An ambulatory surgery center in Kitty Hawk will remain closed for the foreseeable future, thanks to the latest certificate-of-need ruling from the N.C. Court of Appeals.
All in Business
Major anniversary approaches for N.C. right-to-work protections
That simple statement opens the text of a state law that has helped boost North Carolina’s economic competitiveness for nearly 75 years.
North Carolina's July County and Area Employment Figures Released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in July and remained unchanged in one. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.1 percent while Avery County had the lowest at 3.5 percent.
Billboards call on teachers to leave NCAE, get a $500 raise
A statewide campaign launched by the John Locke Foundation — publisher of The Carolina Journal — urges public school teachers to save $500 in dues each year by leaving the partisan N.C. Association of Educators.
Proposed OBX offshore wind farm full of risks, hits snag with fishermen
Avangrid Renewables wants to erect 69 wind turbines, spread out over 50,000 acres, 27 miles offshore of Corolla, North Carolina.
Social Security Board of Trustees: combined trust funds projected depletion one year sooner than last year
The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time.
Sports betting bill passes Senate, moves to House
The N.C. House will take up sports betting legislation after a bill to expand wagers statewide passed in the Senate last week.
Senate Bill 688 was read for the first time in the House on Tuesday, Aug. 24. The legislation was then referred to the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
$100 Summer Card incentive to get a COVID-19 vaccine ends Tuesday
North Carolina’s $100 Summer Card program will end Tuesday, Aug. 31. As part of its ongoing effort to get more North Carolinians vaccinated and safely bring summer back, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been offering $100 Summer Cards at select locations in various counties across the state. Cards were distributed to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.
Utility pole regulations hurt broadband growth in North Carolina, report warns
A new study commissioned by the N.C. Cable Telecommunications Association warns that red tape regarding utility pole access could cost the state $3.5 billion in consumer value due to the resulting delays in broadband deployment.
Senate sends ‘sweeping’ criminal justice reform bill to governor
Criminal justice reform is a bipartisan issue, a phrase lawmakers frequently use when noting the parties coming together and advancing legislation. True to form, Senate Bill 300, Criminal Justice Reform, was approved by the General Assembly with strong bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature.
Governor Cooper visits Pizzeria Mercato to highlight business efforts encouraging vaccination
Governor Roy Cooper visited Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro to thank the owner, Gabe Barker, and employees for their work to help protect staff, patrons and the community. The restaurant requires customers to show their vaccine card or a photo to dine indoors.
NC Commerce Secretary announces 110 new jobs and $28 million invested at NCGTP
Global manufacturer of household appliance components, Grupporeco, will create 110 new jobs in Lenoir County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $28 million to build its first manufacturing facility for dishwasher components in North America.
Rowan County’s Gold Hill fights plans for massive solar farm
In the 1820s, a gold rush brought people from across the state to Rowan County to try to strike it rich. Now, energy companies are coming for much the same reason: To cash in by building solar farms.
North Carolina Turnpike authority receives two awards from prestigious Government Finance Officers Association
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) is pleased to announce it has received two awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) in Chicago, IL.
Auditor uncovers troublesome financial decisions in Hertford
The state auditor found that the town of Hertford made several questionable financial decisions, under the guidance of its former Mayor Pro Tem Quentin Jackson.
North Carolina's July Employment Figures Released
The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, decreasing 0.2 of a percentage point from June’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.5 of a percentage point to 5.4 percent.
Public invited to comment on the proposed 2021–2023 community services Block Grant State Plan
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comment on the revision of the proposed 2021–2023 North Carolina Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Plan, which outlines how the state will facilitate the CSBG program over the next two years.
Film production in North Carolina reaches new investment high
Filmmakers producing projects in North Carolina are on track to invest a record amount of money in the state in 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced earlier today during a press conference at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington. The spending amount of $409 million is the largest tally seen in the state since the creation of the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant in 2014. Combined, these productions will create more than 25,000 job opportunities for North Carolina’s highly skilled film professionals and background talent.
Cooper wants budget provisions removed that would curb a governor's powers
Gov. Roy Cooper wants a provision to curb a governor’s powers removed from state budget plans. Cooper, a Democrat, responding to a question during a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 18, said he plans to talk with Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, as well as House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, about his concerns.
Attorney General Josh Stein announces $215 million in savings for Duke Energy customers
Attorney General Josh Stein today announced that as a result of his January coal ash settlement with Duke Energy, electricity customers will save approximately $215 million in future energy costs. These funds are a result of 14 settlements that Duke Energy reached with 23 insurance companies over coal ash coverage policies, the last of which was settled this week.