Lunch Break (1/18/16): MLK Day march in South Carolina celebrates removal of Confederate flag

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An annual Martin Luther King Day march this morning in South Carolina that in years past called for the removal of the Confederate flag from statehouse grounds instead celebrated that removal, which came in July, and a call for money to be invested in education this morning. Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Martin O'Malley all appeared at today's event, which was hosted by the NAACP and civil rights leaders from across the state. (Jeffrey Collins, Associated Press via WBTV) 

Airport workers across the country will hold organized protests to raise awareness of their fight for higher wages today. Workers at Charlotte-Douglas Airport aren't expected to be a part of the protests, but disruptions at other airports could have ramifications for travel delays across the country. Workers in Boston; New York City; Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Miami; Chicago; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle are expected to take part in the protests, which will be the latest in workers' calls for a $15-per-hour minimum wage, among other things. (Luz Lazo, Washington Post via Charlotte Observer) 

A local man was arrested after hitting and killing a woman with his car on South Boulevard last night. Police charged 30-year-old Gregory Wheeling with driving while impaired and aggravated felony death by vehicle in the death of 28-year-old Kelli Sue Putman. According to a CMPD release, Putman was struck around the 2400 block of South Boulevard just after 5 p.m. yesterday after stepping out in front of an Audi S4 driven by Wheeling. Police believe both speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. There were four other people in the Audi with Wheeling at the time of the accident. (Ryan Pitkin) 

The Carolina Panthers are one win away from the Super Bowl after beating the Seahawks 31-24 in Charlotte yesterday. The Panthers took a quick lead and were up 31-0 at halftime before allowing the Seahawks to make it interesting down the stretch. The Panthers will now host the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game next Sunday at 6:40 p.m. It will be the Panthers' fourth appearance in the NFC Championship and the first since 2005. The Cardinals will be looking to avenge last year's wild card playoff loss in Carolina. (Steve Reed, Associated Press via Fox46) 

A man believed to have killed a police officer in Danville, Ohio late last night was bent on killing a police officer, according to his girlfriend. A woman reportedly called 911 30 minutes prior to the killing saying that her boyfriend, Herschel Ray Jones III, was armed and out looking to kill an officer. Police found officer Thomas Cottrell behind a municipal building shortly after he and his squad car went missing last night before midnight. Jones was arrested about two hours later after feeling from a house where police located him. (WHIO Dayton Staff via WSOC)