First Tropical Storm of Season

The first tropical storm of the year is forecast to impact the state this weekend. The storm, which was Tropical Depression Three, was upgraded to Tropical Storm Chantal on Saturday morning.

Chantal was forecast to make landfall Saturday night southwest of Myrtle Beach. Maximum wind gusts have reached 50 mph, but the storm system has not gained much strength due to moderate wind shear.

Coastal towns are expecting up to three inches of rain, with areas farther inland expecting up to an inch. Current predictions show the storm moving over the eastern part of the state. Several areas, such as the Triad, are expecting gusty winds and intermittent heavy rain.

The storm is expected to weaken over the course of the day and move northeast into the Mid-Atlantic. 

Judge Approves Free Speech Settlement

A federal judge has approved a legal settlement for Christian McGhee, a Central Davidson High School student who was suspended for three days in April 2024 for saying “illegal aliens” during a class discussion.

The settlement requires the school board to offer the McGhee family a public apology and includes a $20,000 payment from its insurer. The settlement also clears any reference to racial bias as a motive for Christian’s comments from his school record.

U.S. District Judge Thomas David Schroeder said the proposed settlement was “fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of [Christian].” An order has not yet been issued by the judge, though the Davidson County Board of Education is expected to approve the settlement later this summer.

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➤ Charlotte: The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is urging caution after 350,000 gallons of wastewater spilled into Dixon Branch, a creek that flows into the Catawba River. Charlotte Water says repairs are underway to replace the broken pipe. (See Details)

➤ Madison County Championship Rodeo is celebrating its 60th anniversary this weekend, offering a spark of hope to a community still recovering from Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Leland: The Three Oaks Board of Directors says a vapor explosion, likely caused by flammable gas mixing with air, damaged four homes and injured two people in May. The source of the vapor remains unknown. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Twenty people from around the world gathered at the Museum of History and celebrated the Fourth of July by becoming U.S. citizens. Several noted the long, difficult path to citizenship but expressed gratitude for the opportunity. (More)

➤ Burgaw: The Pender County Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees for pets through this weekend. There are currently thirteen cats and eighteen dogs at the shelter. All have been vaccinated, fixed, microchipped, and treated for parasites. (More)

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Do you spend more time making breakfast on weekends?

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2. No
3. Depends

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Did you, or do you, watch soap operas?

1. No: 36%
2. I used to: 27%
3. Yes: 20%
4. I may start: 17%

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