Report: Children's Health A Reflection Of Parents' Health
A report says one of the best ways to improve the health of North Carolina children is to help their parents improve their own health.
The report was issued Tuesday by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and NC Child. It says more than 17 percent of all parents statewide, about 324,000 people, lack health insurance. Authors of the annual report say that's a major impediment because the future of children can't be separated from their families' health.
Authors say the state badly lags in school health, weight, physical activity, tobacco use, and mental health, alcohol and substance areas. The report card gives those areas a "D."
Hospitalization rates for asthma have improved and received an "A." Insurance coverage, teen births, immunization rates and dental health all got a "B."
Say Yes Scholarships Now Available In Guilford County
Guilford County students are now able to start applying for scholarships from Say Yes to Education.
The money is meant to help close the gap for students who may not be able to afford college.
High school seniors who graduate from Guilford County Schools this year will be able to apply for the scholarships. That money will help them cover what's left of their tuition after federal and state grants are applied.
These “last-dollar” scholarships are among the cornerstones of Say Yes to Education, along with other support services.
Students who receive this money can use it at any public university in the state or one of a few dozen universities across the country.
In order to access the funding, students will first have to get certified on the Say Yes website, a process that could take about a month.
In the meantime, the organization is encouraging families to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which can make them eligible for Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and other tools to help pay for college.
Retention Election Arguments Heard In North Carolina Court
A three-judge panel has heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging a new option to elect some North Carolina Supreme Court justices.
The Superior Court judges listened and asked questions for more than 90 minutes Tuesday about the constitutionality of a law the General Assembly passed last year for "retention elections." They didn't immediately rule from the bench.
Supreme Court justices who are initially elected in competitive elections can agree to face an up-or-down vote on an eight-year term.
A former Court of Appeals candidate and two voters sued, saying the method is a referendum and fails to meet the state Constitution's mandate that justices be elected by voters. Lawyers for the state disagree and want the lawsuit dismissed.
Associate Justice Bob Edmunds faces a retention election this November.
Former State GOP Chairman Candidate Appointed Judge
An attorney who lost his bid last year to head the North Carolina Republican Party despite support from GOP leaders has been appointed to a judgeship in Gaston County.
Gov. Pat McCrory said Tuesday that Craig Collins of Gastonia has been appointed to the District Court bench. He's filling a vacancy created by the October death of Chief District Court Judge Ralph Gingles Jr.
Collins ran for state Republican Party chairman but lost to Hasan Harnett at last June's state GOP convention. Collins had endorsements from McCrory, House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate leader Phil Berger and U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis.
Collins has been in private practice since 2007. He was previously a Gaston County assistant district attorney, serving as the lead drug case prosecutor.
Weather Service: Tornado Touched Down In Carteret County
The National Weather Service says a tornado caused some damage in Carteret County.
Meteorologist Scott Kennedy says the tornado touched down shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday in the coastal town of Davis. He says the tornado had maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and a maximum width of 500 feet.
The tornado covered about 4 miles during the three to five minutes that it was on the ground.
The weather service says the storm damaged a local restaurant and knocked down five power poles.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.