North Carolina
8th grader dies by suicide 2 days into new school year in North Carolina
NORTH CAROLINA (WTVD) — A North Carolina father is mourning the loss of his daughter who died by suicide just days into the 2023-24 school year.
Kallie Fagg was an 8th grader at Southeastern Stokes Middle School, the school confirms.
The father told WFMY News 2 he believes bullying played a part in his daughter’s death. In a statement he provided the station, he encouraged parents “to raise kind children, so something like this doesn’t happen again.”
The school posted about Kallie’s death on its Facebook page, saying it would be reviewing and reassessing policies and procedures regarding students’ well-being and safety.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we share about Kallie Fagg’s death, by suicide. We are devastated by this tragic loss, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends, and all those affected by this incident.
During this challenging period, it is important for us to come together as a community. We encourage everyone to support and uplift one another, offering comfort and empathy throughout the grieving process. Our school counselors, staff, teachers, and administrators are here to provide assistance, and offer guidance to all. In addition to providing emotional support, the school administration will review and reassess policies and procedures surrounding students well-being and safety. We want to ensure that all students feel secure and protected within the school environment. We would like to extend our gratitude to the community for their outpouring of support and kindness during this difficult time. Your understanding and compassion are truly appreciated by all of us at Southeastern Stokes Middle School and Stokes County Schools.”
Death by suicide is the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 18 in North Carolina, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
If you or somebody you know is struggling with thoughts of mental anguish or suicide, you can call or text 9-8-8, which is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to be connected to help immediately. To learn more about its resources, click here.
In May ABC11 partnered with UnitedHealthcare and hosted ‘The Silent Struggle.’ It was a town hall focusing on youth and the mental health crisis.
In June, UNC Chapel Hill announced the launched of a statewide program in hopes of preventing suicides. The program is called ‘Our State Our Wellbeing Partnering to Prevent Suicide’. It will deploy critical resources to communities on a case-by-case basis. Experts expect to serve 10 to 12 communities starting in August.
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North Carolina
Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An eight-car crash injured several people and shut down a major interstate on Christmas Eve, the Charlotte Fire Department confirmed.
The crash happened at Interstate 85 North at West W.T. Harris Boulevard. I-85 was shut down by 7:40 p.m. and isn’t expected to reopen before 10:40 p.m.
Of those injured, two were taken to area hospitals, according to Medic.
Crews at the scene said to expect significant delays in the area.
For the latest traffic maps, visit drivenc.gov.
WBTV is working to find out more information. Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device.
Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.
North Carolina
How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina
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North Carolina
North Carolina Dems fight GOP power shift as lawsuit targets election boards
Outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) and Gov.-elect Josh Stein (D-NC) filed an expanded lawsuit Monday to challenge a sweeping Republican-backed law that strips significant powers from the state’s incoming Democratic officeholders.
The move by the Democratic leaders escalates an ongoing legal battle over GOP efforts to reshape control of state agencies and boards ahead of next month’s transition.
The new legal action focuses on Senate Bill 382, which transfers the governor’s authority to appoint members of the State Board of Elections to the state auditor, a position set to be held by Republican Dave Boliek. Additionally, the law grants the auditor the power to appoint the leaders of all county election boards, further limiting gubernatorial influence.
“These blatantly partisan efforts to give control over election boards to a newly elected Republican will create distrust in our elections process and serve no legitimate purpose,” Cooper said in a statement.
The lawsuit was originally filed by Democrats over Senate Bill 749, a bill blocked earlier this year that would have overhauled the state election board structure. With SB 382 now law, Cooper and Stein are seeking to amend the lawsuit to reflect the changes, which they argue are unconstitutional and undermine democratic principles.
“In recent years, these legislative leaders have repeatedly tried and failed to seize control of the State Board of Elections for their own partisan gain,” Stein said. “This latest move insults the voters who rejected their power grab and must not stand.”
SB 382’s provisions extend beyond election oversight. It prohibits the incoming attorney general, Democrat Jeff Jackson, from taking legal positions contrary to those of the Republican-led legislature. It also reallocates $227 million to a Hurricane Helene relief fund but does not specify how the money will be used, raising concerns about delayed aid to affected communities.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Republicans overrode Cooper’s veto of SB 382 earlier this month, using their supermajority in the state Senate. However, starting in 2025, they will lose their veto-proof majority in the House, creating a more challenging legislative landscape.
The case now heads to Wake County Superior Court as the political fight over North Carolina’s balance of power intensifies.
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