Beginning today, the state sales tax going up one percent (or a penny on every dollar) a temporary measure approved by the General Assembly this summer. North Carolina is joining California, Massachusetts and Nevada with a sales tax increase to help balance the state budgets. http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-nc-sales-tax-hike-090831,0,3907773.story
Piedmont Triad International Airport goes ‘smoke free’ today. To smoke…you will have to go outdoors. A state law that went into effect at the beginning of the year allows local governments to restrict smoking in public places including airports.
There are two confirmed cases of swine flu on the campus of Wake Forest University. Officials said more than 80 students are thought to have swine flu symptoms. The University plans to continue with classes as usual, though students who aren't feeling well have been told to stay home. Doctors say most cases run their course naturally. Medical care is recommended if body temperature reaches 103 or higher, or if there is vomiting, a rash or a change in behavior. http://www.journalnow.com/content/2009/sep/01/swine-flu-is-at-wfu/news/
Another Peak Fitness location has suddenly closed. After suddenly shutting down its last remaining Winston-Salem location last week, the Peak Fitness location in Clemmons closed without warning on Monday. The Charlotte-based fitness chain filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July and no longer has a presence in the Winston-Salem area.
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-peak-fitness-clemmons-closed-090831,0,3554008.story
NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT THE SO-CALLED MEDITERRANEAN DIET COULD HELP ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR CERTAIN DIABETES MEDICINES. It compared patients with newly diagnosed type 2 who were either on a low-fat diet or a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean-style diet. Those on the Mediterranean-style diet lost more weight and went longer without blood-sugar-lowering drugs. The so-called Mediterranean diet consists of foods such as nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It also uses fewer carbohydrates and larger amounts of healthy oil and fat, such as olive oil. Other studies have suggested that the Mediterranean diet may have other health benefits: preventing second heart attacks, delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and lowering cancer risks. The research appears in a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
A new roller coaster at Carowinds will honor a NASCAR legend. “The Intimidator”, honoring Dale Earnhardt, will open 2010. The ride is 23 stories high and will reach speeds of 80 mph. “The Intimidator” is being billed as the tallest and fastest coaster in the Southeast.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/909449.html
Pat Robertson is back home after heart surgery. The founder of CBN and the 700 Club underwent a ten hour surgery. Back in March, Pat Robertson celebrated his 79th birthday.
Show me the money? Three investigations -- one federal, one state and one local -- are currently under way at Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem after several companies said they haven’t been paid for work they performed on a runway. Raleigh-based Mainline Contractors was awarded the contract in 2008 to complete the work. Mainline then hired out some of the work on the project to several local companies. http://www.wxii12.com/news/20653092/detail.html
The Greensboro City Council will meet this morning to name Rashad Young as the new city manager. Young has been the city manger in Dayton, Ohio since 2006.
SPORTS: Venus Williams rallies at the US Open despite injury
