Belmont approved an 8% water rate increase and secured a $10M state loan to move its intake and shore up an aging system after a 'distressed' listing. City leaders say upgrades and emergency interconnects will protect supply.

Gov. Stein signed HB1104 to change how North Carolina handles involuntary psychiatric commitments, ordering telehealth pilots, data upgrades and studies.

State Auditor Dave Boliek reassigned Dallas Woodhouse and discontinued the auditor’s elections-liaison role after reporting showed Woodhouse pressing local boards over early‑voting sites.