By Jenna Guzman
In local news, a new electric vehicle charger was installed on King Street. According to the Watauga Democrat, the charger is located at the end of King Street past the Watauga County Courthouse and Administration Building. It is free to use the charger, however, whoever parks in the space is still required to pay to use the parking spot. The Town of Boone is asking that if people see the charger plug on the ground, that they pick it up and put it back into its holder in an effort to maintain the charger.
In state news, North Carolina lawmakers have voted to expand Medicaid coverage. According to CBS17, the expansion deal, which happened Thursday, may possibly provide health coverage to about 600,000 North Carolina residents. This means those who cannot afford private insurance may be covered.
In national news, Tennessee lawmakers advanced legislation that would heavily restrict drag show and where they can take place. According to the Associated Press, the legislation was advanced Thursday. Republican Governor Bill Lee has 10 days to sign it into law, however, his countdown doesn’t start until legislative leaders send him the official legislation. If signed, this law would prohibit drag shows or adult cabarets from taking place in public spaces or any place where a minor may be present. This bill will affect “male or female impersonators”, exotic dancers, topless dancers, and other similar performers. If the law is passed, performers found breaking the new law will be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony if it’s a repeated offense. According to the Associated Press, Tennessee is among the states that have passed the most anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent years.
Today’s weather is courtesy of Booneweather.com. Today is a cloudy, foggy and rainy day with some thunderstorms and high winds in the evening with a high of 55 degrees and a low of 39.