North Carolina

Friday, March 24
Raleigh - Vandals damaged three military recruiting centers in the Triangle this week in what appeared to be a war protest. Authorities say someone spray-painted windows at two Durham centers, hurled a rock through the window at a Raleigh center and defaced doors and sidewalks. An e-mail to media outlets called the actions a protest against U.S. involvement in Iraq, but an inquiry to the message's apparent sender wasn't answered.

Thursday, March 23
New Bern - A former state senator was sentenced to a year of probation for illegally shipping law enforcement equipment to China. John Carrington, 71, former CEO of Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories, pleaded guilty last year and gave up his exporting privileges for five years. He served in the state Senate for about a decade before losing a 2004 primary.

Wednesday, March 22
Burlington - An original version of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States, will be auctioned online. Bidding begins March 30 on the document that has a potential value of $750,000 to $1 million, according to Raynors Historical Collectible Auctions. The amendment is one of 13 known originals signed by President Lincoln; 11 are in institutional collections.

Tuesday, March 21
Raleigh - The Ferry Division has started building an artificial reef near Stumpy Point in Dare County to create an oyster sanctuary. The project is meant to help make up for environmental problems caused by illegal dredging in Currituck Sound. Four Ferry Division employees have pleaded guilty to federal charges for the dredging, and the former division chief is scheduled to go on trial in May.

Monday, March 20
Raleigh - A $2 million renovation of the Senate chamber is nearly complete. Workers spent months removing asbestos from the 45-foot-tall pyramid roof and replastering and repainting the ceiling. The chamber should be in working order before the General Assembly reconvenes May 9.