Federal Agencies Review North Carolina Law's Impact On Aid
The Obama administration is reviewing whether a new North Carolina law curbing anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people could affect the flow of federal aid to the state.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest says federal agencies are leading the review of the new law's impact on federal policies. He says the White House is not yet involved, but could offer specific direction later.
Authors Of Kids' Books Seek Repeal Of North Carolina Law
Nearly 270 authors and illustrators of children's books have signed a letter calling for the immediate repeal of the new North Carolina law preventing specific anti-discrimination rules for LGBT people for public accommodations and restroom use.
The letter, which was posted on the School Library Journal website, said the 269 signees are "disappointed and angered by the reprehensible legislation" signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory. They called for repeal of what they say is a "hateful piece of legislation."
Among the names on the list are authors Rick Riordan, Jeff Kinney and Veronica Roth.
House Panel Backs Ending Ferry Tolls, Light-Rail Funds Cap
A state House transportation panel wants the North Carolina legislature to do away with all ferry tolls and eliminate a recent cap on state funding for light-rail projects.
The special committee is wrapping up its work before the General Assembly's budget-adjustment session begins April 25. The panel also recommended that half of the funding to pave dirt or gravel-covered secondary roads be distributed differently.
Audit Puts Cost On Medicaid Overpayments At $835M Last Year
An annual compliance audit again has found North Carolina's Medicaid program is mistakenly overpaying some doctors and hospitals. This time, state auditors projected the program-wide cost of these errors at $835 million.
The State Auditor's Office released Monday the report on the Department of Health and Human Services, where Medicaid is housed. Such audits are required because federal funds have been received.
Duke University Wants Students To End Sit-In
Officials at Duke University say they will continue to negotiate with students occupying the office of school President Richard Brodhead only after they voluntarily leave the building.
The statement says the students have met with faculty leaders and that a top Duke official has since apologized to a parking attendant over a dispute two years ago that inspired the sit-in protest.
Villanova Tops Carolina 77-74 On Jenkins' Buzzer-Beater
Kris Jenkins spotted up and swished a 3-pointer at the buzzer Monday night to lift Villanova to the national title with a 77-74 victory over North Carolina — one of the wildest finishes in the history of the NCAA Tournament.
Villanova worked the ball to Jenkins moments after Marcus Paige hit a double-clutch 3 with 4.3 seconds left to draw the Tar Heels even.
It's the first title for the Wildcats (35-5) since 1985, when Rollie Massimino coaxed them to a victory over star-studded Georgetown.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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