Stein Touts Growth as Budget Showdown Nears

Gov. Josh Stein says North Carolina is positioned for continued strong economic growth after a record-setting year for jobs, business recruitment, and investment statewide. As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends, the state reflects on a year without a landfalling hurricane—though Tropical Storm Chantal still delivered significant impacts. Duke Energy is also advising customers on ways to manage rising electric bills through the holiday season. Meanwhile, the long-running state budget standoff is headed for a decisive Dec. 15 showdown, with Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Hall still far apart on key issues.