WFAE staff and wire reports

Former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and his wife have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection, a process that allows debtors to reorganize their finances while retaining some assets.WRAL reported that the couple listed less than $800 in bank accounts and nearly $800,000 in debts.According to a federal bankruptcy filing, the Robinsons' assets include their home in Colfax, two vehicles and other personal property.Robinson, a Republican, served as North Carolina's lieutenant governor for four years before losing the 2024 governor's race to Democrat Josh Stein.Robinson's gubernatorial campaign was marked by allegations involving racist and sexual online posts that came to light during the race.

Fourteen people were hospitalized after workers at a Caldwell County recycling plant were exposed to an unknown white powder.

Silfab Solar could begin part of its solar panel manufacturing process involving industrial chemicals as early as this week.The Rock Hill Herald reports the company provided a 72-hour notice Friday to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The notice was required under an agreement with state regulators after two chemical releases in March halted Silfab's plans at its Fort Mill facility.The Canada-based company has been at the center of controversy because of its use of industrial chemicals near homes and schools. Several legal cases regarding what operations Silfab can conduct at the site remain ongoing.

The Fort Mill School District has filed a counterclaim lawsuit against Silfab Solar and York County, arguing that the ongoing legal dispute over the solar panel manufacturer overlooks health and safety concerns for thousands of students and staff at nearby schools.

Three new members will join the Rock Hill school board after no incumbents sought reelection for the seats on Tuesday’s ballot.

Charlotte voters approved all three general obligation bond referendums Tuesday, totaling $425 million.

Mecklenburg County will once again have an all-Democratic county commission, with nearly all races in Tuesday's election unopposed and three new members coming to the board. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden and District Attorney Spencer Merriweather, also Democrats, were reelected without opposition.

Charlotte voters approved three bond issues Tuesday, setting the city up to invest hundreds of millions in affordable housing and transportation improvements.

Three amendments to the North Carolina Constitution were approved Tuesday: future limits on state income taxes and local property taxes and stricter voter ID requirements for mail-in ballots.

It’s Election Day for the 2026 midterms, and WFAE reporters are talking to voters outside polling stations throughout the region.A record 2.8 million North Carolinians cast their ballots early this year, with long lines reported at the end of the early voting period on Saturday. Turnout appeared steady on Tuesday, with streams of voters filing through voting booths. The state’s open U.S. Senate seat is the highest-profile contest this year, but the ballot also includes a state Supreme Court seat, constitutional amendments limiting income tax rates and property taxes, as well as a host of local races and county bond questions.