County Manager David Ellis presented the FY2027 budget at the May 4 Board meeting; the package includes a proposed 2-cent property tax increase and the session is livestreamed.

Senate Bill 808 would replace the 300‑hour natural hair license with a 10‑hour infection‑control certification and create a separate hair‑design credential, prompting debate over access and safety.

North Carolina reached an $11M settlement with Mylan over alleged EpiPen price‑fixing. Millions will go to state health programs and copay coupons for generics will increase.

Sam Hayes signed a Feb. 4, 2026 conflict waiver to hire Nelson Mullins’ Phil Strach to defend the State Board in a students’ early‑voting suit; invoices show $70,524 and Democrats say they weren’t told.

Charlotte Rep. Nasif Majeed switched his registration to unaffiliated after a March primary loss and says he is undecided on caucusing, creating short-term uncertainty in the N.C. House.

Students from 14 counties converged at the State Legislative Building to urge passage of House Bill 430 — Solly's Law — raising the vape-purchase age to 21.

A Senate committee advanced House Bill 301 to bar under-14s from social apps and require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds; the bill also gives the N.C. DOJ enforcement powers.

Mecklenburg DA Spencer Merriweather says N.C.’s assault-by-strangulation statute failed survivors in two recent trials and is urging the General Assembly to clarify the law and boost penalties.

House Democrats filed H.B. 1059 to set a $15 statewide minimum for most employers, with an $11 carveout for very small businesses and annual CPI indexing. The measure faces steep odds in the GOP-run legislature.

Advocates and survivors rallied at the state Capitol to urge lawmakers not to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of SB50, warning the bill lowers age and eliminates training.

A federal database cross‑check flagged roughly 34,000 deceased names on North Carolina's voter rolls. State officials say county boards will verify records and provide due process before any removals.

Sen. Terence Everitt resigned April 28 to lead the NC Voter Protection Alliance, leaving a key Triangle Senate seat open and triggering a quick party replacement process.

President Trump’s FY2027 budget would zero out most IMLS funding, risking millions for NC library programs like the shared catalog, NC Kids Digital Library and job‑help services.