Morning Headlines: Thursday, July 28, 2016

Winston-Salem Hosts Community Conversations With Police

The Winston-Salem Urban League is hoping to raise the level of trust between local police and the community members they serve through a series of Town Hall meetings.

Organizers of “Black and Blue” say one of goals of this series is to defuse violence between community members and police officers.

James Perry with the Winston-Salem Urban League says the city has thus far avoided some of the more aggressive racial strife that other communities across the country have suffered. But he believes frustration is bubbling beneath the surface.

The first town hall is scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Winston-Salem Urban League.

HB2 Legal Fees Adding Up

The legal fees for the state's defense of House Bill 2 are beginning to add up. Money from a disaster relief fund was reallocated to cover the cost, which has already hit $176,000.

That figure is expected to continue rising. There are several lawsuits pendig already, plus a federal Title IX case. Among other things, the law dictates which bathroom transgender residents must use.

Heat Wave Causes NC Town To Suspend Water Disconnections

At least one North Carolina town has suspended disconnecting residents' water over unpaid bills amid the state's oppressive heat.

Spring Lake Town Manager Tad Davis says officials in the Cumberland County town believe the temporary suspension is the right move because water access is especially important when temperatures are so high. The National Weather Service says the daily high temperature in nearby Fayetteville so far this month has been 91 degrees or higher except for one day.

Spring Lake is about 10 miles north of Fayetteville, where the high hit 100 on Wednesday.

Poll Log Shows Former NC Lawmaker Didn't Vote In SC

Officials in South Carolina say a poll worker's mistake made it appear former North Carolina Rep. Charles Jeter voted twice in the November 2004 election.

The South Carolina Election Commission released the poll log from Jeter's Greenville County, South Carolina, precinct. It shows a Helen Jeter signed her name on the line for Charles Jeter, while Charles Jeter's signature is not on the list.

Charles Jeter had moved to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, but his name had not been taken off the South Carolina voter rolls. Election records from North Carolina show Jeter voted there in 2004.

Earls Of Leicester Lead Bluegrass Award Nominations

The Earls of Leicester are nominated for eight awards individually and as a group, including entertainers of the year, at this year's International Bluegrass Music Awards.

The Grammy-winning musical group is the reigning entertainer of the year and leads the nominations announced Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Del McCoury Band follows with six nominations for individual members and as a group and Flatt Lonesome has five nominations. Becky Buller, Sam Bush, Sierra Hull and Frank Solivan have three nominations each.

Other entertainer of the year nominees include the Del McCroury Band, Flatt Lonesome, Balsam Range and the Gibson Brothers.

The awards show will be held on Sept. 29 in Raleigh.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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