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Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, told ¹ÏÉñapp Monday that he's leaving the legislature to pursue new opportunities. He said he would release more specifics later Monday.

In a split vote, the state elections board has, for now, denied recognition for three alternative political parties.

A North Carolina state senator who helped lead a powerful committee has resigned days after the General Assembly completed this year's primary work session. The resignation of Republican Sen. Jim Perry of Lenoir County was effective Tuesday.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a civil rights group challenging North Carolina's anti-rioting law, whose criminal penalties were raised last year by state legislators. The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina sued over the law, after the Legislature increased punishments in response to protests against racial injustice and police brutality in 2020.

Senators voted Monday night for the measure that directs $31.4 billion in spending for the next fiscal year that starts July 1. But the House plan would spend $31.7 billion and offers additional teacher and state employee pay raises.

State investigators launched a probe in March after checks of 2022 trips conducted by a Department of Administration division. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said she asked the State Bureau of Investigation to look into the trips.

Democrats are outpacing Republicans on advertising spending in North Carolina, hoping to make up for Joe Biden's losing the state in 2020. Both parties also face the challenge of engaging with voters who may feel indifferent or even disgusted with the ballot choices they face.

An effort to order manufacturers of "forever chemicals" to help North Carolina public water systems pay for upgrades to remove contaminants that a company discharged has been renewed in the General Assembly.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Sen. Thom Tillis and other prominent Republicans in North Carolina offered their thoughts on social media on former president Donald Trump's conviction.

The state elections board instructed counties to submit their early voting plans for the fall general election ahead of schedule.