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North Carolina craft beer has entered a "new era"

Changing consumer habits and rising costs have hurt breweries in the state.

Food and Drink

The craft beer market&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="e952d8dd-4e5f-408d-bb65-2d6e42a84c28" data-vars-headline="North Carolina craft beer has entered a &quot;new era&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">historic decline</a> continued last year, with a 5.1% decrease in production and 2.9% contraction in U.S. breweries amid a slump in consumption, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" data-vars-content-id="e952d8dd-4e5f-408d-bb65-2d6e42a84c28" data-vars-headline="North Carolina craft beer has entered a &quot;new era&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/a-year-of-correction-for-craft-beer-with-early-signals-of-recovery/" target="_blank">report</a> released Tuesday shows.<ul><li>Those national trends are being felt in taprooms across North Carolina.</li></ul>Why it matters: Craft breweries were a growing part of the state&#x27;s economy throughout the past decade, breathing new life into downtowns throughout the state and making places like Asheville a destination. <ul><li>More than 400 craft breweries now operate in North Carolina. They had an economic impact of more than $2.2 billion in 2024, according to the report, released by the Colorado-based Brewers Association.</li></ul>

North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo

Lawmakers are shifting focus to the next budget year as divisions over taxes and spending persist.

Politics

The North Carolina legislature is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back in session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/17/5-big-questions-going-into-a-critical-ncga-session" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/04/17/5-big-questions-going-into-a-critical-ncga-session" target="_self">back in session</a>, though the chance of last year&#x27;s budget ever passing appears to be vanishing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/axios-live-north-carolina-faces-health-care-funding-staffing-gaps" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/axios-live-north-carolina-faces-health-care-funding-staffing-gaps" target="_self">Medicaid money</a> is running out, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teacher pay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ednc.org/edexplainer-whats-the-status-of-teacher-pay-and-benefits-in-north-carolina-in-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ednc.org/edexplainer-whats-the-status-of-teacher-pay-and-benefits-in-north-carolina-in-2026/" target="_blank">Teacher pay</a> hasn&#x27;t gone up this school year, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state prisons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wunc.org/politics/2026-03-30/nc-prison-system-struggling-to-pay-bills-keep-staff-dismukes" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wunc.org/politics/2026-03-30/nc-prison-system-struggling-to-pay-bills-keep-staff-dismukes" target="_blank">state prisons</a> are struggling to pay their bills.<ul><li>Other things are falling through the cracks, too, like the zoo being unable to make enough new hires to open its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently completed Asia exhibits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-zoo-cannot-open-asia-continent-because-of-state-budget-holdup/83-1f8546df-75c2-4ec1-889f-175bed0c0d45" data-vars-content-id="6978f8bc-acad-43cd-99d0-91c6f3463f33" data-vars-headline="North Carolina budget impasse strains Medicaid, schools, prisons, even the zoo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/north-carolina-zoo-cannot-open-asia-continent-because-of-state-budget-holdup/83-1f8546df-75c2-4ec1-889f-175bed0c0d45" target="_blank">recently completed Asia exhibits</a>.</li></ul>

Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand

Gabe Eng-Goetz ran the popular brand Runaway in downtown Durham during the 2010s.

Business

An influential figure in the Triangle&#x27;s creative arts scene is returning to the apparel world with a new clothing brand and print studio in downtown Durham.Why it matters: Before becoming one of the state&#x27;s most prolific public artists — with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="murals and artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gabegets.com/murals" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gabegets.com/murals" target="_blank">murals and artwork</a> across North Carolina — Gabe Eng-Goetz led the influential local clothing brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Runaway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/runawayclothes/" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/runawayclothes/" target="_blank">Runaway</a>, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ended production in 2019" data-vars-click-url="https://indyweek.com/news/culture/art/runaway-is-ending-after-this-season-but-its-seven-years-in/" data-vars-content-id="323febb9-823e-4408-a5c9-777f7cae896d" data-vars-headline="Durham artist behind Runaway Clothing returns with new DURM Studio brand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyweek.com/news/culture/art/runaway-is-ending-after-this-season-but-its-seven-years-in/" target="_blank">ended production in 2019</a>.

Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham

The company plans to create more than 700 jobs at the facility.

AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical giant, will invest $1.4 billion into a new facility in Durham, the company and the N.C. Department of Commerce announced Wednesday. Why it matters: The expansion is yet another win from the pharmaceutical industry for the Triangle and will create more than 700 jobs over the next four years, according to AbbVie. <ul><li>AbbVie also considered Chicago for the expansion, according to the Commerce Department. </li></ul>Driving the news: If it meets hiring and investment goals, AbbVie could receive more than $19 million in incentives from the state. <ul><li>The city of Durham and Durham County will also contribute $24.8 million in incentives. </li></ul>Zoom in: AbbVie said in a statement that it hopes to begin construction on the 185-acre campus this year and open the facility in 2028. <ul><li>The facility will focus on the production of AbbVie&#x27;s drugs in the immunology, neuroscience and oncology space. </li><li>The average wage at the AbbVie facility will be $118,000, and the company is expected to hire engineers, lab technicians, manufacturing roles and scientists. </li><li>This is AbbVie&#x27;s first investment into the state of North Carolina, and its campus will be located near <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research Triangle Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/25/research-triangle-park-clears-final-hurdle-rtp-30-rezoning-durham-wake-counties" target="_self">Research Triangle Park</a>. </li><li>The company said the first phase of construction at the site will include facilities for small volume parenteral drugs, laboratories, a warehouse and administrative offices. </li></ul>The big picture: Durham and Wake counties have seen huge commitments from pharmaceutical companies in recent months. <ul><li>Last fall, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Novartis pledged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/19/novartis-plans-hundreds-of-jobs-in-durham-and-morrisville" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/11/19/novartis-plans-hundreds-of-jobs-in-durham-and-morrisville" target="_self">Novartis pledged</a> to hire more than 700 people at facilities in Durham and Wake counties. </li><li>Other wins include expansions from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Genentech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/20/biotech-company-genentech-increases-investment-into-holly-springs" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/01/20/biotech-company-genentech-increases-investment-into-holly-springs" target="_self">Genentech</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amgen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/05/amgen-expands-investment-holly-springs-biotech-campus-1-billion" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2024/12/05/amgen-expands-investment-holly-springs-biotech-campus-1-billion" target="_self">Amgen</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fujifilm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/24/fujifilm-north-carolina-pharmaceutical-plant-onshore-manufacturing" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/09/24/fujifilm-north-carolina-pharmaceutical-plant-onshore-manufacturing" target="_self">Fujifilm</a> Diosynth, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biogen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/07/21/biogen-investment-research-triangle-park-manufacturing-facilities-north-carolina" target="_self">Biogen</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eli Lilly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/axios-live-raleigh-north-carolina-talent-manufacturing-workforce" data-vars-content-id="01c1a536-84d3-4349-9b9a-45add6a193c1" data-vars-headline="Pharma company AbbVie plots 700-job facility in Durham" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/22/axios-live-raleigh-north-carolina-talent-manufacturing-workforce" target="_self">Eli Lilly</a>. </li></ul>

GE Aerospace will invest more than $160M across North Carolina

The aircraft engine maker plans to hire another 5,000 workers across the U.S. this year.

For the second time in as many years, the aircraft engine maker GE Aerospace plans to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="invest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/ge-aerospace-invests-100m-in-north-carolina-facilities" data-vars-content-id="fca0fe52-e0d9-4a54-bce4-0d3457483ee6" data-vars-headline="GE Aerospace will invest more than $160M across North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/03/13/ge-aerospace-invests-100m-in-north-carolina-facilities" target="_self">invest</a> $1 billion into its U.S. plants and create another 5,000 jobs. Why it matters: The investment will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exceed $160 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.geaerospace.com/company/investing-in-manufacturing" data-vars-content-id="fca0fe52-e0d9-4a54-bce4-0d3457483ee6" data-vars-headline="GE Aerospace will invest more than $160M across North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.geaerospace.com/company/investing-in-manufacturing" target="_blank">exceed $160 million</a> across North Carolina, where GE Aerospace has plants in Durham, Asheville, West Jefferson, and Wilmington.

North Carolina astronaut will see Earth like no human has before

Christina Koch grew up in North Carolina and went to college at N.C. State.

Aerospace

Christina Koch, an astronaut <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised in North Carolina" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/04/03/north-carolina-astronaut-christina-koch-lands-moon-mission" data-vars-content-id="bca5e5e2-1f51-440d-a98f-7be4e7837597" data-vars-headline="North Carolina astronaut will see Earth like no human has before" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2023/04/03/north-carolina-astronaut-christina-koch-lands-moon-mission" target="_self">raised in North Carolina</a> and educated in the state&#x27;s public schools, is set to fly around the Moon as soon as next month. Why it matters: NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/22/huntsville-artemis-ii-nasa-marshall-sls-hls-lunar-mission" data-vars-content-id="bca5e5e2-1f51-440d-a98f-7be4e7837597" data-vars-headline="North Carolina astronaut will see Earth like no human has before" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/22/huntsville-artemis-ii-nasa-marshall-sls-hls-lunar-mission" target="_self">Artemis II mission</a> marks a new era of space exploration, one that envisions a long-term presence on the Moon and trips to Mars.<ul><li>The spaceflight will provide Koch, a noted photographer, and the rest of the crew with a perspective no human has ever seen.</li></ul>