North Carolina News & Current Events

Polling by the mental health advocacy group Inseparable showed 81% of voters support expanding mental health services in K-12 schools by hiring and training. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Mental health takes center stage in NC superintendent race

As mental health challenges continue to rise among young people, advocates across North Carolina are pushing for increased access to mental health …

North Carolina's agricultural business employs more than 100,000 farmers in poultry. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

How a NC farmer's shift to sustainable practices could guide others out of debt

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Colla…

According to a Gallup poll, most employees using AI rely on it for idea generation and automating tasks, with 41% using it to brainstorm and 39% to simplify tasks or organize data. (Adobe Stock)

NC university prepares students for AI-driven workforce

Artificial intelligence is changing how people learn and work, and universities in North Carolina and across the country are racing to keep up…

Collectively, poultry farmers owe $5.2 billion, according to Mercy for Animals. (Adobe Stock)

The Transfarmation Project offers factory farmers new path

By Michaela Haas for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalis…

A billboard near Smithfield, N.C., where more than 600 men are housed at the Johnston Correctional Institution, sends a message to inmates. Statewide, more than 37,000 people are currently incarcerated in 55 state prisons. (Recidivism Reduction Education Programs)

NC group pushes for public safety through targeted investment

A North Carolina group is launching a new campaign to emphasize the importance of investing in people behind bars, so they'll have a better chance …

According to a report from the Climate Accountability Research Project, 137 separate climate disinformation organizations received charitable donations from 2020 to 2022. (Red Lemon/Adobe Stock)

Report exposes donors funding climate change disinformation in NC

As North Carolina deals with record-breaking heat, hurricanes and prolonged drought linked to a changing climate, a new report showed how American …

This year, the North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Committee reported bias and discrimination contribute to traumatic and near-death experiences. (Adobe Stock)

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies

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

In North Carolina, college and university students may register and vote in the county where they live while they go to school if they do not intend to return to their former home after graduation. (Adobe Stock)

UNCW students mobilize to break voting barriers ahead of elections

As the November elections approach, students at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington are taking action to remove voting barriers and boost …

Helene ranks among the nation's deadliest hurricanes, as the death toll surpasses 200. (Adobe Stock)

Community rallies to aid Boone’s recovery after Hurricane Helene

A week after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast, the North Carolina town of Boone is facing an uphill battle. With many roads still …

Postpartum anxiety occurs in up to 11% of new mothers. Symptoms include feeling very nervous and recurring panic attacks. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Experts urge greater support for NC mothers facing postpartum depression

September is one of the busiest months for childbirth, but it also highlights the growing need for postpartum mental-health resources in North …

A recent multi-specialty survey reveals 87% of respondents feel Medicare cuts have significantly affected their practices, with 53% believing the future success of their practice is unlikely. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare cuts threaten private medical practices, access to care in NC

Physicians in North Carolina are warning that what they describe as Medicare's outdated payment system is putting patient care on the line, …

Project 2025 would cut entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare and would drop more than 24 million Americans from the rolls of the Affordable Care Act. (Adobe Stock)

NC advocates fear ACA, other programs will disappear under Project 2025

Health-care advocates say more than 1 million North Carolinians could lose access to health care if the promises made in Project 2025 are carried out…

Twelve people on North Carolina's death row were sentenced in Forsyth County, more than any other county in the state; seven of those 12 are Black men. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates begin 136-mile walk to urge end of death penalty in NC

Today, advocates in North Carolina are kicking off a 136-mile "Walk for Commutation" to raise awareness about those on death row who could soon face …

A report from the Brennan Center for Justice emphasized cash bail often allows release based on financial resources rather than public safety considerations. (Adobe Stock)

Rethinking bail: A path toward justice in North Carolina

A new report examines bail reform and its potential impact in North Carolina and nationwide. Advocates said bail reform aims to remove the influence …

Medicaid has covered more than $28.6 million in claims for dental services since expansion began, according to state data. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates

In North Carolina, the gap between Medicaid reimbursement rates and the actual cost of dental care has reached a crisis point, impacting both …

About 1.2 million people in North Carolina are food insecure, according to state data, meaning they don't always have enough nutritious food to meet their needs. (Adobe Stock)

Raleigh event tackles hunger, health, finance for Hunger Action Month

As Hunger Action Month continues, measures are being taken across North Carolina to tackle food insecurity. This Saturday in Raleigh, organizations …

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)

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)

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…

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