U.S. Senate Confirmation: Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general in a 50-49 vote early Saturday, with only Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining Democrats in opposition, after GOP holdouts demanded written assurances tied to a disputed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and limits on IRS audit protections. North Carolina Elections: Western North Carolina Republicans face a tight scramble after Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew from the 11th District race following a House Ethics recommendation for censure, setting up a replacement decision by the GOP district executive committee. NC Campaign Finance: Former Gov. Roy Cooper’s U.S. Senate bid has pulled in $726K-plus through joint fundraising with four Democratic senators, signaling alignment on affordability and Medicaid priorities. State Politics & Policy: North Carolina House leaders left the hemp-derived consumables bill in committee, delaying action after protests and pushback from lawmakers and industry. Public Health: CDC added 94 measles cases, bringing 2026 totals to 2,465, with a mid-August federal review looming and school-year exposure risks for unvaccinated children. Local Governance: Privacy fights over license plate readers keep spreading as more cities scrutinize or pause the tech amid vandalism and civil-liberties concerns.