0

July Fourth safety guide for fireworks, heat and water this weekend

July Fourth safety guide for fireworks, heat and water this weekend

By Jennifer Fernandez CARY — Ginger Peters knows how quickly a simple sparkler can become dangerous.  The Cary mother of two was celebrating her birthday last September with friends. They each had a s...

0

North Carolina lifeguards prepare for holiday surge, with an eye on rip currents

North Carolina lifeguards prepare for holiday surge, with an eye on rip currents

By Will Atwater Key takeaways: Rip currents pose a significant threat to swimmers at North Carolina beaches this holiday weekend. Lifeguards and coastal towns are stepping up safety measures, inclu...

0

NC lawmakers consider changes to vehicle child seat laws

NC lawmakers consider changes to vehicle child seat laws

By Diana Lopez Key takeaways:  NC lawmakers are  considering changes to the Child Passenger Restraint Systems Law. Weight would not be the only factor for when a child graduates to the ad...

0

NC’s first full budget since 2023 reflects transformed health policy landscape

NC’s first full budget since 2023 reflects transformed health policy landscape

By Jaymie Baxley, Ashley Fredde and Rose Hoban Key takeaways: Federal changes under H.R. 1 are reshaping state spending on Medicaid and SNAP.  The state will face steeper Medicaid and SNAP cost-sha...

0

NC’s new mental health bill is heavy on studies, light on solutions

NC’s new mental health bill is heavy on studies, light on solutions

By Taylor Knopf A bill to expand the use of involuntary psychiatric treatment in North Carolina, and further study the intersection of the state’s mental health and the justice systems, is well on its...

0

Martin County residents keep pressing state officials for funding to reopen hospital

Martin County residents keep pressing state officials for funding to reopen hospital

Key takeaways: Martin County was already among North Carolina’s most economically distressed communities before Martin General closed in 2023. The shutdown only exacerbated economic issues.  ECU Heal...

0

‘We just want clean water.’ Residents sue Robeson County over landfill contamination

‘We just want clean water.’ Residents sue Robeson County over landfill contamination

By Morgan Casey Border Belt Independent Viv Tolson Wayne rang the large dinner bell on her front porch along Britt Road in St. Pauls. The crowd on her front lawn hushed their conversations and turned ...

0

NC Senate passes bill to restrict homeless encampments, expand drug penalties

NC Senate passes bill to restrict homeless encampments, expand drug penalties

By Ashley Fredde The North Carolina Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would prohibit local governments from allowing homeless encampments on public property and create enhanced penalties for ...

0

Chemours looks to settle federal PFAS case for $450 million. NC wasn’t at the table.

Chemours looks to settle federal PFAS case for $450 million. NC wasn’t at the table.

By Rose Hoban and Will Atwater Key takeaways: The U.S. Department of Justice seeks hundreds of millions from Chemours in a federal complaint over years of PFAS contamination in three states, includ...

0

Helping people stay in treatment starts with the basics

Helping people stay in treatment starts with the basics

By Rachel Crumpler Key takeaways:  SouthLight Healthcare, an outpatient mental health and substance use treatment provider, launched a Social Determinants of Health team in 2025 to help patient...