Receive the morning news briefs delivered to your email inbox every morning. Click here to sign up.

North Carolina Fails To Land Apple Site, Thousands Of Jobs

North Carolina business recruiters and politicians are staying closed-mouthed as Apple announced that it is choosing Texas as the site for thousands of new technology jobs.

Apple said Thursday it will build a new campus in Austin with 5,000 jobs to start, and the potential to grow to 15,000 employees. The maker of iPhones and other gadgets also announced plans to establish new sites in Seattle, San Diego, and Culver City, California.

The head of site selection for the business consulting firm BDO says Austin's hip reputation likely makes it easier to recruit the tech-savvy workers Apple needs. Tom Stringer says his experience has been that Texas also offers more in financial incentives.

Legislature Nears End Of 2-Year Session, Awaiting Any Vetoes

The North Carolina General Assembly is putting the finishing touches on its two-year session.

Legislators on Thursday approved a grab-bag "technical corrections" bill and a measure extending the time farmers can request state aid following Hurricane Florence until Dec. 20.

Cooper signed the Florence measure later Thursday. Five other bills await Cooper's action in deadlines over 10 days. The governor has until Sunday night to act on a measure implementing voter photo identification mandated in a constitutional referendum. Legislators could end the session, following any override votes as soon as next week.

House Speaker To Push For $1.9B Bond Question For 2020

The leader of the North Carolina House says he'll urge colleagues next year to pass a $1.9 billion public education bond referendum that would go to voters in 2020.

House Speaker Tim Moore announced Thursday he would also travel the state to back his debt proposal, of which about two-thirds would benefit K-12 public schools. The remainder would be split between University of North Carolina campuses and community colleges.

A Moore news release quoted state schools Superintendent Mark Johnson as supporting the idea. Voters approved a $2 billion debt package in 2016, with proceeds largely going to UNC system schools.

Judge Rules No Punishing Smithfield Foods For Hog Complex

A federal judge in North Carolina is shutting down a lawsuit against a Smithfield Foods hog feeding operation by some neighbors who complained of odors, flies and noises.

U.S. District Judge David Faber on Thursday declared there wasn't enough evidence for those neighbors to pursue punitive damages.

Jurors in Raleigh determined Wednesday that eight neighbors of a Smithfield Foods animal feeding operation in Sampson County should be compensated with between $100 and $75,000 each. The neighbors had complained about Sholar Farm, which houses up to 7,000 swine.

Deadline For Florence Aid Request In North Carolina Extended

Home and business owners suffering damages from Hurricane Florence are getting a little more time to request federal government aid.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday's previous deadline to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency grants or for low-interest small business loans has been extended to Dec. 19. Cooper says he requested the extension, which a FEMA spokeswoman also confirmed.

Appalachian State Hires New Head Football Coach

Appalachian State's Board of Trustees officially approved a five-year contract to hire Eliah Drinkwitz. He's an offensive coordinator at North Carolina State University and known for developing explosive offenses.

The 35-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Wolfpack where he also worked as a quarterbacks coach.

He replaces Scott Satterfield, who left App State to coach at Louisville.

300x250 Ad

300x250 Ad

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Donate