AI Could Impact 6 in 10 NC Tech Jobs

A new North Carolina Technology Association report warns that the adoption of artificial intelligence could significantly disrupt the state’s tech sector.

According to the North Carolina State of Technology 2026 Industry Report, about 61% of the state’s tech jobs are highly exposed to impact from AI, potentially affecting 286,290 positions.

The analysis divides the technology sector into four subcategories: (1) information technology, telecom, hardware, and software; (2) energy technology; (3) environmental technology; and (4) life sciences. It identifies software developers, web developers, computer programmers, mathematicians, and data scientists as among the most vulnerable to automation or augmentation.

The report also notes that even in the most optimistic scenario, at least 90,230 jobs would face significant exposure to AI disruption, which “raises uncertain prospects for young workers.” NC TECH urges state leaders to prioritize training AI experts and retraining displaced employees to ensure economic security.

Stein Announces America 250 Plans

Gov. Josh Stein laid out plans for North Carolina’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary this year through the America 250 Initiative, highlighting the state’s role in the nation’s founding and Revolutionary War.

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has distributed over $2 million in grants to 74 counties for cultural events and exhibits. Additionally, 88 counties have formed local America 250 committees.

Signature events include the First in Freedom Festival, Feb. 21-28 at Moores Creek National Battlefield; Halifax Resolves Days, April 10-12 at Historic Halifax; and a July 4 celebration at the State Capitol in Raleigh.

Stein will also hold Council of State meetings at key Revolutionary sites throughout the year to spotlight these commemorations. Learn more about the initiative here.

Duke Studies Football’s Impact on Brain Health

Duke University researchers are studying the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts from tackle football on black men’s brain health. Their research focuses on risks for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, chronic stress, and other conditions.

Led by former NFL defensive back and Duke School of Medicine associate professor Robert W. Turner II, the NIH-funded project is enrolling 200 black men over 50. Half are former tackle football players from high school, college, or professional levels; the other half have never played contact sports.

Participants undergo MRIs, blood and urine tests, cognitive assessments, and interviews on social determinants of health, in collaboration with Boston University and the Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

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➤ Statewide: Republican groups dropped appeals to the state Supreme Court in two cases linked to the disputed 2024 Supreme Court race between Democrat Allison Riggs and Republican Jefferson Griffin. (More)

➤ Central NC: A judge ruled the State Board of Elections violated its own rules by refusing hearings to remove county board members, but vacated her order without explanation a day later. (More)

➤ Alexander County: Shaun Brian Jones, 43, of Louisiana, was arrested in Taylorsville on Saturday after a multi-agency police chase sparked by alleged threats toward President Trump. He faces charges including assault on an official and fleeing arrest. (More)

➤ Mecklenburg County’s Republican Party is demanding the resignation of Sheriff Garry McFadden, a Democrat, after he incorrectly claimed that his office falls under the judicial branch and struggled to identify the three branches of government. (More)

➤ Carolina Beach lost nearly $488,000 in two international cyberattacks in December, now under FBI investigation. The town maintains crime and cyber insurance, which will cover up to $25,000 of the lost funds. Officials are working to recover the remaining funds through other means. (More)

➤ Wake Forest University: Former athletic trainer Bridget Sullivan voluntarily dismissed her libel lawsuit against U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) after he claimed on X that she was fired for commenting, “He had it coming,” about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. (More)

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➤ Men’s Basketball AP Poll: Duke moved up one spot to No. 3 this week, while UNC fell five spots to No. 16. (See Full Poll)

➤ UNC picked up a transfer commitment from Western Carolina quarterback Taron Dickens, who threw 38 touchdowns and just two interceptions last year. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, NC State landed a portal commitment from Coastal Carolina quarterback Tad Hudson, who started his career at UNC back in 2023. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: Olympics | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Atlanta-based real estate firm Jamestown made an undisclosed investment to become the general partner and lead developer at Charlotte’s 76-acre Camp North End mixed-use development, joining original developer Atco Properties & Management and partner Shorenstein. (More)

➤ Dogwood Health Trust gave the North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness at UNC-Asheville an $839,890 two-year grant to support research into policies improving mental health, substance use, housing, and food security outcomes. (More)

➤ State regulators rejected certificate of need requests from WakeMed for 78 hospital beds in Garner, UNC Health Rex for 50 beds in Wake Forest, Novant Health for 26 beds in Knightdale, and Duke Health for 120 beds at a future West Cary hospital. (More)

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➤ The North Carolina Azalea Festival announced that country star Dustin Lynch will headline its 2026 Friday Night Concert on April 10 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington, following rapper Lil Jon’s Thursday slot. Tickets are now on sale. (More)

➤ The Noquisiyi Mound, a sacred historic Cherokee site in Franklin, is set for deed transfer from the Noquisi Initiative to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians next week, a return of ancestral land to the tribe. (More)

➤ NC State’s 72nd annual Sport Fishing School, a five-day program blending classroom instruction on coastal ecology and techniques with charter fishing excursions, will take place in Hatteras from May 31 to June 4 for participants 18 and older. (How to Register)

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Do you like to fish?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Never tried it

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever contributed to a GoFundMe campaign?

1. No: 33%
2. Yes: 30%
3. Maybe: 19%
4. What’s GoFundMe? 18%

Where is North Carolina’s oldest courthouse that is still in active use located?

Show me the answer