Apple appears headed for Maiden

(The Charlotte Observer)

Computer maker Apple could announce Monday that it has chosen the Catawba County town of Maiden for a $1 billion data center. The state has approved $46 million in tax breaks for the company.

Local officials still mum on announcement

(Hickory Daily Record)

Beazer to pay $50 million settlement

(The Charlotte Observer)

Atlanta-based Beazer Homes will pay $50 million to settle federal mortgage- and accounting-fraud charges for actions in North Carolina and elsewhere. The company was accused of using sales tactics that resulted in high foreclosure rates.

Beazer settles fraud charges

(The Wall Street Journal)

N.C. State won’t settle with Easley

(News & Observer, Raleigh)

N.C. State University won’t pay to settle a lawsuit with former N.C. first lady Mary Easley over her firing, its chancellor says. The reason is simple: It doesn’t have the money.

Smithfield workers approve contract

(News & Observer, Raleigh)

Workers at the Smithfield Foods pork-processing plant in Tar Heel on Wednesday ratified their first union contract with the company. It gives employees wage increases of $1.50 an hour over the next four years, improved sick leave and vacation benefits, paid funeral leave and a grievance process. Click here for Business North Carolina’s story on the long struggle between the company and the union.

Novant wins approval to enter Virginia market

(Winston-Salem Journal)

Winston-Salem-based Novant Health has won approval from the Federal Trade Commission and the Virginia Attorney General’s office to bring Manassas, Va.-based Prince William Health System under its umbrella. See Business North Carolina’s July issue for a look at how health-care systems are expanding.