North Carolina
What’s on tap for NC drivers? DMV to add kiosks at grocery stores to relieve lines
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – As extensive wait times continued at DMVs in Charlotte, the North Carolina DMV announced it will roll out DMV kiosks at grocery stores in October.
“The reason we want to do this is that, you know, there are folks who just can’t go to an office, whether it’s for an hour or 30 minutes or so, or they just can’t make it,” North Carolina DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said.
He said the goal is to make it easier on citizens and also shorten lines at the DMV.
“We want to give folks 24/7 access to do the services, and they, for whatever reason, they may not want to do it online. But they will do it at a kiosk when they’re at the grocery store or if they’re near the grocery store,” Goodwin said.
The effort comes after months of frustration.
A WBTV investigation revealed the state was losing employees to the private sector, which offers better pay. With fewer employees, the wait times at the DMV kept growing.
“I came last week to gauge how long it was going to be. It was a pretty long line, but I couldn’t get (an) appointment until October,” new Charlotte resident Steven Hargrove said.
The state changed the schedule in May. The morning was dedicated to appointments, and starting at noon, the office would be walk-ins only.
WBTV tried to book an appointment Thursday and could not find one under 70 miles from Charlotte – and those appointments were for dates in October.
The state agency said appointments are available 90 days out, and they update the appointment portal at night or the early morning with any canceled appointments as well as the new 90th day’s appointments.
The DMV also implemented a QR code for check-in so customers can wait in their car or run an errand and not lose their place in line.
Goodwin said he hopes the new kiosks will relieve even more congestion at the DMV offices.
“It’ll be a full service as you’ll be able to receive both driver services like driver licenses and ID cards, get your renewals, duplicates, various things,” Goodwin said. “Whatever service, most services that you can do, other than taking your photo, you’ll be able to do at this kiosk, and it will scan your documents, and you’ll be able to answer questions and you’ll get a temporary certificate just like you would if you were physically at the DMV.”
It is a new effort customers said they hope fixes the waiting.
“I would actually trust the kiosk. I mean, anything that’s made to be more convenient. I’m all about that,” Hargrove said. “And to keep you from standing in line at DMV, who wouldn’t choose that option?”
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North Carolina
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North Carolina
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.
“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.
North Carolina
North Carolina police officer killed days before Christmas
GREENBORO, N.C. – A Greensboro police officer was shot and killed on Monday morning while responding to reports of a man with a gun inside a Food Lion supermarket, authorities said. The suspect was taken into custody, though details of the incident remain under investigation.
Officer Michael T. Horan, 43, was shot just before noon at the store on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, Assistant Police Chief Milford J. Harris said during a news conference. Horan, who joined the department in 2018, was remembered as an outstanding officer with a sterling reputation.
“He was an excellent officer. He had an outstanding reputation inside the department and in the community,” Harris said. “Together, we are mourning Officer Horan — who was a husband, father, son, and friend.”
Witness recounts Greensboro officer shooting
Ramona Miller, a shopper, told WGHP-TV she was with her 6-year-old granddaughter when the shooting occurred.
“We were on our way out, and I was purchasing a lottery ticket,” Miller said. “I was just sitting there and heard a ‘pop-pop’ and then ‘pop-pop-pop.’ I think I heard five shots. At first, I didn’t know it was a shooting, but an employee yelled out, ‘Shooting! Shooting!’”
Miller and her granddaughter left the store as police arrived. Authorities said there were no
North Carolina police officer killed in line of duty
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe into the circumstances of the shooting. Police did not release additional details about the suspect or the events leading up to the officer’s death. A heavy police presence was visible outside the supermarket in the hours following the incident.
Gov. Roy Cooper expressed his condolences to Horan’s family and colleagues in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Officer Horan was courageously doing his duty protecting Greensboro when he became the victim of a senseless act of violence,” Cooper wrote. “We are grateful for his brave, dedicated service.”
Cooper also noted that he had sent a significant number of state law enforcement officers to support the response in Greensboro.
Who is Officer Michael Horan?
Horan was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard since 2000, serving as a law enforcement officer, tactical instructor, and search-and-rescue operator. In 2019, he received a lifesaving award for rescuing a man and his son from a rip current while off duty.
“Michael Horan was a protector and a provider,” Harris said. “The loss of a man like him rips a hole in the hearts of his family, squad mates, friends, and community.”
Democratic state Sen. Michael Garrett, who represents Guilford County, called the shooting a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement.
“During what should be a time of joy and celebration, another brave officer has been shot in the line of duty. Another family’s holiday season forever changed,” Garrett said in a statement on Facebook.
Greensboro police mourn loss of one of their own
The Food Lion store remains closed as authorities continue their investigation. The company said it is cooperating with law enforcement and offering resources to affected employees.
A memorial has been established at Greensboro Police Headquarters, where the public can pay respects to Officer Horan. Additionally, a fundraiser is being organized to support his family.
Horan leaves behind his wife and children, whose holiday season has been marked by grief instead of celebration. “Our hearts are with his family during this time,” Harris said.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Police have set up an online account to help the officer’s family.
The Source: Details in this article come from the Greenboro Police Department and the Associated Press.
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