Of all tests taken, 72.1% were scored a 3, 4 or 5 – demonstrating that a student is qualified to receive college-level credit for that subject. Since 2021, the number of exams with qualifying scores has roughly doubled to an all-time high of 123,394 qualifying scores in 2024-25.

In Wednesday’s Senate hearing on Capitol Hill before the Committee on Indian Affairs, Sen. Thom Tillis said the level of unity and support has never been greater. And it’s a fight that began 137 years ago, three years after recognition by the state of North Carolina.

"It's time to say enough is enough," said Shores. "Let's do what's right, put education first, let's stand together and take back control of our schools, our future and our opportunities."

The portal helps modernize a compensation program that last year approved 2,449 paper claims submitted by mail. In 2024, the program reimbursed victims of violent crime and their families $9.8 million.

McDowell County Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan has announced he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2026.