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Rain Could Bring Threat Of Flooding
Forecasters are saying North Carolina can expect heavy rains and a flood threat. This comes on the heels of the winter storm that brought more than 2 feet of snow in some pockets of the state. Driving conditions remained challenging through Wednesday morning as melting snow refroze on roads.
On Wednesday afternoon, The National Weather Service issued a statement warning of widespread rainfall beginning Friday. Residents could see between 1 and a half to 3 inches across much of the state. Meteorologists say runoff from snowmelt could exacerbate the potential for flooding.
Deadline Approaches For Florence Aid In North Carolina
Home and business owners suffering damages from Hurricane Florence are running out of time to request federal government aid.
The deadline is Thursday night to apply for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. More than 99,000 applications for help after the September storm's record rains and flooding have been filed.
People can apply by calling 1-800-621-3362, going online, visiting a local disaster recovery center or using FEMA's mobile app.
Elections Chief Seeks Stability In Board Probe
North Carolina's election board chief is concerned about complications if the board's absentee ballot investigation in a congressional district race is not resolved within the next couple of weeks.
The problems, according to Chairman Josh Malcolm, are conflicting directives from a three-judge panel and from the state legislature.
The judges agreed this week to delay enforcement of their ruling eliminating the current nine-member board as unconstitutional until Dec. 28. But a bill approved Wednesday and sent to Gov. Roy Cooper would keep that board in place until Jan. 31.
Jury Rules Again Smithfield Foods Hogs Nuisance To Neighbors
A federal jury is again siding with neighbors who complained that a Smithfield Foods industrial-scale hog operation in North Carolina was such a nuisance it damaged how they lived their lives.
The jury on Wednesday said eight neighbors should be compensated with between $100 and $75,000. The same jurors began hearing more testimony into whether the Virginia-based, Chinese-owned pork giant should be forced to pay more as punishment for their business practices.
North Carolina Gets $60 Million For Road, Bridge Improvement
North Carolina is getting $60 million for road and bridge improvements thanks to a federal grant program.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced the grants are made through Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD, Transportation Grants. The program is designed to support road, rail, transit and port infrastructure across the country.
Of the total, $23 million will help the N.C. Department of Transportation replace 77 bridges in 17 rural counties. A $20 million grant will help the Research Triangle Regional Public Transportation Authority in Raleigh construct a new multimodal transit center in downtown to support local bus operations and pedestrian access.
Asheville Prepping For Possible Marijuana Sales
Asheville's alcohol regulators say they're preparing to sell marijuana should it become legal in the state.
The Asheville Alcoholic Beverage Control board chairman told the City Council Tuesday that there's a national trend of marijuana legalization, and it's the board's job to anticipate changes.
The Asheville Citizen Times reports Board Chairman Lewis Isaac told the council he expects the agency would oversee marijuana sales and distribution if the drug were to become legal.
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