North Carolina News & Current Events

North Carolina has the third highest PFAS exposure in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

EPA takes steps to reduce PFAS as advocates call for more actions

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to reduce harmful pollution in drinking water in North Carolina and across the country. In a …

According to data from Best Colleges, nearly half of states in the U.S. have either proposed anti-DEI legislation or could be in the process of drafting it. (Adobe Stock)

Students unite to defend DEI initiatives

Conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion are on the rise as lawmakers propose bills to restrict or ban DEI in state-funded institutions…

A Charlotte Earth Day event will provide children with an Earth Passport, which will help guide them through four

A focus on environmental protection, advocacy for NC Earth Day

April is Earth Month, and North Carolina's climate justice groups are addressing the crucial roles of air, land, water and health in protecting the …

Farmers can combine renewable energy, such as solar panels, with crops on their property, a process known as agrivoltaics, to maximize the revenues from their farmland. (Adobe Stock)

Solar leases help NC farm owners up revenues, keep homestead

By Daniel Walton for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

A new report says as a result of budget appropriation increases, within a few years, North Carolina taxpayers will be spending more than $520 million per year on private-school tuition. (Adobe Stock)

Report reveals inequities in NC school voucher system

School vouchers in North Carolina were intended to expand educational options for low-income families. However, the report "NC School Vouchers: Using …

According to research from the Brennan Center, if the voter participation gap had not existed in 2020, 9 million more ballots would have been cast. (Adobe Stock)

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Southern groups are mobilizing to protect democracy and empower voters to address the issues that impact their communities, including in North …

According to Thrivent, FAFSA delays are expected to affect more than 17 million students trying to make plans for the 2024-2025 academic year. (Adobe Stock)

NC's college-bound students face FAFSA delays

The revamp of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid - or FAFSA - was supposed to streamline the process for college hopefuls this fall…

The White House predicted more than 6,500 people with prior federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana, and thousands of such convictions under District of Columbia law, could benefit from pardons. (Adobe Stock)

NC presidential pardon highlights marijuana reform

A man from North Carolina serving a long sentence for selling drugs has received a presidential pardon, which sparked discussions about long …

The lawsuit claims the officers' conduct violates the Fourth Amendment, amounts to assault and battery, or at least negligence, and ultimitely is what caused the wrongful death of Darryl Tyree Williams. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit seeks justice for NC man's death in police custody

Three attorneys are joining forces to seek justice for a North Carolina family. At a news conference, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump - along with …

The USDA is finalizing a series of rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act as part of President Biden's Executive Order on Promoting Competition in America's economy.

USDA rule could level playing field for livestock producers

Backers of a new federal rule said it will increase fairness for livestock and poultry producers, in North Carolina and across the country. The U.S…

North Carolina has more than 46,000 farms, and Black farmers run around 1,500 of them. (Adobe Stock)

'Farm and Faith' partnerships combat food injustices, racial land loss in NC

The Rural Advancement Foundation International is taking action against food injustices impacting farmers of color and rural communities through its F…

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the vast majority of fraud cases are most likely not reported and they estimate the overall cost of fraud to older consumers could be as high as $48 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting older NC adults from financial scams

From impersonations to investment schemes and AI, scammers appear to be targeting older adults in North Carolina and across the country more than …

In North Carolina, a person accused of murder is twice as likely to be sentenced to death if the victim is white, according to the North Carolina Coalition of Alternatives to the Death Penalty. (Adobe Stock)

Racial Justice Act case could affect NC death row inmates

A first-of-its-kind case in Johnston County could affect the futures of more than 100 people on death row in North Carolina. It's the Racial Justice …

The average debt in America is $103,358, including mortgages, auto loans, student loans and credit cards. (Adobe Stock)

Expert offers tips for a stronger financial year ahead

Debt in North Carolina and across the nation is rising and experts are offering tips to help people to make a shift in their finances. The average …

North Carolina's public schools earn failing grades in national report

North Carolina's public school system is facing a crisis, according to the recently released "Public Schooling in America 2024" report. It ranks the …

About 30% of U.S. households, or 38.6 million households, are eligible for weatherization. Only about 0.2% of low-income households in the United States receive much-needed weatherization services each year, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. (Marina Gordejeva/Adobe Stock) About 30% of U.S. households, or 38.6 million households, are eligible for weatherization. This means that only about 0.2% of low-income households in the United States receive much-needed weatherization se

NC nonprofit helps families in need save on energy bills

By Elizabeth Ouzts for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism…

According to the CDC, untreated cavities can lead to a severe infection under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results. (Adobe Stock)

NC dentists raises awareness on childhood tooth decay and prevention

February is Children's Dental Health Month and dentists want to raise awareness about the most common childhood disease and how to prevent it…

House Bill 951, passed by the General Assembly in 2021, requires the North Carolina Utilities Commission to review and renew the Carbon Plan every two years, updating it to reflect changes in available technologies and energy sources. (Adobe Stock)

Group empowers NC residents to advocate for sustainable future

A North Carolina nonprofit focused on climate justice wants to help people advocate for their views about Duke Energy's proposed Carbon Plan…

Stephanie Bowden is pictured with her mother and sister. (Courtesy Hannah Booth Photography)

NC survivor empowers young women to protect their heart health

February is American Heart Month and according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women…

According to CleanAIRE NC, frontline communities are constantly dealing with a range of environmental risks, including power plants, sewage plants, roads and highways, landfills and others. (Adobe Stock)

NC to tackle pollution disparities with Environmental Justice Council

North Carolina is taking action to address environmental injustice, specifically targeting areas disproportionately affected by pollution and climate …

U.S. church membership was 73% when Gallup polling first measured it in 1937 and remained near 70% for the next six decades, before beginning a steady decline around the turn of the 21st century. (Matt Apps/Adobe Stock)

Former church buildings find new purpose in NC communities

In North Carolina, congregations are banding together to repurpose empty churches as community pillars to address issues like housing. According to …

According to the Tech Report, women hold only 26.7% of jobs in the technology sector, while men hold 73.3%, and 83.3% of tech executives in the United States are white. (Adobe Stock)

NC nonprofit opens tech industry doors for underrepresented communities

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

Forty workers at an agricultural packing shed at Battleboro Produce in North Carolina are now part of a union. (courtesy of Farm Labor Organizing Committee)

NC union agreement ushers in benefits for immigrant ag workers

Immigrant workers at an agricultural packing shed in Battleboro, North Carolina are celebrating a union agreement which will bring them new benefits…

Appalachian Voices claims some of the data presented by Mountain Valley Pipeline regarding its Southgate extension project is misleading. (Adobe Stock)

NC groups demand changes to Mountain Valley Pipeline's Southgate extension

Environmental groups in North Carolina are demanding changes to the Southgate extension of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Ridge Graham, North …

NC groups work to improve health equity amid Medicaid changes

Health equity is becoming a top priority in North Carolina as Medicaid undergoes changes. People across the state are experiencing updates, that …

In the United States, more than 44 million people, including 13 million children, experience food insecurity. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill could help food banks across North Carolina

In a state where nearly 11% of households face food insecurity, North Carolina's food banks are grappling with an urgent problem. The nonprofit …

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Post-holiday diets can impact heart health

Diet and exercise ads may be all your social media feed is filled with in January, however, resolutions to maintain balance are best for the heart…

Americans generate about 6.9 million tons of e-waste each year. (Adobe Stock)

Microsoft extends support for Windows 10 to prevent e-waste

Tech giant Microsoft has responded to concerns about the environmental impact of discontinuing support for Windows 10 by offering extended security up…

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, North Carolina has an incarceration rate of 617 per 100,000 people in prisons, jails, immigration detention and juvenile justice facilities. (Jessica Leigh/Adobe Stock)

Report has remedies for racial disparities in NC criminal-justice system

Sixty percent of those incarcerated in North Carolina are people of color, one of the highest rates in the country. A new report from The Sentencing …

The Inclusive Democracy Act of 2023 would restore voting rights to all Americans with criminal convictions, eliminate state-level barriers for incarcerated individuals to vote in federal elections, and prohibit prosecution for incomplete ballots. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Bill aims to restore voting rights for incarcerated people in NC, US

More than 83,000 people in North Carolina are unable to vote, due to a past or present felony conviction and at least some are watching new …

Access to EV charging is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as a result of government initiatives in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Adobe Stock)

Expanding EV infrastructure for environmental equity in NC

The number of electric vehicles in North Carolina has surged in the past five years, with about 70,000 people now driving them. Advocates said …

In a statement on its website, Emancipate North Carolina said it

Advocates stand with NC Justice Earls during investigation

Numerous groups are showing support for North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls as an investigation moves forward following her comments rega…

The latest America's Health Rankings report showed 11% of people avoided care because of a lack of insurance between 2021 and 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Depression rates on rise in North Carolina

Depression is on the rise in North Carolina, based on the latest America's Health Rankings data. Between 2018 and 2022, mental distress increased by …

According to a new report, an inventory of emissions from wood-pellet production found more than 55 hazardous air pollutants, along with more than 10,000 tons of volatile organic compounds and more than 14,000 tons of particulate matter in annual emissions. (Andrei Merkulov/ Adobe Stock)

New report finds biomass energy may pose greater health risks across NC

A new report showed biomass energy and wood-pellet production may be worse for human health and air pollution in comparison to fossil fuels across Nor…

According to TheWorldCounts.com, more than 48 million tons of electronic waste have been thrown out, a growing issue because of the toxic chemicals that can have dangerous health impacts such as birth defects and kidney damage. (Adobe Stock)

NC lawmakers push for repair scores to reduce electronic waste

Legislators in North Carolina and across the country are demanding more information for residents about longevity and repairability of tech devices…

MarketBoxx partners with universities and colleges food pantries to address food insecurity and combat 'food deserts,' which can affect the health and nutrition of college students on a budget. (Photo courtesy of MarketBoxx)

Nonprofit fights hunger on founders' former NC campus

Just in time for the holidays, two North Carolina A&T State University graduates are taking a stand against hunger among college students, and making …

North Carolina is one of 41 states to expand Medicaid since 2014. (Adobe Stock)

Officials urge NC residents to enroll during Medicaid expansion

North Carolina is pushing to expand health care to those who need it most and officials from UnitedHealthcare are urging residents to take advantage o…

More than 2,000 patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities have received dental care in group home day center settings across North Carolina, according to Access Dental. (Adobe Stock)

Improving NC access to dental care for people with disabilities

Most people probably never give a second thought to their visits to the dentist, but not everyone can navigate this process with ease. People with …

According to data by SCORE, 75% of small business owners donate an average of 6% of their profits to charitable organizations each year. (Adobe Stock)

The importance of 'shopping local' for sustainable NC business growth

Small Business Saturday has come and gone and the North Carolina Sustainable Business Council urged people to keep "shopping local" this season…

The Farm Credit System is cumulatively the largest lender to the agricultural sector, making about 45% of all agricultural loans, with $350 billion in assets. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Increasing accountability, sustainability in Farm Credit System

A new report is calling for greater accountability in the system providing funding to farmers in underserved communities. The research takes a dive …

KFF research suggests that Medicaid expansion has helped reduce disparities in coverage by income, age, marital status, disability status and, in some studies, race/ethnicity. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolinians gain greater access to health care with Medicaid expansion

Starting Friday, North Carolinians will have greater access to health care as the long-awaited Medicaid expansion is launched. Medicaid will …

According to the 2022 BBB scam tracker, online purchase scams comprised 31.9% of all scams reported in 2022, with 74% reporting money loss. (StratfordProductions/Adobe Stock)

BBB warns NC about Cyber Monday scams, offers tips on safety

It is Cyber Monday, which means you will likely find great deals on your holiday shopping but the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas …

The Data Resource Library was collaboratively developed by grantees and community partners to bridge the gap between data literacy, accessibility and capacity, creating an engaging and direct resource.(Adobe Stock)

NC groups create database to increase access for health equity

Organizations in North Carolina are stepping up to make data more accessible for those in need. Kate B. Reynolds, together with the North Carolina …

As a part of a new USDA rule, poultry companies are now required, when finalizing a new contract, to disclose to prospective growers the income range, broken down by quintiles, of current growers in a prospective grower's region. (Tony Campbell/Adobe Stock)

USDA rule to benefit North Carolina farmers, strengthen competition

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's new "Transparency in Poultry Growing Contracts and Tournaments" rule is granting North Carolina farmers more …

In 2023, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation awarded students a combined total of $589,000 in scholarship funds. (Adobe Stock)

NC credit unions help students break barriers with scholarships

College application season is in full swing, when prospective students are focused not only on where to enroll but how to pay for it. College can …

A study by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice found basic needs insecurity, particularly food insecurity, is prevalent among many students of color, with 75% of Indigenous students and 70% of both Black and American Indian or Alaska Native students across two- and four-year institutions experiencing it. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina university works to fight food insecurity on campus

More than 1 million North Carolinians, including college students, are grappling with food insecurity. Recognizing the urgent need, schools like …

This year's Blue Sky Award recipients include environmental justice advocate Sherri White-Williamson, community leader Ron Ross, electric vehicle proponent Ray Addison II, CleanAIRE NC Board Chair Kwame Alexander, and educator Yancey Fouch� with the Davidson Sustainability Scholars program. (Adobe Stock)

Climate advocates honored at CleanAIRE NC annual fundraiser

This Saturday, North Carolinians who are dedicated to fighting climate change and air pollution will be honored at the annual CleanAIRE Affair …

When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming. (Adobe Stock)

NC Christian leaders shift focus to climate change for All Saints Day

Today is All Saints' Day and in addition to remembering loved ones no longer with us, some Christian leaders in North Carolina are shifting their …

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