The North Carolina Senate has advanced a new congressional map, with Sen. Ralph Hise defending the proposal as fair and compliant with state law. The DMV has reported a major spike in online renewals following a recent law change allowing drivers to renew licenses without a REAL ID. North Carolina’s export economy continues to grow, with pharmaceuticals now surpassing other industries to become the state’s top export—most of which go to China. However, new European Union steel tariffs of 50% could soon impact the state’s manufacturing sector.