Weekly Rundown: The stories you missed

Erica Parsons' adoptive mother pleads guilty to murder, child abuse

Casey Parsons, the adoptive mother of slain Rowan County teenager Erica Parsons, pleaded guilty Friday morning to murder and child abuse in the girl's death.

Casey Parsons entered a guilty plea to all three charges against her -- murder, child abuse and obstruction of justice -- and will spend the rest of her life in prison.

"I gave Erica for what I thought would have been a better life," said Carolyn Parsons, Erica's biological mother. "What I thought was best for her. Had I known then what I know now, I would have risked it. I would have took her different places every night."

CLICK HERE for what happened in the courtroom.

Deputies identify man, 2 women found dead inside York County home

Deputies are trying to figure out what led to the deaths of three family members who were found Wednesday morning inside a York County home.

Authorities said they were conducting a welfare check at the home on Griggs Road near Clover when they made the discovery.

A family member said she was concerned about the family and had asked deputies to check on the house before. They did two weeks ago, but no one ever came to the door.

CLICK HERE for more on the ongoing investigation.

Study: NC parents spend more per year on daycare than on in-state college tuition

North Carolina parents spend more money per year on daycare than on their child's in-state college tuition, one study suggests.

According to a study by the Economic Policy Institute, infant care costs $9,480 a year and in-state tuition for a four-year public college in North Carolina costs about $7,354 -- meaning infant care costs over $2,000 more per year.

More on the study HERE.

Grandfather says he tried to get custody of 1-year-old boy before his death

The man accused of killing his girlfriend's 1-year-old son faced a judge for the first time Wednesday.

In court Wednesday, a social worker told the judge she had found what she called "extensive injuries" on the boy prior to the day he died.

"I'll put it to you this way, if my grandson is dead, the system must not work," the toddler's grandfather Patrick Steele said. "Because I tried to do everything legal to take protect him and it didn't work. Now, I got to figure out how to bury my grandson."

CLICK HERE for the charges the couple face.

CMS board names Earnest Winston superintendent in unanimous vote

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officially has a new superintendent after the board of education voted unanimously Friday morning to select Earnest Winston.

Winston had been serving in an interim role since the suspension of Dr. Clayton Wilcox last month.

"I am humbled and grateful to the board and the community for the trust placed in me. It is my honor and privilege to serve our community's students, families, CMS employees and partners," Winston said. "The district team is preparing to welcome students back for a smooth opening of schools on Aug. 26. We are moving forward together on our commitment to equity through our 2024 strategic plan. Our shared focus is on what matters most -- great teaching and learning for every student in every school."

CLICK HERE for more on the vote.

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Cox Media Group