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    First, Beyoncé arrived at the 2024 Grammy Awards in full cowboy regalia — making a statement without saying a word. Then, during the Super Bowl, she dropped two hybrid country songs: “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages.” All of that heralded her latest album, “Act ll: Cowboy Carter,” out Friday. As a Black woman reclaiming country music, she stands in opposition to stereotypical associations of the genre with whiteness. The genre, though, has its roots in Black traditions and culture and Beyoncé's album pays homage to some of her forerunners and influences, like Linda Martell.

      A federal appeals court has declined to order North Carolina legislators to redraw some state Senate districts because of alleged racial bias. A divided panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected arguments by voters that there is clear evidence that Republican manipulation of boundaries for two districts violates the Voting Rights Act. The majority upheld a trial court judge’s decision that refused to issue a preliminary injunction preventing the use of two Senate districts and to order new lines be drawn. The districts at issue are in a region with higher concentrations of Black voters.

        North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s second-term Cabinet secretary for military and veterans affairs is retiring, and a former state legislator who has been working at the Pentagon is taking his place. Cooper’s office announced on Thursday that retired Marine Corps general Walter Gaskin is retiring from state government. He was named secretary in 2021. Former state Rep. Grier Martin succeeds Gaskin on Monday. He has been an assistant secretary of defense. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages state veterans’ nursing homes and cemeteries, and it promotes activities to support military installations and quality of life for current and retired service members.

          Republican lawmakers in Kentucky have wrapped up work on a sweeping criminal justice bill that would deliver harsher sentences to combat crime. Opponents warn it will carry a hefty price tag with no assurances the tougher approach will lower crime. The House voted 75-23 Thursday after a long debate to send the measure to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. The massive legislation is a priority for many in the GOP supermajority legislature. One prominent feature would create a “three-strikes” penalty that would lock up felons for the rest of their lives after committing a third violent offense.

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