Good Morning! Today is Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the Mexican equivalent of Independence Day. The day marks the unlikely victory of the Mexican Militia over the French Army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.

It will be a gorgeous day for your indoor or outdoor fiesta celebrations. The weatherman says today will be sunny with a high around 70F.

Here is what’s brewing in the news this morning:

NC gas prices to reach $4 by summer

According to AAA Carolinas, gas prices in North Carolina may reach $4 a gallon by this summer unless conditions change.

The average state price for unleaded gasoline in North Carolina is $3.85, which is a dollar more than this time last year. In Charlotte, many gas stations are charging $3.89 a gallon. At that price, it would cost an SUV driver with a 40 gallon tank more than $150 to fill up.

Thirteen states, including Alaska, California, Connecticut and West Virginia — have already reached the $4 mark.

WSOCTV.com is reporting that a NC lawmaker is introducing a bill that would immediately drop the price of gas by nearly 19 cents a gallon. Representative Heath Shuler said he's working on a 45-day federal gas tax holiday that will drop the price of gas 18.4 cents per gallon.

The money would come out of the Department of Transportation's highway fund, which pays to pave roads, reconstruct roads and bridges. Shuler said the highway fund could manage if there's a federal gas tax holiday, but he said he'd like to temporarily suspend tax breaks for oil companies, as well.

In the meantime, watch your speed. Not only will driving slower make you a safe driver, it can also save you money. Driving more than 60 miles per hour can increase a car’s gas consumption between 7 percent and 23 percent.

Read more at wsoctv.com

(Reporter Alicia Banks of the Shelby Star also contributed to this report.)
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NC Law enforcement may collect more DNA

Just months after NC law enforcement officers were given the authority to collect DNA samples from citizens arrested as suspects in serious and violent crimes, the House gave the tentative approval of a bill that will allow DNA samples to be collected in more arrests.

The bill would add 17 felonies to the list that require samples to be placed in the state database. They include common law robbery, child abuse and some gun crimes.

Read more at wrdu.com
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Phylicia Barnes’ death ruled a homicide, funeral set

Phylicia Barnes was a victim of homicide, according to police.

The 16-year-old Monroe teen disappeared on December 28 while visiting relatives in Baltimore. Her body was found last month in the Susquehanna River in Maryland.

A cause of death has been determined, but Maryland state police are not releasing the information citing an ongoing investigation.

"To release a cause of death at this time could jeopardize the investigation by revealing information known only to the person or persons responsible for her death," Maryland Police spokesman Greg Shipley said in a statement.

The private service for Phylicia Barnes is set for Saturday at the Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers, Ga. According to published reports, the service can be viewed online. The church’s website is www.sbclive.org

*** This is your chance to speak out. Tell us what's brewing on your mind this morning.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
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