Press Releases

Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders urged North Carolinians today to prepare for life-threatening flooding as well as high winds, tornadoes and heavy rain as Hurricane Helene passes through the state.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene as North Carolina prepares for severe weather impacts that could threaten life and property across North Carolina through Saturday morning.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Brad Salmon to serve as District Court Judge in Judicial District 12, serving Johnston, Harnett and Lee counties. Salmon will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Michael Onufer.“Brad Salmon’s previous experience in this role ensures he is a prepared and capable judge,” said Governor Cooper. “I am grateful for his service to his community and his willingness to step up and serve the people as a District Court Judge.”

Reckitt*, a global leader in health, hygiene and nutrition, will establish a major production plant in Wilson County to produce the over-the-counter medicine Mucinex, creating 289 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $145.59 million in Wilson.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper vetoed HB10, the Republican scheme to take taxpayer money out of public schools and redirect it to private schools. The Governor was joined by education and business leaders from both sides of the aisle to highlight the disastrous impact this would have on public schools, particularly those in rural areas.Governor Cooper issued the following statement on his veto of House Bill 10 Require ICE Cooperation & Budget Adjustments:

Legislative Republicans’ plan to spend $625 million this year on taxpayer funded private school vouchers instead of public schools will hurt rural communities the most. And school boards and leaders in rural North Carolina are speaking out. Voucher expansion would disproportionately impact rural North Carolina counties, where access to private education is limited and public schools serve as the backbone of communities. Recently, local papers have highlighted this attack on public education in North Carolina.Read how communities will be affected below:

Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Brunswick County to meet with local emergency management officials to assess storm damage and discuss impacts from the recent tropical system. On Tuesday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties in response to damages from the storm.

This week, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is releasing $67.5 million in stop gap funding to stabilize North Carolina’s early childhood education and child care centers, the last scheduled payment of Child Care Stabilization Grants. Initiated in 2021, Child Care Stabilization Grants have been critical in keeping child care centers open and improving early childhood teacher pay. Earlier this year, the Republican-led General Assembly provided the $67.5 million to continue Child Care Stabilization Grants through December 31, 2024, however at a reduced funding

Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Bethel Elementary School in Cabarrus County as part of the “Year of Public Schools” education tour and delivered supplies collected from the Governor’s School Supply Drive.

Governor Roy Cooper and state emergency response leaders continue to respond to hazardous weather impacting the state and are beginning the damage assessment process for communities impacted by the storm. State Highway Patrol and Transportation Officials are also working to respond to road closures and reports of damage. Areas of southeastern North Carolina experienced historical rainfall resulting in flooding, damage to roadways, and hazardous conditions. Carolina Beach, NC received a reported 18.32” of rainfall from midnight yesterday to yesterday afternoon.