Morning News Briefs: Tuesday, January 31st, 2017

NC Senators To Lay Out Cabinet Confirmation Process

Republicans in the North Carolina state Senate are ready to talk about how the chamber will carry out its new job of formally scrutinizing the governor's Cabinet.

Leaders of a Senate nominations committee scheduled a meeting Tuesday to lay out the confirmation process.

The General Assembly approved a law last month two weeks before Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper took office directing his 10 department heads to be subject to the "advice and consent" by a majority of senators. Cooper says the law is unconstitutional and has sued to try to block it, but there's nothing to prevent senators from moving forward.

The eight Cabinet secretaries Cooper has named to date already are sworn in and are able to perform their duties.

Over 100 Attend PTI Protest Over Trump's Refugee Ban

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered at the Piedmont Triad International Airport Monday night to protest President Trump's executive action restricting entry into the U.S.

The News and Record of Greensboro reports the crowd included older people, college students and families with children.

The protest was organized by Winston-Salem charter school teacher Peter Wilbur and Eric Ellison, chairman of the Forsyth County Democrats.

Participants held signs, chanted and spoke out against religious discrimination.

Duke: It Won't Release Student Records Without Subpoena

Duke University's top administrators are reminding students the school will not provide confidential records to law enforcement officials without a subpoena.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that Duke administrators issued a statement Sunday calling President Trump's immigration order "confusing and disturbing."

Duke President Richard Brodhead and Provost Sally Kornbluth said in a statement that the school is committed to and enriched by the open exchange of students, scholars and ideas around the world.

4 Women Charged With Anti-Trump Graffiti In Boone

Police have arrested four women and charged them with painting anti-Trump graffiti around Boone.

A number of businesses and one police car were painted Jan. 21.

The police department said the four Boone women were arrested late last week and charged with seven counts of misdemeanor graffiti and one count of damaging personal property.

The women are 22-year-old Taryn Bledsoe, 22-year-old Julia Grainger, 22-year-old Elizabeth Prier, and 21-year-old Hannah Seay.

Officers had said several people had painted "Black Lives Matter," anti-Trump and anti-police slogans, causing damage of about $10,000.

High Point University Announces Name For New Arena

High Point University has announced it will name its new basketball arena and conference center for its president and his wife.

The school said in a news release Monday that the new arena will be named for President Nido Qubein and his wife, Mariana.

The facility will include a small hotel and will be built on campus. School officials said they are considering several sites on land they already own.

Construction is expected to start during the 2018-19 academic year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Receive the morning news briefs delivered to your email inbox every morning, click here to sign-up.