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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.

52 Weeks of Giving

52 Weeks of Giving

For select nonprofit charities, it will be like Christmas, whether it comes in May, August, or December.

Secretary of State launches mobile website

Secretary of State launches mobile website

The North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office has launched a mobile version of the Department’s website.

The mobile site, m.sosnc.com, allows anyone to search the SOS Corporations, Lobbying Compliance, UCC Debtor, Federal Tax Lien, and Charitable Solicitation Licensing databases from web-enabled smartphones or tablets.

After searching in one of the databases, users can simply pull up PDFs of filings. 

“This puts a wealth of searchable data literally in the hands of SOS customers who need to access the site on their smartphones and tablets in order to save time and money,” Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall said Tuesday. “Making these databases accessible on mobile platforms is an important step in keeping pace with how our customers are accessing information.”

To try out the mobile site on your web-enabled smartphone or tablet, just go to m.sosnc.com.

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is hoping the public can help them click their way to a grant from Walmart by voting for them in the "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative.

This initiative is a national campaign where money is awarded to programs that get the most votes for their innovative and effective programs that help alleviate child hunger. The public will decide what organization will receive the grants through a voting campaign at www.facebook.com/walmart that includes more than 300 different hunger relief organizations from across the country.

The more votes a Feeding America food bank or partner agency gets, the better chances they have of winning the money.

The campaign kicked off April 1, and ends 11:59 pm ET on April 30.

“Hunger Has a Cure” Campaign to benefit Feeding America and its local food banks

“Hunger Has a Cure” Campaign to benefit Feeding America and its local food banks

Food Lion launches its “Hunger Has a Cure” campaign Wednesday to support Feeding America and its network of local food banks. The two-week campaign, which allows customers to donate in $1 or $3 increments at the register, runs through April 16, and will help feed local families in need.

“We know that it’s difficult for some families to provide food during the summer, especially since it’s a time when food donations typically drop while hunger needs increase,” said Sherrii Webb, manager of community relations for Food Lion. “Funds raised through this two-week ‘Hunger Has a Cure’ campaign will provide critical food assistance for local families in need.”

Harris Teeter voluntarily recalls bakery rolls

Harris Teeter voluntarily recalls bakery rolls

Harris Teeter says it is voluntarily recalling a store-brand bakery product because it contains eggs, which is not listed on the ingredient label.

A statement from the Matthews-based chain on Wednesday says the recall affects its knot rolls. The statement said the label was not affixed to the exterior of the bulk bins where the bread is sold.

Harris Teeter has removed the recalled product from its Fresh Foods Market Bakery and packaged the product to include the correct ingredient label.

It says people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of an allergic reaction if they eat the rolls.

Anyone who purchased the knot rolls can return them to the store for a full refund.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Food Lion announces "Fresh from the Field"

Food Lion announces "Fresh from the Field"

SALISBURY - Salisbury based Food Lion has launched a new initiative in 581 stores focused on improved quality, enhanced freshness and expanded variety of produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables also now come with a double-your-money-back guarantee, and customers will soon find helpful tips in-store for keeping produce fresher longer at home.

To enhance freshness and quality, the company has transformed its fresh produce processes, from purchasing the best products to enhancing warehouse storage and transportation, and, finally, careful handling at our stores. Examples of improved produce handling practices include temperature adjustments and reduced time at distribution centers.  Warehouse, transportation and produce associates at stores have also undergone extensive training to support the company’s new produce initiative.