East Carolina University public health educator and longtime environmental advocate Dr. Donald E. Ensley of Greenville died Friday, March 28, 2025.
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Blue crab management plan revision runs into rough waters
Proposed limits on the commercial harvest of blue crabs faces critics who say the management plan amendment is based on a benchmark stock assessment using data from 1995 to 2016.
Drought, dry conditions persist in coastal counties
The latest weekly advisory from the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council shows drought conditions continue to grip much of the state.
Work set to begin on US 64 improvements in Dare County
Raleigh-based transportation contractor Fred Smith Co. is to begin the $2.4 million project, a milling and resurfacing operation, April 2 between the two bridges.
Outer Banks Community Foundation awards nearly $72,000
The Manteo-based nonprofit announced Community Enrichment Grants to 10 nonprofits, funding projects that support youth, preserve history and bring arts and culture to communities across the Outer Banks.
Chemours, DuPont move to keep court records sealed
Attorneys for Chemours and its predecessor company DuPont have asked a federal judge in a lawsuit brought by Cape Fear area water utilities to keep thousands of documents out of the public eye.
Second public hearing set for mid-Currituck bridge project
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management is hosting a public hearing in Currituck County next month on the proposed mid-Currituck bridge project.
No NC limit on 1,4-dioxane means water customers bear costs
It costs an additional $1-$3 million a year to remove 1,4-dioxane, a likely carcinogen, from drinking water drawn from the Cape Fear River, costs that could be avoided if upstream polluters were required to reduce the amount of the compounds they discharge.
US 70 bridge inspection in progress, plan for daytime delays
A state Department of Transportation crew works high above the Newport River Tuesday inspecting the underside of the Morehead City-Beaufort high-rise bridge next to the state port. Traffic delays were expected through Friday on this part of U.S. Highway 70 as one lane of travel was planned during daylight hours, or 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Photo: Dylan Ray
Carolina Beach State Park wetlands restoration in final year
A three-year partnership between park officials and the North Carolina Coastal Federation to replace invasive plants with native species is to include construction of an observation platform this year for visitors to learn about wetland habitats.
DEQ chief: Emerging compounds ‘top priority’ for state
N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson said addressing PFAS and other emerging compounds is a top priority during the N.C. Water Resources Research Institute’s annual conference Thursday.
Survey open on proposed Dismal Swamp heritage area
The National Park Service is asking the public to provide input for a study to determine the feasibility and suitability of designating a future national heritage area that includes the Great Dismal Swamp and other areas in North Carolina and Virginia.
NC officials promote joining state government workforce
Last week, NCDEQ officials and staff tried to recruit for the long-understaffed agency during a conference, and the governor’s office announced a website for those displaced due to Hurricane Helene or recent federal cuts.
It’s time to relearn ancient knowledge our grandparents lived
Lives of convenience have taken us father away from understanding nature’s rhythms and cycles, but many are now coming back around to respecting and revering the land that feeds them.
Ferry Division adds departures to, from Ocracoke Island
The state Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division will increase the number daily transits of Pamlico Sound from four to six starting this week.
Southport maritime museum to explore 18th-century fashion
Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with a professional seamstress who will draft a gown in a day and learn about how clothing defined status, gender, and occupation.

















