• Here’s the latest update from FEMA on the personal protective equipment delivered or en route to North Carolina as a result of the Trump Administration’s Project Airbridge program.  This equipment is literally saving lives among our first responders and health care providers on the front lines of the pandemic.

• The Small Business Administration announced yesterday that it is opening up its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs to agricultural businesses following passage of a change to the program approved by Congress as part of the second phase of funding for the Paycheck Protection Act. SBA’s EIDL portal has re-opened and is accessible here.  More info from SBA available here.

• Some additional good news for our farm families: the USDA announced yesterday it would be making $470 million in Section 32 food purchases in addition to the purchases previously announced. These purchases will not only help put food on the table for millions of families nationwide, it will provide some badly-needed relief to our producers. More aid is needed, but this is at least additional help. 

• North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services has conducted a study that found an estimated 51.1% of adults in North Carolina are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 based on being 65 or older, having at least one of the underlying health conditions, or both. It’s a reminder of how important it is that many across our state take particular care to avoid exposure to the virus. Read more about the study here.

• The IRS continues to update its FAQ document regarding CARES Act stimulus payments. View it here if you still have not received your payment or have questions.

• The Sunset Beach Town Council has voted to relax some restrictions on town’s state of emergency order, issued in conjunction with the Governor’s stay-at-home order.  Tomorrow (Wednesday) at Noon, beach accesses will reopen for approved physical activity like running or walking. More information on the town’s website here.

• The American Red Cross Cape Fear chapter is hosting a blood drive this Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Emerge Orthopedics at 3727 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Donors can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit their website to schedule an appointment.