sale of cannabis in North Carolina.“That bill...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Leaders of the North Carolina Department of Transportation said Wednesday they’re making some changes following an audit that outlined how the agency overspent by about $742 million last year, with lawmakers saying they’re drafting legislation to improve oversight.“I’m certainly not for sending any taxpayer money to DOT without some accountability and without some new eyes looking at what’s going on,” said Sen. Tom McInnis (R-25th District).DOT announced last week it will furlough all 9,400 full-time employees, citing a $300 million decrease in revenue amid the...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Leaders of the North Carolina Department of Transportation said Wednesday they’re making some changes following an audit that outlined how the agency overspent by about $742 million last year, with lawmakers saying they’re drafting legislation to improve oversight.“I’m certainly not for sending any taxpayer money to DOT without some accountability and without some new eyes looking at what’s going on,” said Sen. Tom McInnis (R-25th District).DOT announced last week it will furlough all 9,400 full-time employees, citing a $300 million decrease in revenue amid the...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A coalition of more than two dozen media outlets filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking the release of a list of records related to COVID-19 that the state had, so far, refused to provide.The lawsuit names as defendants Gov. Roy Cooper and two of his Cabinet secretaries, Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Erik Hooks, secretary of the Department of Public Safety.The complaint lists a total of 26 outstanding records requests — nine to DPS and 17 to DHHS — submitted by media outlets for records that could be helpful in reporting...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A coalition of more than two dozen media outlets filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking the release of a list of records related to COVID-19 that the state had, so far, refused to provide.The lawsuit names as defendants Gov. Roy Cooper and two of his Cabinet secretaries, Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Erik Hooks, secretary of the Department of Public Safety.The complaint lists a total of 26 outstanding records requests — nine to DPS and 17 to DHHS — submitted by media outlets for records that could be helpful in reporting...WW…

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — As protests over the death of George Floyd happen all over the country, one was underway Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville.The protest, which began at 3 p.m., was in addition to a protest that Another protest .Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville closed in advance of the protest there. A security officer said that the closure was in response to possible problems from the gathering of protesters.Around 3:30 p.m. protesters were walking along Skibo Road near Walmart.The earlier protest in Fayetteville appeared to be peaceful and included children. Traffic in the Skibo...…FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — As protests over the death of George Floyd happen all over the country, one was underway Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville.The protest, which began at 3 p.m., was in addition to a protest that Another protest .Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville closed in advance of the protest there. A security officer said that the closure was in response to possible problems from the gathering of protesters.Around 3:30 p.m. protesters were walking along Skibo Road near Walmart.The earlier protest in Fayetteville appeared to be peaceful and included children. Traffic in the Skibo...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Gov. Roy Cooper said a Republic National Convention is unlikely to occur as organizers want as the conditions in the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic continue to change.The governor released a letter he sent to the RNC after the group said it wanted a “full convention” with 19,000 in attendance.“As much as want the conditions surround COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the Convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely,” Cooper wrote.Cooper says the RNC had acknowledged that a scaled down convention was needed for the health and safety of...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Gov. Roy Cooper said a Republic National Convention is unlikely to occur as organizers want as the conditions in the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic continue to change.The governor released a letter he sent to the RNC after the group said it wanted a “full convention” with 19,000 in attendance.“As much as want the conditions surround COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the Convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely,” Cooper wrote.Cooper says the RNC had acknowledged that a scaled down convention was needed for the health and safety of...WW…

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Coronavirus cases among children are on the rise in North Carolina as 13,084 individuals under the age of 17 have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state, according to data from Wednesday.According to state data, 11 percent of the overall cases in North Carolina are children. That’s an increase from the six percent of overall cases that were children back in late May.Dr. Charlene Wong, a pediatrician and health services researcher at Duke University, said there is still a lot to learn when it comes to finding out the effect COVID-19 has on children.“The risk is...…DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Coronavirus cases among children are on the rise in North Carolina as 13,084 individuals under the age of 17 have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state, according to data from Wednesday.According to state data, 11 percent of the overall cases in North Carolina are children. That’s an increase from the six percent of overall cases that were children back in late May.Dr. Charlene Wong, a pediatrician and health services researcher at Duke University, said there is still a lot to learn when it comes to finding out the effect COVID-19 has on children.“The risk is...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Just two days after President Trump visited the Triangle, Vice President Mike Pence appears to be headed to the area.Pence is planning a trip Wednesday to Thales Academy in Apex, according to parents who received notification. He plans to visit the kindergarten through fifth-grade portion of the school.The private school .School leaders say they implemented additional safety guidelines for the academic year which include, staggered class change times, social distancing, prohibiting mass gatherings and sharing school supplies.Students are also expected to follow state...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Just two days after President Trump visited the Triangle, Vice President Mike Pence appears to be headed to the area.Pence is planning a trip Wednesday to Thales Academy in Apex, according to parents who received notification. He plans to visit the kindergarten through fifth-grade portion of the school.The private school .School leaders say they implemented additional safety guidelines for the academic year which include, staggered class change times, social distancing, prohibiting mass gatherings and sharing school supplies.Students are also expected to follow state...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Gov. Roy Cooper said North Carolina public schools will be open for both in-person and remote learning this fall.All-remote learning will be an option for some school districts, Cooper said.“After working with health experts, school superintendents, teachers and more, we plan to put those protections in place and open our schools in a careful way,” Cooper said.Face masks will be required for every teacher, staff and student from kindergarten through high school.The state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for everyone in schools.“The studies have shown...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Gov. Roy Cooper said North Carolina public schools will be open for both in-person and remote learning this fall.All-remote learning will be an option for some school districts, Cooper said.“After working with health experts, school superintendents, teachers and more, we plan to put those protections in place and open our schools in a careful way,” Cooper said.Face masks will be required for every teacher, staff and student from kindergarten through high school.The state will provide at least five reusable face coverings for everyone in schools.“The studies have shown...WW…

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – The Tar Heels has been the UNC-Chapel Hill nickname for as long as many people can remember – but now a group wants to change that.The group, called the Union Soldier Campaign, argues that Tar Heels are associated with Confederate soldiers and they want the name changed.The group gathered at Bennett Place in Durham on Tuesday where they held a small protest before forming a caravan to head to UNC to demand they change the name.According to UNC’s alumni website, the name Tar Heel dates back to when the state was the leading producer of supplies for the naval...…CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – The Tar Heels has been the UNC-Chapel Hill nickname for as long as many people can remember – but now a group wants to change that.The group, called the Union Soldier Campaign, argues that Tar Heels are associated with Confederate soldiers and they want the name changed.The group gathered at Bennett Place in Durham on Tuesday where they held a small protest before forming a caravan to head to UNC to demand they change the name.According to UNC’s alumni website, the name Tar Heel dates back to when the state was the leading producer of supplies for the naval...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Gov. Roy Cooper is easing some COVID-19-related restrictions while lifting the state-wide curfew on Friday.“That means no more curfew starting Friday, and more opportunities to gather, shop and attend events if done safely,” Cooper said.The mandatory mask mandate won’t change.Cooper said a new executive order will ease several restrictions.Many businesses and venues will be able to stay at or expand to 50 percent occupancy while still maintaining health and safety protocols.Gyms, museums, aquariums, barbers, pools, outdoor amusement parks, retail establishments,...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Gov. Roy Cooper is easing some COVID-19-related restrictions while lifting the state-wide curfew on Friday.“That means no more curfew starting Friday, and more opportunities to gather, shop and attend events if done safely,” Cooper said.The mandatory mask mandate won’t change.Cooper said a new executive order will ease several restrictions.Many businesses and venues will be able to stay at or expand to 50 percent occupancy while still maintaining health and safety protocols.Gyms, museums, aquariums, barbers, pools, outdoor amusement parks, retail establishments,...WW…