Agriculture
ABC 11: Forecast gloomy for North Carolina State Fair as leaders wonder whether to cancel for first time in 75 years
Even in the worst years for fall weather, the state fair packs people into West Raleigh. But the gloomy fair forecast this year has nothing to do with rain or sunshine--it's all about the pandemic.
WRAL TECH WIRE: Report: Agriculture, agtech remain crucial to North Carolina's economy
North Carolina’s agriculture and agribusiness industry remains a powerhouse, generating about one-sixth of the state’s income and jobs. It recently set a record in terms of its contributions to the state’s gross domestic product.
Economic Development
THE PILOT: New Economic Development Website Promotes Regional Partnership
North Carolina’s Southeast (NCSE), an economic development public-private partnership that markets an 18-county region, has launched a new marketing website that promotes Moore County for business relocation and expansion as part of the southeast region. The comprehensive website builds on NCSE’s national and global marketing to encourage the creation of new jobs, capital investment and economic growth in the southeast region.
CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina received more than $1M in PPP funds
The state's leading group for driving economic development received more than $1 million through the Paycheck Protection Program.
CBS 17: Medical professionals weigh in on best way to reopen NC businesses safely
With the state of North Carolina stuck in Phase Two of Gov. Roy Cooper’s reopening plan for at least three more weeks, medical professionals are weighing in on the best way to reopen businesses safely.
Education
WFMY NEWS 2: Gov. Cooper announces Plan B reopening option for North Carolina schools. Here's what it means
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said the state is pushing forward with plans to reopen schools by the fall, which will include health screenings for students and social distancing guidelines depending on what option school districts choose. Cooper announced North Carolina schools will reopen under Plan B but will have the option to open under Plan C.
WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL: Pandemic could push more North Carolina families to home school
Until recently, Bruce Hirsch hadn’t seriously considered home schooling. Content sending his 7-year-old son, Jonathan, to public school at Haw Creek Elementary in Asheville, the retired doctor doubted whether he’d have the patience to facilitate his son’s at-home curriculum. But after seeing North Carolina’s proposed school reopening plans for next school year, he has begun exploring his options.
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Here are the NC school districts opening online classes only due to COVID-19
School districts across North Carolina plan to open the new school year with students learning from home because officials say it’s not safe yet to reopen for face-to-face classes. At least 13 school districts and 12 charter schools have decided to use remote instruction only when classes resume in August until the rate of growth in COVID-19 cases slows down in North Carolina.
Health
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: New DHHS data shows COVID-19 hospital admissions and ICU use across North Carolina
The state Department of Health and Human Services is releasing more detailed information on COVID-19 hospital admissions and ICU use by region. The new information also includes daily reports of how many patients with COVID-19 were admitted to hospitals over the past 24 hours, how many suspected of having COVID-19 were admitted and how many adults with COVID-19 are in ICUs.
WXII12: Coronavirus impact in North Carolina: Latest information and helpful resources
Here you can get the latest information on the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in North Carolina and surrounding region, and resources to be prepared and keep your family safe.
Government
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: NC just changed election rules to expand early voting. Why GOP leaders say it's unfair
Early voting sites should be easier to find in this fall’s elections, at least in North Carolina’s biggest cities, because of an order issued by the N.C. State Board of Elections on Friday. North Carolina Republicans say the change to statewide voting rules is just a partisan ploy to help Democrats, but state officials say it’s necessary to help protect voters against coronavirus.
Politics
WRAL: Raleigh City Council chooses first African-American woman to fill vacant District D seat
The Raleigh City Council made quick work of selecting someone to fill the vacant District D position. At the same time, history was made. The city council chose attorney Stormie Denise Forte to fill the position left when Saige Martin resigned June 26 after reports surfaced that he made unwanted sexual advances to people.
SPECTRUM NEWS 1: Gov. Cooper Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Congressman John Lewis and Reverend C.T. Vivian
Gov. Roy Cooper has ordered all U.S. and N.C. flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Congressman John Lewis and Reverend C.T. Vivian, both of whom passed away Friday.
Technology
WRAL TECH WIRE: Good job news for NC: High-tech openings rebound in June
Information technology job openings climbed in June – the first increase since the COVID-19 pandemic struck full force in March – according to a new report from the NC Technology Association.
Transportation
WASHINGTON EXAMINER: North Carolina treasurer calls for Department of Transportation officials to be replaced
North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell is demanding that two top state transportation officials be removed after a series of financial issues at the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
WRAL TECH WIRE: North Carolina joins 15-state coalition seeking to jump-start transition to electric trucks
A coalition of states is following California’s lead in setting goals to jump-start a transition to electric-powered trucks, vans and buses in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for communities choked by diesel fumes. North Carolina is among them.
