Duke Energy is seeking a roughly 15% rate increase, prompting immediate objections from both Gov. Josh Stein and AG Jeff Jackson, who argue the proposal would burden families already coping with rising costs. The State Board of Elections pushed back against claims that federal officials have “unfettered” access to North Carolina voter data, stressing that all access is governed by strict legal protocols. In business news, Wolfspeed—will receive nearly $700 million in tax refunds under preexisting incentive agreements. As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season closes, North Carolina once again avoided a direct hurricane strike, though Tropical Storm Chantal delivered notable impacts earlier in the year.