A News & Observer analysis found 33 of North Carolina’s 115 districts plan early openings, setting local boards against a 2004 calendar law and prompting lawsuits and legislative debate.

Rep. Jordan Lopez filed HB 1071 to direct $85M to replace federal SNAP administrative dollars and blunt a $191M county cost shift as federal rules change this fall.

Faith leaders warned HB 696’s technical changes could raise copays and strip coverage from thousands of lawfully residing immigrants and delivered a 348‑signature letter to the General Assembly.

State senators filed a bill to tax "harmful" sexual material — but the filed text creates a 10% retail excise, not the 50% figure some headlines claimed. The draft routes proceeds to anti‑trafficking and domestic‑violence programs.

Durham’s City Council approved a $16M expansion of its Axon contract, adding drones and license‑plate readers amid a heated debate over surveillance and safety.

City Manager Marchell Adams‑David's FY27 proposal includes a 1.7‑cent property tax increase; a June 2 public hearing will give residents a chance to weigh in.

WalletHub’s June 1 report places North Carolina sixth nationally, citing GDP growth and a stronger tech presence even as household income trails.

ABSS officials say a proposed $58.7M county allocation falls about $4M short of their request, risking teacher supplements, repairs and planned capital projects.

Justice Anita Earls told voters in Charlotte the court should restore its 2022 ruling barring extreme partisan gerrymanders, saying the standard would protect voters no matter who controls the legislature.

Former Gov. Roy Cooper brought his 'Make Stuff Cost Less' tour to Charlotte on Friday, pitching policies to lower grocery, health-care and utility bills as he runs for U.S. Senate.

House Bill 1232 would define life at fertilization and contains language opponents warn could be read to authorize deadly force against abortion seekers and providers.

The State Board of Elections has opened comment on rules that could lower the bar for tossing ballots missing photo ID. Hearings in Raleigh start in June; comments are due July 14.

Gov. Josh Stein will sign an order barring some cabinet staff from using nonpublic job information to bet on prediction markets. The move follows insider‑trading scares and a national scramble over how to police event‑contract platforms.