Agriculture

NEWS & OBSERVER: The Triangle is a finalist for USDA office relocation, which could bring 700 jobs
The Triangle is one of the final contenders to land two offices from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — a relocation that could net the area around 700 jobs.

Economic Development

THE SAMPSON INDEPENDENT: NC Chamber names Starling general counsel
Ray Starling, who has roots in Sampson, has been appointed as general counsel of the NC Chamber and president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute.

CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL: Pending NC legislation could signal end to craft-beer battle over self-distribution cap
Legislation introduced in the N.C. General Assembly could end an ongoing dispute with Charlotte’s largest craft brewers tied to the state's self-distribution cap.

Education

WRAL NEWS: Charter Schools Advisory Board approves virtual school's request to change management
Charter Schools Advisory Board (CSAB) approved a recommendation to the State Board of Education on Monday that would allow one of the state’s two virtual charter schools to change its management.

WCNC: UNCC shooting suspect indicted on 12 counts by grand jury; case heads to Superior Court
The suspected shooter at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who killed two people and wounded four, was indicted by a grand jury on 12 counts Tuesday. 

Elections

WRAL NEWS: Strach removed by State Board of Elections Democrats
Democrats on the State Board of Elections voted in a conference call early this afternoon to replace the state elections director, pushing the decision through as fire alarms blared and forced evacuation of the board's office downtown.

Healthcare

THE LAURINBURG EXCHANGE: Treasurer hopeful medical providers will join new state network
Fresh off N.C. Department of Insurance approval of cost-reducing reforms, Treasurer Dale Folwell is optimistic doctors and hospitals will join a new State Health Plan provider network. Contracts were set to go out late last week.

Justice & Public Safety

ABC 11: 'It's a big chance:' NC Second Chance Act passes state Senate
Some people in North Carolina with a criminal record are one step closer to having their record wiped clean. The "Second Chance Act" sailed through the state Senate Wednesday with Democrats and Republicans jumping on board.

Transportation

THE TIMES NEWS: Towns can apply for N.C. bicycle, pedestrian planning grants
The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting applications from communities for bicycle and pedestrian planning grants.

ENERGY NEWS: N.C. bill aims to expand ‘free market’ for electric vehicle charging stations
Letting charging stations collect more predictable fees would spur private investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, proponents say.