Rise in School Dropout and Suspension Rates
A report released today by the North Carolina Board of Education reveals that state high school dropout and suspension rates rose in 2007. About 5 percent of high school students reportedly dropped out of state public schools last year. Two committees have been created in the General Assembly to tackle the problem.
Jim Rogers, the chief executive of Charlotte-headquartered Duke Energy Corporation, announced that the company is looking to make a deal and expand its operations. He cited the “fragmented” utility industry as reasons for the search, which will involve looking at potential partners in both the renewable energy and traditional energy sector.
Diabetes Study Troubling, Partially Halted
Researchers partially halted a federal study of Type II diabetes after they found that attempts to lower patients’ blood sugar rates increased the likelihood of death. The study calls into question a primary way in which diabetics have long been advised to control their disease.
It’s usually obvious who the presidential candidates are by the time North Carolina’s primary rolls around on May 6, but this year could be different. The Democratic race is still too close to call, with Senator Clinton at 832 delegates and Senator Obama at 821 in a race where either would need 2,025 total delegates to win the nomination. The next major primary is on March 4, with participating states including Texas, Rhode Island, Vermont andOhio.
Despite Drought, Water Usage Rates Fall For Monroe
Though usage restrictions will remain in place, this Friday base water rates in Monroe are set to lower from $2.11 to $1.91 per 1,000 gallons consumed. The measure is intended to alleviate the “financial burden” caused by the recent increases in water rates. The city council also voted on Tuesday to remove the water shortage alert that forced customers using “large amounts of water” to pay five times the normal rate.
— Katie Hunter
This article appears in Feb 6-12, 2008.
