Some parts of western NC are open and ready for business, a year after Helene devastated the area. Start planning your weekend trip with these recommendations.
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Report: Failing grade for Duke Energy on progress toward clean energy
This year, the organization gave Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress an “F,” scoring 12% on their metrics for transitioning away from climate-harming energy sources, coal and natural gas.
Hurricane Erin forecast to create dangerous surf, winds along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Evacuations have been ordered on a few islands along North Carolina’s Outer Banks even though Hurricane Erin is unlikely to make direct landfall.
Flash flood warning sirens in Haywood County could save lives in future storms
Deadly flash floods from Tropical Storms Fred and Helene struck parts of Haywood County, NC. New siren system offers early warning.
North Carolina lawmakers approve temporary spending measure as budget impasse lingers
North Carolina is one of a few states that have not yet enacted a budget this fiscal year.
Republicans seek to override Josh Stein’s vetoes on gun bill and other contentious legislation
Since Democrats broke the supermajority in the NC House, these overrides are no sure thing. But some of the bills got bipartisan support.
Before Chantal swamped the NC town of Hillsborough, locals had been counting on FEMA
The Trump administration canceled a FEMA program in April that would have funded upgrades to protect Hillsborough, NC, from flooding. Then the Eno River rose more than 20 feet.
‘Not equitable by a long shot’: How money influences NC coastal erosion mitigation
In order to fight coastal erosion, NC beach communities need to find sand for beach renourishment. But getting it takes money.
Thousands in NC prisons endure summer heat without air conditioning
Despite North Carolina’s brutally hot summers, about 21% of NC prisons are without air-conditioning.
3 things happening in North Carolina: The Scottish Highland Games return
Our weekly round-up of things happening in North Carolina, including this week’s historic flooding, a celebration of Scottish heritage in the Highland Games, and protest folk music.
Congress passes Trump’s ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill’ and sends it to him to sign
Republicans in Congress gave final approval Thursday to President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a piece of legislation that cuts taxes for the wealthy and makes deep cuts to health care.
As hurricane season arrives, a new tropical cyclone tracker helps to predict dangerous storms in North Carolina
Improvements in weather tracking technology will help states like North Carolina to anticipate dangerous storms during hurricane season. Here’s what to know.
Trump’s spending freezes could disrupt clean energy boom in NC and increase household heating costs
Among the funding Trump is trying to halt: $160 million in payments to protect the state’s power grid from wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters like Tropical Storm Helene, which has caused billions in damage to western North Carolina.
The biggest snowfalls recorded in North Carolina history
A listing of the biggest one-day snowfalls in North Carolina history, using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Duke Energy asks the EPA to let it release more emissions
Duke Energy recently announced plans to replace several coal-fired power plants with natural gas-fired stations at two North Carolina sites by 2029. Now, it’s joined nine other power companies in asking newly-confirmed EPA administrator Lee Zeldin to weaken environmental regulations regarding natural gas and coal ash.
Trump executive order halting offshore wind farms could hurt NC’s economy
On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order to halt further offshore wind projects and review existing ones in development. The move could have a huge impact on North Carolina, where wind energy has become a key part of the state’s energy plan.
Trump takes on the US Constitution with day one executive orders
Trump issued an executive order to end birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, doubled down on fossil fuels that drive pollution, and targeted transgender Americans.
Here’s what Trump promised to do on ‘Day One.’ Now that he and Republicans have total power in DC, will he?
The president-elect should be able to, in theory, implement his “Day One” plans. The big question is – will he actually do what he’s proposed? Or will he, as he’s indicated in recent weeks, walk back some of those promises, reverse course, or just ignore them altogether?
New Duke Energy gas plants approved in NC despite environmental concerns
Duke has argued that it must use natural gas during its transition away from coal in order to meet rising demand for energy, but the projects would lead to a significant increase in total greenhouse gas emissions, potentially jeopardizing the company’s legally-mandated duty to reduce carbon emissions.
New study finds that air pollution could be threatening the success of IVF treatment
Researchers looked at the air pollution levels while the donor eggs were developing and the 72 days when the sperm was developing and found a link between an increase in exposure to air pollution and lower embryo quality and egg survival in both cases.
In his last speech as governor, Roy Cooper reflects on past and hints at future
On Wednesday, Cooper gave his final public address as governor at Nash County Community College in his hometown of Rocky Mount, where he highlighted his proudest accomplishments as governor and gave a wink and a nod to what might be ahead for him.
Clean energy investments continue to make an impact in North Carolina
From Toyota’s new Randolph County EV battery plan to a new solar facility in Greenville to a huge new semiconductor project in Chatham County, clean energy projects are booming and leading to new jobs across the Tar Heel State.
Why people are so concerned about Trump picking RFK Jr. to lead US public health
Trump’s pick for health secretary wants to increase access to raw milk, remove fluoride from drinking water, and has said that vaccines cause autism and that WiFi causes cancer.
Here’s who Trump has nominated to his administration so far
Trump has announced that Susie Wiles will serve as his chief of staff, is expected to nominate Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, and chose Kristi Noem to serve as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Powerful art that mobilizes Gen Z: The “We The Future” campaign is inspiring new voters across America
Amplifier and Good Trouble Collaborative have partnered with exciting artists to create the “We The Future” campaign, geared towards uplifting and inspiring Gen Z voters ahead of the 2024 election.
Opinion: Our Economy and Our Planet are on the Line
As votes are cast across North Carolina, the future of American energy is on the ballot in the 2024 Presidential election, and the consequences matter to our pocketbooks, to our business, and to our planet. The days where climate change was some abstract...
Opinion: The next thing to do after voting
After voting, I think the second most important thing we can do this year is tell other people in our lives why they also must vote. Earlier this month, my husband’s uncle Alan, who lives in Brevard, sent everyone in the family an email titled “November 5th.”
Political grudges, conspiracy theories could undermine disaster relief under Trump
Donald Trump’s history of punishing disloyalty and Republicans’ amplification of conspiracy theories could undermine disaster relief efforts if Trump is elected to a second term in the White House.
Stories of heroism abound in western NC after Helene, but so do fears about the future
Two weeks ago, the mountain towns of North Carolina experienced one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s history. Members of the communities recall Helene’s impact, the response from everyday people, and what comes next.
Home insurers argue for a 42% average rate hike in North Carolina
With many North Carolina residents still lacking power from Hurricane Helene, a hearing began Monday on the insurance industry’s request to raise homeowner premium rates.