Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson provided an update on ongoing drought conditions. “After a dry fall in 2025, North Carolina had a very dry start to 2026,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Although recent rainfall has made a dent in the problem, we’re not in the clear yet. I encourage North Carolinians to check their local water system’s conservation status and do their part to use water wisely.”
Press Releases
Today Governor Josh Stein celebrated that 7 projects supporting economic resilience after Hurricane Helene will receive $34.2 million in grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The grants will help expand economic opportunity and support long-term recovery across the region.
Today Governor Josh Stein joined law enforcement officials and specialized units including the Selective Enforcement Unit and K-9 teams at Raleigh Police Department’s Special Operations Division to highlight the state budget’s investments in public safety, including the largest pay raises to law enforcement in recent state history.
Today Governor Josh Stein announced appointments to boards and commissions. Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina State Licensing Board for General Contractors:
Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein spent the past week in western North Carolina highlighting the state’s ongoing commitment to communities after Hurricane Helene while showcasing all that the region has to offer to potential visitors.
Today Governor Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson visited Burnsville to announce that DEQ has now awarded more than $1 billion toward water infrastructure and resilience projects in western North Carolina. Since Hurricane Helene struck, 98% of all water systems damaged by the storm have been restored, but more than $758 million in unmet needs remain to repair systems and make them more resilient to future storms.
Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the State of North Carolina is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Ricky Mel Gilliam, aged 68.“We must use every tool at our disposal to pursue justice for victims,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I urge North Carolinians who have information about this case to contact local law enforcement and help us hold Gilliam’s murderer accountable.”
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
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.