Month: April 2026

Harrison takes herbicide fight to Supreme Court

State Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, doesn’t often get her way in the GOP-dominated General Assembly. She’s hoping for better luck with the GOP-dominated U.S. Supreme Court. Harrison recently joined 35 other state legislators from around the country in signing a friend-of-the-court brief that urges the court to rule against Monsanto and its parent company, Beyer […]

Written by on April 7, 2026

2. All American Week canceled at Fort Bragg amid Iran conflict

Justin Moore/WNCN A long-standing military tradition at Fort Bragg is on hold this year as thousands of paratroopers deploy overseas. All American Week, the annual celebration honoring the history and legacy of the 82nd Airborne Division, has been canceled for 2026. Military leaders said the decision comes as soldiers from the division are deploying to […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

3. Ethics panel dismisses complaint against City Councilmember Brenda McNair

Rachel Heimann Mercader/CityView The Fayetteville Ethics Commission dismissed an ethics complaint against City Councilmember Brenda McNair that was filed by the candidate who tried unsuccessfully to replace her in office. Only three of the commission’s five members attended the meeting, the minimum required for a quorum. All three voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint filed […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

4. Fed job report shows gains, but Triangle economists warn of uncertainty

Jon Dowding/WTVD New data from the Federal Reserve, showing a drop in unemployment and stronger-than-expected job growth last month, is offering signs of economic strength, even as some consumers in the Triangle remain uneasy about rising costs and global uncertainty. Economists say the region’s economy continues to outperform many parts of the country, but caution […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

5. You may soon be able to graduate from a public university in NC in just 3 years

Jane Winik Sartwell/The Durham Sun The UNC System is exploring the possibility of offering bachelor’s degrees that could be completed in just three years — 25% quicker than the traditional 120-hour undergraduate degree. The system is fielding proposals from system schools for such accelerated programs, with $20,000 planning grants on the table. “This is not […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

7. ECU Health’s plan to reopen hospital offers hope to Martin County

Jaymie Baxley/NC Health News Dexter “Drew” Batts, the government manager for Martin County in eastern North Carolina, often thinks about the night his close childhood friend suffered a heart attack in 2025. The friend, a 39-year-old woman who was a member of Batts’ high school graduating class, lived just nine miles away from Martin General […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

9. Charles Foust tapped to lead first all-boys charter school planned in Wilmington

Emily Sawaked/Port City Daily The first all boys charter school in North Carolina is in the works in Wilmington and the nonprofit behind it is bringing a former New Hanover County Schools leader into the fold. New H.O.P.E. CDC — which stands for Helping Ordinary People Excel Community Development Corporation — led by founder and […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

10. Hatter brings business back to Southern Pines

Emilee Phillips/The Southern Pines Pilot A familiar face is behind the bespoke hat shop Rabbit Rabbit Hat Club now in Southern Pines. The shop evolved from Gwen’s Hat Club, which has moved around a handful of times. Elizabeth Walston bought out her partner late last year and rebranded it with a name that resonated with […]

Written by on April 6, 2026

1. Speakers question Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase

Chris Stiles/The Robesonian   Numerous Duke Energy customers made their voices heard Tuesday, March 31 in opposition to the company’s proposed rate increase in a public hearing held by the N.C. Utilities Commission (NCUC). Duke Energy has about 9,200 customers in Bladen County. Those who testified consistently said that bills have increased significantly in recent […]

Written by on April 5, 2026

3. Drilling down on AI use in dentistry

Anne Blythe/NC Health News It’s no longer futuristic or science fiction to think that your trip to the dentist might include robotics and artificial intelligence. Macon Singletary, a periodontist at North Raleigh Periodontics & Implant Center in Wake County, says it’s already here for him. Fear not, he says. Humans will still play a key […]

Written by on April 5, 2026

4. How a coalition built primary strategy that defeated 3 NC House Democrats

Sarah Michels/Carolina Public Press The seeds of the resistance that kicked several incumbent Democrats out of office in the primary election were sown two years ago, in a Roanoke Rapids hotel room. In the month leading up to the 2024 primary election, a loose partnership came together to oust then-State Rep. Michael Wray from the […]

Written by on April 5, 2026