North Carolina’s mail-in ballot rules are facing a new federal lawsuit from voting-rights groups represented in part by the Elias Law Group. The plaintiffs are challenging guidance approved by the State Board of Elections covering ballot envelopes and signature verification, arguing the rules could result in lawful ballots being rejected; the board has previously defended the process as secure and workable. Meanwhile, nearly $23 million in interest-free loans is heading to western North Carolina communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss backlash over an “attack on US soil” comment from a North Carolina House candidate and a report on the state’s business tax climate. Plus, NC College Connect is providing direct admission offers to more than 105,000 public school seniors, with every senior on track to graduate receiving at least one offer.