Agriculture
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Decision on USDA office relocations coming within ‘days and weeks,’ ag secretary says
Sonny Perdue, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, said his department plans to choose a landing spot for two U.S. Department of Agriculture offices within “days and weeks,” a decision that could have ramifications for the Triangle.
Economic Development
WILMINGTON BIZ: North Carolina’s Southeast Gets Grant For Job Sector, Site Analysis
North Carolina’s Southeast, an 18-county regional economic development group, has been approved for federal funding to look at industry sectors and industrial real estate in its territory, according to a recent announcement.
WWAY3: Production Wraps in Wilmington on two NC Film Grant Projects
Two North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant recipients, “Swamp Thing” and “Uncle Frank”, recently wrapped production in the Wilmington area. Combined, the productions are expected to generate a direct in-state spend of more than $75 million, according to a news release from the NC Department of Commerce.
Education
WRAL: NC surpasses 200 charter schools as state board approves 10 more
The State Board of Education has approved 10 new charter schools to open during the 2020-21 school year, including three in Wake County. Thursday's vote means the state has now approved more than 200 charter schools since the program began in 1996.
Environment
NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH NEWS: Senate approves proposed Farm Act of 2019
A Senate committee approved the proposed Farm Act of 2019 on Wednesday, paving the way for turning hog waste into energy and adding regulations to the state’s growing hemp industry. The proposed bill, which was unanimously approved, now moves from the Senate Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee to the Senate Finance Committee for additional scrutiny.
Healthcare
ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM: Dems still push Medicaid expansion
Democratic lawmakers from the Twin Counties are calling for Medicaid expansion and decrying what they see as attacks on health care in eastern North Carolina in the state Senate's budget.
WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL: Health care association expresses willingness to work with SHP; proposal rings hollow to state treasurer
The N.C. Healthcare Association said Friday it would make available contract rates between providers and insurance companies if it would help resolve a high-profile issue with the State Health Plan and state Treasurer Dale Folwell. However, Folwell said Saturday the offer made by NCHA president Steve Lawler rings hollow to him and is just public posturing.
Politics
THE NEW YORK TIMES: North Carolina Legislature Fails to Overturn Governor’s Veto of Anti-Abortion Bill
In a rare defeat for anti-abortion activists in the South, North Carolina Republicans failed on Wednesday to overturn a veto of a bill that would have made it a crime to not treat “any infant born alive after an abortion.”
Transportation
WLOS: NC rideshare safety bill passes House Transportation Committee
A bill aimed to protect North Carolina rideshare passengers unanimously passed the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday.
WRAL: Weekend floodwaters collapse US-401, causing issues for Wake drivers
Some of the most significant flooding damage from Saturday's rain occurred in northeastern Wake County and Franklin County on U.S. Highway 401, and the damage could be an issue for Monday commuters.
