President Trump says U.S. operations involving Iran will continue until stated objectives are achieved, as tensions escalate following Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a move with major implications for global energy markets. Gas prices across North Carolina are reacting to the instability, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption could push prices higher. In election news, a Canadian citizen has pleaded guilty to illegally voting in North Carolina federal elections. Meanwhile, state officials confirmed that votes cast for a disqualified candidate in the GOP U.S. Senate primary will still be counted under current election law. Separately, UNC System leaders have approved a significant overhaul of the system’s academic freedom policy, redefining faculty protections and responsibilities moving forward.