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North Carolina Legislative, Congress Candidate Filing Ending
Candidate filing for this year's congressional and legislative elections has attracted lots of newcomers to North Carolina politics, as well as former lawmakers seeking to return to the halls of power.
The 16-day filing period ends at midday Wednesday at the state elections board in Raleigh and in all 100 counties.
Those who don't have party primaries May 8 will get a head start on the November general election. Unopposed candidates aren't guaranteed a fall victory yet, since independents could collect enough signatures to get on the ballot.
Elections Board Wants More Money, New Laws To Help Security
North Carolina election administrators are asking state lawmakers for additional money and changes in the law to improve the security of registration and balloting from external and internal threats.
State elections board Executive Director Kim Strach wrote Tuesday to General Assembly elections oversight committee leaders.
Strach's requests follow warnings by federal officials nationwide about Russian hackers during the 2016 elections. Two local election workers also pleaded guilty last year following separate investigations.
Strach wants to hire a chief information security officer, modernize the statewide registration and elections computer system and help counties upgrade voting equipment.
Governor's Cabinet Gets Double-Digit Raises
Gov. Roy Cooper's Cabinet members have received additional raises since getting appointed last year above and beyond the $1,000 increases lawmakers approved for state employees last summer.
The state personnel office provided salary data Tuesday showing nine of the 10 Cabinet members getting 10 percent increases on Jan. 1. Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon got an 11 percent raise, bringing his salary to almost $218,000 — the Cabinet's highest.
Billy Graham Will Lie In Honor Wednesday At US Capitol
The Rev. Billy Graham will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol in one of the nation's highest distinctions.
Graham's body will arrive at the Capitol on Wednesday morning, and his family will attend a private ceremony with members of Congress.
Graham, known as "America's Pastor," will be the first private citizen to receive the honor since civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005.
Graham died last week at age 99 in his North Carolina home. His funeral will be held Friday in Charlotte.
Arrest Made In North Carolina Shooting Captured On Facebook
North Carolina authorities have charged a man with a shooting death that was captured live on Facebook.
According to jail records, 65-year-old Douglas Cleveland Colson was arrested Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder.
Union County Sheriff's Office spokesman Tony Underwood confirmed Colson was charged with the death of Prentis Robinson, but referred other questions to the Wingate Police Department.
According to video posted by The Charlotte Observer, Robinson was walking down a street and broadcasting himself live on Facebook with a selfie stick Monday when the shooting happened.