Medical marijuana is now on the docket for state lawmakers, who are considering a bill that would legalize the medicinal use of cannabis derivatives. House Bill 983, which also creates provisions for taxing medical marijuana, was introduced on Tuesday by primary sponsor Rep. Kelly Alexander Jr. The bill passed initial inspection and yesterday was forwarded to the Committee on Health for further review. (Fox46 Staff) NC Norml of Asheville has created a Change.org petition calling for the state legislature to pass the bill. The petition has received over 1,850 signatures in its first day. In Creative Loafing's recent 4/20 issue, Erin Tracy Blackwood wrote about how medicinal marijuana use could help thousands of people living in North Carolina, and already does help some who risk breaking the law to self-medicate. 

The Charlotte Hornets have the chance to win their first playoff series in 14 years tonight when they face the Miami Heat for Game 6 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets lead the series 3-2, and need just one more to move on and face the winner of the Indiana/Toronto series. If the Hornets lose tonight, the teams will go back to Miami for Game 7. (Ryan Pitkin) 

TIME TO CLOSE THIS ONE OUT 🙌🏽 SEE YOU TONIGHT, BUZZ CITY.#EnterTheSwarm pic.twitter.com/hZutPW0ya8

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 29, 2016

A man was shot during an attempted robbery at a southeast Charlotte apartment complex early this morning. The unidentified victim suffered minor injuries after being shot in the leg at the Teal Point Apartments on N Sharon Amity Road. Police have not revealed circumstances surrounding the shooting, or how the man was involved in the attempted robbery, but reports indicate that a language barrier may be impeding their investigation. (Jennifer Miller, WBTV) 

Bryce Benning, a 24-year-old band teacher at Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School in South Carolina, is facing charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor following accusations that he had an improper relationship with a 14-year old female student. The accusations came earlier this week, and Benning resigned from his position at the school yesterday. During an interview with investigators, he reportedly confessed to the relationship and was arrested. Benning is currently out on bond. (Justin Pryor, WCCB)

Bryce Benning. Middle school band director charged with sexual contact with a student in Chesterfield County pic.twitter.com/j0QO5ll05k

— Greg Suskin (@GSuskinWSOC9) April 29, 2016