Rural Economy
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Op-Ed: How N.C. workers are changing the narrative on climate
For a long time, climate change has felt distant—something scientists study and activists march about. But as we look around our neighborhoods, and our daily lives, we realize the impact of climate change is not nine miles above our head at the ozone layer, but settling in right here at home. In Johnston County, as…
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Unless Congress acts, 900,000 North Carolinians could lose access to affordable internet
Despite bipartisan support, Republican leaders in Congress have blocked additional funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which will run out of money on May 1. Without it, most families in the program will lose a vital utility.
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Eastern NC gets federal funds for climate-resilient infrastructure
The funding comes as the impacts of climate change continue to be felt more frequently, with North Carolina at particular risk of hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather events.
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Growing EV industry could boost opportunities in rural NC
North Carolina has become a leader in the electric vehicle industry. With billions of dollars in investments from companies like Toyota and VinFast, the state is poised to see thousands of jobs created. In 2018, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order that set a goal for North Carolina to have 80,000 registered electric…
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Op-Ed: Lessons for the rural housing crisis from Western N.C.
Sarah Davis, a realtor in Watauga County, realized something was missing from most of her transactions: people. Nameless companies from somewhere else — usually under some otherwise bland word followed by “LLC” — were buying up most of the properties in her western North Carolina county. Houses were selling for astronomical prices. It wasn’t a bad time…
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We asked North Carolinians if child tax credit payments helped them. Here’s what they said.
Most of the North Carolinians we talked to said the Biden tax credit payments made a big difference at the end of each month. Right now, there’s a push in DC to restore them.
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Some claim that NC’s first Buc-ee’s is being built on Indigenous land
Buc-ee’s, a popular chain of mega-sized convenience stores, is set to build its first location in Mebane, NC. But it’s sparked a conversation about how NC protects, or doesn’t protect, Indigenous lands.
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Rural NC communities get grant funding to address healthcare, infrastructure issues
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) this month gave the greenlight to fund eight projects in communities across North Carolina, providing $1.5 million dollars to support a variety of projects and help create 270 jobs. “These funds make strategic investments in our rural communities to help them seize opportunities to prosper,” Governor Roy Cooper…
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Gas station sushi, anyone? A new book from a NC author dives into convenience store cuisine in the South.
Gas stations aren’t just gas stations in many rural, Southern communities. They’re also restaurants and community gathering places. A new book takes you on a tour of the best ones out there.
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Biden visits Raleigh, announces $82 million for high-speed internet in NC
President Joe Biden on Thursday visited Raleigh to announce an $82 million dollar investment in high-speed internet, which will help expand the critical technology to an additional 16,000 households in North Carolina through funding provided by the American Rescue Plan. This latest investment in high speed internet brings the administration’s total funding for high speed…
