Today Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 18-22, 2026, North Carolina Heat Safety Week to raise awareness about the dangers that high temperatures pose to people’s health. The proclamation also brings attention to state programs that support North Carolina’s cities, towns, and counties in keeping residents and visitors safe from extreme heat. North Carolina’s heat season runs from May 1 to September 30 each year.
Press Releases
Earlier this week, 23 people and three organizations representing 24 counties received the State of North Carolina’s highest award for volunteer service: the Governor’s Medallion Award. The award is presented annually by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, or VolunteerNC.
Today Governor Josh Stein joined federal, state, and local officials in Morse Park to announce the reopening of beloved outdoor destination Lake Lure.“This is an exciting day for western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Twenty months ago, Hurricane Helene devastated Lake Lure, but today, Lake Lure is back! Local, state, and federal government partnership with lake residents has powered its restoration. Lake Lure is a gem, and I’m excited that folks have the chance to rediscover this unforgettable place this summer.”
Today Governor Stein released the following statement on the
Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships is launching an effort to engage 50,000 employers as partners in building North Carolina’s talent pipeline. Reaching that level of connection with employers is one of the 11 goals that the Council established last year for growing the state’s workforce development efforts.
Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited the town of Canton to share how recent funding of $3.5 million from the State Water Infrastructure Authority will ensure access to clean drinking water and make wastewater infrastructure more resilient to the next storm.
Today Governor Josh Stein joined the North Carolina Forest Service in Buncombe County to thank them for their work to keep people safe during wildfire season.
Today Governor Josh Stein and Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight visited the town of Edenton to showcase the state’s partnership with local governments to expand economic opportunity in rural North Carolina.
Today, Governor Stein announced he has signed one bill into law.Governor Stein made the following statement on signing House Bill 433: “North Carolina is home to the second-largest rural population in the country. This bill strengthens rural North Carolina by enabling the Department of Information Technology to continue building critical rural broadband capacity and supporting the Department of Environmental Quality’s work to build more resilient water infrastructure. I am grateful to the General Assembly for sending it to me.”
Today Governor Stein released the following statement on the latest budget negotiations: “It is past time that our teachers, state law enforcement officers, and state employees get a meaningful pay raise and recognition for their service to the people of North Carolina. Today’s announcement is only a framework, but if the final budget actually includes real salary increases, it would be welcome. The proof, however, will be in the pudding.