Hundreds Rally In Raleigh In Support Of HB2, Others Protest
About 500 people gathered on the grounds of the old Capitol building in Raleigh to show their support for a North Carolina law that limits protections for the LGBT community.
At Monday's midday rally, speakers led the crowd in chants offering thanks to Gov. Pat McCrory and the state's Republican legislative leaders.
Across the street about 100 people gathered in a counter protest, holding signs such as "Bigotry is Bad for Business."
Black Political Activists Testify At Redistricting Trial
Black political activists from Greensboro and Down East say black candidates have been winning their city and countywide elections with the support of white voters for years.
Greensboro City Council member Yvonne Johnson and the Rev. Julian Pridgen of Kinston testified Monday at a federal trial challenging the General Assembly districts drawn by North Carolina Republicans in 2011. Their testimony seeks to affirm arguments that legislators didn't have to draw so many majority-black House and Senate districts, especially in areas where racial divisions aren't as stark compared to the 1960s and 1970s.
Johnson has been elected mayor and as an at-large council member. Pridgen is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
McCrory Proposes $50M For Health Programs, Elderly, Children
Gov. Pat McCrory says he'd like to see more taxpayer spending on mental health, the elderly and children.
McCrory on Monday talked about some of his priorities for the budget North Carolina lawmakers hammer out this summer.
McCrory is urging legislators to spend more on emergency housing for adults diagnosed with substance abuse or serious mental problems. The governor wants to expand Medicaid and state services for the elderly, including those with Alzheimer's disease. McCrory also wants to add 400 pre-kindergarten spots for at-risk 4-year-olds.
NC Plans More Public Hearings On African-American Monument
North Carolina is holding four additional public hearings on a monument to commemorate the achievements of African-Americans.
The first hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at St. Phillips Moravian Church and Heritage Center in Winston-Salem. Hearings also will be held April 19 in Asheville; April 26 in Wilmington; and May 3 in Raleigh.
The state Department of Cultural and Natural Resources is seeking ideas for the monument, which will be located on the State Capitol grounds.
Charlotte Fire Department Helps Search Civil War Shipwreck
The Charlotte Fire Department is providing help in the search of a Civil War-era shipwreck found off Oak Island thought to be a blockade runner.
The state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources said in a release Monday that the fire department has arranged for a sophisticated 3D soar device to help confirm the ship's identity.
The ship is thought to be the Agnes E. Fry, one of three Civil War shipwrecks in the area.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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