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Rain could dampen NASCAR All-Star Race on Saturday

Rain could dampen NASCAR All-Star Race on Saturday

For yet another weekend, rain is in the weekend forecast this week.

The same storm system that brought tornadoes to much of the Southeast is heading toward the Carolinas, and could bring strong and even isolated severe storms both Saturday and Sunday. 

The most likely day for rain will be Sunday, but late day storms could put a damper on the All-Star Race on Saturday evening. 

If the rain holds off, temperatures should be comfortable.  Highs will climb into the low 80s, but will cool into the mid 70s by the start of the race.

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Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

Operation "Road Watch" ends on successful note

The Highway Patrol completed its Operation "Road Watch" campaign after a two-day intensive enforcement effort on I-85 in Cleveland and surrounding counties. 

During the two-day event, which began on Tuesday, May 14, and ended on Wednesday, May 15, Troopers concentrated on commercial motor vehicle violations as well as focused their attention on motorists who were driving aggressively around big trucks, speeding, tailgating, and driving aggressively.

Established in 2007, Operation "Road Watch" was designed to improve commercial motor vehicle safety as well as the efficiency of commercial vehicle operations.

Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

 Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

Gentlemen, beards aren’t just for hipsters and hippies anymore.

If you want proof the beard is king in Charlotte, stand by any college, or look around any corner uptown: You’ll see full beards on the faces of students and men in their 30s and 40s.

So why the new hankering for heavy stubble?

While some say beards just make a man instantly sexy, researchers discovered there’s more to it than sex appeal.

"There are certainly some benefits to having beards," said dermatologist Dr. Ronea Harris with Presbyterian Dermatology South.

The study from the University of Southern Queensland found stubble or facial hair can improve men's overall health.

"We know that hair bearing areas because of the hair it does tend to protect more from UV light so we don't see as many skin cancers," said Dr. Harris.

The study also says that "all that hair" retains moisture and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and fresh-faced.

Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Severe weather season is underway in the Carolinas and the National Weather Service is looking to train severe weather spotters in our area.

The first of two classes in our area will be offered Thursday evening, May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Iredell County Agriculture Center. Classes are about two hours long and covers the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure and how to identify potential severe weather features.

The class is free, but you will need to register by calling 704-878-5097. For directions and more information, click here.

The next class will be offered in Union, SC on Tuesday, May 21st.

For more information on the SKYWARN program, click here.

Copyright 2013 WBTV.  All rights reserved.

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Investigators honored after elementary teacher busted, convicted in child porn ring

BURKE COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- A group investigators, who helped track down and convict a Burke County elementary school teacher as part of an international child porn ring, was honored in the nation's capitol for their work.

"The determined and coordinated efforts of five partner agencies of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force brought to justice a former elementary school teacher who had secretly exploited children for years," a release stated.

Fifty-four-year-old Michael Andrew Alexander, a 3rd grade teacher at Hildebran Elementary School, was part of the ring which was broken up in June 2012.

Investigators discovered some of the videos had young girls wearing Hildebran Elementary t-shirts. The videos were then traced to Alexander, who was a teacher at the school for the past seven years.

Woman convicted on drug charges from 2011 case

MORGANTON, NC (WBTV)- A Morganton woman was convicted on drug charges in an incident that stemmed from a traffic stop in 2011, according to a release from the District Attorney's Office.

Charity Michelle Lyons, 29, was convicted of felony possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia after a one-day trial in Burke County Criminal Superior Court.

The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning the verdict of guilty, the release states.

Lyons is being held without bond in the Burke Catawba Detention Confinement Facility. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 3.

The offense occurred on May 25, 2011, in Morganton and arose out of a traffic stop in which officers located 1.6 grams of methamphetamine, officials said.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

A bill broadening so-called conscience protections and the number of employers who can refuse to provide contraception services in health insurance coverage has been approved by a North Carolina House committee.

The bill approved Wednesday allows any medical professional to refuse to participate in an abortion and allows any business to refuse to provide contraception coverage on religious or moral grounds.

The bill expands so-called conscience protections beyond doctors and nurses to include people such as pharmacists and technicians.

The contraception provision expands existing law that exempts religious organizations to any private or nonprofit company.

The bill also outlaws health care plans that include abortion services from future online marketplaces of private plans offered under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Opponents say the bill tramples women's rights.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.