North Carolina
North Carolina Senate advances bill banning economically targeted investments
North Carolina agencies and state pension plans would be prohibited from using socially and environmentally conscious criteria to make investment decisions or hire employees, under legislation that advanced Wednesday in the state Senate.
The proposal, which passed the GOP-controlled House last month with some bipartisan support, would ban the use of “environmental, social and governance” standards to screen potential investments based on the company’s perceived environmental or social impacts and how its leadership is structured to support those goals.
The bill advanced Wednesday through the Senate Pensions, Retirement and Aging Committee and must clear one more committee hurdle before it receives a floor vote for final approval.
NORTH CAROLINA MOVES CLOSER TO LEGALIZING SPORTS GAMBLING
An identical bill passed the Senate along party lines last month before legislative leaders opted to move forward with the House version, signaling legislative approval may be swift.
Sen. Brad Overcash, a Gaston County Republican and one of the bill’s primary sponsors, argued the state cannot afford to allow sustainability and diversity initiatives to interfere with its responsibility to support its residents.
“The fact is, we need to award state contracts, we need to hire, fire and evaluate people and businesses based on merit, based on ability,” Overcash said.
The legislative push in North Carolina comes after President Joe Biden’s administration asked a federal judge on Monday to toss out a lawsuit by GOP-led states over a rule allowing employee retirement plans to make socially conscious investment considerations.
At least two other states — North Dakota and Idaho — have enacted laws banning similar criteria.
North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell, a Republican candidate for governor in 2024, supports the bill, said Sam Watts, a representative from Folwell’s office who oversees the state employee health plan.
NC DEMOCRATIC BILL TARGETS PARTY-SWITCHERS AFTER REP. COTHAM CHANGES ALLEGIANCE TO GOP
The proposal, set to take effect as soon as it becomes law, would require the state treasurer to only consider factors expected to have a material effect on the financial risk or financial return when evaluating an investment.
Watts commended the bill for protecting North Carolinians’ retirement funds by banning the state from basing its partnerships on politics rather than finances.
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“Our money in the treasurer’s office is not red or blue — it’s all green,” Watts said. “And we want more of it for retirees and taxpayers and to do things like pay for cost-of-living adjustments.”
Democratic Sen. Jay Chaudhuri of Wake County raised issue with a provision that also prohibits “economically targeted investments,” arguing that it isn’t clearly defined in the bill and seems “misplaced.”
“I am worried that we’re going to prohibit the treasurer’s office from creating these funds that can both have a successful rate of return as well as creating jobs,” Chaudhuri said.
North Carolina
Alabama man on work trip stops to buy $3 quick pick Powerball ticket, wins 6-figure jackpot
Christopher Baker of Leesburg, Alabama was on a work trip in Hickory, North Carolina, when he thought he’d try his luck on a lotto game. It turned out to be a lucrative Powerball win.
An Alabama man on a work trip in North Carolina bought a $3 Quick Pick Powerball ticket on a whim and walked away with a six-figure windfall.
Christopher Baker of Leesburg in northeastern Alabama bought his lucky ticket in July in Hickory, North Carolina, where had been traveling for work, according to Powerball.
When the numbers were drawn, Baker says he had to do a double-take when he realized he had a $100,000 winning ticket. He had matched four white balls and the red Powerball, which would have been $50,000, but a 2X multiplier doubled the win and the disbelief.
“I just kept looking at it to make sure I was reading it right,” he laughed, according to Powerball. “I told my family but they didn’t believe me. either.”
Baker, who called his win “a shocker.” said he plans to save his winnings to buy a house.
Baker will take home $71,501 after federal and state taxes are withheld.
How to play the Powerball
In order to purchase a $2 Powerball ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.
To play, you will need to pick six numbers in total to mark on your ticket. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from numbers 1 to 69. The Powerball is red and one number which is between 1 and 26.
If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can add a “Power Play” for $1 which increases the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. This addition can multiply winnings by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.
Players can also ask a cashier for a “Quick Pick” where a cashier will give you a computer generated numbers on a printed Powerball ticket.
Drawings are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. If there’s no jackpot winner, the cash prize will increase by millions.
Where to purchase tickets
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
North Carolina
Obituary for Kristie Lee Sturgill Blake at Market Street Chapel
North Carolina
NBA Draft Scouting Report: Texas’ Tre Johnson
Drake Powell
Guard | UNC
Height: 6’5” | Weight: 185 lbs
2025 Draft Age: 19.78
As a natural wing or off-ball guard, Powell has what it takes to be an impact player at the next level. He boasts the positional size and athleticism to exploit his opponents on either end of the floor. Overall, he’s a very smart player with a competitive edge and is willing to adapt to what his team needs to win.
Powell is really best as an off-ball player offensively, especially given he’s not known for being a self-creator or primary ball-handler. However, he is a smart cutter and has found ways to position himself for success when finding space. To really take his game overall to the next level, the North Carolina freshman will need to prove he can become a better shooter. Whether it’s in the mid-range or beyond the arc, his jumper is inconsistent. Again, as an offensive prospect, he needs to improve to really become a two-way threat. The physical traits are there for him to get where he needs to be, but the development of his offensive game is a huge swing for Powell in terms of draft stock.
On the defensive end of the floor, Powell really shines. His athletic tools allow him to be all over the place and make plays on and off of the ball. He is quick, boasts length and is very smart as a defender. When thinking about what will differentiate him from other prospects at the next level, it will be his upside as a defensive prospect. He plays with tremendous energy and effort and he makes those around him better on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, he is one of the best defenders in the entire freshman class.
If Powell can convince NBA teams that he has the future projection of being a better offensive player, there’s no question he could be one of the most impactful players in the draft. In the meantime, he can lean on his defensive abilities to contribute to winning. The former five-star recruit is following in the footsteps of his father as a Tar Heel, as he played baseball for North Carolina when he was in school.
Mid to Late Lottery Pick in 2025 NBA Draft.
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