Cooper Says He'll Sign North Carolina COVID-19 Aid Package

North Carolina’s Democratic governor says he will sign a Republican-authored plan to spend $1.1 billion of the state’s remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds on aid to families with children, unemployment benefits and efforts to fight the virus. Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement Friday came a day after he received the package from legislators. It includes direct cash payments to nearly 2 million families, a $50 increase in weekly unemployment benefits and more funds for virus testing, tracing and personal protective equipment. The measure, which left out many of the governor’s spending recommendations, comfortably passed both chambers of the GOP-controlled General Assembly, clearing its final legislative hurdle Thursday.