Swarm of Bugs Released Inside Chambers To Protest Mecklenburg County’s $2.5 Billion Budget Vote

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Swarm of Bugs Released Inside Chambers To Protest Mecklenburg County’s $2.5 Billion Budget Vote

The Mecklenburg County Commission’s $2.5 billion budget vote was disrupted last night when protestors released a swarm of live crickets inside the chamber. The group responsible for the release was opposed to funding for the Central Piedmont Community College Law Enforcement Training Center.

The unexpected incident forced a pause in the meeting while cleaning staff vacuumed the insects.

After the bugs incident, the county released a public statement saying in part;

“Mecklenburg County condemns any inappropriate or out-of-order comments, or other disruptive tactics, during Board of County Commissioners’ meetings or any other public meeting. Civil public participation is a bedrock of democracy. The Board has made it clear that the abuse of public participation will not be tolerated.“

Despite the bugs, Mecklenburg County commissioners passed the budget, which includes a property tax rate increase of 0.96 cents per $100 of assessed home value.

For the average Mecklenburg County homeowner—based on a median home price of $377,000—that equates to an additional $36 annually.

Governor Launches North Carolina Cannabis Task Force To Crack Down on Legal Weed Loopholes

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Governor Launches North Carolina Cannabis Task Force To Crack Down on Legal Weed Loopholes

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced the creation of a new cannabis policy advisory council aimed at closing regulatory loopholes and protecting public health amid rising availability of intoxicating THC products. The announcement comes as the state faces growing concerns over youth access to unregulated hemp-derived cannabis sold in vape shops across North Carolina.

Currently, hemp-derived products with intoxicating levels of THC are legally sold due to federal and state legal gray areas. Governor Stein emphasized that while adults should be able to use cannabis products, current regulations fail to ensure safety, accurate labeling, or enforceable age restrictions.

“This is the Wild West,” said Stein in an interview with WRAL. “Kids can walk into vape shops and legally buy THC products packaged like candy, with no oversight.”

The advisory council, which will include lawmakers from both parties, law enforcement, health officials, and representatives from tribal governments, will study how other states have addressed cannabis legalization and propose a model that balances access with safety.

Stein also expressed support for adult recreational use of cannabis, provided it is regulated similarly to alcohol through an ABC-style system. He called for standardized testing, ingredient labeling, concentration disclosure, and age restrictions.

He criticized current laws that allow intoxicating THCa products—non-psychoactive in raw form but converting to THC when smoked or vaped—to remain unregulated. These products often comply with the federal 0.3% Delta-9 THC threshold but still produce psychoactive effects when consumed.

“We need a cannabis control system,” said Stein. “What’s sold today is potent, poorly labeled, and legally accessible to minors. That’s unacceptable.”

The governor also said he supports expunging the criminal records of adults previously convicted for minor marijuana possession and is exploring his authority to issue pardons or commutations.

While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in North Carolina, the Cherokee tribal territory has legalized marijuana sales on its lands (The Great Smokey Cannabis Company). Stein said he hopes to learn from their experience.

The General Assembly has yet to adopt major cannabis reform, but Stein hopes this advisory council will break political gridlock and lead to consensus-driven legislation that protects children, informs adults, and ensures public safety.

Swig Dirty Soda Shop Opening in Congressman Ralph Norman’s Rock Hill Building

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Swig Dirty Soda Shop Opening in Congressman Ralph Norman’s Rock Hill Building

Swig, the Utah-based drive-thru soda chain known for its “dirty sodas,” will soon open a new location in Rock Hill.

The Warren Norman company just announced that Swig will lease space in the Sharonwood Shopping Center (owned by Congressman Ralph Norman), at the intersection of Celanese and India Hook roads.

Swig gained popularity through countless viral social media videos and national attention from the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Known for customizing sodas with creams and syrups, Swig was started in Utah’s Mormon communities as an alternative to Starbucks, as Mormon’s aren’t allowed to have coffee.

This new Rock Hill location will be Swig’s second in the region, following its recent debut in Indian Land.

Construction is expected to begin this summer as part of a broader redevelopment project on a 7-acre site. The development includes four retail buildings—three multi-tenant buildings along India Hook Road and one outparcel near Celanese Road next to Take 5 Oil Change.

Local fans can expect construction on the new location to begin in the coming months, with an opening date to be announced later.

Yesterday’s Plane Crash in North Carolina Draws Federal Safety Investigation

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Yesterday’s Plane Crash in North Carolina Draws Federal Safety Investigation

A small plane crashed Tuesday morning in Davie County, North Carolina, near the town of Mocksville, according to officials.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that a Stinson 108 Voyager went down shortly before noon on June 3.

The aircraft, a vintage four-seat plane, reportedly crashed during an attempted landing on a narrow, 36-foot-wide runway surrounded by trees.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the crash occurred around 11:44 a.m. with three people on board. Authorities have not yet released information about possible injuries.

Officials have not identified the crash location or confirmed which airport the plane was approaching. Several small airports are located nearby, including Boyd’s Hawks Creek Airport, Sugar Valley Airport, and Twin Lakes Airport.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Mocksville is located southwest of Winston-Salem.

Mecklenburg Sheriff Employee Arrested For Stabbing Coworker Multiple Times

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Mecklenburg Sheriff Employee Arrested For Stabbing Coworker Multiple Times
Lakisha Easter via Facebook

A Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office employee has been fired after allegedly stabbing a coworker multiple times at the county’s arrest processing center.

The incident occurred Monday, June 2, when deputies say Lakisha Easter pulled a knife and attacked another employee. The victim suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover.

Officials confirmed the assault was not random and that Easter knew the victim. She was immediately terminated from her position following the incident.

According to public record, Easter was employed at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office as a Fingerprint Examiner. Her prior work history included:

  • A Detention Officer at Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (2009–2012)

  • A Fingerprint Specialist at Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (2005–2009)

  • A Police Processing Technician with Winston-Salem Police Department (1998–2004)

  • A U.S. Air Force veteran (1989–1993)

Easter now faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury (AWDWIKISI).

She is scheduled to appear in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Tuesday.

York County SWAT Team Wins 1st Place in Multi-State SWAT Competition

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York County SWAT Team Wins 1st Place in Multi-State SWAT Competition

The York County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team earned first place at the 2025 North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy SWAT Competition, outperforming seven other teams from across the state.

The multi-day event tested the tactical and physical skills of elite law enforcement teams. York County’s team placed first in five of eight events, including endurance challenges and marksmanship trials.

The competition included a three-and-a-half-mile team run in full SWAT gear, as well as strength-based events like sandbag hauls, sled pulls, and kettlebell carries. Teams were scored across multiple disciplines to determine overall ranking.

The final standings were:

  • 1st Place: York County Sheriff’s Office (SC)

  • 2nd Place: Wake Forest Police Department

  • 3rd Place: Gastonia Police Department

The Range Complex, a tactical training facility, donated its space and shut down operations for four days to host the event.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Asking Charlotte For $25 Million In Public Funding For Renovations

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NASCAR Hall of Fame Asking Charlotte For $25 Million In Public Funding For Renovations
via City of Charlotte

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is asking the City of Charlotte for $25 million in public funding to support a major renovation of its uptown facility. Officials presented the proposal Monday to the City Council’s economic development committee, describing it as the most significant upgrade since the Hall opened in 2010.

The project aims to improve the layout, enhance security, and expand educational offerings. It also includes upgrades to guest experience areas and the creation of new event space.

Proposed renovations include:

  • Moving the gift shop to a former NASCAR studio near the entrance

  • Converting the current gift shop into multipurpose classroom space

  • Turning an existing meeting room into a new café

  • Building a 2,900-square-foot enclosed event space

  • Relocating the security desk for better visibility

  • Installing modern security screening equipment

Construction costs are estimated between $12 million and $15 million, with remaining funds allocated to design, permitting, furnishings, and other related expenses. Project estimates will be refined as design advances.

Here’s the currently layout of the facility:

via City of Charlotte

Here’s what it would look like after the $25 million upgrades:

via City of Charlotte

The funding would come from Charlotte’s hospitality fund, which is generated through taxes on hotel stays, car rentals, and prepared meals. By law, that money must be used on tourism-related infrastructure, such as the Hall of Fame. The city has not incurred new debt for the Hall since its construction in 2009.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the city and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). According to CRVA officials, the facility generated $74.9 million in economic impact during fiscal year 2024, including $43.1 million in direct visitor spending and $2.4 million in tax revenue.

City finance staff said the $25 million request is manageable under current hospitality fund projections, even if the 2% hotel occupancy tax that helps fund the Hall expires in 2039.

North Carolina Was Just Ranked As Having The 6th Best State Economy in America

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North Carolina Was Just Ranked As Having The 6th Best State Economy in America

The personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Best & Worst State Economies, as well as expert commentary.

In order to determine America’s top economic performers, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators of economic performance and strength. The data set ranges from change in GDP to startup activity to the share of jobs in high-tech industries.

Economic Performance of North Carolina (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

  • Overall Rank: 6th
  • 6th – Change in GDP
  • 17th – Startup Activity
  • 11th – % of Jobs in High-Tech Industries
  • 26th – Annual Median Household Income
  • 12th – Change in Nonfarm Payrolls
  • 24th – Unemployment Rate

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-economies/21697

Emergency Code Orange Ozone Alert Issued For South Carolina

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Emergency Code Orange Ozone Alert Issued For South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has just issued a Code Orange Ozone Air Alert for South Carolina. The alert will remain in effect from 10 am to 8 pm today, Monday, June 2nd.

Officials expect ground-level ozone concentrations to reach levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung conditions.

Higher-than-expected ozone readings over the weekend and smoke from Canadian wildfires have further worsened the air quality. Other parts of the state are forecasted to reach Code Yellow levels, indicating moderate air pollution.

It’s recommended that sensitive individuals limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak afternoon and early evening hours. Residents are also encouraged to help reduce pollution by walking, biking, limiting engine idling, and conserving energy.

Code Orange alerts signify that air quality could pose a risk to vulnerable populations and call for voluntary efforts to reduce emissions.

You can find out more info at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or https://www.airnow.gov.

FBI Asking For Public’s Help In Yesterday’s Catawba Mass Shooting

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FBI Asking For Public’s Help In Yesterday’s Catawba Mass Shooting

The FBI and Catawba County Sheriff’s Office are asking for public assistance following a mass shooting early Sunday at a large house party in Catawba County.

Gunfire erupted around 12:45 am on June 1st on Walnut Acres Drive, just south of Hickory, where a gathering turned violent. Investigators said at least 80 shots were fired, spanning a two-acre crime scene.

Twelve people were injured, including one fatality. The deceased has been identified as 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood. Victims ranged in age from 16 to 58. Authorities believe multiple shooters were involved and that the incident was targeted, not random. No arrests have been made.

The FBI has now established a link for witnesses to submit pictures, videos, and tips here.

Local, state, and federal agencies continue working to determine a motive.

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