North Carolina
Fights over school boards share ballot with North Carolina’s Senate primary
![Fights over school boards share ballot with North Carolina’s Senate primary Fights over school boards share ballot with North Carolina’s Senate primary](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/220513172408-03-north-carolina-school-board-primary-election-super-tease.jpg)
In lots of North Carolina counties, the Could 17 main presents voters an extended record of candidates to select from for his or her native college board.
In Forsyth County, 28 candidates are vying for 9 college board slots, and in Johnston County, 13 individuals are on the poll to fill three open seats. In solidly Democratic Durham County, a slate of conservatives is hoping to seize a majority of the board, and a Wilmington-based political motion committee has endorsed 4 Republicans for the New Hanover County Board of Schooling.
The biggest college system within the state, Wake County, will not maintain a faculty board election till November, nevertheless it’s already anticipated to be aggressive with all 9 of the board’s seats up for election.
“We’re seeing much more individuals working and a whole lot of veteran college board members retiring,” mentioned Leanne Winner, government director of the North Carolina Faculty Boards Affiliation.
“Many college board conferences turned very contentious over the past couple of years,” she added.
Pandemic fuels mother or father activism
Sarah Absher mentioned she by no means considered working for college board, or any elected place, earlier than the pandemic. However issues modified as soon as her son was house studying remotely and he or she felt that folks weren’t being heard by her district’s present board members. Now she’s working within the Republican main for a seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Schooling.
“Many have suggested me to not speak about Covid insurance policies. They are saying individuals are prepared to maneuver on,” she instructed the gang at a student-hosted candidate discussion board at West Forsyth Excessive Faculty on Could 11.
“However earlier than we simply sweep the final two years underneath the rug, we have to acknowledge the leaders answerable for these insurance policies that failed you,” she mentioned, including, “You needed to play sports activities outdoors in a masks. A few of you missed proms and different essential life occasions. So lots of you, together with my son, suffered studying loss due to distant studying.”
The entire 9 seats on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Schooling are up for grabs this yr. The varsity system is likely one of the largest within the state, consisting of 81 faculties.
A majority of the candidates are dad and mom or former educators. Seven Republicans, 4 Democrats and one libertarian are working within the Could 17 main for the three at-large seats on the board.
However the candidate record would not finish there. 5 Democrats are vying for 2 District 1 seats, which signify the city core of Winston-Salem. Ten Republicans have filed to run within the main for the 4 seats representing the extra rural District 2, and one Democrat is predicted to be on the poll for District 2 in November.
Eighteen of the candidates spoke about their priorities on the Could 11 discussion board. They included a spread of points, together with pandemic-related studying loss, a staffing scarcity, board transparency, making ready college students for school and careers after commencement, opposing vital race idea and advocating for parental rights.
Democrat Sabrina Coone-Godfrey is one other mother or father working for an at-large college board seat. A protracted-time volunteer within the college district, Coone-Godfrey mentioned she thinks it is time to transfer previous specializing in the choices made through the pandemic.
“We now have people working which can be nonetheless very caught on the pandemic prepare. We have to maneuver previous that. We now have so many different points in our district,” she mentioned, including that specializing in trainer recruitment and retention could be one in every of her first priorities if elected.
Politics seep into college board races
The North Carolina Democratic and Republican events are paying a whole lot of consideration to high school board races this yr.
“Schooling is a large focus for us at each degree,” mentioned North Carolina GOP Chairman Michael Whatley.
He is seeing new Republican candidates run for college boards in city areas which can be historically blue, in addition to in Republican counties the place Democrats at the moment have management of the varsity board.
“The pandemic was eye-opening for lots of oldsters who bought to see what precisely the classroom agenda was whereas their children have been studying on-line at house,” Whatley mentioned.
However pandemic points aren’t the one ones being raised, particularly now that youngsters are again in class and masks mandates have been lifted. Like somewhere else throughout the nation, controversial subjects round how gender- and race-related curriculum is taught in faculties — in addition to what associated books can be found and assigned to college students — are additionally popping up at college board conferences.
“What we have seen this yr are dad and mom stepping as much as run for college boards as a result of they understand that if they do not, faculties will proceed the indoctrination of their kids,” mentioned Tami Fitzgerald, North Carolina Values Coalition’s government director.
North Carolina Democratic Occasion chair Bobbie Richardson mentioned her get together is attempting to maintain politics out of college board races.
“Whereas Republicans try and inject politics into the classroom, North Carolina Democrats will proceed to battle for the most effective training potential for our college students,” mentioned Richardson.
“Democratic candidates working for college board throughout the state perceive that we want everybody to work collectively — dad and mom, academics and directors — to create protected, wholesome and galvanizing faculties the place our college students can attain their fullest potential,” she added.
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North Carolina
Update: Flood advisory issued for central North Carolina until 3 a.m. Sunday
![Update: Flood advisory issued for central North Carolina until 3 a.m. Sunday Update: Flood advisory issued for central North Carolina until 3 a.m. Sunday](https://www.salisburypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/09/update-flood-advisory-issued-for-central-north-carolina-until-3-a-m-sunday.png)
Update: Flood advisory issued for central North Carolina until 3 a.m. Sunday
Published 12:57 am Sunday, September 1, 2024
On Sunday at 12:49 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated flood advisory in effect until 3 a.m. The advisory is for Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford and Randolph counties.
The NWS adds, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.”
“Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent,” explains the NWS. “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.”
Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather alerts
- Flash flood warning: Take action!
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
- Flood warning: Take action!
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
- Flood advisory: Be aware:
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
- Flood watch: Be prepared:
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
NWS flood safety guidelines: Weathering the storm
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the NWS flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Move to higher ground:
If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
Adhere to evacuation orders:
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:
Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.
Refrain from walking in floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. It is important to never attempt to drive through water on the road, regardless of how deep it appears. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
Mastering wet roads: Safety tips for heavy rainfall
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.
Slow down and stay cautious:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
- Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
- When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Source: The National Weather Service
North Carolina
New poll shows Harris eyeing victory in North Carolina as possible pick-up
![New poll shows Harris eyeing victory in North Carolina as possible pick-up New poll shows Harris eyeing victory in North Carolina as possible pick-up](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_nbcnews-fp-1200-630,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2024_08/1725132508534_n_witt_brk_kornacki_cam_240831_1920x1080-izx4br.jpg)
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North Carolina
In North Carolina, Democrats counting on young voters
For several months, Yampiere Lugo has been going door to door, urging young people in North Carolina to vote in November.
With Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and Kamala Harris’s arrival atop the Democratic ticket, the party activist says his generation — a key voting bloc — is fired up.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people around my age who have sort of all expressed the same sentiment — that they’re just so much more excited to have someone who’s just younger, more energetic,” Lugo told AFP.
The 25-year-old, who works as an administrative assistant at a local school, says even people he thought might skip the election altogether have said the vice president has their support.
The enthusiasm marks a sharp contrast with the situation Lugo was facing just over a month ago, when he was canvassing for Biden in Laurinburg, the seat of Scotland County, not far from the border with South Carolina.
At the time, the activist admitted to AFP that young voters were “frustrated” with their options, facing a choice between the 81-year-old Biden and Donald Trump, the 78-year-old Republican former president.
Now, Lugo believes Harris, 59, can win North Carolina, one of a handful of swing states likely to play a pivotal role in the race for the White House.
Winning here will be an uphill battle — the southern state has not voted for a Democrat in the presidential election since Barack Obama in 2008.
“North Carolina is going to have something to say in November,” said Zach Finley, the president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina.
But for Harris to turn the state Democratic blue, the party needs to campaign “the right way, turning out the folks we need to,” added Finley, who is also 25.
– ‘Excited’ –
On a national level, voters between the ages of 18 and 39 favored Biden over Trump in 2020 by a margin of about 20 percentage points, according to the Pew Research Center.
Finley says the party needs to “turn out young people who, especially in the last couple of years, have been really disincentivized” by the political process.
Democrats are getting out the vote the old-fashioned way in Scotland County — knocking on doors and talking to people.
The rural area is one of the most hotly contested political battlefields in the country — Hillary Clinton bested Trump here in 2016, but the Republican bounced back to defeat Biden in 2020, by just 287 votes.
In November, “it’s all about turnout,” says Garland Pierce, a Democratic state representative and a Baptist pastor.
“That’s what everybody’s really depending on, is the young voters to really go to the polls.
The lawmaker says Harris’s somewhat surprise breakthrough into the race has galvanized voters in North Carolina.
“It appears that young people are really excited” about her candidacy, he said, adding that the economy will be a key issue in the contest.
– ‘Cost of things’ –
Pierce’s prediction about the economy is shared by a number of young voters AFP met in the streets of Laurinburg, which is home to 15,000 residents.
“Everything used to be cheaper,” laments Donnie Leviner, an 18-year-old student with his own home renovation business.
Before Biden won the White House, “gas prices used to be way lower,” said Leviner, who added that he would vote for Trump in his first-ever trip to a presidential voting booth.
For Lucas Wylie, a 26-year-old engineer having a coffee at an outdoor cafe with his dog, young voters are “very focused on the cost of things and affordability.”
Wylie cited expensive housing and high interest rates as evidence of soaring prices, and said both would be important to him in November.
Finley agreed.
“There’s just a lot of pent-up anxiety being a young person in this country, not even being able to afford a home,” he said. “It’s almost out of reach, especially in North Carolina.”
Finley said Democrats need to reassure young voters that they are attuned to their concerns, and ready to deliver solutions.
Harris will need to convince young people that they will ultimately be able to “achieve some form of the American dream” — and offer the same thing to the next generation, Finley said.
rle/sst/bfm
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