Here are the stories we're following today:
Winston-Salem Council OK's Funding For Ballpark Development
The Winston-Salem City Council has approved funding for development near BB&T Ballpark.
The council voted 7-1 Monday night to invest $53 million for a project that would bring in about $300,000 annual tax revenue to the city.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports 250 luxury apartments will be built on land to the northeast of the ballpark, along with 50,000 square feet of retail space that would include a grocery store.
The city would also contribute a parking deck at a cost of just over $8 million.
Officials say a second phase of the project would provide more affordable housing.
Foothills Brewing Expanding Into Georgia
One of the state's most established craft beer makers is growing again.
Winston-Salem-based Foothills Brewing announced on its blog Monday it will begin distributing beer in Georgia in 2016.
Foothills marketing chief Ray Goodrich says the decision is both practical and sentimental.
Georgia is the only North Carolina border state where the company doesn't yet have a presence. And Atlanta is one of the biggest markets in the country.
But it's also where Foothills founder Jamie Bartholomaus began home brewing as a college student at the University of Georgia.
Elections Board Finalizes Guilford and Watauga Early Voting Plans
The State Board of Elections has approved two area early voting plans. The plans passed over objections from opponents who wanted additional options.
In Guilford County, the state board ruled out Sunday early voting for this year's municipal elections.
The majority of the Guilford board had argued against an early voting calendar that included opening the polls on Oct. 25. But the vote wasn't unanimous, which sent the decision to the state board.
In Watauga County, the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone had both requested early voting sites. But again the state board sided with the majority of the Watauga board, who said the additional sites weren't needed for a municipal election.
Framework For Changing Medicaid Patient Billing Close To Law
Legislation designed to change how North Carolina government bills Medicaid patient treatment is close to becoming law.
The House and Senate scheduled floor votes today on an agreed-to compromise between both chambers that also creates a new state agency that remains within the Cabinet-level Department of Health and Human Services.
The measure envisions a new way to pay for Medicaid services by 2018 or 19— managed care companies and provider-led networks receiving a set amount of money per month for each patient for which they provide care. This contrasts with the traditional fee-for-service model.
UNC, Community Colleges Would Get Most From Bond Proposal
Senate Republicans have offered a scaled-down version of a bond package sought for several months by Gov. Pat McCrory.
The new proposal unveiled Monday would borrow $2 billion, in keeping with a new agreement with House Republicans. The governor wanted a package of nearly $2.9 billion.
The package also leaves out any money for roads. McCrory wanted some proceeds for highway projects. Legislative leaders say road debt isn't necessary now that the final state budget located new money annually for roads.
Spring Lake Mayor Gets Into U.S. Senate Race To Challenge Burr
The mayor of a small North Carolina town near Fort Bragg is running next year for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Richard Burr.
Spring Lake Mayor Chris Rey unveiled his candidacy Monday with website and Facebook postings. Rey's decision marks the first Democrat to announce among a handful or current or former elected officials looking at a Senate bid.
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