North Carolina Republicans have voted to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public universities, while a vote on a broader ban has been postponed. The state is also considering GOP-backed bills that would give the state auditor expanded authority over government spending. Meanwhile, an audit found the NC Department of Health and Human Services has recurring issues managing federal funds, and another report revealed that the NC Department of Public Safety failed to accurately report data to HUD due to a lack of understanding of requirements. In redistricting news, judges have removed certain districts and dropped other claims in ongoing lawsuits. Additionally, new legislation known as Alena’s Law aims to expedite death declarations for missing disaster victims.