Records crowds are expected at North Carolina beaches this holiday weekend, and health experts offer suggestions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus for those ready to put their toes in the sand.
News & Features
Amid Hardship, Lockdown Curbs Energy Use
Coastal electric cooperatives have taken measures to help members keep their lights on during the stay-at-home order, which researchers say has reduced emissions and improved air quality.
Bills Offer Options for PFAS Regulation
Democrats in the N.C. House have introduced a trio of bills they say are intended to demonstrate the range of steps the state could take in regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Property Owners Score Win in Bridge Dispute
A judge has granted a judicial review to property owners near the site of a planned bridge to Harkers Island, including the Coastal Resources Commission’s vice chair, who are challenging permits for the project.
Plenty Of Obstacles On Path to State Budget
Uncertainty over federal coronavirus relief and the state’s financial challenges loom large as the legislature resumes its 2020 short session next week with plans to take up another round of pandemic response measures.
Bring Your Own Paper Goods: Beach Towns
Beach towns are gearing up to welcome visitors as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease, but along with beach towels and swimsuits, vacationers are advised to pack toilet paper and other scarce grocery items.
New Bills Address Reforms, Virus Response
Recently filed bills in the North Carolina General Assembly include measures to carry out planned changes at state ports and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with COVID-19 relief.
Program Gets At-Home Students Connected
Students stuck at home without high-speed internet to attend class online, and those with other, more basic needs are getting help and meals thanks to Outer Banks Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Grants.
NCDOT Secretary Warns of ‘Barricades’
“You’ll see barricades, and our crews go home,” State Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette said last week about the department’s finances without access to COVID-19 relief funds.
Plans to Expand Limestone Quarry Stalled
Martin Marietta’s plans to expand its limestone quarry in Rocky Point, a move that would affect dozens of acres of wetlands and other waters, are on hold as state regulators await additional information from the corporation.
Groups Challenge Clean Water Act Revision
More than a dozen environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s recent rewrite of the rule defining waters subject to protection under the federal Clean Water Act.
COVID-19, Economy Top Legislators’ Agenda
State lawmakers return Tuesday for what is expected to be a brief session to focus on response to the coronavirus and its ongoing damage to the state’s economy, including in tourism-dependent communities.
Earth Day, Coastal Education Go Online
Environmental and educational groups are providing ways online to celebrate Earth Day 2020 Wednesday and learn about the coastal environment while maintaining social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Ten Years After: Deepwater Horizon Disaster
Environmental advocates say the 10th anniversary of the the largest oil disaster in U.S. history serves as a warning against the Trump administration’s push to drill off the East Coast, but industry folks say safety has improved.
Water Plant Operators On Seven-Day Stays
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority officials is stationing staff at its water treatment plants for weeklong periods and provided campers for their long stays to protect the safety of operators and Wilmington’s drinking water.
Lab Staff Use Printers to Equip Responders
Amid the pandemic, researchers and educators at Carteret County institutions are using their labs’ 3D printers and plans available online to meet the expected need for personal protective equipment for first responders and health care workers.
