Here are some of the stories that we're following today:
NC Lawmakers Enter Legal Battle Over Blackbeard's Ship
North Carolina lawmakers are wading into a legal battle between the state and the explorers of Blackbeard's pirate ship over the rights to footage from the famed wreck.
The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources last week asked state senators to amend a bill to say that any photographs or video footage of a shipwreck held by the state or its agencies are public property.
The company that discovered the Queen Anne's Revenge sued the state for $8 million on Monday, claiming the state broke its contract by allowing more than 2,000 of the company's images to be published without a watermark, among other actions.
NC Legislature Passes Bill Limiting Execution Transparency
A bill that would allow quicker changes to North Carolina's execution process and block information about the manufacturing of lethal injection drugs has passed the legislature and is going to the governor.
The House on Wednesday agreed with changes made by the Senate earlier this week allowing parts of the law to stand if one portion is struck down in court. Lawmakers supporting the bill say they expect lengthy legal challenges.
Road Funding Plans Fuel Debate Between McCrory, Legislators
Gov. Pat McCrory and Republicans legislative leaders are at odds over funding for North Carolina's roads, and their competing proposals are leading to more debate.
Senate Transportation Committee leaders took the most recent jab Wednesday, holding a news conference to denounce McCrory's plan to place a $1.37 billion bond on the November ballot to fund transportation projects.
Senate leaders want to end transfers from the Highway Fund and spend an additional $130 million annually for road projects. As part of budget negotiations, they have been pitching the plan to House leaders, who also have been cool to the governor's proposal.
Voting Trial Nearing End
A federal voting trial in Winston-Salem is winding down after three weeks of testimony. The judge has asked for some additional information in the case that involves changes to the state's voting laws approved two years ago.
There's still a little more evidence left to be presented, then both sides will make their closing arguments in the closely-watched voter rights trial.
Judge Thomas Schroeder asked both sides to keep their closing arguments to two hours each if possible in the hopes of wrapping up the case today, but added he wouldn't end the trial until both sides are heard.
2 Western North Carolina Homes Added To Historic Register
Two rustic summer homes dating to the first half of the 20th century in Henderson and Polk counties have been added to the National Register of Historic Homes.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that Stone Hedge in Tryon and the Dillard B. and Georgia Sewell House in Penrose were both added to the register.
Stone Hedge was built around 1935 as a rural estate and features distinctive stone around the residence.
The Sewell House was constructed around 1924 as a summer home. With exposed stone interior walls and a wood shingle-clad roof, the property embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Rustic Revival style.
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