The Open Enrollment Period began on Oct. 15 and will run for eight weeks to give you enough time to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage. Changes must be made by Dec. 7 to guarantee your coverage will begin without interruption on Jan. 1, 2026.

“It’s always an exciting time when both the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are rolling at the same time,” said Mark Michalko, chief executive officer of the N.C. Education Lottery. “It gives North Carolinians two chances to win life-changing prizes. Good luck this week.”

The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) is proud to announce that North Carolina has been ranked #2 in the nation for workplace safety, according to a recent study by WalletHub. This national recognition reflects the collective efforts of employers, employees, and safety professionals across the state.

The estimated $300 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs in Gaston County. The 1.2 million–square-foot facility, located at 799 Sara Lee Access Road, is expected to open in 2027. The new jobs will generate an annual payroll impact in the community of more than estimated $20 million per year.

Rutherford County experienced a modest increase in unemployment, rising from 5.0 percent in July to 5.1 percent in August.