Newly released crime data shows continued improvement in safety across North Carolina public schools, reinforcing a positive statewide trend. On the sports front, at least 16 players with North Carolina ties are set to appear in the Super Bowl, highlighting the state’s deep football footprint. In state government, Auditor Dave Boliek is auditing his own office as part of a broader push for transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, a judge blocked UNC from enforcing a protest ban and dismissed part of the university’s lawsuit, and attention now turns to Raleigh as Charlotte leaders prepare to address lawmakers at the General Assembly on Monday.