North Carolina is part of Apple’s $500 billion U.S. expansion plans. Apple will expand facilities in nine states over the next four years and create 20,000 jobs, the tech giant said in a news release Monday. With the company’s largest ever financial commitment, it is focusing on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering and skills development.

Apple plans to expand operations in Maiden, North Carolina — roughly 45 minutes from Charlotte — as part of its $500 billion, four-year U.S. expansion, the company announced Monday morning. Why it matters: This is Apple's largest financial commitment to date,

Sean Simpson is accused of shooting and killing Zaquavious Dawkins, 16, in Gastonia, North Carolina, last month

Video shows murder suspect Sean Simpson, 16, collapsing in court after he was charged with fatally shooting 16-year-old Zaquavious Dawkins in Gastonia