The Associated Press

Democrats still in the dumps over last year’s elections have found cause for optimism in North Carolina, where former Gov. Roy Cooper jumped into the race for that state’s newly open seat with a vow to address voters’ persistent concerns about making ends meet. Republicans, meanwhile, are hardly ceding the economic populist ground President Donald Trump held in carrying the state last year. In announcing his candidacy for Senate on Thursday, Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley credited Trump with fulfilling campaign promises to working Americans. Cooper’s plainspoken appeal represents the latest effort by Democrats to find their way back to power.

The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it is eliminating its research and development arm and reducing agency staff by thousands of employees.

The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked into a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model in other sports.

Child safety advocates are warning about the dangers of heatstroke from leaving kids in hot cars. Experts say vehicle temperatures can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even on mild days, putting children at serious risk. This year, nine children have died in hot cars across several U.S. states, including five in June.

Demonstrators gathered in parks and plazas across the U.S. to protest against President Donald Trump. The "No Kings" rallies were organized in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, including in Raleigh along Capitol Boulevard and downtown.

President Donald Trump called protesters in Los Angeles "animals" and "a foreign enemy" in a speech at Fort Bragg as he defended deploying the military on those protesting his immigration enforcement.

North Carolina Democratic Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs has been sworn in to a new term after her Republican rival challenged the results over six months.

The Republican challenger for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat has conceded last November's election to the Democratic incumbent. Jefferson Griffin said in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday that he would not appeal a federal judge's decision favoring Associate Justice Allison Riggs. Griffin's decision sets the stage for Riggs to be officially elected to an eight-year term as an associate justice.

Sen. Thom Tillis, a key Republican vote, says he's informed the White House that he won't support Donald Trump's pick for top federal prosecutor in Washington, stalling the nomination in the Senate weeks before the temporary appointment expires.

North Carolina's Supreme Court has ruled that tens of thousands of cast ballots challenged by the trailing candidate in November's election for a seat on the court must remain in the election count. Friday's decision by the justices partially overturns last week's decision by the Court of Appeals that favored Republican Jefferson Griffin.