COLUMBUS SHIP REPLICA

Replica of ship sailed by Columbus to dock in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — A replica of the ship sailed by Christopher Columbus in 1492 will dock in Wilmington starting next week.The StarNews reports that the Nao Santa Maria is coming to Wilmington from June 10-13 and will be open for self-guided tours.Crew members at each level can answer questions and discuss experiences traveling from port to port on the “floating museum.”Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust President Stephanie Fornes says the experience is an educational opportunity for all ages covering “one of the most important historic landmarks in the discovery of America.” According to its website, the ship’s fiberglass and wood construction was completed in 2017 and it has sailed to more than 30 ports, commemorating the history of the Santa Maria.

TENURE DISPUTE-SLAVERY PROJECT

Donor: Concerns over Hannah-Jones prompted emails to UNC

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — A major University of North Carolina donor whose name is on its journalism school says he is curious about how much research went into the selection of Nikole Hannah-Jones to join the faculty. Walter Hussman Jr. says he discussed concerns about bringing Hannah-Jones to the journalism school with the dean, but Susan King told him she though having her in the school would be a plus for the university and would bring prestige to the school. Hussman says he also tried to arrange a Zoom meeting with Hannah-Jones, but was delayed when the controversy over her hiring came to light.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Extra federal jobless benefit would end in NC in House bill

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s unemployed would no longer receive the pandemic-related $300-a-week federal unemployment supplement under legislation approved by a state House committee. The measure would withdraw North Carolina from the program, joining two dozen other states. The proposal would eliminate these extra benefits 30 days after the bill became law. Republicans advancing the bill through the Finance Committee argued the extra benefits are slowing down the post-pandemic recovery. Some call them a disincentive to work. Others say the benefits have been crucial for many people, especially women who are struggling to provide child care to children. The bill next goes to the House floor on Thursday.

ABORTION-NORTH-CAROLINA

N.C. Senate committees move to ban Down syndrome abortions

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A pair of North Carolina Senate committees voted Wednesday to advance a bill prohibiting pregnant women from seeking abortions because of race, gender or a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Republicans and anti-abortion groups say it will protect disabled people and prevent eugenics. Opponents call it an attack on a woman’s constitutional right to privacy with her doctor. The measure already cleared the House and needs approval from two more committees before going to the Senate floor. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed past efforts to restrict certain aspects of abortion and Republicans are unlikely to have the votes to override a possible veto.

COOPER-CABINET

Senate Republicans ready to block Cooper environment chief

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s pick to lead the state’s environmental agency appears doomed in the state Senate with Republicans ready to block her confirmation. The Senate Agriculture, Energy and Environment Committee voted Wednesday not to recommend the confirmation of Dionne Delli-Gatti as secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. Committee leaders criticized what they called Delli-Gatti’s lack of knowledge about the governor’s views on natural gas expansion and on industry regulation during an April confirmation hearing. Cooper pushed back later Wednesday and suggested opponents were trying to block environmental progress. The full Senate plans to vote on Delli-Gatti’s confirmation on Thursday.

BC-NC-DEPUTY SHOT-NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina deputy shot while serving eviction notice

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say a North Carolina sheriff’s deputy was shot and seriously wounded Wednesday while serving an eviction notice at an apartment complex in Raleigh. A suspect is in custody. Sheriff Gerald Baker says Sgt. Ronald Waller got no answer the first time he knocked on one door, but found it open when he returned. When Waller identified himself, the man tried to shut the door and Waller tried to stop him. That’s when Baker says gunfire came from inside the apartment, striking the deputy. Waller was taken to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. Raleigh police say 32-year-old Eddie Craig has been charged with attempted murder.

NORTH CAROLINA

Cooper nearing rollout of financial perks for vaccination

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina is nearing an announcement on further financial incentives to boost COVID-19 vaccine participation. Four counties have a pilot program where unvaccinated people can get $25 for coming in for their first COVID-19 shot at participating sites. Drivers can also receive the $25 bonus. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has previously expressed interest in financial perks but is still reviewing possible legal concerns and working with state officials. Supply is greatly outpacing demand in the state. Health officials hope more financial perks will boost participation.

STUDENT ATTACK-CHARGES

2 adults, 6 teens charged in attack of high school student

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say two women and six teenagers have been charged in an attack on a 14-year-old student at a North Carolina high school. WGHP-TV reports that the assault happened in a classroom at Southern Guilford High School in Greensboro a week ago Tuesday. Kiamosha Devanee Sutton was arrested on charges including first-degree trespassing and inciting a riot. The 37-year-old parent was released from jail on a $5,000 bond. A warrant was also issued for 18-year-old Anikqua Shydasia Beatty of Charlotte. Juvenile petitions were filed against six students for their roles in the assault. Three of them who didn’t attend the school were also charged with trespassing.

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