A new North Carolina energy report warns that electricity rates could rise as demand surges statewide, driven by population growth and expanding industry. In election news, a judge struck down an order related to the State Board of Elections, ruling the board violated its own procedures. Early voting continues across North Carolina, with updated turnout numbers offering insight into voter engagement ahead of the primary. Meanwhile, the Department of Environmental Quality awarded $5.7 million for flood mitigation projects in western North Carolina to strengthen resilience after recent storms.