Large-Scale Menhaden Fishing Banned

Thursday, May 24 2012 by Isaac-Davy Aronson

A ban goes into effect today on an industrial-scale method of fishing for menhaden off the North Carolina coast. The ban was approved earlier this month by the state Marine Fisheries Commission. Patricia Smith is with the state Division of Marine Fisheries.

Patricia Smith: The Commission members basically said that they were concerned about the bycatch associated with the use of these nets and these operations. And they'd also gotten quite a few complaints and were concerned about just the conflicts that arise between these operations and recreational fishermen.

The fishing method that's now prohibited involves a large ship deploying several smaller vessels, which use drawstring nets called purse seines to scoop up menhaden. Smith says the nets sometimes catch other fish, including some species the division is trying to protect. Menhaden is used largely for bait, but is also processed into fertilizer and dietary supplements. Smith says that industry has been steadily shrinking in North Carolina.

A bill that would codify the ban in state law has been approved by a legislative committee.

Federal Agency Looking At Prepaid Cards

Thursday, May 24 2012 by Gurnal Scott

Eric Hodge: A federal agency is looking to better regulate prepaid cards. Gurnal Scott reports the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau held a meeting in Durham yesterday.

Gurnal Scott: The C-F-S-B says people who put money on prepaid cards don't know about charges to withdraw money or even get information on their accounts. The cards aren't attached to any bank. Durham resident Amy Matthews found out after trying to get to the money she put on a card.

Amy Matthews: I mean every time you want to use your money they want to charge you to use your money. If you want to get a hold of your money they charge you for your money.

That's why the C-F-S-B is working to put stronger rules on prepaid cards. State Attorney General Roy Cooper says a changing economy requires it.

Roy Cooper: Many vendors don't take cash anymore..so many consumers don't have the option without that card.

The agency is listening to comments and personal stories. It hopes to have new prepaid card rules drafted by late next year.

Senate Leader Explains Education Plan

Wednesday, May 23 2012 by Jessica Jones

Catherine Brand: Republican Senate leader Phil Berger introduced an education reform package to lawmakers today. Capitol Bureau Chief Jessica Jones reports if pased, it would cost 440 million dollars over five years.

Jessica Jones: Berger explained the legislation earlier today in a committee meeting. It has attracted controversy because it would end teacher tenure, to the chagrin of some educators. Berger says bad teachers should be weeded out. The measure would also require evaluations of all entering kindergarten students.

Phil Berger: The purpose is to make sure we know where those kids are when they start. The side benefit of that is that we should be able to track data on where those kids come from. Have they come out of a Pre-K program. Are they someone that would have qualified for a pre-K program but didn't have one.

Some lawmakers have asked whether the bill should provide more money for the state's pre-K program, which lawmakers cut back last year. The measure is expected to be discussed again next week.

 

House Committee Passes Eugenics Compensation Bill

Wednesday, May 23 2012 by Gurnal Scott

Eric Hodge: The House Judiciary Committee has passed a eugenics compensation bill that would pay money to victims and the families. Gurnal Scott reports

Rep. Larry Womble: I'm beginning to see some light at the end of this long journey.

Gurnal Scott: Forsyth County Representative Larry Womble -- slowed by injuries from a car accident last year -- came back to see the bill he sponsored through. It sets aside 10 million dollars to pay victims of forced sterilization 50 thousand dollars each. Representative George Cleveland of Onslow County was one of two committee members who spoke against the bill.

Rep. George Cleveland: I personally have a problem with compensation. People today paying for something that happened in the past I do not believe is correct.

Eugenics victim Elaine Riddick was upset by that.

Elaine Riddick: I mean that just brought the eugenics right back. The eugenics is alive in full force in North Carolina.

The House Finance Committee will consider the bill next.

Edwards Jury Deliberations Enter Fourth Day

Wednesday, May 23 2012 by Jeff Tiberii

Eric Hodge: At the John Edwards trial jury deliberations resume this morning in Greensboro. Jeff Tiberii reports.

Jeff Tiberii: Before heading home on Tuesday the jury asked for two letters written by Alex Forger – the attorney for wealthy donor Bunny Mellon. Most of the evidence jurors have asked to look at since Friday relates to Forger or Mellon. On Friday the jury requested the transcript from Forger’s testimony, which the judge denied. Mellon provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to a former Edwards’ aide in 2007 and 2008. The government says it was part of a plot by Edwards to get money to try to hide his pregnant mistress while the defense says Edwards wasn’t aware of the payments. One former federal prosecutor thinks the jury could be trying to figure Mellon’s intentions in helping Edwards. The fourth day of deliberating begins at 9:30.

WakeMed And UNC Hospitals Call A Truce

Tuesday, May 22 2012 by Jessica Jones

WakeMed Hospital has withdrawn its takeover bid of UNC-owned Rex Healthcare. The cross-town rivals are putting an end to their public battle that escalated when WakeMed issued an unsuccessful bid to buy Rex last year for 750 million dollars. The announcement comes after state lawmakers helped broker an agreement between the two institutions' officials. Bill Atkinson is the CEO of WakeMed.

Bill Atkinson: We're pleased to arrive at the settlements that we've agreed to today, they deal with substantial issues that we've been discussing for the last eighteen months. We feel that all parties starting with patients and citizens of our state benefit from the agreement. And there is room here to expand relationships for years to come.

The agreement includes a 30 million dollar commitment by UNC Health Care to build and run an inpatient psychiatric facility and help fund outpatient mental health services in Wake County. Rex's detractors had complained the hospital wasn't doing enough for indigent health care in Raleigh.

Governor Creates Fracking Task Force

Tuesday, May 22 2012 by Jessica Jones

Eric Hodge: Governor Bev Perdue has issued an executive order creating a task force to develop regulation for the controversial natural gas drilling practice known as fracking. Jessica Jones reports from the state capitol.

Jessica Jones: The order comes as lawmakers are expected to begin debate soon on allowing shale gas exploration. Republican Senator Robert Rucho is sponsoring a measure that would allow the practice to begin by 2014. The governor's order creates a working group led by the state Division of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It would form standards and make regulatory recommendations to oversee the process of drilling for natural gas in the state. The governor says fracking can be part of a larger energy solution as long as it's done safely. But she says a robust set of rules must be developed before the practice can begin. Republican lawmakers say they approve of the governor's effort to create a regulatory framework. Legislators will ultimately decide whether and how the practice will begin in the state.  Jessica Jones, North Carolina Public Radio, WUNC.