North Carolina State News Info Tracker

North Carolina continues to make significant strides across workforce development, business investment, and infrastructure planning. Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff beginning this morning to honor civil rights activist Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.

On the economic front, major investments are reshaping the state's industrial landscape. Johnson and Johnson is investing 2 billion dollars in a new North Carolina facility, creating 120 jobs as part of a broader 55 billion dollar U.S. commitment. Biogen announced an additional 2 billion dollar investment in its existing North Carolina manufacturing facilities, while Amazon is...

North Carolina listeners are navigating a mix of political primaries, economic growth, and local challenges amid steady infrastructure progress. Top headlines include multiple shootings: Moore County Sheriff's Office identified Katarina Toy and Matthew Wade as victims killed in a home incident, with suspect Fossnaw in Ohio custody, according to WRAL News[1]. Raleigh police reported two people shot at Touchdown Sports Bar, expected to recover, marking repeated violence there[1]. A man faces over 20 charges after assaulting a woman in a Food Lion lot and related crimes[1].

In government and politics, in-person early voting started Thursday for the March 3 primaries...

North Carolina faces ongoing challenges from severe drought affecting 62 percent of the state, with low river levels persisting despite recent snowfall, prompting water conservation and burn restrictions, according to Flyover North Carolina. Manufacturing shed 7,200 jobs in 2025, a 1.6 percent drop amid broader economic growth and a 3.4 percent unemployment rate, though over 310 firms list 4,400 openings. Voltage Energy announced its global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Roxboro, boosting clean energy prospects, as reported by GroundBreak Carolinas.

President Trump visited Fort Bragg Friday, honoring special forces for capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and endorsing Senate candidate Michael Whatley. State Highway Patrol r...

A potent winter storm blanketed North Carolina in late January 2026, dropping measurable snow in all 100 counties for the first time in over a decade, according to the North Carolina State Climate Office. NASA Earth Observatory reports nearly continuous snow from the Appalachians to the coast, with over a foot in western mountains, nearly a foot in Charlotte, and 14 inches in Greenville, causing road hazards, collisions on I-85 per The Charlotte Observer, and coastal overwash on Hatteras Island as noted by Island Free Press.

Governor Stein signed Executive Order 33 on February 5, directing agencies to bolster behavioral health and public...

North Carolina is experiencing significant momentum across multiple sectors following a tumultuous winter. A devastating bomb cyclone struck the state from January 30 through February 2, delivering what the North Carolina State Climate Office calls a historic weather event, with measurable snow falling in all 100 counties for the first time in more than a decade. According to NASA Earth Observatory, Charlotte received nearly a foot of snow, the most since 2004, while Greenville experienced 14 inches, an amount unseen since March 1980. The storm claimed multiple lives across the Carolinas and triggered 750 crashes on North Carolina roads on January 31 alone.

Despite these challenges...

North Carolina grapples with the aftermath of a massive winter storm that blanketed the state in heavy snow, marking the first time in over a decade all 100 counties saw measurable accumulation, according to NASA's Earth Observatory[13]. Governor Josh Stein reported nearly a foot of snow around Charlotte, a top-five event historically, over 1,000 traffic collisions, two road deaths, and major flight disruptions at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with cleanup expected to take days, as detailed by WUNC[1]. The bomb cyclone also caused chaos on Interstate 85 and power outages lingering from prior storms.

On the economic front, the state shines...

North Carolina grapples with the aftermath of a massive bomb cyclone that dumped nearly a foot of snow around Charlotte, marking one of the city's top-five snow events ever, according to WUNC News. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency after the storm caused over 1,000 traffic collisions, two road deaths, and widespread flight cancellations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with cleanup expected to take days. ABC News reports schools and community colleges statewide closed or shifted to remote learning on February 2, with delays persisting into February 5 in districts like Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Onslow County.

Economically, the state...

North Carolina listeners are digging out from a historic statewide snowstorm that struck last weekend, marking the most widespread wintry event in over a dozen years. North Carolina State Climate Office reports accumulating snow fell across the entire state, delivering the biggest totals for some areas in decades and prompting rapid response efforts from emergency teams.

In politics, the state legislature kicked off its 2026 session with debates over budget priorities, including expanded infrastructure funding amid post-storm recovery needs. Governor Roy Cooper highlighted a new policy push for resilient energy grids, while local governments in Raleigh and Charlotte approved...

A powerful winter storm battered North Carolina this weekend, blanketing parts of the state with up to a foot of snow and prompting winter storm warnings for every county through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service. The Intelligencer reports more than 200 collisions on state roads Saturday, with Interstate 85 in Kannapolis closing after over 100 vehicles, including tractor-trailers, piled up; hundreds of National Guard troops mobilized to assist, while residents like those in Wake Forest rushed to fill propane tanks amid subfreezing temperatures. CBS News notes the storm's risks, including frostbite and power issues lingering from prior outages.

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North Carolina is experiencing significant developments across education, infrastructure, and economic policy as the new year takes shape.

In education, the state's General Assembly implemented a new law on January 1st banning most cell phone use by students during classroom time. According to Up and Coming Weekly, educators in Charlotte have already reported seeing improved student connections, socialization, and critical thinking in just the short time since the ban took effect. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announced nearly 400 million dollars in lottery-funded grants for school construction and renovation projects across ten districts from Transylvania to...

North Carolina listeners are digging out from a major winter storm that brought snow, sleet, and ice across the state over the weekend, causing hazardous roads and power outages, especially in the west. Governor Josh Stein urged caution on slick highways and warned of dangerously cold temperatures persisting through the week, with refreezing risks creating black ice, according to a January 26 press release from his office. Over 2,400 NCDOT workers have deployed brine and salt to clear routes, while a federal emergency declaration unlocked generators and aid for shelters. The storm's icy glaze was lighter than feared in central areas like...

North Carolina is navigating significant developments across weather, infrastructure, and economic growth as the state braces for a major winter storm while advancing ambitious long-term projects.

Governor Josh Stein announced Saturday that President Trump approved an emergency declaration for North Carolina ahead of an intense winter weather system moving across the state. The declaration provides additional generators for hospitals and critical facilities, along with U.S. Forest Service assets to clear trees expected to fall under accumulated ice. Stein urged residents to stay home, noting that forecasters predict up to four inches of snow and sleet in the...

Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on January 21 as North Carolina braces for a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and subfreezing temperatures starting Saturday, with hazardous road conditions lingering into next week, according to the governors office press release. State agencies like the Department of Transportation are pretreating roads, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson activated price gouging laws to protect residents. Stein urged listeners to prepare now, stock essentials, and avoid travel this weekend so first responders can operate safely.

In politics, EMILYs List announced a 15 million dollar investment targeting North Carolina...

North Carolina navigates budget delays and economic growth amid pressing health and recovery needs. The state remains the only one without an enacted 2025-2027 budget, with lawmakers unlikely to act until April due to disputes over teacher pay, capital projects, and tax cuts, according to WUNC and the NC Chamber. Individual income tax rates dropped to 4.25 percent in 2025 and will decline further in 2026, while corporate rates head to zero by 2030. Governor Josh Stein urged the General Assembly to pass a people-first budget, highlighting risks from expiring Affordable Care Act credits and new Medicaid and SNAP work requirements set for 2027, as...

North Carolina faces a significant budget stalemate as the state remains the only one in the nation without an enacted fiscal year 2025-2027 budget. According to reporting from the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, lawmakers are not expected to resume meaningful negotiations until the short session begins after the March primaries, with a resolution potentially delayed until April at the earliest. The impasse centers on disagreements between House and Senate Republicans over the pace of scheduled income tax cuts, along with disputes regarding teacher compensation and capital project funding.

Governor Josh Stein recently held an NC Strong Update...

North Carolina kicks off 2026 with a mix of economic promise and political gridlock. Governor Josh Stein announced Johnson & Johnson will invest billions in a second manufacturing facility in Wilson County, creating up to 500 jobs focused on oncology and neurological medicines, building on their recent $2 billion campus there and a Holly Springs site, according to the Governor's office. Statewide, the Economic Development Partnership pursues 233 projects targeting 59,000 jobs and $43 billion in investment, with strong sectors like life sciences and energy, as reported by the Triad Business Journal.

In politics, the legislature remains the only one nationwide without a FY 2025-2027...

North Carolina kicks off 2026 with a mix of political maneuvering, economic momentum, and infrastructure pushes amid a softening job market. Top headlines include the start of absentee ballot mailing for the March 3 primary election, as reported by WTVD, alongside Governor Josh Stein's announcement of Johnson & Johnson's multibillion-dollar expansion in Wilson County, creating up to 500 jobs in drug manufacturing for oncology and neurological treatments.[1][3] The state legislature held a brief no-vote session this week, with a new budget unlikely before April due to a Republican impasse over income tax cuts, leaving North Carolina the only U.S. state without a 2025 budget...

North Carolina is entering 2026 with a mix of strong economic news, significant policy shifts, and ongoing debates over how growth should be managed. According to the office of Governor Josh Stein, Site Selection magazine has ranked North Carolina the number one state in the nation for workforce development for 2026, highlighting record capital investment of more than 24 billion dollars and over 35,000 new jobs announced since early 2025, as well as more than 100,000 North Carolinians now working in clean energy jobs, and a robust manufacturing base led by companies like Toyota Battery Manufacturing and GE Aerospace [Governor’s Office]. The Economic Development Partnership of...

North Carolina begins the new year under a wave of legal, economic, and weather developments that are reshaping life across the state. WLOS and WPDE report that a slate of new laws took effect January 1, including House Bill 805, which defines only two genders on official state documents and requires identification based on sex at birth, a move supporters say brings clarity but critics call part of a national anti-LGBTQ agenda.[1][11] Holly Springs Update notes that the broader Regulatory Reform Act (HB 926) and other measures trim some local government discretion on zoning, inspections, and permitting, signaling a continued push by the...

Carolina kicks off 2026 with a mix of legislative shifts, economic momentum, and educational progress amid mild winter weather. Top headlines include a dozen new laws effective January 1, covering health care, adoption, and gender identity on state documents. House Bill 805, passed over the governor's veto, mandates gender at birth on IDs like driver's licenses, drawing praise from Senator Kevin Corbin as fair while Senator Julie Mayfield decries it as anti-LGBTQ, according to WLOS News. Senate Bill 690 streamlines real estate offers by allowing buyer agent commissions in negotiations, per WPDE.

In politics, the state legislature overrode vetoes on key bills...

North Carolina enters 2026 facing significant political and policy challenges as the state begins the new year without an approved budget. According to NC Health News, the state legislature has reached an impasse, with Governor Josh Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger unable to compromise on spending plans, making North Carolina the only state without a finalized budget. This stalemate comes as several major healthcare and policy questions remain unresolved, including funding for Medicaid, the proposed children's hospital, and increased child care funding.

On the healthcare front, NC Health News reports that whooping cough cases have exceeded 800 for the...

North Carolina enters 2026 with a mix of policy shifts, infrastructure gains, and economic pressures shaping daily life. Top headlines include a new law under House Bill 805 taking effect today, strictly defining sexes as male or female, aligning with similar measures in 16 states and sparking debate. According to WLOS, State Senator Kevin Corbin called it a return to longstanding definitions, while Senator Julie Mayfield criticized it as an anti-LGBTQ agenda. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein secured federal approval for over $300 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funds to connect 93,000 homes and businesses by mid-2026, on top of $670 million from the American...

North Carolina wraps up 2025 with a blend of economic triumphs, political tensions, and steady community progress. CNBC named the state Americas best for business for the third time in four years, citing robust job growth from expansions by Citigroup, AssetMark, BuildOps, and Amazon data centers, alongside strong GDP gains.[3] Governor Josh Stein announced over $300 million in federal funding to connect 93,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet by mid-2026, building on $670 million from the American Rescue Plan.[2][4] Yet, the GOP-led legislature continues shifting powers from the Democratic governor, stripping authority over the Environmental Management Commission, Utilities Commission, and university boards, moves...

North Carolina wraps up 2025 on a high note, with CNBC again naming the state the best for business, crediting fresh investments from firms like JetZero, Amazon, Citigroup, and AssetMark that promise hundreds of new jobs[11]. Governor Josh Stein announced Coley Home's $9 million expansion in Catawba County, adding 45 manufacturing positions, and Hoffman & Hoffman's $40 million growth in Greensboro, creating 131 jobs[7][15]. Other boosts include VectorTex USA's rebar plant in Elizabethtown with 83 jobs and Cold-Link Logistics' $85.5 million cold storage warehouse in Robeson County, bringing 123 positions[3].

In politics, Republican legislators solidified their grip on power, stripping the Democratic governor of control over the...

North Carolina wraps up 2025 with robust economic momentum and political maneuvering amid fiscal challenges. Axios Raleigh highlights top stories including a banner year for job creation, with over 23,000 positions announced via the state's Job Development Investment Program, led by JetZero's 14,000 jobs in Greensboro and expansions like Hoffman & Hoffman's 131 roles in Guilford County, as reported by Governor Josh Stein's office. Republicans redrew the 1st Congressional District to favor their party ahead of 2026 elections, targeting Democrat Rep. Don Davis, while federal research cuts hit hard, prompting layoffs at Duke University and nonprofits like RTI International.

In government and politics, the...

North Carolina closed out 2025 with a mix of economic triumphs, political maneuvering, and resilient community efforts amid lingering recovery challenges. Top headlines included a banner year for job creation, with over 23,000 positions announced through the state's Job Development Investment Program, led by JetZero's 14,000-job aircraft manufacturing expansion in Greensboro, according to the Commerce Department as reported by Axios Raleigh. Republicans in the legislature redrew the 1st Congressional District to favor their party ahead of 2026 elections, targeting Democratic Rep. Don Davis, while federal research grant cuts hit universities like Duke and UNC hard, prompting layoffs and budget reductions. Novartis also pledged...

North Carolina navigates a mix of economic gains, health alerts, and political maneuvering amid milder winter weather. Governor Josh Stein announced Hoffman & Hoffman's $40 million expansion in Greensboro, creating 131 jobs with an average salary of $72,176, bolstered by a Job Development Investment Grant, according to the NC Governor's office. Furniture maker Coley Home plans a $9 million expansion in Claremont, adding 45 jobs, as reported by the NC Department of Commerce. In Charlotte, Crescent Communities sold the AXIAL Rapid Commerce facility to Amazon, one of the region's largest industrial leases, poised to generate hundreds of logistics jobs.

Politically, state leaders eye a...

North Carolina navigates a mix of challenges and progress this week. Top headlines include a major police response to a possible shooting on Foxcliffe Road near Fox Road Magnet Elementary in Raleigh, where at least half a dozen cruisers arrived around 3 p.m. Sunday, according to WRAL News[1]. In Robeson County, 36-year-old Cheyenne Woods faces charges of second-degree murder, robbery, and discharging a firearm after allegedly hijacking an ambulance, as reported by the sheriff's office[1]. Immigration and Customs Enforcement doubled arrests in the state to about 3,400 from January through October, with fewer targeting convicted criminals and more without records, per...

North Carolina wraps up a dynamic 2025 with robust economic gains amid political debates and wintry challenges. Governor Josh Stein announced a record-breaking year, with over 33,000 new jobs and $23.1 billion in investments across urban and rural areas, including $12.5 billion for western communities rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, according to the Governor's office[3][10]. CNBC ranked the state America's top for business, fueled by projects like JetZero's massive 14,500-job factory at Piedmont Triad International Airport[3][8].

In politics, the state legislature drew criticism for gut-and-amend tactics, where bills like a cellphone regulation in schools morphed into anti-squatter laws or energy policy shifts benefiting...

North Carolina closes the year with a mix of political gridlock, economic momentum, and community change shaping daily life across the state. According to Carolina Public Press, Republican leaders at the General Assembly ended their final 2025 session days without agreeing on a full state budget or long-term fix for a Medicaid funding shortfall, leaving North Carolina as the only state without an enacted budget this fiscal year. Legislators instead passed smaller stopgap measures while disputes over income tax cuts and Medicaid spending stalled broader negotiations.

Governor Josh Stein has used executive authority to blunt some of the impact...

North Carolina is closing the year with intense debate in Raleigh, steady economic growth, and major investments in schools and rural communities, even as health care funding and flu season strain state systems. According to WUNC and the Associated Press, Democratic Governor Josh Stein has ordered Medicaid reimbursement rates restored after cuts that began October 1, reversing reductions of 3 to 10 percent for doctors and hospitals while lawsuits from patients and providers mounted. WUNC and ABC News report that Stein blamed the Republican-led General Assembly for failing to pass a new state budget or fully fund Medicaid, leaving a projected $319 million shortfall...

North Carolina enters December amid political gridlock, economic momentum, community investment, and a round of disruptive winter weather.

According to Public Ed Works, state lawmakers have again failed to pass a new budget, leaving North Carolina as the only state without one and freezing promised raises for teachers and state employees while health insurance costs rise. This follows competing House and Senate pay proposals that never made it into law, raising sharp concerns about legislative priorities and public service retention.

On the political front, WUNC reports that more Republican legislators are facing primary challenges as candidate...

North Carolina enters early December with a mix of political maneuvering, economic momentum, and community investment shaping life across the state. WUNC reports that as candidate filing opens for 2026, more Republican state legislators are facing primary challenges, signaling internal party battles that could shift the balance of power in the General Assembly and influence future policy fights over issues like immigration enforcement and education funding.[17]

On the policy front, the North Carolina General Assembly has recently enacted several notable laws touching public safety and social supports. According to ABC45 and the Carolina Journal, new measures include tighter rules...

North Carolina continues to attract national attention with major developments across government, business, and local communities. At the State Capitol, lawmakers face a packed legislative session, introducing over 100 new bills just before the filing deadline. Important themes this year include education initiatives to attract and retain teachers, increased penalties for public safety violations, and proposals like Jesse’s Law, which would bolster judicial training to recognize signs of domestic violence and child abuse. The General Assembly is also considering a bill to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05, a change championed by both parties as a me...

North Carolina continues to experience notable developments across various sectors. In government and politics, the state legislature is engaged in critical debates on bills influencing labor laws, workplace equity, and energy policy. Legislation such as the “Workforce Freedom and Protection Act” aims to eliminate noncompete agreements for workers earning under $75,000, while the reintroduced CROWN Act seeks to prevent hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools. Meanwhile, a new budget proposal by Governor Josh Stein emphasizes investments in education, law enforcement, and affordable housing, alongside addressing potential fiscal shortfalls. The governor also marked his 100th day in office by highlighting Medicaid expansion, whic...

North Carolina continues to be a dynamic state in the spring of 2025, with developments spanning politics, business, community initiatives, and environmental concerns. Governor Josh Stein, now 100 days into his term, is building momentum on key initiatives. His administration celebrates enrollment in Medicaid expansion reaching 650,000 residents and emphasizes investments in housing, childcare, and workforce development under his 2025-2027 budget proposal. However, political tensions persist as the Republican-led legislature pushes policies limiting some gubernatorial powers, exemplified by the debate over Hurricane Helene disaster relief funding.

On the economic front, North Carolina remains a beacon for business. Recently ranked as the...

North Carolina continues to experience diverse developments across government, economy, community, and environment, reflecting the state’s dynamic nature. In government, the North Carolina General Assembly is considering landmark legislation aimed at employment and workplace equity. Key bills include the Workforce Freedom and Protection Act, which seeks to eliminate noncompete agreements for workers earning under $75,000 annually, and the CROWN Act, which expands the definition of discrimination to include natural hairstyles often associated with race. These discussions are taking place alongside Governor Josh Stein’s proposed 2025–2027 budget, which focuses on education, workforce development, and public safety, with notable investments in teacher salari...

North Carolina is experiencing a dynamic mix of developments across government, economy, and community life as spring unfolds. Significant political transitions have taken place in the state, with Democrat Josh Stein assuming the governorship and Republican Destin Hall stepping in as House Speaker. While these leadership changes are expected to bring stylistic rather than ideological shifts, legislative priorities such as hurricane recovery, housing, and childcare dominate discussions. The state has allocated $1 billion to aid western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, with additional federal assistance anticipated to address the substantial $50 billion damage caused by the storm.

On th...

North Carolina has experienced a series of significant developments spanning state policies, economic shifts, and community initiatives throughout April 2025. Politically, Governor Josh Stein, nearing his 100th day in office, has continued to focus on recovery efforts in western North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Despite securing $524 million in state relief funding, Stein expressed disappointment over FEMA’s refusal to extend its 100% reimbursement match, leaving significant recovery needs unmet. Concurrently, the state legislature has been weighing critical employment-related bills, including measures to limit noncompete agreements and promote collective bargaining rights, signaling potential shifts in labor regulations.

Ec...

North Carolina remains abuzz with significant developments across its political, economic, and community landscapes. As the state navigates a period of growth and challenges, key news stories have highlighted critical updates in governance, business, and public welfare.

Top headlines this week include the North Carolina Supreme Court's controversial ruling to disqualify certain ballots in a disputed judicial election, sparking concerns over voter rights and legal precedents. The decision has prompted backlash from both sides of the political aisle, with Democrats vowing to challenge the ruling in federal court. Meanwhile, Raleigh launched a new Drinking Water Compliance Laboratory, aimed...