North Carolina
North Carolina Senate signs off on bill that would ban K-12 DEI instruction
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 227, “Eliminating ‘DEI’ in Public Education,” on Tuesday to “prohibit promoting discriminatory policies and practices in public schools.”
According to a release from Senate Leader Phil Berger’s office, SB 227 “reinforces the need for schools to focus on the core curriculum, foster a learning environment that respects and acknowledges those with differing opinions, and allow the freedom of speech and association to flourish in a K-12 setting.”
Christina Spears used to work in Equity Affairs in the state’s largest school district (Wake County Public School System) as a special education teacher. She is now the president of the Wake County Chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and says she saw firsthand the benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs for some students.
“We do see an achievement gap between black and brown boys,” said Spears.
My focus is, who gets to decide what makes people uncomfortable?
– Democratic Sen. Val Applewhite, who opposes the bill
She said she wishes lawmakers would focus on other legislation surrounding education, instead of one that would ban K-12 teachers from providing instruction on DEI.
“I’m not surprised, but it’s disappointing,” said Spears.
The Senate signed off on the DEI legislation, but not before a fiery exchange.
“My focus is, who gets to decide what makes people uncomfortable?” said Democratic Sen. Val Applewhite during a debate.
The GOP-sponsored bill is meant to comply with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order so the state continues receiving more than $3 billion in federal funding.
“The bill is not a ban on teaching history or discussing past injustices,” said bill sponsor Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover.
So-called DEI initiatives were pitched as a tool to help our children better understand our history, when in reality they’re merely a facade used by Democrats to alter curriculum to fit their agenda.
– Senate Leader Phil Berger
The bill would not prevent schools from teaching history but requires instruction to be impartial.
“Our schools should not be in the business of teaching inaccurate history or creating a learning environment that doesn’t allow for free thought or expression,” Berger, a Republican from Rockingham County said. “So-called DEI initiatives were pitched as a tool to help our children better understand our history, when in reality they’re merely a facade used by Democrats to alter curriculum to fit their agenda.”
Supporters of the legislation say DEI programs demand that students judge others based on race, sex, or other immutable factors.
“Our children are the ones disadvantaged when DEI policies take precedent over academic excellence,” Lee said. “Instead of spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary DEI trainings, school districts should put those funds toward student needs.”
Raleigh resident Jessica Strauss said she felt that a DEI ban could harm young adults.
“I think that’s going to be really detrimental because I think that they’re pushing a narrative that is not true,” said Strauss.
There would also be effects outside of the classroom in professional development, such as workshops, seminars and other training programs
SB 227 prohibits schools from having a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, division, designated employee, or any other similar unit.
“As a parent, I want all children to get the fair and equal treatment they deserve when it comes time for their education,” Sen. Brad Overcash, R-Gaston, said. “No one should be overlooked or denied simply because of characteristics outside of their control. This bill will help schools get back to the basics and support all of our students.”
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Meanwhile, there’s another bill in the House that would raise teachers’ pay and reinstate education-based salary supplements.
“Let’s recruit and pay teachers, so we have more teachers to do the things we need to do,” said Spears.
Copyright © 2025 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
North Carolina
Businesses worry of potential impacts as Marion tightens water restrictions amid drought
MARION, N.C. (WLOS) — The City of Marion is tightening water restrictions as drought conditions persist across western North Carolina, prompting local businesses to prepare for possible impacts on daily operations.
The drought monitor released on Thursday, May 14, shows that extreme drought now covers 90% of western North Carolina.
ASHEVILLE IS MORE THAN 7 INCHES BELOW AVERAGE RAINFALL THIS YEAR, DATA SHOWS
As the region continues moving into a hotter and drier pattern, the City of Marion officials announced Stage Two water shortage restrictions less than a month after issuing a Stage One Water Advisory.
Businesses in Marion said the quick escalation is raising concerns about what could come next if drought conditions persist.
“They put us in stage one at the end of April and already it’s not through, it’s not the end of May and they’re already putting us in stage two,” said Barbara Brown, owner of Bruce’s.
Under the Stage Two restrictions, watering lawns, gardens and golf courses will be prohibited. Washing cars, filling residential swimming pools and serving water in restaurants except upon request will not be allowed.
Brown said her restaurant is already taking steps to conserve water.
“We check the bathrooms often to make sure people have turned the water off because we have found from time to time, people leave them running,” she added.
She said she worries stronger restrictions could eventually force businesses to make bigger operational changes.
“I’m concerned that eventually we might have to go to paper plates, paper cups, silverware,” Brown said.
Other businesses are also considering adjustments.
Kat Garner, a tattoo artist at Blue Ridge Tattoo, said water shortages could affect how the shop operates day to day.
LEADERS URGE WATER CONSERVATION AS DROUGHT DEEPENS ACROSS WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
“We would definitely be reduced to using distilled water for everything, which would become harder if everyone’s buying it out, so that would definitely make things a little bit more difficult,” Garner said.
The Stage Two water restrictions are set to begin Friday, May 15, at 8 a.m. and will last until further notice.
North Carolina
Police: North Carolina man charged after high-speed chase in Erie County, arrested in the Town of Perry
PERRY, N.Y. — A North Carolina man is in custody after a chase that started in Erie County and ended with an arrest in Perry.
Wyoming County Sheriff’s deputies say Ericson Vasquez-Moran, 22, rammed a Border Patrol vehicle in Erie County around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday before taking off. The suspect was spotted in Warsaw on Route 20A, but a chase was called off due to high speeds.
Then around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputies say Vasquez-Moran called 911 from Perry to surrender.
He’s charged with speeding, failure to keep right, unlawful fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, and reckless endangerment in the second degree.
Vasquez-Moran was given an appearance ticket for the Village of Warsaw Court and was released to the custody of the United States Border Patrol.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — After nearly two hours of public comment, the Asheville City Council unanimously denied a proposed affordable housing complex off Caribou Road—despite the city’s ongoing housing crisis.
The proposal, submitted by developer Pennrose, would have brought 100 affordable housing units to a nearly 10-acre site in the Shiloh neighborhood.
“I’m going to vote against affordable housing tonight, and that’s not a norm for me,” said Asheville City Councilmember Sage Turner.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS MOVE FORWARD ACROSS WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
News 13 asked Vice Mayor Antanette Mosely why the city would deny this project amid a housing crisis in Asheville.
She said, in a statement, “I absolutely believe Asheville needs more affordable housing, and I have consistently supported housing projects across the city. But not every site is appropriate for every project.”
Residents who opposed the project said they were not against affordable housing itself, but believed the development was too large for the area.
MAY 13, 2026 – The Asheville City Council unanimously denied a proposed affordable housing complex off Caribou Road—despite the city’s ongoing housing crisis. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
“The access is too narrow, there was only one access point, the streets are too narrow, we’ve got a big problem with traffic here,” said Shiloh resident Scott Raines.
“Perhaps the only thing that I consider as a dead stop for affordable housing is if people are going to be injured or possibly die from the traffic that’s created,” Michael Boses, another resident, said.
ASHEVILLE PROPOSES PROPERTY TAX RATE INCREASE TO CLOSE $8.9M BUDGET GAP
The Shiloh neighborhood, established in 1870, is one of Asheville’s last historically Black communities. Several council members said preserving the area’s legacy factored into their decision.
“My vote for no is because I feel hyper protective of our legacy neighborhoods, I feel hyper protective of Shiloh,” Turner said.
Pennrose responded to the denial in a statement, saying: “While we are disappointed in the Council’s decision concerning the rezoning application at Caribou Road, we respect the community’s interest in preserving the character of legacy neighborhoods.”
-
Oklahoma3 minutes agoOklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
-
Oregon9 minutes agoOregon man shot at In-N-Out drive-thru drove family to safety with bullet lodged in head
-
Pennsylvania15 minutes agoAn Outpouring of Frustration Over Pennsylvania’s Rapid Data Center Growth – Inside Climate News
-
Rhode Island21 minutes agoFlags are at half-staff in Rhode Island today. Here’s why
-
South-Carolina27 minutes agoSouth Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for May 14, 2026
-
South Dakota33 minutes agoMr. Basketball award is presented annual by Hansen Anderson Basketball
-
Tennessee39 minutes agoChildhood friends reunite during cancer treatments 50 years after serving in Tennessee National Guard together
-
Texas45 minutes agoBest social media reactions from Texas A&M’s 18-11 loss to MSU