Jeff Tiberii

An expert witness returns to the stand this morning on day three of a federal hearing challenging the state's new voting law. MIT Professor Charles Stewart testified Tuesday that the state's new voting law disproportionately burdens and affects African Americans.

State House member Rick Glazier also testified. He called the measure "reminiscent of the Jim Crow Era" and gave a passionate description of how the bill was hastily moved through the General Assembly.

Testimony is set to continue in a federal courtroom today where plaintiffs are asking a judge to halt part of the state's new voter law. Former Guilford County Board of Elections Director George Gilbert will be on the stand when the court returns from recess.

He testified Monday that expanded early voting in the state led to an increase in African American voters, a smoother Election Day process and even savings for Guilford County of as much as $3 million.

With the ferry trip to Ocracoke Island now taking a little bit longer, it's also become more expensive to operate.

Boats are taking an alternate route that tacks on three miles and 30 minutes to the trip. It will also cost the state Department of Transportation more than an additional $1 million each year.

Tim Haas of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division says the state has applied for a permit that would allow for a wide ferry channel.

"The way that Hatteras inlet has opened up, a 100-foot wide channel is not sustainable," he says.

Defense attorneys for Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson filed another pre-trial motion this week. The sheriff is accused by the federal government of illegally targeting Latino drivers as well as arresting and detaining people without probable cause. 

In less than five years the number of craft beer breweries in North Carolina has more than doubled. From Manteo to the mountains - tasting rooms, tap houses and local seasonal drafts are pouring in. Asheville now has more breweries per capita than anywhere in the country. 

Reynolds American is now distributing its electronic cigarettes nationally. The Vuse vapor product had been widely available in only four states until now. It became the top-selling E-cigarette in Utah and Colorado last year. E-cigarettes heat a liquid nicotine solution in a disposable cartridge that is then inhaled. Vuse is a battery-powered, smokeless vapor product.

The U.S. Open begins at the Pinehurst No. 2 golf course today. WUNC’s Jeff Tiberii is covering the event.

91 partly cloudy @PinehurstResort Chance of thunderstorms. How's your office today? #usopen2014 #humblebrag pic.twitter.com/svnXaaTYNj

The men's U.S. Open tees off Thursday morning in Pinehurst. One hundred and fifty six golfers from around the world are competing in America's version of a national championship.  Most of the golfers participating in the event practiced for a final time Wednesday. Hundreds of volunteers helped keep fans corralled throughout the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course.

Jeff Chaffin drove to the course from Suligent, Alabama (near the Mississippi border) for his first U.S. Open experience. He says his experience has been good so far.

Overlooking the 18th hole at Pinehurst No. 2 is a statue of a man. He’s standing on one leg, a putter dangling in his left hand and a right fist extended straight forward, in victory. The statue preserves a moment now 15 years-old. It’s a moment more famous than any other that this course has seen, since it opened in 1907.

In his trademark knickers, Payne Stewart won the event on that misty Father’s day with a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole. He kissed his wife Tracy and celebrated his second US Open win.