North Carolina

NC’s Robinson is ‘better than’ MLK, Trump says in Mar-a-Lago speech

Published

8 months ago

December 13, 2023

NC’s Robinson is ‘better than’ MLK, Trump says in Mar-a-Lago speech

Former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson during an event Tuesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, comparing Robinson to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Robinson, a Republican, is considered the front-runner for the GOP nomination for governor. During remarks at a gathering of Robinson supporters, Trump described an encounter after the two had met. During the exchange, Trump commented on Robinson’s strong speaking style. “I said, ‘You know what? I swear I think you’re better than Dr. Martin Luther King,’ And I wasn’t sure if he was happy about that. Dr. Martin Luther King was great. And I think he didn’t like that comparison but he accepted it. But [Robinson] gives some speeches that were so incredible.”

A video of Trump’s speech was posted Tuesday on social media.

Robinson, a fiery speaker who captivates conservative audiences, became North Carolina’s first Black lieutenant governor when he was first elected in 2020, due in large part to his fame from a 2018 viral video talking about gun rights. He had never held political office before his 2020 victory. Robinson was endorsed this month by state Senate leader Phil Berger.

Robinson had support from 34% of GOP primary voters in a recent East Carolina University poll. The poll showed Salisbury lawyer Bill Graham (8%) in second, followed by state Treasurer Dale Folwell (7%) and Andy Wells (3%), a real estate developer and former state senator. But 49% of GOP voters said they were still undecided. And if no candidate wins more than 30% of the total vote in a crowded primary, it goes to a runoff between only the top two finishers.

Graham, who has spent heavily on statewide television ads, has gained in recent weeks. He earned the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, last week.

Like Trump, Robinson is a highly polarizing figure, earning himself staunch critics as well as passionate supporters inside and outside his party. In social media posts and podcast appearances, he has advanced Holocaust denialism and conspiracy theories about Jewish people — a history he’s tried to counteract in recent months with a trip to Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war. Robinson is also vocally anti-gay, telling one church audience in March that the reason God created him was to fight against LGBTQ issues. He enjoys massive support among evangelical Christians and pro-gun activists, two key parts of the GOP base.

“He’s going to go down as one of the great leaders in our country — one of the greatest leaders.” Trump said of Robinson during the Tuesday event, adding: “He’s outstanding in presentation, but he’s probably even more outstanding in heart and the understanding of people and what you need and getting things done.”

Folwell, the state treasurer who is also seeking the GOP nomination, said on social media Wednesday that Trump is wrong to support Robinson.

“Looking at his remarks, he seems unaware that he’s endorsing a lawless, AWOL individual who denies the Holocaust, hates women and continues to fleece the taxpayers and donors of North Carolina,” Folwell said on X, formerly know as Twitter. “North Carolinians desire & deserve courage, not rage. I’m the only candidate with a history of results and more to offer than empty soundbites.”

Robinson’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Robinson and Trump have expressed mutual support over the past few years. Last year, Trump referred to Robinson as a “friend” during a rally in Wilmington, adding: “Whatever you’re running for let me know, I want to give you a real early endorsement.”

At the North Carolina GOP convention on June 10, Trump heaped praise on Robinson and again promised to eventually endorse him. Days later, Robinson endorsed Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president.

Trump has focused on candidates in North Carolina, where he narrowly beat President Joe Biden in 2020. Biden has also set his sights on North Carolina. On Wednesday, Biden launched a new ad campaign focused on Hispanic voters.

Trump, meanwhile, endorsed lobbyist Addison McDowell Wednesday in McDowell’s campaign for a Greensboro-area congressional seat — a blow to candidate Bo Hines, who was endorsed by Trump in 2022, and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, who is seeking a return to Congress.

WRAL state government reporters Travis Fain and Will Doran contributed to this report.

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North Carolina

Tropical Storm Debby: ‘Historic,’ ‘catastrophic’ flooding possible on South Carolina coast

Published

6 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

Tropical Storm Debby: ‘Historic,’ ‘catastrophic’ flooding possible on South Carolina coast

Tropical Storm Debby, in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday afternoon and headed toward the Big Bend area of Florida, is forecast to impact parts of South Carolina and North Carolina this week. Alerts have been issued for the storm that could bring potentially historic rainfall, rough surf and flooding to these regions.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory for Tropical Storm Debby, noting that it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall Monday morning. Debby is expected to move slowly across northern Florida and into southern Georgia before moving into the Atlantic Ocean and up the coast.

The cone that shows the storm’s probable path includes much of S.C. However, many variables remain, including the strength of the still-developing storm and its exact eventual path.

Track Tropical Storm Debby

Track Debby: South Carolina Storm Tracker and Model Mixer

What can we expect in South Carolina?

The Hurricane Center’s forecast shows the center of the storm reaching South Carolina by about 8 p.m. Tuesday. But effects like heavy rain could start as early as Monday night.

Rainfall along the coast is expected to be the main concern. The S.C. coast from the southern part of the state past the Charleston area could see 16-20 inches of rain, with local amounts of up to 30 inches. That will likely result in “considerable” flash and urban flooding, and some river flooding is possible, the Hurricane Center said.

“Heavy rainfall will likely result in considerable flooding impacts from the Florida Big Bend region through southeast Georgia and the Coastal Plain of the Carolinas through Friday,” the Hurricane Center said. “Potentially historic heavy rainfall across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Friday morning may result in areas of catastrophic flooding. Significant river flooding is also expected.”

The likelihood of storm surges creates a life-threatening situation, the Hurricane Center said. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.

Rain of about 1-4 inches is forecast for parts of the Upstate.

What watches and warnings are in effect in South Carolina?

A flood watch is in effect from 2 a.m. Monday through Friday morning for southeast South Carolina, including Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Dorchester, Hampton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Colleton, Inland Jasper and Tidal Berkeley.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Charleston, McClellanville and Edisto Island. The forecast calls for winds of 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph.

A storm surge watch is in effect beginning Monday afternoon for Charleston, McClellanville and Edisto Island, with a potential of 2-4 feet above ground.

What other watches and warnings are in effect?

As of Sunday afternoon the depression was about 125 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Florida coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River.
A hurricane watch is in effect for the Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass * Florida coast south of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas, the Florida coast south of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable and the Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Florida coast west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, and the Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River South Carolina.
A storm surge warning is in effect for the Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass including Tampa Bay.
A storm surge watch is in effect for the Florida coast from Bonita Beach northward to the middle of Longboat Key, including Charlotte Harbor, and thr Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River South Carolina.

More: When is first day of fall? SC’s weather forecast by Old Farmer’s Almanac; is it accurate?

More: Heat wave continues, cooling stations open in Spartanburg County. What about Greenville?

Where is Tropical Storm Debby?

Track it: South Carolina Storm Tracker and Model Mixer

Conditions at 2 p.m. Aug. 4:

Location: 125 miles west-southwest of Tampa, Florida.
Maximum sustained winds: 65 mph.
Movement: North-northwest at 13 mph.

More: Heat advisory in effect for Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson, precautions to stay cool

Are you prepared for a hurricane?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Even if this system won’t pose a threat to the Upstate, it’s never too early to be prepared.

Iris Seaton, Carolinas Connect, and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida, contributed.

Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and also a content coach for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trunkle@gannett.com.

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North Carolina

North Carolina Zoo celebrates its 50 anniversary

Published

13 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

North Carolina Zoo celebrates its 50 anniversary

ASHEBORO, N.C. (WTVD) — The North Carolina Zoo is celebrating 50 years.

Located in Asheboro, the zoo houses about 1,700 animals and over 250 species primarily from Africa and North America.

On social media, NC Zoo wrote Friday:

“Throughout our history, we’ve been home to a diverse array of remarkable animals, dedicated keepers, and passionate employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Join us in honoring this milestone by visiting the Zoo in 2024!”

The Zoo also mentioned the Zoo’s first animals, which were two Galapagos tortoises named Tort and Retort.

The post said in part: “These two tortoises symbolize the early days of the North Carolina Zoo and are cherished deeply in our hearts.”

The North Carolina Zoo is one of two state-supported zoos in the country. The other is the Minnesota Zoo.

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North Carolina

NC has some of the most dangerous roads in the US: See how Wilmington-area counties rank

Published

20 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

NC has some of the most dangerous roads in the US: See how Wilmington-area counties rank

With a recent study revealing North Carolina as one of the states with the riskiest roads to travel, some may wonder how safe the roads are here in the Cape Fear region.

MarketWatch Guides, a site that provides “reviews of consumer products and services to help readers make educated purchasing decisions,” focuses in part on car insurance comparisons, vehicle safety and more.

A recent study by the site analyzed factors including annual miles driven per 100,000 system miles, percentage of rough roads and fatal injuries per 100,000 licensed drivers. States were given a rating out of 10 points, with 10 being the most dangerous.

More: Distracted driving in Wilmington: How big of a problem is it?

North Carolina’s ranking among the most dangerous

According to the study, the states with the most dangerous drivers based on the factors studied are:

Louisiana – 7.55/10

California – 7.21/10

New Mexico – 6.74/10

Hawaii – 6.73/10

Delaware – 6.67/10

New Jersey – 6.53/10

Mississippi – 6.47/10

North Carolina – 6.39/10

Massachusetts – 6.33/10

Maryland and Texas – 6.26/10

According to the study, North Carolina had 32.5 fatal injuries per 100,000 licensed drivers, but only 2.1% of rough roads, which was the lowest percentage out of the other ranked states.

For a more localized perspective, the North Carolina Department of Transportation releases annual traffic crash facts data. The most recent 2022 report includes a ranking of counties based on several factors, including reported crashes, crash severity, crash rates based on population, registered vehicles and estimated vehicle miles traveled.

The most dangerous county for drivers, ranked at No. 1 for the past five years, was Robeson County. The county had 60 fatal crashes in 2022 with 1,136 non-fatal injury crashes. The rest of the total 4,056 crashes were property-damage-only. The county with the best ranking was Hyde County, coming in at No. 100. The county had one fatal crash in 2022 and 10 non-fatal injury crashes. The county had a total of 45 crashes, the rest of which were property damage only.

More: MyReporter: Which intersections see the most red-light camera violations in Wilmington?

Here’s where the Cape Fear region counties ranked.

Brunswick County

Ranked No. 76 in 2022, Brunswick County had 25 fatal crashes and 715 non-fatal injury crashes. The total crashes for that year were 3,146. The remainder of the crashes were property damage only.

New Hanover County

Ranked No. 58, New Hanover had 19 fatal crashes and 1,313 non-fatal injury crashes, both of which went down from 2021. The total crashes in New Hanover were 5,617. The remainder of the crashes were property damage only.

Pender County

Ranked No. 47, Pender County had the worst ranking despite having the lowest number of crashes. The county had 12 fatal crashes and 374 non-fatal injury crashes, and a total of 1,156 crashes. The rest of the crashes were property damage only.

Iris Seaton, USA Today Network, contributed to this report.

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