North Carolina

‘Unacceptable.’ Rise in fentanyl-related deaths has parents, activists sounding alarm in NC

Published

1 year ago

August 22, 2023

‘Unacceptable.’ Rise in fentanyl-related deaths has parents, activists sounding alarm in NC

NORTH CAROLINA (WTVD) — As parents and activists raise their voices for action on Fentanyl Awareness Day, new data from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office shows the fentanyl problem is only getting worse in North Carolina.

In fact, there were more fentanyl-related deaths reported in just the first five months of this year compared to all of 2016 and 2017 combined. In the last twelve months in North Carolina, there have been 3,433 reported fentanyl-related deaths.

“We’re losing. we’re losing kids. We’re losing grandbabies. We’re losing sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and it’s unacceptable,” said Barb Walsh, Executive Director of the non-profit Fentanyl Victims Network of North Carolina.

Walsh lost her daughter, Sophia, to Fentanyl in August of 2021, after she drank a water bottle she didn’t know had fentanyl diluted in it. She said prosecutors’ decision not to press charges was crushing.

“It’s devastating to a family to know who killed your child and not be able to do anything about it,” said Walsh.

RELATED | Grieving father sounds alarm on North Carolina’s fentanyl crisis

Now, she’s pushing for legislative action. The Fentanyl Victims Network held a rally on Sunday outside the State Capitol to advocate for two bills, SB 189 and HB 250. SB 189, which has passed the House but remains in committee, would change the wording in North Carolina’s current “death distribution law” from “sell” to “deliver” to make it easier to prosecute people providing bad drugs. HB 250 would require autopsies on all suspicious drug deaths.

Lynelle Esposito also knows what it feels like to lose a daughter after her 18-year-old Gabriella Aviles died at a friend’s house just two months after Sophia.

“Gabriella was like my mini-me, she was always happy,” Esposito said.

Now, she’s trying to help other mothers who might face a similar tragedy.

“To help with awareness, so someone else didn’t have to go through what we went through. What I’m going through without Gabriella being here,” she said.

RELATED | NC law that punishes drug dealers not widely used despite increase in overdose deaths

‘Something’s gotta be done.’ NC father sounds alarm on North Carolina’s fentanyl crisis

Source link

Click to comment

North Carolina

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

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.

Source link

North Carolina

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina

Published

10 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

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

Watch CBS News

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.

Source link

North Carolina

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

Published

21 hours 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.

Source link