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Governor Warns Of Flooding Risks
Roy Cooper is telling residents not to drop their guard over flooding despite the first sunny skies in several days.
Cooper issued a statement on Wednesday saying forecasters are still predicting some rivers could crest as late as Monday and that people need to remain alert for more flooding.
According to a news release from the governor's office, local and state emergency management officials continue to monitor the Cashie River near Windsor; the Tar River in Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Greenville; and the Neuse River in Goldsboro and Kinston.
Rainfall totals have ranged from 5.5 inches in the foothills to as much as 9 inches in the Piedmont and coastal counties.
Duke Energy Aims To Cut Coal From One-Third Of Power Output
Any jump in coal production promised by President Donald Trump will not come from the largest U.S. electricity company, which is planning a steady move out of the fuel still key to producing power.
Duke Energy Corp. reported Thursday that about 34 percent of the electricity used by customers in the Carolinas, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana was generated by coal. An equal amount came from nuclear reactors. The company's solar and wind farms produced less than 5 percent of its electricity. Most of that variable supply was sold to other utilities or commercial customers.
The Charlotte-based utility's sustainability report says by 2030 it aims to cut its use of coal from 34 percent to 27 percent, increase natural gas by nearly 30 percent and roughly double power from renewables.
Immunity Sought For NC Motorists Who Hit Protesters In Roads
A motorist who strikes a protester blocking a public road in North Carolina would be immune from civil liability — under a bill before lawmakers — if the driver exercised "due care."
Backers of the proposal advancing Wednesday in the North Carolina House say granting immunity would protect drivers traveling legally on a highway or street when a protester is injured.
Republican sponsor Rep. Justin Burr says drivers couldn't deliberately run over protesters and avoid responsibility.
Lawmakers referred to demonstrators on Charlotte streets last September after a fatal shooting by a police officer.
Liability Limits On Hog Farm Nuisance Awards Passes Senate
A measure placing limits on what hog farms could pay out in lawsuits filed by neighbors complaining about animal waste odors is nearing final approval by the North Carolina legislature.
The Senate voted 30-19 late Wednesday for the measure restricting compensatory damages in cases where a judge or jury rules a farm or forestry operation has become a nuisance. That liability would be limited to the lost property value or rental value plaintiffs can prove was the result of the nuisance and couldn't exceed the property's market or rental value.
The bill now returns to the House, where a somewhat similar version was passed earlier this month.
Adviser Gets 5 Years In Prison For Defrauding NFL Players
A North Carolina financial adviser has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for stealing about $3 million from his clients, including at least two pro football players.
Michael Rowan, of High Point, received the sentence Wednesday after pleading guilty late last year to wire fraud and filing a false income tax return. Federal prosecutors say he stole $2.9 million from clients.
Court documents say Rowan provided NFL players with wealth management services under deals that allowed him to access their bank accounts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.