North Carolina's state budget is facing a surplus, with lawmakers cautioning that rising costs and future tax cuts could strain finances. The North Carolina State Board of Elections certified the 2026 primary election results, with early voting up 25% from the last midterm primary. The Trump administration canceled two large offshore wind farm electrical generation leases, with Total Energies set to reinvest the money into LNG, oil, and other forms of electrical generation. North Carolina's community colleges are enrolling more students than at any point since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with full-time equivalent enrollment growing by 23%. A new labeling standard for meat, poultry, and egg producers, known as Product of the USA, was launched by the USDA, allowing producers to label their products as 'Made in the USA'. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature remains deadlocked on a state budget, while Duke Energy has determined that offshore wind is not currently a reliable or least cost energy option, citing new uncertainties and risks. Governor Josh Stein has announced the creation of an energy policy task force to focus on lower rates and renewable energy, but critics argue that the projects would raise energy costs and threaten coastal industries. [... more]