WFAE staff and wire reports

A bill that would give Mecklenburg County voters the chance to raise the local sales tax by one percentage point won final approval in the General Assembly today, passing the House 102-4. The bill now heads to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk. If voters in Mecklenburg approve the higher sales tax in November, it would fund billions in road improvements and new transit lines.

The N.C. House of Representatives is trying to push pared down hemp laws through before the General Assembly leaves for the summer. Right now, anyone can buy or possess hemp products, including those with intoxicating effects.

Three years after moving up to Division I, Queens University of Charlotte has been granted full membership in the NCAA’s top athletic category. The move means the Royals can compete for national championships starting this fall.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools plans to implement artificial intelligence in its learning next year. The school district said they want to support the appropriate use of AI with students to match the changes in the workforce.

Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, kicked off his bid Monday for the state's first open gubernatorial race in 16 years.

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles needs to focus more on improving its workforce — including staffing and personnel flexibility — to enhance customer service, the state auditor said Monday.

The North Carolina Senate gave unanimous approval Monday to a $700 million recovery package for Western North Carolina as it continues to recover from Hurricane Helene.

If you thought Monday was hot, just wait until Tuesday afternoon.

Belmont Abbey College has named Joseph Wysocki as interim president, effective Aug. 3. Wysocki is a Belmont Abbey graduate and the school’s current provost. The college recently announced that President Bill Thierfelder is stepping down to retire at the beginning of August after more than 20 years leading the school.

The county heat plan includes extending hours of cooling centers, pools and spraygrounds, as well as providing free public transportation to these locations on CATS.