State News

05/07/2026 · Hayesville

NC Senate Overrides Vetoes, Pumps Millions into School Choice Expansion

The North Carolina Senate approved major funding for school choice programs and overrode five vetoes from Gov. Josh Stein, unlocking $248 million to clear voucher waitlists. Amid partisan clashes, Republicans hailed expanded options for families while Democrats decried cuts to public schools. The moves signal a bold push toward universal access in the Tar Heel State.

05/02/2026

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Business

Raleigh Office Vacancy Dips to 6.75% on Tech Demand Surge

Raleigh's office vacancy rate fell to 6.75% as tech firms fuel demand in the Triangle, bucking national trends. Hybrid work adaptations and a flight to quality Class A spaces are tightening the market. Reports signal stabilization after years of post-pandemic flux.

05/04/2026

Business

Duke Energy Seeks NC Rate Hikes to Fund Reliability, Growth Investments

North Carolina's largest utility is pushing for rate increases totaling nearly $7 monthly for residential customers to recover winter fuel costs and bankroll new power projects. Duke Energy's plan aims to bolster grid reliability amid record demand and support the state's economic boom. Regulators now hold the fate of millions of household bills.

05/04/2026

Business

Apple Secures Extension for 3,000-Job RTP Campus in NC

North Carolina has granted Apple a four-year extension to meet its ambitious hiring and investment goals for a massive Research Triangle Park campus, resetting the timeline amid construction delays. The tech giant, already employing hundreds locally, eyes machine learning and AI roles to fuel its East Coast expansion. State leaders hail the move as a boon for the Triangle's innovation economy.

05/04/2026

Sports

NC State Wolfpack Clinches ACC Coastal Crown in Wake Sweep

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC State baseball team swept rival Wake Forest to secure the ACC Coastal Division title, earning a top seed in the conference tournament. The Wolfpack's dominant finish propels them into postseason play with momentum. Fans in the Triangle are buzzing over the Pack's return to glory.

05/04/2026

Sports

Panthers Cut A'Shawn Robinson, Save $10.5M in Charlotte Cap Crunch

The Carolina Panthers released veteran defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson on Monday, freeing up $10.5 million in salary cap space ahead of the NFL draft. The move leaves the Charlotte team with just under $2 million in projected cap room, thrusting young talents like Bobby Brown III and rookies into bigger defensive roles. Fans at Bank of America Stadium brace for a youth-driven overhaul.

05/04/2026