Connect with us

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Carolinas wildfires battle helped by rain | North Carolina

Published

on

www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-31 15:21:00

(The Center Square) – Wildfires continued to burn Monday in the Carolinas, though a sign of optimism arose with a burning ban lifted in 41 South Carolina counties and measured rainfall in both states.

Largest of the fires is Table Rock in Pickens and Greenville counties of South Carolina. The Black Cove fire is burning in North Carolina’s Polk and Henderson counties, the Rattlesnake fire is burning Haywood County, and the Alarka 5 fire is in Swain County.

South Carolina’s Horry County at the Atlantic Ocean and North Carolina border, and the northwestern counties of Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee remain under a burning ban. In North Carolina, all 100 counties have a ban in effect.

The Table Rock fire size is about 13,191 acres in South Carolina and 574 in North Carolina, the Forestry Commission of the former said. Containment is about 30%.

The Persimmon Ridge fire is 2,078 acres in size with 64% containment. Rain Sunday into Monday measured nearly 1 inch.

The Covington Drive Fire in Myrtle Beach is about 85% contained and in mop-up and strengthened firebreaks stage.

In North Carolina, the Black Cove complex of fires are 7,672 acres in size. It includes the Black Cove (3,502 acres, 36% contained), Deep Woods (3,971 acres, 32% contained) and Fish Hook (199 acres, 100% contained) fires. Rainfall overnight into Monday helped the battle.

The post Carolinas wildfires battle helped by rain | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Fixing the DMV: Latest on commissioner search, technology upgrades

Published

on

www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-04-01 20:11:34


SUMMARY: In response to significant issues such as long wait times and appointment shortages, North Carolina’s DMV is seeking improvements by partnering with Arizona, which ranks fourth nationally for DMV efficiency. Governor Josh Stein and Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins highlighted ongoing leadership changes, including the search for a new commissioner after Wayne Goodwin’s departure. Current challenges stem from staffing shortages and outdated technology. Governor Stein’s proposed budget includes funding for over 100 new positions to alleviate these issues. The state plans to adopt Arizona’s software to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction, with leadership decisions expected in the coming weeks.

YouTube video

North Carolina is partnering with Arizona to improve its struggling Division of Motor Vehicles, aiming to reduce long wait times and make more appointments available.

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Sex education bill proposed in North Carolina House | North Carolina

Published

on

www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-01 13:32:00

(The Center Square) – Directions on curriculum measured age appropriate and access in public libraries to materials considered harmful to minors are in a proposal at the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Parental Rights for Curriculum and Books, also known as House Bill 595, adds to state law a section for age-appropriate instruction for students; a human growth and development program for fourth and fifth graders; and says reproductive health and safety education shall not happen before seventh grade.



Rep. John A. Torbett, R-Gaston




The bill authored by Rep. John Torbett, R-Gaston, and filed Monday additionally has sections on instructional materials and clarification of “defenses for material harmful to minors.” Public library access for minors is in a fourth section.

Gender identity instruction, a buzzword of recent election cycles, is prohibited prior to students entering the fifth grade. The proposal extends that to prior to the entering seventh grade.

The bill would require parental consent to learn about some elements associated with sex education – infections, contraception, assault and human trafficking.

State law allows schools the option to adopt local policies on parental consent for the reproductive health education.

The post Sex education bill proposed in North Carolina House | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

Continue Reading

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

NC House panel approves bill to allow handguns at private schools

Published

on

ncnewsline.com – Christine Zhu – 2025-04-01 13:15:00

SUMMARY: The North Carolina House Judiciary 2 Committee approved House Bill 193, allowing individuals with valid concealed handgun permits to carry firearms on private school premises. The bill aims to enhance school security and has raised concerns due to its broad provisions, including the potential for teachers, officials, or students to carry guns with permission. Critics, like Rep. Deb Butler, argue that it puts students and teachers at risk, as polling shows most educators oppose guns in schools. The bill is now set for further debate in the House Education K-12 Committee. Additionally, the committee approved a separate bill, House Bill 301, restricting social media accounts for minors under 16.

Read the full article

The post NC House panel approves bill to allow handguns at private schools appeared first on ncnewsline.com

Continue Reading

Trending