Bradley George

The states sued Graystar earlier this year for using software known as RealPage.

It's a tenant application system used by many landlords.

The attorneys general and the U.S.

Justice Department argue RealPage allows property managers to share private data and inflate rents.

A federal judge in North Carolina still has to approve the settlement.

The states will split the $7 million, which they'll use for antitrust enforcement.

Graystar last month agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class action suit over its use of RealPage.

Real Page denies wrongdoing and says its software is only used by about 10 percent of the nation's rental units.

For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell says she doesn't know how long the operation will last or when agents would be present.

She says crime is down in North Carolina's capital city and a federal presence is not needed.

In a statement, Cowell asks Raleigh residents to, quote, remember our values and maintain peace and respect through any upcoming challenges.

Border Patrol and ICE agents began a sweep through Charlotte over the weekend.

Many businesses and immigrant communities have closed, and the city's school system reported nearly 21,000 absences on Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security has said it's focusing on North Carolina because of what it calls sanctuary policies that it says limit cooperation between local authorities and immigration agents.

For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill.

Thousands of farmers from Florida to the Carolinas suffered catastrophic damage from Helene last September. But Congress didn't pass a relief bill until three months later. USDA says it's finally ready to start doling out that funding. Affected states will have to negotiate with the agency, which will distribute aid in block grants.

Thousands of farmers from Florida to the Carolinas suffered catastrophic damage from Helene last September. But Congress didn't pass a relief bill until three months later. USDA says it's finally ready to start doling out that funding. Affected states will have to negotiate with the agency, which will distribute aid in block grants.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed a law this week that exempts crop insurance and disaster payments from state taxes. North Carolina lawmakers have approved payments to cover farm losses, but Governor Josh Stein and legislative leaders say money will have to be set aside later this year. For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed a law this week that exempts crop insurance and disaster payments from state taxes. North Carolina lawmakers have approved payments to cover farm losses, but Governor Josh Stein and legislative leaders say money will have to be set aside later this year. For NPR News, I'm Bradley George in Chapel Hill.