North Carolina News & Current Events

North Carolina ranks sixth in the nation for the number of migrant farmworkers employed on agricultural farms. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

NC Faith Leaders to Meet with Reynolds Tobacco on Farmworkers’ Rights

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Faith leaders are urging tobacco companies to support migrant workers employed by their contract farms. A group of clergy will meet …

Experts at The Pew Charitable Trusts say the sounds, shorelines and marshes of North Carolina's coast form one of the largest estuary systems in the country. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Experts at The Pew Charitable Trusts say the sounds, shorelines and marshes of North Carolina's coast form one of the largest estuary systems in the country. (Adobe Stock)

NC’s Updated Coastal Habitat Plan Focuses on Seagrass, Local Solutions

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. -- North Carolina's Marine Fisheries Commission has approved an updated version of the state's Coastal Habitat Protection Plan…

Kristie Puckett-Williams turned her life around after being incarcerated in a Mecklenburg County jail.(Steve Remich)

Turning Trauma Behind Bars Into Advocacy for Incarcerated Pregnant Women

By Ashley Mahoney for the Charlotte Post with support from the Pulitzer Center.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for North Carolina News Service…

On Nov. 10, Dawn Blagrove of Emancipate NC presented oral arguments to North Carolina Supreme Court Justices about the racial justice consequences of life-without-parole sentencing in juvenile cases. (Supreme Court of North Carolina)

NC Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Juvenile Life-without-Parole

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week on the racial disparities involved in sentencing kids under 18 to …

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that North Carolina's budget would see a net gain of $1.21 billion over a two-year period if the state expanded Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Majority of NC Republican Voters Back Medicaid Expansion

RALEIGH, N.C. -- More than half of North Carolina Republican voters say they support expanding Medicaid, according to a new poll commissioned by the …

Cutting greenhouse-gas emissions as part of an effort to slow climate change also reduces air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, that harm human health, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (Adobe Stock)

NC Lawmaker: Build Back Better Act “Makes Up” for Time Lost on Emissions

DURHAM, N.C. -- North Carolina lawmakers say President Joe Biden's recently announced Build Back Better Act will help ensure generations of residents …

Some four out of ten U.S. residents - 135 million people - live in counties with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the 2021 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association. (Adobe Stock)

NC Scientist Says Climate Action Needed Now to Protect Human Health

RALEIGH, N.C. - Higher temperatures driven by climate change will likely make air pollution worse, and one North Carolina scientist says action is …

Nationwide, Black Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at nearly five times the rate of white Americans, according to a recent report from the Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC Leads Nation in Black Prison Population

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A recent report from the Sentencing Project finds North Carolina to be one of twelve states in which more than half the prison …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, North Carolina consumes almost four times as much energy as is produced in the state. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, North Carolina consumes almost four times as much energy as is produced in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Pull Back the Curtain: Webinars Cover Energy Policy for NC Residents

RALEIGH, N.C. - Experts say an increasing number of people are sharing their views with state regulatory agencies about rate cases and clean energy…

Students in Greensboro, N.C., started an herb garden as a way to learn about how to grow plants and their nutritional benefits. (Sarah Fedele)

Community Herb Garden Reconnects NC Residents with Plants’ Health Benefits

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- A community herb garden in Greensboro is helping students and community members reconnect with plants and stay healthy by …

In 2019 and 2020, more than 9% of children ages 3 to 17, or nearly 5.6 million kids, had anxiety problems. That's a 21% increase from 2017, according to a new United Health Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)

Children's Physical, Mental Health Expected to Worsen from Pandemic

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Only 20% of kids nationwide are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, according to a new United Health Foundation report…

In October 2018, Hurricane Michael inundated Surry County, N.C., increasing sediment in the Mitchell River Watershed. (Resource Institute)

Restoration Work Cleans Up Mitchell River’s Hurricane Michael Damage

ELKIN, N.C. - A Mitchell River watershed-restoration project has improved water quality and repaired damage from 2018's Hurricane Michael, as well as …

In 2017, 29,500 abortions were provided in North Carolina, although not all abortions that occurred in the state were provided to state residents, according to the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments in Texas Abortion Ban

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Supreme Court said it will hear oral arguments next Monday related to a controversial Texas abortion law. For now, the state's …

The United States currently has 2,000 operational biogas systems linked to farms, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities and food waste, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Align RNG Settlement Spotlights Biogas Plant Regulation

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- After the first settlement of its kind in North Carolina capping limits on emissions from a biogas plant in Sampson County…

The planet lost an area of forest larger than the United Kingdom in 2020, according to research by the University of Maryland. (Adobe Stock)

New Scorecard Helps Consumers Find Responsibly Sourced Wood Furniture

HIGH POINT, N.C. - The National Wildlife Federation and Sustainable Furnishings Council have released the latest list of furniture retailers who rely …

North Carolina small business owner Jainaba Jeng says a community credit union helped her grow her specialty food business. (Jainaba Jeng)<br /> — North Carolina small business owner Jainaba Jeng says a community credit union helped her grow her specialty food business. (Jainaba Jeng)

‘Kitchens of Africa’ Founder: More Women Small-Business Owners Need Access to Loans

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Women small-business owners in North Carolina say access to financing is a key component of helping women reach economic success…

In 2018, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 80, a commitment to tackle climate change and build a clean energy economy. (Flickr/NC Dept. of Public Safety)<br /> — In 2018, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 80, a commitment to tackle climate change and build a clean energy economy. (Flickr/NC Dept. of Public Safety)

Gov. Cooper: NC Will “Do Its Part” to Reduce Carbon Emissions

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Gov. Roy Cooper said this week, North Carolina lawmakers are on the cusp of passing legislation he believes will put the state on …

Seventeen people on death row were executed in the United States in 2020, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. (Adobe Stock)

Faith, Death Penalty Focus of NC Virtual Sabbath

RALEIGH, N.C. - An online conversation this Sunday will focus on faith with people affected by capital punishment. Panelists will include George …

Day 2 Day Dads, a Raleigh-based fatherhood program, helps men reconnect with their children after incarceration. (Adobe Stock)

Formerly Incarcerated Fathers Reconnect With Kids They Left Behind

By Freda Freeman, reporting for the Charlotte PostBroadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service RALEIGH, N.C. -- Marquee Yarborough, 30…

Nearly 3 million people nationwide enrolled on an Affordable Care Act marketplace for health insurance coverage during the Biden administration's six-month COVID-19 special enrollment period, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock) <br /> — Nearly 3 million people nationwide enrolled on an Affordable Care Act marketplace for health insurance coverage during the Biden administration's six-month COVID-19 special enrollment period, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolinians Urged to Consider Health Needs During Fall Enrollment

RALEIGH, N.C. -- This fall during open enrollment, millions of Americans will sign up for or switch their health insurance plan for the coming year…

North Carolina's Senate Bill 300 also creates a felony charge for resisting police, if it results in physical injuries to the officer involved. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU: NC's Criminal-Justice Reform Package Doesn't Go Far Enough

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed sweeping criminal-justice reform into law this month that is meant to hold police more …

The least tern is among nearly 500 species under threat of decline in North Carolina. (Don Henise/Flickr)

NC Senators Sponsor Bipartisan Wildlife Protection Bill

RALEIGH, N.C. - A bipartisan bill to protect wildlife species before they're imperiled has gained the support of North Carolina's senators. It's the …

FEMA program will reimburse families for funeral expenses of multiple COVID victims, up to a limit of $35,500 per applicant. (Victor Moussa/Adobestock)

FEMA Program Will Pay $9K in Funeral Costs for COVID Victims

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Did you know the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a program to reimburse funeral expenses up to $9,000 dollars when …

Food prices are rising nationwide, and the cost of a grocery store trip is up 3.5% from a year ago, according to a USDA report. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Groups Work to Boost Food Access, Help Farmers

RALEIGH, N.C. -- More than $1 million in COVID-19 relief grants are helping rural organizations increase their focus on locally sourced food relief…

In the last fiscal quarter before the pandemic, the top 1% of higher-income Americans held $15.10 trillion in stock and mutual funds, according to the North Carolina Justice Center. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — In the last fiscal quarter before the pandemic, the top 1% of higher-income Americans held $15.10 trillion in stock and mutual funds, according to the North Carolina Justice Center. (Adobe Stock)

Corporate Leaders, Wealthy Individuals Call for Increased Taxes

RALEIGH, N.C. -- It is not every day people ask for higher taxes, but that is the gist of a letter just sent to Congress, signed by more than 200 …

Michael Watkins of Raleigh spent six months in prison for felony breaking and entering in 1988 and the next three decades getting his life on track. He earned a bachelor's degree last year at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. (Michael Watkins)

Formerly Incarcerated Face Barriers to Normalcy

By Herbert L. White, Reporting for the the Charlotte Post Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Michael …

Industrial consumers, environmental advocates and residential ratepayers in North Carolina have voiced concerns over a new energy bill critics say was created with outsized input from Duke Energy. (Adobe Stock)

NC Energy Bill Gets Criticism for Cost, Climate-Change Effectiveness

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Critics of an energy bill moving through the North Carolina General Assembly say it would cost several hundred-million dollars over …

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools have at least one full-time registered nurse available for students' health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic, State Regulations Create Obstacles for NC School Nurses

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- As the school year gets underway, some school nurses are facing hurdles addressing students' health-care needs. Diane Parker…

PM2.5 readings from PurpleAir monitors across North Carolina on the evening of July 4. Emissions from grills, fireworks and other household sources increase PM2.5 levels. (CleanAIRE NC)

EPA Using Low-Cost NC Sensors to Collect Air-Quality Data

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Environmental Protection Agency is now including data from a network of low-cost air sensors in North Carolina in its official …

More than two-thirds of all Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide receive care from managed-care organizations that contract with state Medicaid programs. (Adobe Stock)

NC Medicaid Beneficiaries Urged to Find Plans Under New Managed Care

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina residents who rely on Medicaid have until Sep. 30 to switch healthcare plans under the state's new managed care …

Saichelle McNeill of Charlotte (right, with daughter J'Nai) served 27 months in federal prison. Upon release, she endured rejection when she applied for jobs in laundry services, before launching Washroom Laundry. (Courtesy Saichelle McNeill/The Charlotte Post)

Formerly Incarcerated NC Woman Built Her Own Small Business

By Ashley Mahoney, Reporting for the the Charlotte Post Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service CHARLOTTE, N.C. - When Saichelle …

More than 25% of high school students in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study reported worsening emotional and cognitive health. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Meeting Kids' Social, Emotional Needs This Fall

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The school year is fast approaching, and many North Carolina students will be headed back to the classroom for the first time in a …

The number of moms with health coverage participating in the Magnolia Mother's Trust, a guaranteed-income program, went up by a quarter during the program. (Sarah Stripp/Springboard to Opportunities)

A Push for Permanent Policies to Support Lower-Income Families

MS. MAGAZINE COLLABORATION By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for North Carolina News Service/Public News …

While 19.9% of litter on land comes from unsecured items in the back of trucks or trash receptacles, the vast majority originates intentionally. (Adobe Stock)

“Trees4Trash Challenge” Urges Residents to Pick Up Litter

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Wildlife Federation wants residents to pick up trash in their neighborhood, and swap out the litter for trees…

Many North Carolina small-business owners say feel financially squeezed by the high cost of health coverage for employees. (Adobe Stock)

NC Business Leaders Say Boosting Health Coverage is Key to Economic Stability

RALEIGH, N.C. - As the Delta variant continues to spread and vaccination rates stagnate, small businesses are advocating for efforts to expand health-…

Nearly all students have experienced some challenges to their mental health and well-being during the pandemic and many have lost access to school-based services and supports, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

In Rural NC, Push for Mental-Health Resources as Kids Head Back to School

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Across the state, teachers and staff expect more kids will need mental-health resources as they return to in-person school…

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. (Adobe Stock)

NC Faith Groups Say Opioid Settlement Money Should Go Toward Community Resources

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Faith leaders and support groups across the state are calling on lawmakers to commit to spending the approximately $750 million …

Research increasingly points to early childhood, the period from birth through age seven, as the most critical time in a child's life. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Research increasingly points to early childhood, the period from birth through age seven, as the most critical time in a child's life. (Adobe Stock)

NC Grants Focus on Easing Racial Disparities in Early Learning

RALEIGH, N.C. - In some North Carolina counties, high poverty levels mean kids and parents lack access to quality pre-K learning. Some groups are …

According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Missed Well Visits Put Kids at Risk for Communicable Diseases

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Parents should catch their kids up on missed doctor visits, and in some cases, vaccinations, to protect themselves and their …

Over the past six decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of fires in the western United States, according to NASA. (Adobe Stock)

Western Wildfire Smoke Poses Health Hazard for NC Residents

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Massive wildfires in the Western U.S. and Canada have triggered poor air quality in North Carolina over the past few weeks, and …

According to FBI data, U.S. law enforcement agencies made an estimated 1,558,862 drug related arrests in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

NC Faith Leaders Call Out "Failed" Drug Policy

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - As activists mark more than 100 days of protest since the April 21 death of Andrew Brown Junior - killed outside his Elizabeth …

Health Departments in North Carolina increasingly rely on nurse practitioners and other non-physician health professionals to provide health-care services. (Adobe Stock)

NC Health Depts. "Burdened" by Doctor Supervision Contracts

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Local health departments that rely heavily on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses say the costly contract requirement that they be …

Resource Institute and partners recently restored a portion of Big Elkin Creek in Surry County to improve habitat and downstream water quality.(Resource Institute)

NC Community Tackles Erosion, Sediment Issues in Water Supply

ELKIN, N.C. -- Surry and Wilkes County residents will have cleaner water with less pollution and less sediment, thanks to a recently completed stream …

Thirty-three percent of U.S. adults have experienced identity theft, more than twice the global average. (Adobe Stock)

As North Carolinians Resume Travel, Experts Urge Protecting Sensitive Info

RALEIGH, N.C. -- As more North Carolinians resume travel and take vacations this summer, most will be relying on their debit and credit cards…

Trawl nets are responsible for the majority of fish and shrimp catches worldwide. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Trawl nets are responsible for the majority of fish and shrimp catches worldwide. (Adobe Stock)

Commission Set to Change Rules on Shrimp Trawling

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is expected to vote at its August meeting on a new amendment pertaining to shrimp …

Seven in ten North Carolina voters believe climate impacts like erratic weather and stronger storms will have costly effects on residents, according to a poll by the Environmental Defense Action Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Say State Must Focus on “Interconnected” Climate Solutions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The state's Environmental Management Commission this week green-lighted a plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants. The …

North Carolina activist Kathy Greggs was arrested at the state's General Assembly for attempting to make a public comment on the state budget. (Steven Whitsitt)

After NC Activist is Denied Attorney, Calls for Wake County Magistrate Reforms

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Protestors are raising concerns about how they're being treated by Wake County magistrates after a member of the North Carolina …

Since 2007, 11 states raised the age of criminal responsibility to age 18, a nationwide reform initiative referred to as "raise the age." (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC’s ‘Raise the Age’ Law Led to Fewer Youths Charged as Adults

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In 2019, North Carolina stopped charging most 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, and a new report looks at the law's effects on the …

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