Nation & World Glance
N.C. lawmakers announce deal to end HB2 standoff
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Republican lawmakers said Wednesday night that they have an agreement with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on legislation to resolve a standoff over the state’s “bathroom bill.”
GOP leaders announced the new legislation would be debated and voted on Thursday. Details about the replacement weren’t immediately available.
Pedestrian deaths spiked in 2016, distraction cited
WASHINGTON — An analysis of preliminary state data shows pedestrian deaths are climbing faster than motorist fatalities, reaching nearly 6,000 deaths last year — the highest total in more than two decades.
A report prepared for the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety offices, says increased driving due to an improved economy and lower gas prices and more walking for exercise and environmental reasons are some likely reasons behind the estimated 11 percent spike in pedestrian fatalities in 2016.
But researchers say the biggest factor may be more drivers and walkers distracted by cellphones and other devices, although that’s hard to confirm.
Richard Retting, the report’s author, says walking and miles driven are up only a few percentage points, but texting and use of wireless devices have exploded.
Mexican man freed after arrest despite protected status
TACOMA, Wash. — A Mexican man who spent more than six weeks in immigration detention despite his participation in a program designed to prevent the deportation of those brought to the U.S. illegally as children was released from custody Wednesday pending deportation proceedings.
A smiling Daniel Ramirez Medina hugged his brother in the lobby of a detention center as he was freed, then hugged him again for the news cameras outside.
He spoke to reporters briefly in Spanish, thanking his supporters, and later issued a written statement in English through his lawyers.
Judge John Odell in Tacoma approved freeing the 24-year-old Ramirez on $15,000 bond until his next immigration court hearing.
Immigration agents arrested him last month in suburban Seattle, saying he acknowledged affiliating with gangs. Officials then revoked his protected status.
Peoria student arrested for allegedly posting school threats
PEORIA, Ariz. — Police in Peoria say a sophomore student at Liberty High has been arrested for allegedly making threats against the school.
They say the 16-year-old boy is accused of posting the threats on social media.
The threats were reported to the Peoria police Tuesday evening and the unidentified teen was arrested hours later.
Police say the student maintains the alleged threats were a joke.
The teen has been booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center.
Police say he faces several charges including committing a hoax and interfering with an educational institution by making a threat to injure others.
They say the charges are preliminary and additional charges may be added or amended.