In June 2024, the U.S. added 206,000 nonfarm payroll jobs with notable gains in government, healthcare, social assistance, and construction, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1%, indicating both progress and ongoing challenges in the labor market.
The Southeast District of 4-H recently hosted a district activity day at the University of Mount Olive, attracting over 200 participants. Local community leaders volunteered,
The number of job openings has declined sharply in every state since 2022, better aligning the numbers of unfilled jobs and people seeking work.
Novo Nordisk A/S is investing $4.1 billion in a new factory in Clayton, North Carolina, doubling its U.S. production capacity and adding 1,000 jobs amid rising criticism over the cost of its obesity and diabetes drugs.
U.S. job growth surged in May, adding 272,000 jobs—well above expectations—driven by significant gains in health care, government, and leisure and hospitality sectors, while average hourly earnings also increased, indicating a robust labor market despite a slight uptick in unemployment.
Rob Schofield’s article for NC Newsline highlights the bustling activity in a physical therapy facility while reflecting on the growing issue of sports gambling in North Carolina, underscored by the state’s recent legalization and the troubling personal and societal impacts illustrated in a new documentary by Josh Rushing.
Inflation continues to improve, with the May Consumer Price Index showing flat consumer prices and slower annual growth, leading to record highs for the Nasdaq and S&P 500, and the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates with potential decreases expected later this year.
Tricia Howard, lead nurse for Durham Public Schools, discovered her son vaping due to stress and highlighted the addictive nature and dangers of e-cigarettes for adolescents during a tele-town hall, emphasizing the need for calm, non-judgmental conversations and supportive quitting programs as e-cigarette use rises among youth.
Wake County has secured nearly $5 million in federal grants to support its 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan, which aims to enhance affordable housing, homeless services, and community development.
The introduction of a new ferry service between the Inner and Outer Banks is set to increase tourism and reduce traffic congestion.
Crystal Window & Door Systems is investing $83.6 million to establish a new manufacturing center in Johnston County, North Carolina, creating 501 jobs and expected to boost the state’s economy by $1.09 billion.
The North Carolina Court of Appeals deemed Governor Roy Cooper’s selective closure of bars during the early COVID-19 pandemic as “irrational and arbitrary,” lacking solid scientific backing to differentiate between types of bars in terms of transmission risk. Despite claims of relying on science, the ruling criticized the absence of evidence supporting why certain bars could not comply with safety protocols that applied to others allowed to operate.