Couple Held By Somali Pirates Returns To S. Africa

Ga. state lawmaker to be honored by White House White House officials say Democratic State Rep. Simone Bell is being recognized along with nine others Wednesday for their commitment to equality and public service.

Tesla to demonstrate car outside NC legislature Tesla will show its Model S electric car Wednesday outside the legislature to tell people about its award-winning automobile and influence the outcome of a bill expected to advance in the House in the coming weeks. Auto dealers have pushed lawsuits and legislation in other states to halt the company's stores, where people can order a car online.

Monroe-based Ventower Industries continues to grow The Monroe Evening News reports ( http://bit.ly/10I18oV ) that the wind turbine maker's plant is nearing production capacity. Ventower vice president Scott Viciana says he expects that number to increase to 70 to 80 employees by the end of summer. The company has concentrated on meeting the needs of a U.S. firm that uses towers for regional wind farms.

Ga. Rep. Brooks to be arraigned on fraud charges A 30-count federal indictment handed down last week charges him with mail fraud, wire fraud and filing false tax returns. Authorities say Brooks, who was first elected to the General Assembly in 1981, used the money for personal and family expenses, ranging from home repairs to credit card bills.

NC Republicans hold the cards for Senate budget RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A hefty North Carolina state budget proposal written by Senate Republicans is likely to pass by a comfortable margin in a chamber where GOP members outnumber Democrats by nearly 2 to 1.