6 Protesters Of New NC Immigration Law Arrested During Protest In Raleigh
Six people were led away by Raleigh police after they blocked vehicle traffic in front of North Carolina's Executive Mansion to protest a bill signed by Gov. Pat McCrory addressing immigration identification and sanctuary cities.
The demonstrators entered the roadway late Thursday afternoon, urged on by a crowd on the sidewalk that grew to over 200.
The six interlocked their hands inside pieces of long plastic piping, shackled their legs and sat down. Raleigh police needed equipment to cut through the piping to handcuff the demonstrators. The last arrest occurred at sunset.
Raleigh police didn't immediately provide details on those arrested or possible charges.
McCrory signed legislation Wednesday prohibiting government officials from accepting certain consulate ID cards and local governments from approving policies preventing a person from being asked their immigration status.
State Wins $25M Federal Grant To Help Build Gateway Station
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has won a $25 million federal grant to help build the Gateway Station in Charlotte.
Multiple news outlets report the station would be a hub for Amtrak, a commuter rail line, local and long-distance buses and a streetcar.
In a statement, Gov. Pat McCrory called Thursday's announcement "fantastic news" for the city and state.
However, it's unclear who would provide the funding still needed for the project, which has been estimated from $150 million to $200 million.
It's also unclear whether the Charlotte Area Transit System will have enough money to build the commuter line to Lake Norman, which would be a major component of the station.
The grant was part of the federal government's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program.
Nearly 230 Federal Inmates To Be Released In North Carolina
Nearly 230 federal inmates will be released in North Carolina this week.
The Charlotte Observer reported that the 227 inmates are being released Friday under a decision by the federal sentencing guidelines commission to cut sentences for inmates to match the new guidelines for certain drug offenses.
The U.S. Justice Department says 105 inmates are being released in South Carolina.
The inmates will be supervised by U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services under the terms of each inmate's original sentence.
U.S. Clerk of Court Frank Johns of Charlotte says more inmates could be released over the next year.
More than 80 percent of the North Carolina inmates and 70 percent of the South Carolina inmates scheduled to be released already are in halfway houses or home detention.
Winston-Salem Mayor Announces Poverty Initiative
The mayor of Winston-Salem announced details today of a new poverty initiative. Mayor Allen Joines says the city is appointing a “Thought Force” to study the issue and lead public discussions. The group of 21 appointed academic and civic leaders are organizing a series of community meetings and launching an interactive website to collect ideas for future action.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2014, more than 24 percent of Winston-Salem residents live in poverty.
The first community conversation is expected to take place in January.
Winston-Salem State To Install Robinson As Chancellor
A North Carolina native is set to be installed as chancellor of Winston-Salem State University.
Installation for Elwood L. Robinson as the historically black university's 13th chancellor is scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Officials from UNC's General Administration and universities from throughout the region are expected to attend. The school said at least two busloads of friends and family from Robinson's hometown of Ivanhoe are expected.
Robinson replaced Donald Reaves, who left after eight years as chancellor, in January.
Robinson graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina Central University in 1978, earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University and returned to the N.C. Central faculty, where he stayed for 28 years.
He spent about two years at Cambridge College, a private Massachusetts school with 5,000 students.
Williams Leads North Carolina Past No. 23 Pitt, 26-19
Marquise Williams threw two long touchdown passes and North Carolina beat No. 23 Pittsburgh 26-19 on Thursday night in a matchup of Atlantic Coast Conference upstarts.
The unexpected ACC Coastal showdown was the first of a three-week round-robin that will likely determine the division title. The Tar Heels (7-1, 4-0) face No. 22 Duke next at home with a chance to put a vice grip on the program's first trip to the ACC title game.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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