Here are some little-known pieces of NC news that almost snuck under my radar.  Most of these I seem to have heard about by accident, but maybe if I watched more local news or read the newspaper, I would have heard more about them.

Did you know...

... that tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept 1), the state sales tax goes up by $0.01 per dollar?  Throughout most of the state, the sales tax will be raising to 8%.  I heard this on the local news, except that they kept referring to Charlotte's (or, Mecklenburg Co's) tax rate being the highest at 8.5%.  In two reports on two different TV channels, neither said what the new rate would be for the other 99 counties.  "Hey, we don't all live in Charlotte!"  This increase is "temporary", just like the 2001 increase to 7% was "temporary".  If you look at it like that, life itself is "temporary", too.

... that, as another attempt to reduce the state's budget shortfall, the NC income tax will be going up 2% to 3% for single-filers making over $60,000 and couples making over $100,000?

... that, as of Oct 1, all rigid plastic bottles will be banned from NC landfills?  I find it curious that they define these effected bottles as those with a neck smaller than the container itself.  Also, as of 4/1/2011, it will be unlawful to dispose of "discarded computer equipment" in a landfill.

... that NC has a crazy list of other things that are already banned from landfills?  Of course the list contains expected things like used motor oil, old tires, and lead acid batteries.  But also making the list are "white goods".  Does that mean you can't throw that holey underwear in the trash?  I guess that brings new meaning to the term "toxic waste".

... that, as of January 2, 2010, smoking will no longer be allowed in public indoor places in NC?  This one has been publicized fairly well, and applies to nearly all restaurants and bars.

... that, in NC it is illegal to use an elephant to plow a cotton field?  I saw this at several places online, but a quick search never led me to the actual law code.  This could easily be one of those urban legends that are somehow based on fact, but are actually false.  However, I've got a feeling this one might actually be true.