Appeals Court Orders Expedited Review In Voter ID Case
A federal appeals court wants to examine swiftly a trial judge's ruling this week upholding North Carolina's voting law changes, which include a photo identification mandate to cast a ballot in person.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, ordered Thursday an expedited review of Monday's decision by U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder. He determined voter ID, scaled-back early voting and other changes didn't discriminate against minority voters.
The state NAACP, League of Women Voters of North Carolina and others challenging the law in 2013 filed appeal notices Tuesday.
Burr Already Scuttling New Obama Court Nomination
President Obama's latest pick to fill a longstanding vacancy in eastern North Carolina's federal courts already appears scuttled by Sen. Richard Burr.
The White House announced late Thursday that Obama had nominated former state Supreme Court Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson to become a U.S. District judge in the Eastern District. Burr says he won't support a new nomination because the president hasn't acted in good faith.
High Point University Expansion Includes New Dorms, Science Center
High Point University continues to grow, with another major expansion in the works.
This latest project will feature new dorms and a science building complete with a planetarium and conservatory. There's also a planned 5,000-seat arena and conference center that will be used for the women's and men's basketball teams and community events.
The cost for the project is around $160 million. HPU President Nido Qubein says the money will come from fundraising campaigns, donations and operating revenues.
Duke University President To Step Down From Post In 2017
Duke University President Richard H. Brodhead has announced that he will step down from his post in June 2017.
A statement from the school said Brodhead spoke to the board of trustees and the academic council on Thursday to discuss his plans. Brodhead will take a year's sabbatical before returning to teaching and writing.
Brodhead said that with many critical initiatives nearing completion, "it seems the right time for Duke to recruit a new leader to guide the next chapter of its progress."
NCAA Policy Could Hinder Championship Events
The NCAA is implementing a non-discrimination policy that could effect North Carolina's ability to host championship events.
The Indianapolis-based organization adopted a requirement this week. It doesn't specifically mention any state, but comes a month after lawmakers here passed House Bill 2.
Greensboro is scheduled to host NCAA men's basketball tournament games in 2017; Charlotte hosts in 2018. The NCAA's new rule says sites must provide save environments, free of discrimination. House Speaker Tim Moore again said the state is under attack from out-of-state groups.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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