North Carolina continues to rank among the top three states for population growth, a trend that state leaders say is driving both economic opportunity and infrastructure strain. At the same time, bipartisan state and federal officials are increasing pressure on regional power grid operators to rein in rising electricity costs that are hitting consumers and businesses alike. President Trump also announced that John Deere plans to open a new facility in North Carolina, adding to the state’s manufacturing momentum. Weather officials are warning residents to prepare for another round of winter weather this weekend. Meanwhile, the Trump administration rolled out its nationwide “Freedom Truck” initiative at a North Carolina charter school.