News
Microsoft contractors power opening of Anson County solar project
A solar project powered by carbon-free Microsoft contractors completed in Anson County.
News
DEQ awards $215M for water projects from Helene damage
On April 16, the State Water Infrastructure Authority and the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $215 million to fund 66 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across 26 counties.
News
NC rural grants total $1.6M, promise 215 new jobs
The NC Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved seven grant requests under the Building Reuse Program. These seven grants fall into two categories: the Vacant Building Category and the Existing Business Building Category.
News
Lake Lure to reopen lake 19 months after Helene
The town of Lake Lure will begin a phased “soft opening” of its lake on April 20, restoring limited public access after months of storm recovery while maintaining restrictions intended to protect public safety and allow ongoing work to continue.
News
$221M from USDA Helene timber relief program available April 20
“While we know TLRP funding will not make these landowners financially whole, we are hopeful it will help with recovery from what was an unprecedented storm.” — Steve Troxler, NC Agriculture Commissioner
News
Feds seek ruling that bat order didn’t void plans for WNC forests
Federal agencies are asking a judge to clarify that a recent ruling designed to protect endangered bats did not void a government plan for managing national forests in western North Carolina.
News
2 NC rivers rank among most endangered in 2026 report
Testing shows Rocco has the highest total PFAS levels of any water treatment plant in NC and the highest Gen-X levels of any groundwater-based system in the US.
News
Stein data center tax plan draws attention from lawmakers
Lawmakers raise bipartisan concerns over Stein’s data center tax proposal, citing unclear data, economic risks, and questions about process and timing.
News
Council of State holds meeting at historic Halifax
Gov. Josh Stein opened the April Council of State meeting with a nod to history, but the day’s most urgent message centered on a present-day threat: wildfires burning across North Carolina.
News
Budd hosts new DHS chief, calls for greater FEMA efficiency
A central concern raised during the roundtable was the complexity of FEMA programs. Mullin signaled a willingness to revisit regulatory constraints where possible, particularly through administrative procedures.
News
State officials: Slow progress rebuilding Helene-damaged homes
State officials say Hurricane Helene recovery is on pace, but lawmakers warn funding shortfalls and housing shortages could slow rebuilding across western NC.
Opinion
The solar tax break NC should reconsider
Only solar energy systems receive a substantial property tax abatement, while other forms of energy production do not. A sound tax system should strive for neutrality, not selective advantage.
