WUNC

Scientists at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have discovered a new species of mussel. The mussel called Ligodonta obscura was first found in 2016 in the Little River about 20 miles south of Asheboro. Over the last nine years, researchers have studied the mussel. It has unique characteristics related to its teeth and reproduction.

A key North Carolina senator says it is unlikely that the General Assembly will make progress on a new state budget or Medicaid funding next week. Sen. Ralph Hise is a Republican from Mitchell County and a Senate budget writer.

A Durham-based group is assessing whether to move forward with its pending lawsuit against the town of Edenton and Chowan County over a confederate monument.

A Greensboro-based company that makes semiconductors will close its factory in the city. Qorvo makes chips for Apple and other technology companies. Grant Brown is Chief Financial Officer. He spoke to investors on a conference call last week.

The U.S. Department of Education is expected to release about $36 million in federal funds for North Carolina public schools on Monday. On July 1, the department withheld funding to schools nationwide for certain programs, citing the need to ensure they align with President Trump's priorities.

In North Carolina, the red snapper and southern flounder fisheries are overfished and tightly regulated. But the legislature is now considering forcing open recreational fishing seasons for both species. The House passed a bill last week with mostly Republican support. Democratic Rep. Brian Turner voted against it, warning that it could make things worse.

A private foundation will help a North Carolina nonprofit that recently lost federal funding. The Trump Administration rescinded a $1.6 million grant to North Carolina Humanities last month. It supports museums, libraries, and history education in nearly every county. Executive Director Sherry Paula Watkins says the Mellon Foundation is stepping in.

You could soon receive a fine if an officer sees a pet in your lap while you're driving. Brunswick County Republican Frank Iler has introduced legislation that would let officers issue a $100 fine if they see a driver holding a pet or distracted by children.

The National Park Service has laid off 23 rangers in North Carolina parks as part of the federal government's recent austerity measures.