Helene Aid Round 3, AI Pilot Progress, ‘Smell Search’ Fight

Applications are now open for the third round of interest-free cashflow loans aimed at communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. State Auditor’s office transparency improves with a new internal budget dashboard. August brings increased tropical activity, and the state treasurer highlights early success in the OpenAI pilot program. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are urging North Carolina’s top court to uphold a conviction based on a vehicle search initiated by smell.