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Lawmakers Approve $15 State Worker Minimum Wage

North Carolina Republicans have surprised critics by approving a $15-per-hour minimum wage for thousands of state employees.

The "living wage" took effect ahead of similar increases in deep-blue states including New York, California and Massachusetts. Extra pay went into the bank accounts of secretaries, hospital workers, security guards and housekeepers last month.

AP Interview: Burr Says Russia Probe Difficult

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr says the Russia probe has been more difficult than he expected.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, the North Carolina Republican opened up about the investigation that has now consumed 19 months of his life. He says it has been "frustrating as hell." But he says the integrity of the investigation — and its importance to the institution of the Senate — is something he has labored to protect.

Burr said there is "no factual evidence today that we've received" on collusion or conspiracy between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign. But he said he's still open on the issue and hasn't personally come to any final conclusions, since the investigation isn't finished.

Winston-Salem To Begin 'Think Orange' Campaign To Combat Hunger, Food Insecurity

The City of Winston-Salem announced a new campaign Friday to help reduce hunger and food insecurity in the community. It's one of six cities selected to receive a federal grant known as CHAMPS (Cities Combating Hunger Through Afterschool and Summer Meal Programs).

Winston-Salem was awarded $115,000 for its "Think Orange Campaign." The color has become a symbol nationwide for fighting hunger and food insecurity.

The bulk of the money will be used to provide a mid-week farmers market at the fairgrounds - an area defined as a food desert. A portion of the grant will also provide extra dollars for anyone who uses the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.  

Money from the grant will also be used to help market summer feeding sites for students and a childhood hunger summit in the community.

Confederate Statute Marred Year After Sister Memorial Moved

One of North Carolina's most expensive Confederate memorials is under watch after vandals splattered it with what appeared to be white paint.

Police responded early Saturday to the 23-foot statue stationed on a downtown Salisbury street. Volunteers removed the paint splotches within hours.

Police Chief Jerry Stokes says authorities could pursue vandalism or property damage charges.

Teen Surfer Bitten Twice By Shark Off North Carolina Coast

Officials say a teenage boy has been bitten by a shark along the North Carolina coast near Atlantic Beach.

Atlantic Beach Fire Chief Adam Snyder says that the 14-year-old was surfing Sunday afternoon when he was bitten twice on the right calf. Snyder says the shark let go of the boy's leg when it realized the leg wasn't a fish.

Snyder says the teen then swam to shore with non-life-threatening injuries. 

This is the first shark bite this season near Atlantic Beach.

Brandt Snedeker Wins Wyndham Championship By 3 Strokes

Brandt Snedeker began the Wyndham Championship with history — and ended it with a victory.

Snedeker earned his ninth PGA Tour title Sunday, three days after opening with an 11-under 59.

He closed with a 65 for a three-stroke victory in the regular-season finale, breaking a tie with C.T. Pan on the final hole with a birdie and Pan's double bogey in the group ahead.

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