New state data shows roughly one in three of the more than 56,000 state government employees required to get a COVID-19 shot or be tested weekly are not yet fully vaccinated. Law enforcement and state prison officials have been the least likely to get vaccinated. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said those who do not get the vaccine or perform weekly testing can be punished. Nearly 9 in 10 workers within the Office of State Budget and Management and Office of State Human Resources are fully vaccinated.

North Carolina Republican legislators say there’s an agreement in principle that would lead to new controls upon the nonprofit body governing high school sports. But there’s still uncertainty, as all the details haven’t been worked out. House and Senate GOP members who’ve scrutinized the North Carolina High School Athletic Association say lawmakers from both chambers met with representatives of Gov. Roy Cooper, the State Board of Education and the association. The association and education board would sign a formal memo on how the association would oversee interscholastic sports.

People attending the 2021 N.C. State Fair won’t be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, but officials say it’s strongly encouraged. A statement from fair officials also says any size or type of clear bag is acceptable. Wristlets, diaper bags and medical equipment bags will be accepted at the fair even if they are not clear, but they will require additional inspection. In addition, officials say there will be no concerts inside Dorton Arena when the fair opens next month. The space will be used for vendors to provide a larger venue for farmers and producers.

North Carolina government would need billions of dollars in additional road-building funds if it wants to carry out currently planned projects for the next decade. A Department of Transportation report says the gap between the costs for committed DOT projects and available funding from 2024 to 2033 is at least $7 billion. WRAL-TV reports projects could get dropped from the state's transportation building roadmap or others don't get added.