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Bill Calls For More Jail Time For Posting Crimes Online
People who post their violent crimes online in North Carolina would automatically see their prison sentences increased in legislation advancing in the General Assembly.
Neither legislators nor the public objected to the measure when it cleared a House judiciary committee Tuesday. It would apply to anyone convicted of a violent felony who posts the crime on the internet or other media and tack on an additional two-year prison sentence.
'Casino Nights' Sanctioned In Bill Clearing House Panel
Some North Carolina lawmakers want to make clear that nonprofit organizations can operate casino-style games occasionally, with proceeds benefiting charity.
Current state law makes it unlawful to operate games of chance where betting occurs, save for the state lottery, Cherokee casino and some bingo. But bill sponsor Rep. Jamie Boles of Moore County says the nonprofit "casino nights" still are happening in some places, depending on whether a local prosecutor will enforce gambling laws.
Boles' bill, which passed the House Finance Committee on Tuesday, would sanction nonprofit "game nights" at facilities that serve alcohol anywhere but near the Cherokee casino. No cash prizes can be awarded, but rather chips are converted to raffle tickets.
No Serious Injuries As Tornado Hits Eastern North Carolina
A state of emergency is in effect in a small town in eastern North Carolina after a tornado with winds of 110 mph damaged a fire station and several mobile homes.
No serious injuries were reported when the tornado touched down three times in Sampson County late Tuesday afternoon. A curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. was imposed in Autryville, a town of about 200 people about 15 miles east of Fayetteville.
Weather service officials will visit Parkton in Robeson County to determine whether a tornado damaged some buildings about an hour before the storm ripped through Autryville.
Sheriff: $500M In Poppy Plants Seized In North Carolina
Authorities say an acre of poppy plants used in producing opium has been seized in North Carolina.
The Catawba County Sheriff's Office seized the field Tuesday. Authorities roughly estimate the value at $500 million, pending the plants' weighing.
The sheriff's office says Cody Xiong was arrested and charged with manufacture and trafficking by possession.
Triad Woman Accused In Crash That Killed Her Mother
Police in North Carolina have filed charges against the daughter of a 92-year-old woman killed in a traffic crash last month.
Winston-Salem police said in a statement on Tuesday that 66-year-old Betty Sue Morrison is charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to maintain lane control and unsafe tires. Morrison was given an unsecured bond of $2,500.
A police report said Morrison was driving a pickup truck that ran off U.S. 311, hit a guard rail and overturned on April 5. Her mother, Helen Morrison, died at the scene. Betty Morrison was injured and taken to a local hospital.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.