Top NC stories From AP
AP-NC-XGR--Legislative Protests/135 "Moral Monday" activists take on NC protest rules
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A Wake County judge is hearing a court challenge on new rules governing the Legislative Building.
The judge on Friday hears a lawsuit that the state NAACP filed alleging the rules on actions inside the General Assembly's meeting place are unconstitutional and are an attempt to silence protesters.
Republican Senate leader Phil Berger of Rockingham county said he was baffled by the lawsuit. He says the rules give protesters more freedom to express themselves than rules existing before last month.
Attorneys with the NAACP said the rules are vague and overly broad because they give Republican leaders too much discretion and stifle dissent.
The rules were changed at the beginning of the current General Assembly session for the first time since the 1980's after hundreds of arrests last year.
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AP-NC--National Guard-Army/103 NC Army Guard celebrates US Army's birthday
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina Army National Guard is celebrating in honor of the U.S. Army's 239th birthday.
Friday's event celebrates the Army's creation on June 14, 1775, as the Revolutionary War was getting under way. The first major fight between British and American troops came three days later at the Battle of Bunker Hill in Boston.
The National Guard is seeking to highlight how the U.S. Army continues to demonstrate its competence and commitment in defending the country.
The program will include a short video from Army Secretary John McHugh and a large birthday cake.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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AP-NC-XGR--House-Budget/133 NC House wrapping up debate on $21B budget
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — House Republicans got support from several Democrats for their North Carolina budget plan that would give the largest teacher pay raises in years by tapping into more lottery money.
The $21 billion plan to operate state government for the coming year received initial House approval Thursday night. A final House vote was slated for Friday morning, paving the way for negotiations with Senate Republicans and on their budget next week.
The House budget would raise teacher salaries by 5 percent on average. Most of that money comes from increasing North Carolina Education Lottery profits and lottery advertising.
Rep. Tricia Cotham of Matthews was one of eight Democrats who voted for the plan Thursday. She says the budget isn't perfect but teacher pay increases are very important to her.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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AP-NC-XGR--Budget-Film Incentives/133 Film incentive proposal gets into NC House budget
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A new way for North Carolina to offer film incentives is in the House budget one day after a key committee narrowly defeated a provision to extend the current program set to expire in 2015.
The House voted Thursday evening for an amendment creating a new grant program to reward production companies filming in the state. Program details aren't settled, particularly on how much taxpayer money could be spent annually.
The future of the current program — a 25 percent refundable tax credit — looks bleak. Critics say the tax credits are too expensive for the state.
Rep. Ted Davis of Wilmington offered Thursday's amendment. He says approving the grant program will make incentives an item with the Senate in budget negotiations — thus improving chances for their ultimate survival.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
