ELECTION 2020-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

Trump calls off Florida segment of GOP National Convention

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is having to shift plans for the Republican National Convention again. Trump has scrapped convention events scheduled for Florida next month, citing a “flare-up” of the coronavirus. Trump’s formal renomination will still go forward in North Carolina. Trump made the announcement Thursday at the White House. He had moved parts of the GOP convention to Florida last month amid a dispute with North Carolina’s Democratic leaders over holding an indoor gathering with maskless supporters. But those plans were steadily scaled back as virus cases spiked in Florida and much of the country over the last month.

BC-NC-TRAFFIC STOP-LAWSUIT

North Carolina man files lawsuit, claims deputies beat him

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina man is suing after he said he was pepper sprayed, tasered and beaten by a group of Union County sheriff’s deputies following a traffic stop. The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that the lawsuit was filed by Dustin Parrish in federal court. Parrish, who is white, estimates that he was struck in the face at least 20 times. He said he was tased twice, pepper sprayed and placed in a choke hold. Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey told the Observer that Parrish “created the violence when he assaulted an officer.” Cathey added that Parrish resisted arrest, ignored orders and tried to escape twice. Parrish claims he never assaulted an officer.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-UNC-TUITION

University of North Carolina system to keep tuition rates

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — University of North Carolina system officials have voted to keep tuition rates the same regardless of whether classes move online because of coronavirus concerns. News outlets report Thursday’s split vote by the school system’s Board of Governors also keeps the same fees for athletics and student activities. The boards resolution says the current rates are important in sustaining essential services. The News & Observer reports the vote comes as the school system continues to prepare for different scenarios for its budget amid the coronavirus pandemic. One board member who pushed back against the measure says the system would be overcharging tuition if classes were to move online.

VISITING COMET-NORTH CAROLINA

To photograph comet Neowise, it takes patience and placement

LINVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The newly discovered comet Neowise is only visible from Earth once every 6,800 years. Many photographers seek to document it, via places with high elevation and little smog or light pollution. Weather must cooperate, too. Photographer and amateur astronomer Johnny Horne was recently successful at North Carolina’s famed Grandfather Mountain. He has traveled to Australia to photograph Halley’s comet, Zambia and Mexico’s Baja peninsula for eclipses, and Iceland for the northern lights. The comet Neowise should remain visible through July and possibly into August across the Northern Hemisphere. It’s visible to the naked eye and can be spotted below the Big Dipper, but a good pair of binoculars or a telescope help.

TRUMP-NORTH CAROLINA

Trump to visit North Carolina, cite work on COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Donald Trump will visit North Carolina on Monday to tour a business that is participating in work on a COVID-19 vaccine. The White House said Trump is expected to speak about the collaboration between the administration and the private sector to rapidly develop a vaccine and ensure rapid distribution once ready. North Carolina is a key battleground state in the coming election, and Trump’s visit marks his 10th trip there during his presidency. Trump is seeking to highlight progress on a vaccine and therapeutics as the country struggles to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

PROFESSOR FOUND DEAD-SOCIAL MEDIA

North Carolina professor found dead weeks after backlash

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — Authorities have discovered the body of a North Carolina professor who recently announced his retirement amid backlash over his comments on social media. Deputies found the body of 55-year-old UNC-Wilmington professor Mike Adams while performing a wellness check at his home. Investigators did not release additional details about the circumstances of Adams’ death. In May, the white professor referred to Gov. Roy Cooper as “Massa Cooper” and compared coronavirus restrictions to living in a “slave state.” The tweets prompted more than 60,000 people to sign an online petition to get Adams fired from his job.

BC-NC-FORT BRAGG-PARATROOPER DEATH

Fort Bragg paratrooper dies in Syria after ATV overturns

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — A paratrooper based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina has died after his vehicle rolled over in the country of Syria. The Fayetteville Observer reports that Sgt. Bryan Mount died on Tuesday. He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and a cavalry scout in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment. The 25-year-old was from St. George, Utah. Military officials said Mount was injured when his mine resistant, all-terrain vehicle rolled over. The Department of Defense said the accident occurred while Mount was conducting reconnaissance operations in eastern Syria. The incident remains under investigation. Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, the commander of the 82nd, said Mount was “a true American hero paratrooper.”

VIRUS OUTBREAK-VOTING MACHINES

North Carolina group asks judge to stop touch-screen voting

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina NAACP has asked a judge to bar the use of a touch-screen voting machine in several counties due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Charlotte Observer reports the group made the request to a Wake County judge Wednesday. The injunction says the machines create risks to voters because they will be touched by many people. The request comes more than three months after the civil rights organization filed a lawsuit against state and local election officials seeking to stop its use. The Observer reports the state attorney general’s office has asked a judge to dismiss that lawsuit. A state election official says officials have been instructed about cleaning the machines.

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