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GOP's Budget Recipe About Complete Before Going To Cooper

The North Carolina legislature's budget recipe for next year is almost complete and headed for Gov. Roy Cooper's desk.

One more affirmative vote at the General Assembly is required before the nearly $24 billion plan receives final legislative approval; that's scheduled for the House on Friday. The Senate already finished its debate and votes.

The House took over five hours Thursday before giving the measure initial approval on a nearly party-line vote. Republicans negotiating the plan for the year starting July 1 are emphasizing higher teacher and state employee pay, particularly for troopers and correctional officers.

Democrats say the changes fall short and criticized the GOP for failing to let them offer amendments.

Lawmakers Push Bill Allowing Teachers To Carry Guns

A new bill filed this week in the General Assembly would allow teachers to carry handguns in schools. It's called the “School Self-Defense Act.”

One of the sponsors of the bill is Rep. Larry Pittman, a Republican who's been vocal about giving teachers access to guns in the wake of February's deadly school shooting in Florida.

The measure would create a volunteer program that would allow some teachers to carry handguns on campus if they meet certain training requirements.

According to the News and Observer, Pittman's bill comes after state senators introduced a similar measure that would give teachers a raise for becoming an armed school resource officer.

UNC Health Care CEO, Also Medical School Dean, To Step Down

The University of North Carolina Health Care System's CEO and dean of the university's School of Medicine says he will step down as both.

Dr. William Roper said Thursday he will step down in May 2019. Over the past 14 years, Roper has overseen the system's expansion to a 13-hospital network with nearly $5 billion in annual revenue.

A planned merger between UNC Health Care and Charlotte-based Atrium Health fell apart in March, and would have created North Carolina's largest health network.

Weeks later, Roper told The News & Observer he wanted to remain with UNC. But, he said Thursday his departure has nothing to do with the deal and that he was not forced out.

Joines Declares Gun Violence Awareness Day

Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines has declared June 1st Gun Violence Awareness Day. The city is among many participating across the country.

Activist organizations like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety have a simple message this weekend: “There's more we can do to stop gun violence.”

Events are planned across the Triad to honor gun homicide victims, and raise awareness about gun safety. Citizens are also being encouraged to ‘Wear Orange' in solidarity with the movement.

Joines says that making this declaration was important to him, as he would like to see reasonable gun regulations enacted.

Many buildings in Winston-Salem will be lit orange this weekend to honor victims and survivors of gun violence.

Salisbury Bank Robbery Suspect Shot By Police

Police in Salisbury have shot a man who they say robbed a bank and stabbed a person who tried to stop him from entering a store.

Police say the man robbed a First National Bank branch and led officers on a chase to Thomasville, about 30 miles away.

Authorities say the suspect left the car and tried to run into a hobby shop. The store owner tried to stop him from coming in, but the suspect stabbed that person multiple times. Police officers confronted the suspect, and after their stun guns failed to affect him, one of the officers shot him.

The suspect's identity hasn't been released.

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