A 3-0 North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling rejected a bid to recognize a state right to “fair elections,” upholding a dismissal of a high-profile challenge to recent maps. The decision leans on a 2023 state precedent that limits judicial oversight of partisan gerrymanders.

A bipartisan Senate bill would bar targeted sports‑betting ads to anyone under 18 on major social platforms and give the FTC new enforcement powers. Supporters point to research showing high youth exposure to gambling content online.

Newly released records show Charlotte used its risk‑management fund to pay legal fees and settlements topping $1 million in discrimination suits by Black firefighters.

Republican lawmakers filed four proposed state constitutional amendments that would cap the income tax at 3.5%, enshrine farming and right‑to‑work protections, and let the legislature limit local property‑tax increases.

The House Ethics Committee confirmed a probe into Rep. Chuck Edwards over allegations he created a hostile work environment. Edwards says he welcomes the review as reporting details letters, gifts and a Las Vegas trip.

Gaston County’s commissioners adopted the FY 2027 budget, holding the property tax at 59.9¢ while shifting big projects to enterprise funds and asking the state to OK a school sales tax. The package adds five positions and prioritizes repairs over new construction.

A wide‑ranging NC bill would let localities open ABC stores on Sundays, allow canned cocktails in grocery aisles and add alcoholic whipped cream to the law. Lawmakers delayed a committee vote Tuesday.

North Carolina lawmakers asked President Trump to make U.S. tobacco exports a priority during his May summit in Beijing, citing the crop’s outsized role in the state economy.

A proposed state surtax would charge 7% on income above $1M to generate roughly $1 billion for public schools, a pitch led by Democratic lawmakers and Patriotic Millionaires that faces steep GOP opposition.

Mooresville approved a $99,900 settlement for former planning director Erika Martin as lawsuits and a judge’s order over town‑hall footage intensify scrutiny on town leaders.

A Charlotte judge allowed limited discovery in Sen. DeAndrea Salvador’s lawsuit alleging Whirlpool and Omnicom used AI to fake her endorsement. The order permits targeted depositions and document requests as the court tests jurisdiction.

A $378.75M recommended budget funds raises and infrastructure while holding property taxes and electric rates steady.

Union County approved a $174M 2026–27 budget that prioritizes teacher pay, repairs and tech upgrades. The proposal now goes to county commissioners for final review.