Press Releases

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (NYSE: AEO), a leading specialty apparel retailer, will invest $41 million in Salisbury for a new distribution hub for the southeastern United States. The company says it will create more than 200 new jobs in Rowan County.

Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley are welcoming race fans to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway (NWS) ahead of the Window World 450 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend from July 16 to 19.

Today Governor Josh Stein joined NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai and leadership at Broughton Hospital in Morganton to announce the STEP-NC: Health Care Program, the first health care apprenticeship program within state government. In partnership with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the initiative begins with pilot programs at Broughton Hospital and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.

Today Governor Josh Stein handed Velma Chapman, an Asheville homeowner, the keys to her brand-new home – a homecoming that was made possible through Renew NC’s Single-Family Housing Program. After losing her home of 28 years to Hurricane Helene, Chapman now has a safe place to call home.

Today Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein joined the Center for Craft and e-commerce platform Etsy to celebrate the launch of the Craft Catalyst Initiative, a new partnership that over the next three years will invest $10 million in creative economies across the country, including Asheville. As one of five Craft Hubs chosen by Etsy, Asheville will see local artists, small businesses, makers, and more receive support to continue growing the vibrant culture and economy that make western North Carolina strong.

Today Governor Josh Stein visited the Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy at Cleveland Community College, where he met with high school students enrolled in one of 12 academies launching this summer as part of a landmark investment in electrical workforce development. The Governor’s visit underscored his administration’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, career-ready training and creating clear pathways into well-paying, in-demand electrical jobs for North Carolinians. 

Today Governor Josh Stein, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, announced the launch of NC ALIGN (North Carolina Advisory Leaders for Innovation Growth in National Security).

Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The first round of the community infrastructure grants will make $55 million of the total $193 million federal funding allocation available to help local governments in western North Carolina strengthen infrastructure and improve resilience against natural hazards.

Governor Josh Stein’s North Carolina AI Leadership Council released the AI Strategic Roadmap, a guide with strategic goals and principles to address the potential impact of AI on how people live and work.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 70 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in 25 in May 2026. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and two remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent.