Wilmjax News

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina Senate is prepared to move forward on legislation that would toughen penalties against gang members who commit crimes.

The Senate is expected to debate two gang-related bills Wednesday. Lawmakers have talked for three years about how best to respond to expanding gang membership.

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On May 14, 2008, just after 8 p.m., New Bern police were called to a home at 2011 Waters St., in reference to possible drug activity. 

When officers arrived, they smelled the odor of marijuana coming from behind the residence, and saw a black male suspect who appeared to be packaging marijuana for distribution. When the officer called out to the suspect, the man ran into the home. New Bern police followed the suspect inside the residence and after a brief struggle took him into custody.

While officers were in the home, they saw additional evidence of narcotic activity. Police obtained a search warrant and recovered more than three pounds of marijuana, crack cocaine, ecstasy pills and large sums of cash.

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Pat McCrory is running for governor of North Carolina. He knows the problems had with gangs and immigration, and plans to address them.

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s community college system said Tuesday it will no longer admit illegal immigrants into degree programs, following the advice of the state Attorney General’s Office. 

Last year, the system said it would enroll illegal immigrants who are 18 years old and high school graduates at all of its 58 campuses. While the change was supported by Gov. Mike Easley, it provoked heavy criticism - especially from the leading candidates running to replace the outgoing governor.

 The system later asked North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper for guidance on whether the admissions policy was legal under federal law.

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