Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the Atlantic. Both sides in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s ban on gender transition surgeries for minors have agreed to pause proceedings. The full state Appeals Court will not rehear a northeastern NC Certificate of Need case. Senator Tillis is co-sponsoring legislation to help address the housing shortage, while Ellis Boyle has been named U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Back-to-school sales across the state are expected to rise, and there’s renewed discussion on expanding education freedom.

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Tariffs are hitting the automotive industry as they take effect. The State Health Plan is considering a premium increase while adding a new digital care platform. The NC elections board has resolved a voter ID lawsuit, approved early voting plans, and the upcoming back-to-school shopping season is expected to see higher sales. July’s sports betting numbers are also in.

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The NCDOT has opened its new 10-year transportation plan. State Auditor findings show the town of Mount Olive lost more than $210,000 due to negligent data entry. The State Board of Elections is meeting today, and a new poll finds most Americans view Chinese ownership of U.S. land as a major threat. Governor Stein opposes a push for expedited court review in the ongoing utilities appointment dispute.

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Trump’s latest round of tariffs is now taking effect. Governor Stein signed a stopgap spending measure to keep government running but vetoed a school choice bill. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation discussed efforts to clarify confusion surrounding North Carolina’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws. Meanwhile, a Carolina Journal opinion piece highlights how those laws can lead to higher healthcare costs, with one patient choosing to drive to South Carolina for an MRI.

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Lawmakers are reviewing a new elections bill that would impose firm deadlines and tougher audit standards. Governor Stein says he will sign a “Band-Aid” mini-budget but continues to press for a full state budget. He also plans to request another FEMA disaster declaration in response to Tropical Storm Chantal. Senator Budd is calling on the U.S. Department of Labor to reverse Biden-era agriculture regulations. The August Council of State meeting wrapped up with updates across key agencies.

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A new audit of the North Carolina DMV uncovers systemic problems and recommends separating the agency from the Department of Transportation. Mitch Kokai provides updates on several major legal challenges across the state. Meanwhile, victims of Tropical Storm Chantal are now eligible to apply for SBA disaster loans.

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Applications are now open for the third round of interest-free cashflow loans aimed at communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. State Auditor’s office transparency improves with a new internal budget dashboard. August brings increased tropical activity, and the state treasurer highlights early success in the OpenAI pilot program. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are urging North Carolina’s top court to uphold a conviction based on a vehicle search initiated by smell.

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Michael Whatley officially announced his U.S. Senate campaign in Gastonia, marking the beginning of what’s expected to be a closely watched race. Meanwhile, Maggie Valley continues to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A new audit of North Carolina's Medicaid system is underway, and the state Appeals Court has upheld restrictions on Sunday hunting

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Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is set to announce his U.S. Senate campaign Thursday in Gastonia. At the legislature, lawmakers approved an interim spending plan as budget negotiations remain at a standstill. A new tax credit school choice bill has been sent to Governor Stein, and legislators continue to scrutinize the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery. Six additional vetoed bills did not receive override votes.

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The Trump administration has frozen $108 million in federal funds for Duke Health, citing allegations of systemic racial discrimination. In Raleigh, lawmakers voted to override multiple vetoes from Governor Stein—including on high-profile energy and regulatory bills—while Rep. Jeff Jackson dropped out of the U.S. Senate race and endorsed Roy Cooper. Stein responded by urging the legislature to focus on passing a state budget instead.

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