Regional & State News

On Sept. 20, Chemours held a public information session at Bladen Community College in Dublin, NC to discuss more details about the proposed expansion. Chemours also held another public information session in Brunswick County on Sept. 21.

What role could PFAS play in North Carolina's closely watched U.S. Senate race?

Adam Wagner

GOP candidate Michael Whatley has received a $5,000 campaign contribution from Chemours' political action committee.

Protesters hold signs opposing Rural Hall data center

Lexington, Walnut Cove residents to join nationwide anti-data center protests

April Laissle

As communities debate the future of data centers, residents in Davidson and Stokes counties are taking their concerns to the streets this weekend. The protests are part of a nationwide day of action.

EPA-puts-limits-on-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water-1243802511-1712739672.jpg

DEQ awards NC counties more than $244M for water infrastructure

Rachel Moody

Governor Josh Stein has announced that the Department of Environmental Quality will dedicate more than $244 million to water infrastructure projects across the state. Officials say these projects will increase resilience against future storms, reduce the contamination of forever chemicals, and replace lead pipes.

A microscope image shows an oocyst of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis.

Health

WNC health departments flag cyclosporiasis cases as counts climb statewide

Helen Chickering

Henderson County has confirmed more cyclosporiasis cases this month than it typically sees in a year. Buncombe County is also reporting cases as counts rise statewide.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson speaks in Burnsville on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Helene Recovery

Department of Environmental Quality spends $1B on repairing water infrastructure post-Helene

Felicia Sonmez, Gerard Albert III

Gov. Josh Stein made the announcement Friday during a visit to Burnsville, which has received $18 million for a new pump system, wells and a sewer line.

Helene Recovery

New state program will help Helene survivors relocate during home repairs

Laura Hackett

The $40 million Temporary Relocation Assistance Program is included as part of the new state budget.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's near-surface smoke map for Friday, July 17.

Canadian wildfire smoke reaches North Carolina and makes for dangerous air quality

Zachary Turner

The Canadian wildfires continue burning. Now, the smoke from those blazes has drifted south, bringing down local air quality across North Carolina.

Charlotte city arborist Laurie Reid holds up her tree-watering bucket.

Yes to water buckets, no to ‘volcano mulching’: The do’s and don’ts of tree care in a heat wave

Zachary Turner

The weeks-long heat wave continues in the Southeast, and humans aren’t the only ones struggling. Here are some tips for taking care of your leafy neighbors.

NC sees 11% increase in FAFSA applications — most growth in country

Amy Diaz

North Carolina has seen the most growth in federal student aid applications of any state in the country this year.

Kings Mountain Historical Museum director Michael Turner Webb standing next to a statue of King Hagler, a leader of the Catawba Nation in the colonial era.

Exhibit highlights Catawba Nation contributions to American Independence

Marshall Terry

As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, most stories focus on familiar figures and places like Washington, Jefferson, Boston and Yorktown. In Kings Mountain, about 45 minutes west of Charlotte, a new exhibit instead highlights an often overlooked story: the Native Americans — especially the Catawba Nation, who lived in the Charlotte area and supported the patriots in almost every major battle and skirmish in the South.