NORTH CAROLINA - Computer equipment and televisions will be banned from disposal in North Carolina landfills as of July 1, following a law passed last year by the General Assembly.

Session Law 2010-67 bans from landfill disposal computer equipment, which includes laptops, desktops, monitors, printers, scanners and peripherals such as mice and keyboards. 

Other components of the law are designed to create recycling opportunities for discarded electronics across the state and to place significant responsibilities on electronics manufacturers to help fund and create those opportunities.

EAST CHARLOTTE - The Clean Air Carolina hosts its second annual cross country 5K Run for Clean Air to raise funds and awareness about regional ozone pollution.

Racers take their mark at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 at McAlpine Creek Park located at 8711 Monroe Road in Charlotte.

Because the American Lung Association just ranked Charlotte 10th smoggiest city in the U.S. for the second year in a row. Over 52,000 children and 139,000 adults are suffering with asthma in our region.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY - Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department has been named one of four finalist agencies in competition for a 2011 NRPA Gold Medal Award. The award is presented annually by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to honor excellence in management and planning of parks and recreation agencies. This is the second year in a row the department has been named a finalist for the award.

Recreation professionals consider the Gold Medal Award as the top national recognition of excellence in their profession.

"I'm very proud of the work and professional dedication of our staff and volunteers to earn this recognition," said Jim Garges, director of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.