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Settlement Expands Transgender Restroom Rights In North Carolina

A federal judge has approved a legal settlement allowing transgender people to use restrooms matching their gender identity in many North Carolina public buildings.

The consent decree approved Tuesday by a federal judge could end a protracted lawsuit by transgender people against North Carolina's so-called bathroom bill and the law that replaced it.

The agreement between the plaintiffs and Gov. Roy Cooper says that nothing in state law can be interpreted to "prevent transgender people from lawfully using public facilities in accordance with their gender identity" in buildings controlled by the state's executive branch.

In return, plaintiffs have agreed to drop pending legal action against the governor and other defendants.

North Carolina, Feds End Look Into Voting-Machine Ownership

Federal authorities found nothing troubling about voting-machine makers largely owned by private equity firms that don't disclose their investors, so North Carolina elections officials are certifying which can do business in the state.

The State Board of Elections said Tuesday it could decide this weekend which of three companies meets its criteria.

Sexual Assault Victims File Suit Against NC School District

The victims of sexual assaults by a former North Carolina teacher are filing a class-action lawsuit against the school district.

The victims of Michael Kelly filed the complaint Tuesday against him, the New Hanover County Board of Education and others.

Kelly pleaded guilty last month to child sex charges. Investigators say Kelly abused nearly 20 victims. He's worked for New Hanover Schools since 1992.

Attorney Jim Lea says they're seeking compensation for victims, better safety procedures for students and major leadership changes among administrators.

North Carolina Rep. Henson Pleads Guilty To Cyberstalking

A North Carolina state lawmaker is pleading guilty to cyberstalking his estranged wife, a misdemeanor that will be dismissed if he completes 18 months of probation.

Second-term Republican Rep. Cody Henson, who represents Transylvania, Polk and part of Henderson County, pleaded guilty on Tuesday. He said earlier he won't seek re-election next year but added Tuesday he won't resign now.

Henson must complete a domestic violence treatment class, mental health and substance misuse assessments, and any follow-up treatments. Henson must surrender any firearms and can't contact Kelsey Henson.

Triad Man Pleads Guilty To Vandalizing Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The National Park Service says a Triad man has pleaded guilty to vandalizing the more than century-old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse by carving initials into its bronze door with a pocketknife.

A park service news release Tuesday said 39-year-old Jamie Lester Underwood of Winston-Salem etched the letters "SEF" into the door while visiting the landmark last year on North Carolina's Outer Banks. A park official says the initials represented one of Underwood's friends.

Park service rangers got a tip in the case after issuing a plea for clues in a Facebook post.

Shelter: NC Lion Died After Being Overheated By High Temps

A rescue group in North Carolina says one of its lions has died after becoming overheated and suffering organ failure.

Carolina Tiger Rescue wrote in a Tuesday Facebook post that the 17-year-old lion named Sheba wasn't able to recover despite staff efforts. A heatwave recently hit the east coast, bringing with it temperatures above 90 degrees.

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