Combatting the teacher shortage in Union County: Tuesday, Feb 7

Union County leaders will announce Tuesday their new program called Teach UCPS.The program partners with students and teaching assistants to help them find a path to an associate’s degree with the help of scholarships and low tuition.  They say their goal is to develop effective teachers.Right now, North Carolina has about 5,500 hundred vacancies and they’re hoping this new program will help fill in the gaps. They’re optimistic this program will also provide opportunities for classified employees and students who are pursuing a teaching license.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/education/union-county-schools-teacher-shortage/275-3d54c447-7de9-41e2-b167-4d8a2aad0ca4The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is searching for suspects involved in a shooting that took place at the Northlake Mall on Sunday. On Sunday around 1:48 p.m., officers were called to the mall for a report of shots fired at the mall.Police say a single shot was fired during an altercation between two people. Nobody was injured in the shooting, according to CMPD However, Medic said two patients were treated for non-shooting-related injuries. Northlake Mall officials chose to close the mall for the rest of the day after the shooting.Meanwhile, safety and security are growing concerns for shoppers in the area.“It’s not going to deter me from going to the mall because I still do go to some of the stores in there but its scary," said Natalie Fields."Malls are like a hot spot and you never know what is going to happen," said added Kayla Williams. "You might have some people who are dumb get into an altercation and pull out a gun. You may be at a mall or boardwalk because people don’t care anymore."With this being the second shooting incident at the mall within two months, Fields said stronger safety measures need to be put in place.READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/officials-responding-to-situation-at-northlake-mall/275-401c4ac9-c09a-4ed1-b58e-866522bed33ehttps://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/officials-responding-to-situation-at-northlake-mall/275-401c4ac9-c09a-4ed1-b58e-866522bed33e