NC Candidates Fined For Failing To File Ethics Disclosures
A North Carolina panel is fining 30 candidates for elective office $250 each because they failed to file reports that could disclose conflicts between their personal and political interests.
WRAL-TV reports the state Ethics Commission's action earlier this month includes 14 candidates who will appear on the ballot in November who didn't file a required ethics form.
They include Republican insurance commissioner candidate Mike Causey and statewide Court of Appeals candidate Abraham Jones.
The other candidates tagged with fines with places on the November ballot include three candidates for District Court judge, three people running for state Senate and seven state House hopefuls.
State Judge Weighs Whether To Schedule Voter ID Trial
A state judge is weighing whether to schedule a trial soon on the legality of North Carolina's voter ID mandate.
There are four pending lawsuits challenging North Carolina's requirement. Three are in federal court and one is filed in state court and was heard Friday.
Attorneys for those who sued in state court say it's time for a trial so a decision can be reached in time for the November general election. The photo ID mandate was implemented the first time in the March primary. The state court lawsuit was amended last month.
Lawyers for the state say Judge Michael Morgan must either transfer the case to a three-judge panel to consider broad constitutional questions or wait for the state Court of Appeals to rule on the state's pending appeals.
Boycott Over LGBT Law Impacts More Than Just The Music Fans
Hotels, restaurants and even community groups who work at arena concession stands are feeling the economic shockwaves from the growing number of canceled concerts and shows over North Carolina's new LGBT law.
The Greensboro Coliseum Complex lost an estimated $188,000 from three no-shows since the law was passed in March, and city officials say the impact has extended beyond parking and popcorn sales.
Stagehands say they have each lost thousands of dollars they expected to earn working shows around the state.
Greensboro restaurants say the show cancellations slow the flow of customers and worry about future cancellations of NCAA sporting events.
UNSCA Raises $7M In Two Months
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts has raised nearly $7 million in the past two months.
Chancellor Lindsay Bierman told the Board of Trustees the school has received almost $2 million in gifts for scholarships and a $5 million pledge to help upgrade a performance venue.
The Camel City Dispatch reports the $5 million gift is from an unnamed donor. It will be earmarked to help renovate Performance Place, a performance space and classroom.
The largest scholarship gift came from Chancellor Emeritus Alex C. Ewing, who pledged $1 million in honor of his late wife Sheila.
Belhaven To Claim State Of Emergency For Hospital Building
A small, coastal North Carolina town appears ready for unusual measures to keep its now-closed hospital from being demolished.
The Daily Reflector of Greenville reports that Belhaven officials appear ready on Monday to declare a state of emergency to protect the former Vidant Pungo Hospital building.
The property owner's attorney says such a move would violate the state law allowing local governments to act in true emergency situations.
Hospital chain Vidant Health closed the facility nearly two years ago because it said it racked up losses of more than $2 million in its two years of ownership.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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