Here are some of the stories we're following today:
National Black Theatre Festival Opens In Winston-Salem
The National Black Theater Festival kicks off on Monday in Winston-Salem. The week-long event is expected to attract more than 60,000 people and dozens of celebrities.
It features several plays, films and workshops for artists.
During the opening night gala the festival will honor the late Dr. Maya Angelou. She was the festival's first co-chair in 1989. A ribbon cutting for a new museum and hall of fame to celebrate the festival's history, will take place on Tuesday.
Voting Law Now In Hands Of Federal Judge
Both sides wrapped up their final arguments Friday in a federal voting trial in Winston-Salem after three weeks of testimony. The case is now in the hands of the judge, who will decide whether the state's 2013 elections law should be repealed, changed or left as is.
It's not clear when Schroeder will make a decision in the case. He's given both sides two more weeks to turn in any additional paperwork in the case, and said it would be some time after that when he makes a ruling.
Masked, Armed Man Arrested At State Capitol With Spray Paint
A masked man carrying spray paint and armed with a handgun at the State Capitol faces charges less than two weeks after a Confederate monument on the grounds was vandalized.
Multiple media outlets report the man was wearing a full face mask, gloves, heavy clothing and a backpack containing cans of spray paint. State Capitol Police said 32-year-old Perren Tremayne Moss also carried a concealed .38 caliber handgun when he was arrested before dawn Saturday.
Disorder Affecting Trout Found In Fish Collected From River
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says whirling disease, a disorder affecting trout, has been confirmed in rainbow trout collected from the Watauga River.
A statement from the commission says the trout were discovered near Foscoe. It's the first occurrence of the disease in North Carolina.
The commission has suspended stocking fish raised at its three trout hatcheries until it can confirm that hatchery trout are free of the disease. Hatchery fish are also being collected and being sent to an Auburn University lab for testing.
The disease doesn't infect humans or pets, and eating an infected fish is not known to be harmful.
Fundraising For Park To Tell Black Experience Stalls
Supporters of a park that would showcase the black experience in North Carolina are overhauling their efforts.
Possibilities include a name change and the addition of a monument that would be more uplifting than others about slavery and Jim Crow laws, as they try to determine why donors haven't embraced the project.
They need to raise $5 million for the North Carolina Freedom Monument Park in downtown Raleigh. They've raised about $700,000 for planning and development. That's not part of the money needed for monuments such as jagged benches, a symbol of turbulent times.
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