North Carolina

N.C. House speaker says university athletics scheduling bill isn't going further

Published

7 months ago

June 7, 2024

N.C. House speaker says university athletics scheduling bill isn't going further

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Legislation that would make sure the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and N.C. State University play each other annually in football and basketball and then play three other public schools regularly isn’t advancing beyond a quick committee meeting this week, House Speaker Tim Moore said Thursday.

A House committee on universities approved the measure Tuesday with no debate, and with a bill sponsor afterward expressing optimism about its future. But Moore, who can hold great sway on the future of legislation, said the bill won’t go any further. He didn’t give a specific reason why.

“It’s had the hearing it will have. … I told them they could hear it in committee, but it won’t come to the floor,” Moore said, adding jokingly: “I mean, everyone knows Carolina is going to win all those games anyway.” He attended UNC-Chapel Hill.

The bill would require the football and men’s and women’s basketball teams at UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State to play each other at least once annually. And the Wolfpack and Tar Heels would have to play East Carolina University, Appalachian State University or the University of North Carolina at Charlotte at least once every year in those sports.

The bill’s supporters have presented the proposal as a way to secure deep rivalries between N.C. State and UNC-Chapel Hill in the midst of volatile times in college athletics and to build up competitions with other University of North Carolina system schools.

Conference realignments also threaten longtime and regional matchups. The Atlantic Coast Conference, of which UNC and N.C. State are founding members, is facing uncertainty about its long-term future as it continues to face a growing financial gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences.

Rep. David Willis, of Union County, who shepherded the bill in committee this week, didn’t immediately respond to a message Thursday seeking comment. Although the bill will now stall, its popularity in some corners could signal to university athletic departments to schedule these games on their own.

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North Carolina

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

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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.

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North Carolina

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina

Published

15 hours ago

December 24, 2024

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How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina – CBS News

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After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.

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North Carolina

North Carolina Dems fight GOP power shift as lawsuit targets election boards

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

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.

Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) waves to supporters during an election night watch party for Democratic North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson)

“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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