Latest news with #News&Observer
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
8 stories that highlight enforcement and gaps in NC firearms laws
Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization North Carolina continues to debate concealed carry permit requirements, as several Senate and House bills move to permitless carry and lower age thresholds for firearm possession. Cases reveal enforcement gaps, such as minors charged with possessing firearms or using stolen guns in violent incidents, as seen in the shooting at a state trooper during a high-speed chase. Stories of domestic violence highlight loopholes—one man, barred from gun ownership by court order, still acquired firearms and fatally attacked his ex-wife's boyfriend. Discussions also surface around expanding who can carry on school campuses, with recent legislation passed that lets private schools authorize armed teachers or volunteers. Together, these cases show both active enforcement and persistent holes in the laws that can impact communities. The danger is not just to victims, according to a key study, 'Deadly Calls and Fatal Encounters.' | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tammy Grubb Kristen Johnson Antonio Rodrigues, 70, had previously been convicted of felony stalking in two North Carolina counties, court records show. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lexi Solomon It all began Saturday when hots were fired at a state trooper chasing teenagers in a stolen car going over 100 mph. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by staff reports Legislation to allow so-called permitless carry could move forward this session after previously stalling in the GOP-controlled General Assembly. | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Avi Bajpai One shot hit a 15-year-old in the head, deputies say | Published March 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Price The bill, which could be headed to the Senate floor soon, notably has the backing of Senate leader Phil Berger this year. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Avi Bajpai The bill passed along party lines, but not before Democrats successfully amended it to add benefits for slain police officers and their families. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Avi Bajpai GOP lawmakers say concealed weapons will provide deterrence against shooters. Democratic lawmakers said they will make schools less safe. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by T. Keung Hui The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 changes in Triangle nightlife, music and community gathering spaces
Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization Downtown Raleigh and the Triangle nightlife are evolving as long-standing venues like The Architect Bar and The Green Monkey close their doors. New concepts are emerging, like a planned garden bar in Hillsborough's former Hot Tin Roof space, aiming to provide more community and family appeal. On Franklin Street, businesses such as Playa Bowls and Starbucks are filling some vacancies, while the vacancy rate remains a concern for restaurants and entertainment spots. Music scenes are adapting too, with the end of major festivals like the International Bluegrass festival prompting calls for cities to support new events. Local leaders and business owners are working to renew gathering spaces and keep the region's nightlife and arts culture active and welcoming. A major face lift and vibe shift is planned for a longtime Triangle bar space. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson Chapel Hill's downtown district has experienced a number of vacancies and high-profile business closings in recent years. | Published August 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Tammy Grubb 'Thank you for the love, laughs, and memories,' the owners said. 'We've loved connecting with each of you.' | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted Anna Roman Pour one out for this downtown Raleigh favorite. | Published March 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson Hopscotch and a reimagined bluegrass festival return this year. And people are talking about a festival in Dix Park after Dreamville. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Anna Roman The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
8 recommendations from experts for copperhead safety in North Carolina
Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization Experts advise North Carolinians to watch where they step, especially in summer when copperheads are active. Knowing the copperhead's appearance — usually brownish-gray with hourglass patterns — and being able to tell them apart from harmless snakes is crucial. Keeping yards clear of debris and using protective gear like gloves while gardening can reduce chance encounters; copperheads may take shelter under porches or near cicada hotspots. If bitten, seek emergency care at hospitals with antivenom and call NC Poison Control if symptoms are mild. For hikers, planning ahead by alerting others to your route and carrying a satellite phone in remote areas helps ensure rapid response in case of emergencies. Always seek medical treatment, but antivenom is not always necessary, doctors say. Here's why. | Published May 8, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella We talked to the medical director of NC Poison Control for his advice. Screenshot this story so you have it on your phone in an emergency. | Published June 15, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Copperheads are NC's most common venomous snake, and sometimes they come a little too close to our front doors. | Published July 18, 2023 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella 'Identifying snakes can be tricky, and mistaking a non-venomous snake for a venomous one is common.' | Published March 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by N&O Service Journalism Team, with Nota AI summarization The hiss of cicadas is the copperhead's dinner bell. | Published May 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska Here's what a wildlife biologist says you should do in your backyard to deter snakes (and nudge them out when you see one). | Published May 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska Glass (legless) lizards look remarkably snake-like. We talked to wildlife experts to find out how to tell the difference. | Published May 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted Copperheads are the only venomous snake you're likely to encounter in the Triangle and central NC. Here's how to identify and avoid them. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Snakes, pollen, wildfires: 8 stories on how to stay safe in NC this summer
Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization Snakes, pollen, and wildfires are all safety concerns for North Carolinians during the summer. Venomous copperheads are common in central and eastern parts of the state, with copperhead bites sometimes requiring costly antivenom treatment. Wildlife experts recommend keeping yards clear of dense vegetation and debris to reduce snake encounters and suggest leaving snakes alone if you see them. Wildfires have already burned more than 24,000 acres this year, so packing an evacuation kit and tracking fire maps are important steps for residents. Seasonal pollen counts are high in cities like Raleigh and Greensboro; taking precautions such as showering at night and keeping pets out of bedrooms can help allergy sufferers cope. We may be more likely to see snakes this time of year, as the weather warms. Use this information to make encounters less scary. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted For many people with seasonal allergies, spring is a difficult time. It's particularly hard in a few of our state's cities. | Published March 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted If you live in the city, do you still need a wildfire kit? The answer is yes. We explain why. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Quillin Copperheads are the only venomous snake you're likely to encounter in the Triangle and central NC. Here's how to identify and avoid them. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted To identify a copperhead, you can't just go by color alone. Here's what gives some copperheads a different look. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted So far this year, more than 4,000 wildfires have burned more than 24,000 acres of woodlands in North Carolina. Here's how to track them. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Quillin Thousands of Triangle customers lost power recently. Don't blame it on the rain or trees. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted To keep snakes out, you first need to know what brings them in. We have the details. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
Axios
14-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
'Mistrust' abounds between Raleigh and nightlife venues, per new report
Significant tensions exist between the city of Raleigh and downtown bar and nightlife venue owners, according to a new report presented to the city council Tuesday. Why it matters: Raleigh — one of the nation's fastest-growing cities — is exploding. It's been named one of the best places to live on the East Coast, driven in part by the region's affordability, booming tech industry and proximity to top-tier universities. All that growth has forced the city's leaders to reckon with inevitable growing pains, and they're seeking ways to revive downtown's Fayetteville Street, improve the Glenwood South district's accessibility and keep both areas safe. Driving the news: There's a deep level of "mistrust" between venues and the city, according to a report from the Responsible Hospitality Institute. Business owners don't feel heard, the report said, and the city's enforcement of COVID restrictions "set the tone for that mistrust," Whitney Schoenfeld, of the city's office of events, said Tuesday. "Regularly changing policy direction at City Council" has also contributed to that mistrust, according to the report. Among the biggest points of contention at the moment: the city's noise ordinance, which was repeatedly mentioned in the 48-page report and during the organization's presentation Tuesday. How it works: The city commissioned the Responsible Hospitality Institute report, using $100,000 of American Rescue Act funding, according to Indy Week. The organization spent some six months conducting on-site visits, listening sessions, interviews, a women's focus group and other meetings. The good news: "There's a tremendous amount of strength in Raleigh's social economy," Responsible Hospitality Institute senior consultant Jocelyn Kane told city council, pointing to the city's events and festivals, public art, and "Sip and Stroll" initiative. "We do this a lot in other places, and this is one of the most fun places we've been." Yes, but: Between January and September last year, the city saw 158 noise complaints, 12 civil violations and 18 criminal citations, per the News & Observer. Despite the city's recent revision of its noise ordinance after a two-year community engagement process, "its effectiveness is now in question," the report said, as the penalties "are insufficient to deter repeat offenses." The report recommends that the city again revise its noise ordinance, restart its community engagement process and hire a mediator to "help facilitate productive engagement between the City and business community, between which lies a chasm of mistrust." The city could also create a map of noise complaints. What they're saying:"I felt just a tangible sense of relief listening to this conversation, because I've struggled so much just in my four months," Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said of the noise ordinance recommendations, per ABC11. "I just don't understand. I see no path in the current system."
