Election Integrity & Voting Rules: North Carolina Republicans’ latest election-law changes keep drawing fire, with critics arguing the state’s “integrity” push has mostly shifted power and made voting harder rather than proving widespread fraud. State Elections Board: The State Board of Elections has also moved to tighten absentee voting rules, including changes that make it easier to discard mail-in ballots—fueling more debate ahead of the 2026 midterms. Surveillance & Public Safety: A new budget provision makes the Automatic License Plate Reader pilot permanent on state highways, expanding ALPR access statewide while raising oversight questions. Healthcare Competition: A North Carolina hospital market debate is heating up as officials and advocates argue mergers can reduce competition and raise costs. Military & Youth Support: The “Purple Star Schools” designation is highlighted as a way to welcome and support military-connected students through frequent moves. Sports Governance: Brad Alford is set to become the next NCHSAA commissioner, taking over after a transition period. Local Economy: Burlington plans to seek state help for Alamance Foods’ expansion, aiming to add production capacity and jobs. Military-Related Tragedy: The Pentagon’s Iran-war death toll and troop-return details continue to reverberate, including a North Carolina service member named among the fallen.