NC Newsline

A judge has not immediately ruled on a lawsuit seeking the release of a $1.2 million internal report on UNC's controversial School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL). The university and news media organizations dispute whether the report qualifies as a public record, with UNC arguing it contains attorney work product related to potential litigation.

The U.S. House Ethics Committee recommends censure for Rep. Chuck Edwards following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct toward two young women who worked in his office. The committee found Edwards created a hostile work environment through a pattern of actions, though no explicit sexual comments or touching were proven. Both women left their positions at the U.S. House.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to reopen a former for-profit prison in Winton, North Carolina, as a mass detention facility with 1,400 beds under a contract with GEO Group. The facility, previously closed in 2021 due to health and safety complaints, has a history of inadequate medical care and discrimination, sparking protests and condemnation from advocates and officials.

Chemours and its predecessor DuPont discharged PFAS 'forever chemicals' into the Cape Fear River for over 30 years, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. The Trump administration faces criticism for inadequate responses to PFAS pollution, while lawsuits and regulatory actions seek accountability for the contamination.

North Carolina's new state budget includes over 600 pages and dozens of law changes unrelated to spending, such as proposals to ban hemp products and alter election rules. Reporter Brandon Kingdollar of NC Newsline discusses these controversial policy changes in a $34 billion spending package.

North Carolina state lawmakers are advancing bills during the 2026 legislative session, including proposals to liberalize alcohol sales regulations and introduce constitutional amendments. GOP lawmakers are pushing for changes that face opposition from religious conservatives, while some amendments aim to influence voter turnout. The discussion includes insights from NC Newsline reporter Brandon Kingdollar.