The Republican budget bill includes a provision about the I-77 toll lanes. GOP lawmakers want the toll lanes built — or local governments to reimburse the state for money spent designing the project.

Three major egg producers will donate about 3 million eggs to food banks in North Carolina as part of a settlement with Attorney General Jeff Jackson, 16 other attorneys general and the federal government.

The new state budget bill that passed the legislature with bipartisan support Wednesday would add tolls to four coastal ferry services. Passengers already pay tolls for two of the ferries to Ocracoke Island and the ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher. The final budget bill includes a Senate proposal to charge tolls on all ferries starting in January.

The ban allows private citizens to sue local government if they permit camping on public property. The legislation allows the creation of dedicated camping areas, as long as they don't impact businesses or residential areas. The bill doesn't provide any funding for dealing with homelessness.

Charlotte’s Government Center chamber was packed with city officials Wednesday morning for the swearing-in of Rob Harrington as Charlotte’s interim mayor. He is taking over from Mayor Vi Lyles, who resigned partway through her fifth term.

A bill to eliminate parking lot minimums is heading to Gov. Stein’s desk.If signed, local regulations could no longer establish a minimum square footage for off-street parking or mandate parking spaces for new developments. The new law would not apply to coastal communities governed by the Coastal Area Management Act.The bill also expands stormwater management incentives for new or existing developments.

Mecklenburg County’s sales tax goes up one percentage point Wednesday, rising to 8.25%. Voters approved the increase in November to fund a multibillion-dollar transportation and transit plan. It applies to items like electronics, meals at restaurants, clothes and alcohol. Many grocery items are exempt from the new tax, but prepared foods like hot bar items are not. Nor are things like soft drinks or candy.Major projects to be built with the new revenue include the Red Line commuter train to the north, along with road improvements across the county.

The state House voted Tuesday to remove sales taxes from diapers and feminine products.

The package includes money for temporary housing, private roads and bridges, volunteer rebuild groups and local governments. But the largest share — $450 million — would cover the state and local portion of federal programs.

North Carolina has some of the fastest-rising healthcare costs in the country. Now, Treasurer Brad Briner, who oversees the State Health Plan, and DHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai will try to fix them.