Top Stories
Consensus from Board of Governors on redefining UNC System academic freedom, but protesters disagree
Some observers see problems with letting UNC System policymakers define academic freedom for professors, warn it could lead to censorship.
David vs. Goliath in NC primary. Sheriff hopes to take out powerful Senate leader.
Berger is outgunning his opponent with Trump endorsement and campaign cash, but well-known Rockingham sheriff is mounting a tough challenge.
Roadless areas of national forests could go away under proposed rule change
Since 1999, some areas of national forests in NC and across US have been designated roadless. The Trump administration wants to change that.
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Keep up with all of our in-depth, investigative news and the public interest issues that matter most in North Carolina.
NC Connection:
Closing the News Gap
A special CPP research project on the news needs of rural North Carolinians
SPECIAL REPORTS
A system designed to promote NC job growth has strayed
from its original purpose. Distressed counties remain distressed,
suggesting the need for different approaches.
Failed dams during Helene, soaring costs and changing ecological
wisdom point to the need for solutions other than dams to prevent
devastating floods on the rivers of Western North Carolina.
Western NC was devastated by Tropical Storm Helene.
The road to recovery will be long.
And Carolina Public Press will be there to report on it.
Low pay is driving the rapid loss of experienced NC county
elections directors. What makes the situation challenging,
and what policy changes could fix the problem.
Social services in NC may be in the hands of people
who don’t meet minimum qualifications.
Why and how it happens, and how other states avoid the problem.
How climate change affects North Carolina’s fisheries
and the people who rely on them for a living.
The importance of sexual assault nurse examiners
and the difficulty of locating them in North Carolina
Justice elusive for NC sexual assault survivors
Evidence of lagging civic engagement in NC points
to lessons of civics classes not being absorbed,
but alternative approaches offer hope.
Rural NC counties are seeing growing deserts of health services
for women at local hospitals, with serious health implications.
Multiple pressures drive this trend, but solutions may be available.
NC coastal woodlands face increased risk of wildfires even as human development creeps closer. What problems have created this situation. What solutions could mitigate the hazard.
Climate change is causing erratic weather events and altering
ecosystems in the forests of Western North Carolina’s mountains.
What these changes mean and the challenges
they pose for managing the forests.
How and why North Carolina counties decide to build
or expand jails, the costs of those decisions
and possible alternatives.
Inconsistency and inequity in child welfare policies across NC
Struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic in state’s prison system
Is one of North Carolina’s main systems
for housing those with mental illness failing?
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MORE STORIES
Few men on campus. NC college gender gap longstanding and growing.
Gap in male enrollment due to fewer seeking to go to NC colleges, but their reasons are complex and there’s no clear agreement on solutions.
Tribal court hearing for former Swain sheriff delayed
Former Swain sheriff, along with sheriffs in Graham and Cherokee counties, have all recently faced removal efforts by the district attorney.
Letters from NC elections board confusing voters
Some voters skeptical of state election board’s stated aim of improving information in databases with campaign of letters.
Thousands gather for faith-based push against gerrymandering
Rev. William J. Barber II tells thousands gathered to oppose authoritarian measures that turnout at the polls can blunt right-wing moves.
Fired NC State worker the latest in response to controversial secret recordings
Right-wing activists have been releasing secret recordings of unguarded comments about diversity policies. The latest is at NC State.
Troubled water: NC cities can dump a chemical linked to cancer in rivers. The EPA may change just how much.
A push by North Carolina’s powerful industry groups has some worried pollution in Asheboro and elsewhere will go unchecked.
Crime & Justice
Taking the Blue Line in Charlotte after infamous stabbing
Murder of Ukrainian woman on Charlotte’s Blue Line light rail points to need for security, but also better answers to mental health issues.
Economy
NC ski industry hopes for snow to power comeback after Helene damage kept tourists away last year
Tropical Storm Helene devastated the ski industry in NC with direct damage and discouraging tourists. Snowfall this winter could fuel rebound.
Education
Snow days for NC schools becoming rare even when there’s lots of snow
Virtual schooling has largely taken place of traditional snow days in NC. It avoids makeup days, but educational results are mixed bag.
Environment
‘Step backwards.’ NC board’s move to enact new water pollution rules faces scathing criticism.
Water pollution from synthetic chemicals needs NC regulations with more teeth than what state board proposes, environmental advocates say.
Health
Investing in rural health. Federal program holds promise for NC, but faces significant challenges.
Federal program to transform rural health care could have great benefit for NC, but state health officials recognize complex reality.
Politics & Government
Crossing the aisle. Key primary battles feature NC Democrats who sometimes vote with GOP.
In Northeastern NC, the two key legislative contests feature a primary election fight for candidates who voted with GOP to override vetoes.