Attorney General Fight: President Trump says he may temporarily withdraw and delay Todd Blanche’s nomination, keeping him as acting attorney general until GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis leave office—an escalation in the standoff over an “anti-weaponization” deal tied to Trump’s IRS lawsuit. Healthcare & Jobs: Raleigh residents packed a town hall opposing the proposed WakeMed–Atrium Health merger, raising fears about oversight, transparency, and potential cost and quality impacts. Local Business & Regulation: Charlotte lawmakers and business owners renewed calls to rein in “predatory towing,” saying the industry lacks guardrails and pushing for stronger state action. Energy & Rates: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson won’t join a Duke Energy settlement, arguing proposed rate increases are still too high even after Duke trimmed its hike. Water Watch: Gov. Josh Stein and DEQ urged continued drought conservation despite recent rain, warning groundwater and major reservoirs remain low. Courtroom Business: A federal appeals ruling cleared the path for a North Carolina attorney general lawsuit against HCA, while another case involving a Dutch firm accused of stealing a North Carolina company’s brand and code highlights how foreign conduct can still face U.S. law. Economic Development: Charlotte’s HSP US opened a new $60M manufacturing plant for high-voltage transformer bushings, aiming to create up to 140 jobs through 2030. Politics Polls: Fox News polls show Democrat Roy Cooper leading GOP Michael Whatley in North Carolina Senate voting, with inflation still topping voter concerns.