Federal judges have denied an injunction request and upheld North Carolina’s newly approved congressional map, clearing the way for candidate filing, which opens today for the 2026 election cycle. The state has also released its updated county economic tier designations for 2026, outlining which areas will receive priority for economic-development grants. Meanwhile, Iryna’s Law—a sweeping public safety and judicial reform package inspired by the murder of Iryna Zarutska—will officially take effect in North Carolina on December 1.