North Carolina News & Current Events

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's annual budget report, the state receives more than $1.10 billion in federal funding outside of funds from the child nutrition and COVID relief programs. (Michael Ireland/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Public education advocates believe without adequate funding, North Carolina's public schools will continue to face severe challenges, including teacher shortages, lack of support staff and deteriorating facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

Advocates for public education are reacting to the North Carolina House passing legislation to funnel millions of state dollars into private school vo…

In 2023, there were more than 4,000 suspected overdose deaths in North Carolina. (Adobe Stock)

NC project tackles opioid crisis with unified support network

In Robeson County, the opioid crisis is exposing the need for increased addiction support. The Southeastern Prevention and Addiction Recovery …

In the past two years, the price of school supplies has gone up about 24%, according to a Deloitte analysis. (Adobe Stock)

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Classroom supplies are taking a toll on teachers in North Carolina. A new survey showed despite earning around 5% less than they did a decade ago…

Research indicates 3.6 billion people currently live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, with an estimated 250,000 additional deaths annually projected between 2030 and 2050 because of its effects. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders to gather in NC to tackle health impacts of pollution, climate change

Environmental leaders are set to gather in Durham to address how climate change is impacting human health and well-being. Emily Wolfe, health …

According to the American Lung Association's

NC group offers virtual training to help residents advocate for clean air

The advocacy group CleanAIRE NC is offering a virtual training session Thursday to help North Carolinians tackle air quality issues in their communiti…

The Federal Trade Commission received 60,599 fraud reports from consumers in North Carolina in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Beware election scams: BBB warns NC voters of fraud risks

Scammers are on the prowl this election season to target the emotions of voters to steal donations, seek polling information or gain their financial …

Amirah McCree, a Charlotte paralegal, with her family. McCree said nurses rushed her to deliver her second child. (Courtesy Amirah McCree)

NC woman sheds light on medical mistreatment of Black mothers

By Kylie Marsh for the Charlotte Post, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North …

The Sentencing Project found a total of 8,632 individuals serving sentences for crimes committed as minors in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report shows NC youth left behind despite sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides but a new report showed North Carolina is not keeping up. A study by …

CleanAIRE NC is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte that focuses on addressing climate change, air pollution and environmental justice. (Alexey Rotanov/Adobe Stock)

Initiative aims to boost sustainability in underserved NC communities

A new project is set to help North Carolina communities address environmental justice and climate equity. The city of Charlotte, in collaboration …

North Carolina has executed 43 people since 1976. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina urged to end death penalty before Governor leaves office

North Carolina has not carried out an execution in 18 years and advocates are urging Gov. Roy Cooper to commute all death row sentences before he …

According to a 2023 study, culturally tailored breastfeeding education and support could help reduce disparities around race and ethnicity. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates in NC address racial inequities in breastfeeding

Rates of breastfeeding in the U.S. have more than doubled since the mid-2000s but advocates pointed out racial inequities during Black Breastfeeding …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the southeastern United States has warmed less than most of the nation. But in the coming decades, the region's changing climate is likely to increase flooding, reduce crop yields, harm livestock, increase the number of unpleasantly hot days, and increase the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. (Adobe Stock)

Privatizing weather reports raises alarms for North Carolina’s safety

As hurricanes, flash floods and other severe weather events become more frequent in North Carolina, accurate and timely weather reports are crucial …

Six decades ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson forged the War on Poverty by signing the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. (Adobe Stock)

Reflections on 60 years of Economic Opportunity Act in NC

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Economic Opportunity Act became law and in North Carolina, it is a moment to reflect and look forward. The federal …

The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act directs the DEA to register certain practitioners to prescribe methadone that is dispensed through a pharmacy for an individual's unsupervised use. (Adobe Stock)

As overdose deaths rise, NC advocates urge easier methadone access

Some North Carolina groups advocating for harm reduction among people struggling with drug addiction are calling for broader access to methadone…

Participating hospitals will relieve outstanding debt for Medicaid enrollees and individuals with incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty level. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits urge hospitals to eliminate medical debt

Nonprofits across North Carolina are urging hospitals to help tackle the state's $4 billion in medical debt. A group of Black nonprofit leaders …

More than 5.4 million veterans have received free screenings for toxic exposures from the Department of Veterans Affairs under the PACT Act, according to the White House. (Adobe Stock)

The PACT Act: A lifeline for NC veterans exposed to toxic substances

Aug. 10 marks the two-year anniversary of the "Honoring Our PACT Act" being signed by President Joe Biden. The PACT Act was designed to expand …

North Carolina officials reported nearly 77% of overdose deaths in 2021 likely involved fentanyl. (Adobe Stock) <br />

NC district attorneys focus on fentanyl crisis progress, needs

President Joe Biden is urging stricter penalties for drug smugglers to combat the fentanyl crisis nationwide. Meanwhile, North Carolina District …

North Carolina is one of several states to prosecute voters for trying to vote when they do not realize they are not eligible to do so due to a felony conviction, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

NC, US found lagging in voting rights for justice-impacted

A new report highlighted how the U.S. compares globally in disenfranchising people based on criminal convictions. The study analyzed 136 countries …

According to the IEFFA report, utilities and merchant developers have announced

Report: Hydrogen gas not an easy alternative for 'clean' power

A new report questions the feasibility of power plants transitioning to hydrogen gas to run their turbines. Despite claims that hydrogen is a "clean …

Students at William Peace University are required to complete an internship or professional experience before graduation. (Adobe Stock)

NC college stresses preparing students for ever-changing workforce

In a fast-changing job market, one North Carolina university is helping students through early engagement and long-term support. A new report …

As of 2022, West Marion had a population of about 916, according to DataUSA. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Local investment empowers rural NC communities

Rural areas often lack essential resources but one North Carolina community is proving how local action and investment can make a difference…

NC group works to boost financial literacy for youths

Young people are increasingly falling into debt through "Buy Now, Pay Later" apps and cash advance phone offers, much as with payday loans before …

The Leandro Plan calls for at least $5.6 billion in new, annual education spending for North Carolina by 2028. (Adobe Stock)

As court decision looms, a push for better NC school funding

As summer winds down and North Carolina students prepare to return to school, the focus shifts to the urgent need for better public education funding…

The Affordable Care Act became law in 2010 and served as comprehensive health care reform aiming to make health insurance more affordable.(Adobe Stock)

North Carolina health advocate raises awareness of life-saving acts

A North Carolina woman is speaking out about the importance of the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. DonnaMarie Woodson, who …

Older adults, very young children and people with chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Expert tips on staying safe during NC's heat wave

As scorching heat waves sweep across North Carolina, experts are urging residents and visitors to take precautions. With parts of the state facing …

North Carolina has received more than 105,000 contacts to its 988 system via call, chat and text in the past 12 months. (Adobe Stock)

Improving crisis response in NC: A path to long-term success

North Carolina must increase its crisis response capacity for long-term success, according to a new report by the mental-health policy group …

Americans produces roughly 47 pounds of electronic waste per person each year, with more than 3 million tons of American e-waste going unrecycled annually, according to the report. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Advocates highlight alternatives to deep-sea mining for NC coast

Advocates for North Carolina's coastal waters are raising concerns about the risks of deep-sea mining and suggesting alternatives. The latest report …

Transfarmation provides resources and support to industrial animal farmers interested in transitioning their farms to plant-focused operations. (Evgeniya Grande/Adobe Stock)

The Transfarmation Project: Empowering farmers to escape a destructive cycle

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Servic…

Many parks require you to stay a minimum distance of 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves, according to the National Park Service. (Joe A. Chansak/Adobe Stock)

Wildlife advocates: Keep your distance from wild animals

As summer travel peaks, wildlife experts are urging people to maintain their distance from wild animals they may encounter. North Carolina, home to …

By age 8, 52% of children have had a cavity in their primary baby teeth. (Adobe Stock)

NC dentists stress importance of children's dental health during summer

As summer kicks into full gear, North Carolina dentists stressed the importance of maintaining children's dental health. Dr. Miranda Kalaskey…

According to the U.S. Forest Service, more than 150 food crops in the United States depend on pollinators, including almost all fruit and grain crops. (Adobe Stock)

Charlotte celebrates Pollinators Month with events, education

In celebration of Pollinators Month, Charlotte is using its Bee City USA designation to emphasize the crucial role pollinators play in our ecosystem…

Nationally, the child poverty rate decreased from 17.2% in 2021 to 15.9% in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Annie. E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

NC kids face challenges at school, but rising economic well-being

A new report sheds light on children's well-being in North Carolina, and highlights the need for greater academic support. According to the latest …

North Carolina is home to 934,604 small businesses. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina businesses fear effects of 'bathroom bill'

North Carolina's business community is alarmed after Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson praised the controversial House Bill 2, known as the "Bathroom Bill," at …

The Prison Fellowship reports about 70 million Americans with criminal records face systematic barriers to second-chance opportunities after their release from prison. (Adobe Stock)

Report examines barriers to successful post-prison re-entry in NC

North Carolina aims to reduce recidivism by 2030, but Prison Fellowship warns that state-level barriers to critical needs may hinder their progress…

In a survey conducted by World Animal Protection, 80% of U.S. consumers said they were concerned about the treatment of factory-farmed pigs. (Adobe Stock)

Report calls on NC restaurant chains to end use of livestock gestation crates

Advocates for animal welfare are calling on restaurants in North Carolina to end the use of gestation crates for pregnant pigs in their supply chain…

According to Jonathan Tyndall, about 30% to 40% of farm produce goes to waste and doesn't get used. He says Ripe for Revival is working to make those numbers smaller. (Courtesy of Joe Mecca/Coastal Credit Union)

New mobile market tackles food deserts in North Carolina

A new mobile market is tackling food deserts in North Carolina, where 1.4 million people struggle to find healthy food. Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit …

Other efforts in North Carolina aimed at protecting salt marshes include Gov. Roy Cooper's Executive Order 80, and the state's 2020 Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan. (Adobe Stock)

NC counts on salt marshes' role in hurricane protection

Hurricane season is here, and conservationists are shining a light on the role salt marshes play in protecting coastal North Carolina communities…

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. It claimed more lives in 2021 than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined. (Adobe Stock)

NC woman highlights role of family history in heart health

A North Carolina woman is highlighting how important knowing your family history can be in matters of the heart. According to the American Heart …

Revolution Mill is a former textile factory, spanning 45 acres about two miles outside downtown Greensboro. The 800,000-square-foot development features shops, offices, restaurants and apartments, and 2005 Revolution Mill, a $38 million mixed-use commercial and residential project. (Adobe Stock)

Federal program helps transform NC communities, boost economies

Federal New Market Tax Credits are helping transform abandoned areas and boost local communities in North Carolina and across the nation. In …

Firsthand Foods collaborates with more than 20 farmers across 10 counties. (Adobe Stock)

Building a sustainable food system: Firsthand Foods' approach

Building a sustainable and fair food system benefiting people and the planet is becoming increasingly important and North Carolina businesses are answ…

About 47,000 people are locked in North Carolina's state or local jails, compared to about 8,800 in federal prisons in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Proposal aims federal dollars at reducing state prison populations

In North Carolina, 57,000 people are behind bars, with most housed in state prisons. A new proposal has surfaced to bring the numbers down but it …

Leaders of TSA unions nationwide ratified a historic contract March 11. It includes new rights for officers, such as a grievance and arbitration procedure, protection from unfair discipline, improved uniform rights and allowances, better leave conditions and the ability to negotiate local issues.(Geza Farkas/Adobe Stock)

North Carolina TSA officers win with landmark labor deal

Transportation Security Officers in North Carolina and beyond are celebrating a new labor deal which will bolster workers' rights. The seven-year …

More than 1.2 million people in North Carolina have active suspensions for failure to pay court costs in a criminal case or failure to appear in court.(Adobe Stock)

Saturday 'warrant clinics' increase court access in NC

Groups in North Carolina are rallying to change the way people are punished for low-level offenses, trying to break a cycle in which minor offenses …

A new Interdisciplinary Arts degree at William Peace University will be a Bachelor of Arts and replaces the university's Bachelor of Fine Arts, theatre, musical theatre, and arts administration degrees. (Adobe Stock)

NC university introduces customizable degree program

A North Carolina university wants to break the mold for people studying the arts. A new degree program will not require students to narrow their …

The North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services has determined the real estate value of salt marshes in the state is more than $123 billion, based on their overall contributions to the environment and economy. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina launches five-year plan to restore salt marshes

North Carolina's 220,000 acres of salt marshes face multiple threats to their major roles in climate protection and ecosystem health, from rising …

Black women are at particularly high risk of heart disease and stroke during pregnancy, which TaShenma Mack found out firsthand before the birth of her daughter. (Photo courtesy of TaShenma Mack)

NC mom raises awareness of heart disease risks for new mothers

North Carolina's maternal death rate is higher than the national average and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among new moms in th…

About 7.4 million adults take insulin, a hormone regulating glucose and used to treat diabetes patients. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin shortage raises concerns for people with diabetes in NC

More than 1 million people in North Carolina are diabetic and they have become increasingly worried about the national shortage of insulin. The …

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