Shrimpgate Bill Passes Senate

The North Carolina Senate voted 41-4 to add a nearshore shrimp trawling ban to House Bill 442, aiming to boost flounder and red snapper fishing while impacting the shrimping industry.

The ban was added Tuesday to the bill, aligning North Carolina with neighboring states and expanding a pilot program for flounder and red snapper fishing seasons.

Opponents say the bill threatens North Carolina’s shrimp industry, with Raleigh restaurateur Ryan Speckman calling it “basically slitting the throats of the commercial fishing industry.” Others say the restrictions will cause price increases.

The proposal now goes to the state House of Representatives.

Four Parties Out in NC

Nearly 34,000 voters will soon be politically unaffiliated after four political parties failed to meet the 2% of overall votes cast required by state law during the 2024 gubernatorial and presidential elections.

The Constitution, Justice for All, No Labels, and We the People parties all failed to meet the election requirements. The Green Party also didn’t meet the 2% state requirement, but the Board of Elections determined that the party qualified due to being on the ballot of 70% of states.

Parties can submit petitions to be put back on the ballot. Voters registered with the four parties will be reclassified as unaffiliated on June 24.

Hazardous Algae in Lake Norman

State environmental officials have confirmed the discovery of toxic algae in the coves of Lake Norman, and it is present in the four counties that border it.

First reported Monday, the algae blooms prompted state officials to warn residents to avoid green, scummy areas and all nearby activities due to shifting conditions and health risks.

Blooms occur naturally in the lake’s ecosystem but can grow out of control with warm temperatures and fertilizer or waste runoff.

If a person or pet comes in contact with the algae, wash thoroughly and seek medical attention if a person or animal appears sick.

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➤Statewide: Lawmakers approved a bill to repeal a carbon-cutting mandate, citing high alternative energy costs. The measure now heads to Gov. Stein’s desk. (More)

➤Union County: Two people face multiple felony drug and firearms charges after a traffic stop uncovered meth, cocaine, pistols, $66,000 in cash, and a man with an outstanding arrest warrant. (More)

➤Chatham County: A fisherman swept away after losing his footing on a dam was found dead Friday, prompting the sheriff’s office to urge caution around fast currents and stress the need for life jackets. (More)

➤UNC-Chapel Hill: Federal agencies have cut more than 100 research projects and $125 million in school grants. (More)

➤Catawba County: New search warrants reveal that Garon Killian, one of several involved in the June 1 mass shooting at a house party, used social media to communicate with other suspects before and after the shooting. (More)

➤Harnett County: An Aviat Pitts S-2B plane crashed into a boat dealership Friday morning with two people aboard. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation. (More)

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➤ Duke hired Corey Muscara to be its new head baseball coach on Thursday, poaching him from the Wake Forest staff. Muscara was named Assistant Coach of the Year for the Demon Deacons in 2023. (More)

➤ UNC Asheville announced plans to build a 5,000-seat stadium that will serve as the school’s home soccer field. (More)

➤Duke women’s basketball is tipping off next season in Paris, France, against the Baylor Bears. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | WNBA | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center will open a larger facility in September with six exam rooms, two additional ER doctors, and the Wilmington area’s first MRI. (More)

➤ The eastern hellbender, affectionately called the snot otter, has inspired a local beer and mural in Boone to raise awareness of the amphibian’s uncertain future. (More)

➤ Sunset Beach Police captured an alligator with a catch pole after it was seen entering and exiting the ocean, relocating it safely to a nearby pond. (See alligator)

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Would you ever expose top-secret information?

1. Only under certain circumstances
2. Never under any circumstances
3. Not sure…maybe?

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you celebrate the first day of summer?

1. Hanging out at the pool: 29%
2. My favorite summer meal: 21%
3. Reading a good book: 18%
4. Counting down to fall: 17%
5. Other: 15%

Which North Carolina lighthouse is considered the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States?

Show me the answer