Environment


A new report outlines rural policy recommendations focused on four major tenets: protecting people’s freedom to live and work safely; investing in infrastructure; reining in corporate greed and protecting workers, small businesses, and family farmers; and creating opportunities for a better future. (Photo via Shutterstock)
Here’s What Rural Leaders Say Their Communities Need

A new report outlines rural policy recommendations focused on four major tenets: protecting people’s freedom to live and work safely; investing in infrastructure; reining in corporate greed and protecting workers, small businesses, and family farmers; and creating opportunities for a better future.

The law ensured that 135,000 North Carolinians were able to keep their health insurance, reduced the cost of insulin for nearly 57,000 seniors, and incentivized several manufacturers to invest in the state and create more clean energy jobs. (Graphic by Francesca Daly)
One Year In, Here’s How the Inflation Reduction Act Has Helped North Carolina

The law ensured that 135,000 North Carolinians were able to keep their health insurance, reduced the cost of insulin for nearly 57,000 seniors, and incentivized several manufacturers to invest in the state and create more clean energy jobs.

The extreme heat and dry conditions made for a rough start to watermelon season in NC, but July rains are bringing the melon back. (Shutterstock)
Good News Friday: NC Watermelon Season Will Be Longer This Year

It’s time for some good news, and this week we’re talking soccer, watermelon, and a special fact about the North Carolina Zoo. 

Unique NC Plants and Fungi
Unique NC Plants and Fungi That Belong in Sci-Fi Movies

Have you seen giant trees and glowing mushrooms? You can find that and more in North Carolina. Read our list of 5 unique NC plants and fungi.

Gardening Tips for Summer
10 Tips to Keep Your Plant Babies Alive in North Carolina’s Sweltering Weather

There’s more to watering than you think. Fertilizer isn’t always good for your plants. And more gardening tips for summer to help your plants survive.

Flames from the Donnie Creek wildfire burn along a ridge top north of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, Sunday, July 2, 2023. Continuing wildfires in Canada have impacted air quality in North Carolina. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
You’re Not Imagining the Haze: NC Air Quality is a ‘Code Orange’

The NC Department of Environmental Quality has issued a “Code Orange” or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" air quality alert for central and western North Carolina. 

The new proposal from a group of 176 House Republicans would raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare, ban free school meals for students, cut spending on food aid, and weaken environmental protections. (Photo via Shutterstock)
New Republican Budget Plan Would Eliminate Free School Meals, Cut Social Security and Medicare

The new proposal from a group of 176 House Republicans would raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare, ban free school meals for students, cut spending on food aid, and more.