Top Stories
For new college graduates, job market is really that bad, even in NC
By some measures, NC’s economy is relatively robust. But jobs that new college graduates need are in short supply, while cost-of-living soars.
‘If it ain’t broke.’ Bladen halts change that could have diluted Black votes.
Bladen County, NC, was considering a proposal that could have eliminated commission seats created to give Black voters a greater voice.
Living in legal limbo. Woman living in Canada for years asks NC to rethink criminal charges.
NC views Joanne McDowell as fugitive. Canadian courts ruled that she was protecting her son. She’s asking NC to reconsider.
Keep up with what’s important
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
‘Wandering officers,’ forced out only to be rehired elsewhere,
have a high rate of further misconduct. Current NC policies don’t track
or prevent this. Solutions are possible for agencies and NC policymakers.
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
No embezzlement, but other problems in Randleman, NC auditor says.
State auditor’s investigation found Randleman made financial missteps, behind on audits, but not evidence of embezzlement or P-card abuse.
Uninsured population in NC set to rebound after years of decline
Changes in NC policies and economy drive many to go uninsured, which could promote ‘death spiral’ of higher rates for sicker customer pool.
UNCW gets UNC System blessing to continue medical school planning
Healthcare needs in fast-growing Wilmington region could be easier to meet if a UNCW med school trains doctors for nearby rural communities.
Former Democrat provides key NC House vote to override veto on school tax credits
NC legislator who changed registration to unaffiliated after primary loss was key vote to override veto on federal tax credits program.
Potential amendment to cap property taxes has NC counties concerned
As legislators advance property tax ballot measure designed in part to turn out voters, NC counties warn that one size doesn’t fit all.
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
Changes in law dramatically shift NC juvenile detention population
Kids in juvenile detention in NC today are overwhelmingly part of adult court system thanks to legal changes. That’s led to complications.
Economy
Florida entrepreneur’s job promises for NC mountains looking like a mirage
Paradigm was given land in Yancey County, NC, to build headquarters and manufacturing. Paradigm sold some of the land. Promises appear empty.
Education
School in the cloud. NC rules changes lead to more online charter schools.
Henderson County-based Mountain Community Online School is an example of a brick-and-mortar charter also operating online statewide.
Environment
Future of federal forest plan for NC mountains in doubt after court ruling
Federal court found Forest Service relied on flawed analysis of impact on animals when it crafted forest plan favoring timber harvesting.
Health
‘Imperfections’ in NC Medicaid bill may cause headaches, require fixes
NC Medicaid funding bill came with unintended consequences and several perceived flaws. Some lawmakers talk fixes, but outlook unclear.
Politics & Government
Cooking up NC budget deal. Some ingredients still in dispute.
NC legislative leaders agree on healthcare, raises, tax cuts. Still uncertain on some spending. Unclear if budget deal could survive veto.