North Carolina Representative Sarah Stevens resigns from the state House to run for the Supreme Court, while nearly two-thirds of opportunity scholarship dollars go to lower-income families. Meanwhile, a growing trend of municipal financial distress is being highlighted by State Auditor Dave Bollock, with Rocky Mount facing significant cash flow issues. The case of DeCarlos Brown, who killed a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee on the Charlotte Light Rail, is also being closely watched as he is deemed incompetent to stand trial and will undergo treatment for up to four months. [... more]

North Carolina's economy outperformed the nation with real GDP growth growing at 5.6%, while personal income across the state rose by 3.8% compared to 3.3% nationally. The state's technology sector continues to expand, with a new multi-year supply agreement between Meta and Corning valued at upwards of $6 billion. North Carolina ranks 13th on the National Education Freedom Index, with a B grade for providing educational options for parents. The state's opportunity scholarship program is universally available to all students regardless of income, and its robust charter school network is a highlight. [... more]