North Carolina News Summary

Opioid settlement funds in Rowan County are being directed towards youth substance use prevention initiatives. The Rowan County Health Department announced funding recipients for Early Intervention grants, which aim to support at-risk youth through community-based approaches.

According to the Salisbury Post, two agencies, Rowan-Salisbury Schools and Partners In Learning, received funding to implement strategies to reduce opioid misuse among young people, with the schools receiving over $309,000 to establish a youth substance use navigator.

Meanwhile, the North Carolina Zoo mourns the passing of C'sar, its oldest resident and the oldest African bull elephant in the U.S., who died peacefully at age 51. His legacy as a beloved figure at the zoo highlights the importance of wildlife conservation, according to a statement from the zoo's interim director, Diane Villa.

In another significant development, North Carolina lawmakers are pushing for enhanced safety measures following violent incidents on the Charlotte light rail system. House Republicans are demanding records from city officials regarding violent crime and policing practices, citing recent stabbings as a major concern and questioning whether public safety is being adequately prioritized.

Lastly, the University of North Carolina system faces financial challenges, considering the closure of 14 university centers as part of a budget reduction plan aimed at saving $7 million. Six centers have been notified they may be affected, with discussions ongoing about the future of these important programs.