North Carolina

5/8/2008 -- NCTA President & CEO Kyle McSlarrow: “NCTA has previously indicated our support for the concept of a test market, and the cable industry has been working closely with broadcasters and other stakeholders to ensure that the February 2009 transition is seamless for television viewers. We applaud Commissioner Copps for proposing the concept of a market trial, and we look forward to working closely with the FCC so that local cable operators are able to help make the Wilmington test pilot – and the full February 2009 broadcast transition – a good experience for consumers.”    » read more »

5/9/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today dispatched damage assessment teams comprised of state and local officials to Guilford, Forsyth, and Davie counties to begin the process of assessing damage from the storm that swept through the area late Thursday and earlier today.

“Sending these damage assessment teams is a vital step in the recovery process, and one that will help get life back to normal,” Easley said. “I ask people to take caution so as not to put themselves or others at risk by avoiding downed power lines, flooded roads and rain-swollen waterways.”    » read more »

May 07, 2008 _-- Chicago, IL - The day after Barack Obama's commanding victory in North Carolina and tight finish in Indiana, three superdelegates today endorsed Barack Obama. The three previously uncommitted superdelegates endorsing Obama are North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, and California DNC member Inola Henry.

Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Butte, Montana: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)

These endorsements brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Obama to 261. Senator Obama is 170 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.    » read more »

7 May 2008 -- In the U.S. presidential race, Democrat Barack Obama won a convincing victory Tuesday in the North Carolina primary. Rival Hillary Clinton claimed victory in a close race in Indiana.

Senator Obama regained his political footing with his win in North Carolina and a strong showing in Indiana, and took a major step toward securing the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

Barack Obama: Photo by Barack Obama campaign

Obama increased his lead in the delegate count and told jubilant supporters in North Carolina that his win was a victory against the politics of division and destruction.    » read more »

April 30, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died April 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their forward operating base with indirect fire.

Killed were:

Pfc. Adam L. Marion, 26, of Mount Airy, North Carolina. He was assigned to the 171st Engineer Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Saint Pauls, N.C.

Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, 26, of Zephyrhills, Florida. He was assigned to the 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), located at Fort Polk, La.    » read more »

May 03, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Today, the Obama campaign announced that it will air new two-minute ads in Indiana and North Carolina entitled "Minute." The ads will air predominantly during the evening news on Monday, but will play in some markets as soon as Sunday evening.

Barack Obama: Photo by Barack Obama campaign

In the new spots, Obama makes his closing argument to Indiana and North Carolina voters, outlining his plans to put an end to the divisive, calculated politics in Washington. In the ads, Obama continues to speak out against a gas tax holiday, which is nothing more than Washington politics as usual at its worst.    » read more »

4/29/2008 -- North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president.

"I am supporting Hillary Clinton because she has a passion for improving the lives of all Americans. She will be a president who stands up for people across North Carolina – and this country – every day in the White House,” said Governor Easley.

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley: Photo by Kevin Tsui (CC)

“I know she will get to work immediately making education and the economy her top priorities for our nation. She is ready to lead our country and has the ability to deliver."    » read more »

April 26, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Obama campaign Communications Director Robert Gibbs released the following statement on Presidential debates.

"We have participated in 21 nationally televised debates, the most in primary history, including four exclusively with Senator Clinton. Senator Clinton refused an earlier invitation that had been accepted to debate in North Carolina.

Over the next 10 days, we believe it's important to talk directly to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina about fixing our economy, cutting the cost of health care and ending a war in Iraq that never should have been authorized in the first place," Obama campaign spokesperson Robert Gibbs said.

Source: Barack Obama campaign

April 21, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Lance O. Eakes, 25, of Apex, North Carolina, died April 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1132nd Military Police Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Rocky Mount, N.C.

   » read more »

April 15, 2008 -- Lesson learned from Virginia Tech shooting one year ago must be put into practice in NC Raleigh: On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper today called on lawmakers to prohibit people who have been involuntarily committed from purchasing guns.

Spent 9mm shells, North Carolina: Photo by Carl M. (CC)    » read more »

Job Development Investment Grant Helps Sutter Street Manufacturing Open In Hickory

4/14/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley announced today that Sutter Street Manufacturing, a subsidiary of the national home furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc., will open a product development, regional distribution and upholstered manufacturing facility in Hickory. The company will create 820 jobs during the next five years and invest $2.7 million. A North Carolina Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.    » read more »

Energy Bill Savings Will Pay Projects’ Costs In Less Than Two Years

4/8/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today released the recipients of the state’s first Energy Efficiency Reserve Fund grants to implement 58 power-saving projects at 10 state agencies, 15 University of North Carolina campuses and six community colleges. The $5 million being spent on the projects will save about $3.2 million a year in utility costs. The energy saved is equal to the amount needed to power 4,028 homes for a year.    » read more »

April 08, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Emanuel Pickett, 34, of Teachey, North Carolina, died April 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked with indirect fire.

He was assigned to the 1132nd Military Police Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Rocky Mount, N.C.

Source: DoD

Universal Pictures Movie Featuring Oscar Winners George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, Boosts State Economy

4/4/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today praised the work of state and regional film officials for their role in the production of the feature movie, Leatherheads, opening nationwide today, which was largely filmed on location in North Carolina.

George Clooney and Renée Zellweger in South Carolina: Photo by Melanie McDermott (CC)    » read more »

March 24, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died March 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

They were assigned to the 237th Military Police Company, New Hampshire National Guard.

Killed were:

Sgt. Thomas C. Ray, II, 40, of Weaverville, North Carolina.

Sgt. David S. Stelmat, 27, of Littleton, New Hampshire.

Sgt. David B. Williams, 26, of Tarboro, North Carolina.

Source: DoD