North Carolina News & Current Events

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)

Friday, December 8, 2023

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 …

According to the Economic Policy Institute, in 2021, union-avoidance consultants reported receiving more than $13 million from nine corporations. (Simon/Adobe Stock)

Anti-union-busting bills in Congress would benefit workers, taxpayers

Although U.S. laws protect workers' rights to form unions, corporations spend hundreds of millions annually to discourage them from doing so…

NC leaders discuss alternatives to criminal-justice fees

The burden of criminal justice fees can be financially devastating for many individuals. From speeding tickets to court costs, those involved in the …

The Inflation Reduction Act and other federal legislation are putting hundreds of billions of dollars toward programs to spur clean energy usage, but many energy companies aren't using the money. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: NC utility slow to shift away from fossil fuel dependence

New data from the Sierra Club shows Duke energy is slow to reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower costs for customers. The utility and its …

Around 10% of workers in the United States are employed with H-2A visas, according to The National Agriculture Law Center. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina farmworkers and growers call for better working conditions

Migrant farmworkers and small family farmers in North Carolina got together to form an alliance to advocate for sustainable agricultural supply chains…

Bats are the only mammals capable of self-powered flight, and account for about one in five of all mammals on earth. There are around 1,300 bat species worldwide. (Anastasiia/ Adobe Stock)

Wildlife advocates: Bats provide $50 billion worth of natural pest control

As Halloween approaches and thoughts may turn to spooky bat costumes, advocates for endangered species are reminding everyone bats are not creatures …

People who are detained awaiting trial are more likely to accept a less favorable plea deal, more likely to be sentenced to prison, and more likely to receive longer sentences, research from The Sentencing Project showed. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Report: Minorities make up NC prison population majority

A new study of incarceration trends shows people who are Black or Native American make up more than half of North Carolina's prison population…

Nearly 2 million new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2023 in the U.S. (SEVENNINE_79/Adobe Stock)

Groups work to empower families with financial knowledge for navigating cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month when people unite in support of those impacted by this prevalent disease. However, the financial burden that …

During the early-voting period, voters may cast a ballot at any early-voting site in their county. This is different than Election Day, when registered voters must vote at their assigned polling place. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina one-stop early voting starts Thursday

The early voting period for the November municipal elections in North Carolina will begin on Thursday and run until Nov. 4. The League of Women …

About 1,304,300 student borrowers live in North Carolina. (Adobe Stock)

Expert offers tips to manage college costs, student-loan debt in NC

As student loan payments resume after a three-year halt, experts offer advice on pursuing higher education without accumulating unnecessary debt…

Since 2005, Supreme Court rulings have accepted adolescent brain science and banned the use of capital punishment for juveniles, limited life-without-parole sentences to homicide offenses, banned the use of mandatory life without parole and applied the decision retroactively. (Adobe Stock)

NC advocates push for end to juvenile life sentences

More than half of U.S. states have already banned life sentences without the possibility of parole for juveniles. North Carolina isn't one of them - …

Adult learners represent 40% of higher education's student population. (Adobe Stock)

NC schools look to engage adult learners to improve workforce

Universities in North Carolina are leaning on adult learners to address workforce gaps in the state, specifically in the shortage of teachers and …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaves and other yard debris account for more than 13% of the nation's solid waste. (Sarah Wilson/Adobe Stock)

Leaving leaves: A green alternative to raking NC yards

As fall approaches, North Carolinians are gearing up for their annual task of raking leaves. However, a survey conducted by the National Wildlife …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about one in three adults did not get a dental exam or have their teeth cleaned in 2019, and people in urban areas were more likely to visit a dentist than those in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

NC dentist highlights need to address health risks of bleeding gums

Bleeding gums may seem like a minor annoyance, but experts warn they could indicate underlying health problems, which should not be taken lightly…

n 2021, 103,854 North Carolina workers were employed in clean-energy jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act will expand these opportunities, bringing an estimated $2.7 billion of investment in large-scale clean-power generation and storage to North Carolina between now and 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NC businesses leverage Inflation Reduction Act for greener future

As more companies embrace sustainable practices, businesses in North Carolina are leading the charge through innovative initiatives with funds from …

In 1920, Black people made up 14% of all farmers. It is estimated Black farmers lost around $326 billion worth of land within the 20th century. BIPOC farmers now make up less than 5% of all U.S. farmers. (Heather Craig/Adobe Stock)

Advocates bring attention to racism rooted in farming across NC

Advocates are drawing attention to systemic racism in farming across North Carolina and the nation. The National Farm Worker Ministry is hosting its …

In the last 18 years, 195 rural hospitals in the U.S. have either closed completely (100) or converted to emergency or outpatient care only (95), based on data from the University of North Carolina's Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. (Adobe Stock)

NC health insurance: Think ahead to choose best plan for 2024

It is almost time to select health insurance for the coming year in North Carolina, which means starting your research now and getting acquainted …

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, about one in five young people held in juvenile facilities is awaiting trial and has not been found guilty or delinquent. (Adobe Stock)

Fewer NC youths locked up, but more juvenile justice reforms needed

The number of children behind bars in North Carolina has declined significantly in recent years, but their advocates said more work could be done to …

Some 43% of young voters say they are more motivated to vote by candidates who represent their values, not by voting against candidates who do not represent their values (27%). (Adobe Stock)

Looking to NC voters 'under 45' to change state politics

The youngest North Carolina voters could end up shifting the political landscape of the state in the not-too-distant future. New data from the …

Among 12- to 17-year-olds nationwide, 2.08 million or 8.33% report using drugs in the last month. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina fights back against youth overdose epidemic

In the wake of the devastating overdose epidemic in North Carolina, the state's Department of Health and Human Services is stepping up to aid …

In 2019, Black youths were 4.4 times as likely to be incarcerated in the juvenile-justice system<br />as were their white peers. (Jeffrey Zalesny/Adobe Stock)

Report Offers Ways to Reduce Jail, Prison Populations in NC

The U.S. prison population has grown nearly 500% since the start of mass incarceration 50 years ago and now, reform advocates are calling for its end …

Ballots cast by young people made up 12% of all votes in the 2022 election, nearly matching the 13% youth share of the vote from the 2014 and 2018 midterms, according to National Election Pool surveys. (Adobe Stock)

NC Group Joins Effort to Mobilize Young Voters

The League of Women Voters in North Carolina said its members are working diligently to reach out to young people, especially today. The goal is to …

William Peace University students are now able to access up to 12 appointment-based mental health counseling sessions each academic year. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock) <br /><br /><br />

NC Schools Address Rising Mental Health Concerns of College Students

The focus at universities in the fall is getting students started in their new semesters. But increasingly, schools are also doing more to recognize …

According to the MAP report, only seven states have a statewide Voting Rights Act. It finds stronger federal election legislation, like the Freedom to Vote Act, could ensure a stronger democracy nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

A Call for Urgent Action to Thwart Election Denial Risks in NC

A new report shows North Carolina and other states are susceptible to election denialism, which could have implications for future elections…

Last year, CCF estimated that as many as 6.7 million children could experience a period of uninsurance as a consequence of the unwinding. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

North Carolina Children at Risk of Losing Health Coverage

Right now, many North Carolina Medicaid participants are up for redetermination - and experts are concerned about the number of North Carolina …

Unlike independent congregations, United Methodist churches are part of a larger international network that elects representatives to govern the denomination. It operates under a representative democracy, much like the federal government, complete with checks and balances. (Adobe Stock/Kit Leong)

Church Leaders Outline Disaffiliation Risks for Rural NC

By Sarah Melotte for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service Service for the Public News Service/Daily Y…

Ten million third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are extracted from about 5 million people in the United States each year, at an annual cost of more than $3 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Words of Wisdom on Wisdom Teeth: Insights from NC Oral Surgeon

About six in 10 people have wisdom teeth, and for parents hearing they need to get a child's wisdom teeth removed, a North Carolina oral surgeon has …

About one in five North Carolina residents has unpaid medical bills in the collections process. (Adobe Stock) About one in five North Carolina residents has unpaid medical bills that are in the collections process. (Adobe Stock) About one in five North Carolina residents has unpaid medical bills that are in the collections process. (Adobe Stock)

NC Foundation Helps Erase $2.2 Million in Medical Debt

The burden of medical debt is not so heavy anymore for some lucky North Carolina residents. The Coastal Credit Union Foundation partnered with the …

Atrium Health is one of the businesses committing to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Sector Pledge, aiming to reduce emissions by 50% percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC Faces Urgent Need for Clean Air, Climate Action

North Carolina is grappling with the consequences of climate change, with sweltering summers, a surge in wildfires, and frequent extreme weather …

NC Family Demands Fair Treatment as Teen Brothers Face Adult Charges

A Gaston County family is demanding fair treatment as teenage twin brothers Paden and La'Dainian Fuller face attempted first-degree murder charges in …

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United reports, based on comments of more than 500 restaurant workers gathered in response to OSHA's proposed indoor and outdoor heat standards, many restaurants are inadequately prepared to mitigate the impact and have shown a disregard for keeping their workers safe and healthy. (Rade Lukovic/Adobe Stock)<br />

Restaurant Workers Battle Against Rising Heat for Safer Working Conditions

Restaurant workers are feeling the heat now more than ever as they battle hotter working conditions due to climate change, and they are calling for …

Gen Z breaks the silence with higher rates of self-reporting and treatment for mental health conditions. In the past two years, nearly 20% of people in this age group report having anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

Stepping Up to Help 'Gen Z' Navigate Mental Health Needs in NC

Research shows that members of "Generation Z" - now in their teens to mid-20s - are almost twice as likely to struggle with mental health issues as ot…

The North Carolina Department of Commerce provides free small-business advisors to help people who want to start/expand a business or have a general business question in North Carolina. (Adobe Stock)

Smaller Companies Struggle to Access Funding from Federal Economic Bills

In the quest for economic growth, some small businesses in North Carolina are facing challenges in accessing funding from federal economic stimuli…

In the 2022 legislative session, state lawmakers around the country introduced at least 43 bills that would allow or require problematic voter purges. So far in 2023, states are considering at least 28 additional bills. (Adobe Stock)

Report Shows Some NC Policies Negatively Affect Eligible Voters

A recent report by the nonpartisan public-policy organization Demos uncovers disturbing findings regarding the impact of voter-registration purges in …

More than one in 13 student loan borrowers is currently behind on other payment obligations. (Adobe Stock)

As Federal Student Loan Repayments Resume, Tips to Prepare

As summer comes to an end, kids and adults alike are headed back to school. But for college graduates, this also means it's time to resume payments …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed standards for coal and natural gas power plants would result in avoiding up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide emissions through 2042. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline Nears to Comment on Proposed NC Pollution Standards

Climate change is a pressing concern as the world deals with heat waves and poor air quality caused by recent wildfires. To safeguard the health and …

Youth-Led Nonprofit Works to Transform Rural NC Health, Wellness

Rural areas in North Carolina have long been grappling with limited access to services, from health care to internet access, and a unique nonprofit …

The CDC Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates that each month in the United States, consumers purchase 11.9 million in disposable e-cigarettes. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

A Push to End Disposable Vape Sales in NC

Disposable vapes are posing a growing environmental threat in North Carolina and across the country, according to a new report. The U.S. Public …

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