Federal and State Tax Changes Ahead

North Carolinians will see notable federal and state tax changes take effect this year. 

The federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” introduces new deductions, including a deduction of up to $25,000 in tip income, exemptions for qualified overtime pay of up to $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for joint filers, and an extra $6,000 senior deduction for single filers or $12,000 for joint filers.

The bill also introduces federal deductions of up to $10,000 in auto-loan interest for U.S.-assembled vehicles and up to $2,000 in charitable contributions for non-itemizers.

North Carolina’s flat individual income tax rate drops from 4.25% to 3.99% for 2026. Standard deductions increase from $12,750 to $13,000 for single filers and from $25,550 to $26,000 for joint filers. The corporate tax rate will fall from 2.25% to 2%. Residents may still owe state income tax on tips, overtime, auto interest, and senior deductions.

Aviation Fueling Greensboro’s Economic Growth

A new 2025 economic development report reveals that aviation investments and billions in capital projects are fueling growth across Guilford County.

JetZero’s groundbreaking aircraft manufacturing facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport—an investment of at least $4.7 billion—stands out as the largest jobs-based economic development project in North Carolina history.

The company plans to create 14,560 high-paying jobs offering average salaries of $89,341 by 2036, spurring ripple effects in jobs related to suppliers, construction, and service industries.

Greensboro’s location between Charlotte and Raleigh bolsters its appeal as an increasing relocation destination. A recent moveBuddha report ranked the city No. 23 nationally among 25 cities where relocation interest is rising fastest.

Duke Trial Offers Hope for Colon Cancer

A groundbreaking clinical trial at Duke Cancer Center is offering new hope for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, including younger adults.

The study tests the immunotherapy combination of Botensilimab and Balstilimab for stage IV microsatellite stable colon cancer that has spread (but not to the liver). Unlike traditional chemotherapy, the approach uses immunotherapy to harness the immune system against tumors, potentially with fewer side effects and longer-lasting results.

Patient Spencer Laird, who enrolled in the trial early, was first diagnosed with colon cancer at age 26 and underwent surgery to remove the tumors at age 27. He was told that it was unlikely his cancer would return, but at age 30, it had returned and spread to his lungs. Laird now reports nearly all 13 tumors are gone or drastically reduced.

The trial enrolled 14 patients, with most responding well, according to Duke oncologist Dr. Nicholas DeVito.

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Josh Stein proposed a $1.4 billion critical needs budget to fund Medicaid, provide pay raises for teachers, nurses, law enforcement, and state employees, and support essential services amid a prolonged General Assembly impasse. (More)

➤ Also statewide: The North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously rejected a petition on Wednesday to amend the reasonable impediment form for voters without a photo ID, requiring a driver’s license or Social Security number that—if not later validated—would lead to rejection of their provisional ballot. (More)

➤ Johnston County: Authorities seized $200,000 cash, 197 grams of cocaine, 160 grams of methamphetamine, 57 grams of oxycodone, and 58 gallons of moonshine near Benson on Wednesday, arresting Danny Bruce Allen on trafficking and related charges. (More)

➤ Morrisville: The Raleigh-Durham International Airport will open a temporary Terminal 2 departures curb between the parking garage and Terminal 1 in early 2028 through 2030 during construction of a new departures-level bridge at Terminal 2. (More)

➤ Concord: Concord-Padgett Regional Airport will add two nonstop Avelo Airlines routes in June to Indianapolis and Cleveland, with flights beginning June 18 and 19 on select days, and one-way fares starting at $39. (More)

➤ UNC-Chapel Hill: An expelled student identified as Jacob Doe will take his federal lawsuit against the university and officials alleging due process violations, Title IX failures, and emotional distress in a 2021 sexual assault case to a jury trial starting May 11 in U.S. District Court. (More)

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➤ High Point’s Chase Johnston hit his first two-pointer of the season with 12 seconds left to beat No. 5 Wisconsin, the first big upset of the NCAA men’s tournament. (See Highlight)

➤ No. 1 Duke overcame a double-digit halftime deficit to beat No. 16 Siena 71-65. At one point the Blue Devils trailed by 13, their largest deficit of the year. (More)

➤ No. 6 UNC lost 82-78 to VCU, giving up a 19-point lead in the process. Their tournament run is over after just one round. (More)

➤ The Carolina Panthers traded backup quarterback Andy Dalton to the Eagles for a 2027 seventh-round pick. (More)

➤ Duke, UNC, and NC State all play today in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. (How to Watch)

➤ No. 15 Queens University of Charlotte plays No. 2 seed Purdue tonight to finish out Round One of the NCAA tournament. Tip off is at 7:35 p.m. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf | Tennis

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➤ Duke University and Duke University Health System announced a $203 million initiative to boost economic mobility in Durham and the Triangle through increased local hiring, $120 million in construction investments, $45 million more in local business spending, and $38 million for affordable housing support. (More)

➤ Buc-ee’s announced that its Mebane travel center, featuring 120 gas pumps and a giant convenience store off I-40, is expected to open during the fourth quarter of 2027. (More)

➤ Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launched the North Carolina Blockchain and AI Initiative (NCB+AI) to promote pro-innovation policies and position the state as a national leader in emerging technologies. (More)

➤ Family Dollar plans to permanently close its distribution center in Matthews, eliminating 373 jobs, with some layoffs effective on May 18 and the rest by Aug. 12. (More)

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➤ North Carolina ranks No. 37 nationally in life expectancy at 75.9 years, below the national average of 77.5 years, with Southern states generally trailing Northeast and West Coast states, according to the latest data. (See Map)

➤ Two Charlotte food halls, The Market at 7th Street and Optimist Hall, have been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Food Hall 2026, with daily voting open through April 13. (Vote Here)

➤ A new exhibit at the Museum of the Cherokee People explores Cherokee perspectives on the American Revolution, featuring artifacts and art, and runs through Dec. 30 ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. (See Museum)

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What’s your favorite part of spring?

1. Being outdoors
2. Blooming flowers
3. Berry patches
4. Baseball
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you been to Duke Gardens?

1. No: 44%
2. Yes: 30%
3. Not yet: 26%

What was the South’s life expectancy around 1900?

Show me the answer