NCPRA

A new data center built in the town of Marble across the road from Moss Cemetery, Cherokee County, NC on April 7, 2026.

NC budget framework would roll back data centers' tax exemption on electricity purchases

Adam Wagner

The deal would leave in place a number of other tax exemptions for data centers, including for their construction materials and hardware.

A red sign in the foreground reads: "Raise Teacher Pay." The North Carolina General Assembly is in the background, behind a crowd of protesters.

What we know about proposed NC teacher raises

Liz Schlemmer, Adam Wagner

State lawmakers released a one-page document this week outlining their proposed salary schedule for North Carolina teachers. Here's what we know.

The Haw River in Bynum, N.C. on April 29, 2026. The Haw River is a tributary of the Cape Fear River Basin.

NC regulators are choosing to not set numeric limits on chemical pollution in waterways. Why?

Celeste Guajardo

The N.C. Environmental Management Commission underwent a political shift in 2023. In 2024, regulators proposed a monitoring and minimization approach after a lobbyist group asked them to do so.

People hold up signs at a public hearing in Wilmington, N.C. on April 23rd, 2026. The meeting was to solicit feedback on proposed regulations called the PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane monitoring and minimization plans, respectively.

"This rule is a slap in the face:" Critics say proposed plans to reduce toxic chemicals in NC water protects polluters, not public health

Celeste Guajardo

The regulations being considered right now are called the PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane Monitoring and Minimization Plans, respectively. Supporters say they're confident this voluntary approach will result in reductions.

The Lejeune Justice Project is mobilizing to force federal policy to catch up with modern science. Founded by Marine spouse Lauren Merrell, the organization’s fight is born from the harrowing medical ordeal of her husband, Luis Martinez Junior.

New grassroots organization demanding Congress overhaul VA presumptive conditions list

Annette Weston

The Lejeune Justice Project is mobilizing to force federal policy to catch up with modern science. Founded by Marine spouse Lauren Merrell, the organization’s fight is born from the harrowing medical ordeal of her husband, Luis Martinez Junior. He was a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1984 to 1987. The base stands as one of the worst public drinking water contamination disasters in American history.

MountainTrue debris removal workers recently pulled these PVC pipes from the French Broad River, a year and a half after they were washed into it by Helene.

Community frustration grows around IPEX's post-Helene plastic pollution in the French Broad River

Katie Myers

As pipes continue to break down in the French Broad Watershed, advocates and community members say the company is ignoring their requests for help.

Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, R-Wake, left, and Sen. Vickie Sawyer, R-Iredell, at microphone, held a news conference at the Pour House Music Hall to promote their legislation cracking down on ticket resellers.

NC Senate bill would crack down on ticket resellers

Colin Campbell

The "Real Tickets, Real Fans Act" would ban speculative ticket sales, where the website sells tickets it doesn't actually have. Musicians and event venues say they're seeing fans showing up with fake tickets they bought online from the sites.

House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, D-Chatham, raised concerns about the impacts of a proposed constitutional amendment capping the state's income tax rate at 3.5%.

NC income tax rate cap could go before voters in November, amid concerns from Democrats

Colin Campbell

As part of an initial budget agreement between the House and Senate announced Tuesday, Republicans want a constitutional amendment that prevents future legislatures from increasing the tax rate above 3.5%.

Alaska Native Veterans Association members Darrell Frank (left) and Hugh Walker stand inside the River City Cafe in Fairbanks. Frank - a former Army paratrooper - was part of an aborted deployment to Iran in the 1970s, while Walker served in the Navy during the same period.

As the Iran War stretches on, veterans react with a mix of concern, skepticism, and caution

Shelby Herbert

Some veterans who served during earlier Middle East confrontations say they hope the current war doesn't turn into another yearslong entanglement.

After weeks of tension, CMS board approves superintendent’s budget

James Farrell

Crystal Hill submitted a revised proposal on Monday that included some tweaks based on board feedback. And despite the two weeks of tension, the board approved the new plan with relatively few fireworks.