Andy Ellen: America's Manufacturing Renaissance Starts in Towns Like Wilson, NC

 As a retail association representing thousands of small business owners across North Carolina, we understand firsthand that what truly drives local prosperity are well-paying jobs, everyday purchases at hometown stores and long-term investments in communities that set them up for future economic growth.
That’s why the recent $37 million investment in the manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina, by Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) is so important—not just for Wilson, but for retailers and consumers across our state.

Peter J. Pitts: North Carolina Gives Non-profit Hospitals Billions in Tax Breaks. Are Patients Getting Anything in Return?

 North Carolina’s non-profit hospitals occupy a privileged position in the state’s healthcare system. In exchange for their charitable mission, they receive sweeping tax advantages including exemptions from federal, state, and local taxes, access to tax-exempt financing, and eligibility for tax-deductible donations. These benefits are not symbolic. They represent a substantial public investment. 

Governor Stein Announces $17 Million in Grants to Address PFAS in New Hanover County, Highlights Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Cape Fear Public Utility Authority's Sweeney Water Treatment Plant in Wilmington to announce $17 million in grants to protect families from forever chemicals like PFAS and GenX in their drinking water. The funds will be used to extend waterlines to connect more than 300 homes with contaminated wells to CFPUA's supply of safe drinking water. 

Budd, Coons Lead Bipartisan Coalition to Reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) lead a bipartisan coalition including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing legislation to reauthorize the independent, bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today. The bipartisan bill would ensure the commission, set to expire on September 30, 2026, can continue its work to monitor religious freedom around the world. 

Attorney General Jeff Jackson Reaches $100 Million Multistate Settlement with Walmart for Deceiving Drivers and Customers Over Delivery

RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson and a bipartisan group of attorneys general, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reached a $100 million multistate settlement with Walmart over allegations that the company deceived customers and drivers who participated in its Spark Driver Program. Walmart will pay drivers in North Carolina approximately $2 million that they lost because of Walmart’s alleged actions.