Public Radio East

10/09/2025

A year after Helene, what exactly Trump’s GoFundMe campaign paid for remains unclear. Grist reached out to the recipient organizations asking how much they received, and how it was spent. Several responded to an initial email and offered vague explanations, but none except Mtn2Sea Ministries responded to follow-ups for a more specific breakdown of related expenditures.

The campaign bad-mouthed FEMA while using crowdfunding to donate to evangelical nonprofits.

10/09/2025

"Stringent environmental regulations on air emissions and wastewater discharges have put significant pressure on the viability of aging coal units to remain both cost-effective and compliant over time. However, policies related to coal-fired generation are shifting under the current federal administration," Duke Energy wrote in an appendix to its recent Carolinas Resource Plan.

Duke Energy's most recent carbon reductions and resource plan proposal suggests delaying retirements of three NC plants that can burn coal.

10/09/2025

That agreement represents an initial step towards the State Health Plan once again providing coverage for tens of thousands of members who used the pricey but effective drugs for weight loss.

North Carolina's State Health Plan stopped providing coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss last year. A new agreement with CVS Caremark lets the plan negotiate directly with manufacturers for the medications.

10/09/2025

The developers framed the project as a boon to local tax revenue. However, residents worried that noise, traffic and power bills would all increase.

Developers are rethinking a proposed data center in Matthews amid strong local opposition.

10/09/2025

“This is what teamwork looks like in government," Charlotte Fire Department Battalion Chief John Lipcsak said. "It lets all agencies know that their partners down the road, across county lines or across state lines are there with them and ready to act in a moment’s notice when something like this goes on.”

A three-day training for local, state and federal first responders is taking place at Carowinds this week, bringing together more than 300 law enforcement, military, fire and medical personnel each day.

10/09/2025

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said the majority of the $45 million raised by Kars-R-Us.com went to its operators, Michael Irwin and Lisa Frank. After seeing national TV, radio, and online ads, more than 84,000 people donated their cars to Kars.

10/09/2025

After an internal investigation by the Pamlico County School System, school leaders contacted the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office about a complaint that obscene images and messages that had been sent by a teacher to a student, as well as reports that a video was circulating through the student body.

After an internal investigation by the Pamlico County School System, school leaders contacted the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office about a complaint that obscene images and messages that had been sent by a teacher to a student, as well as reports that a video was circulating through the student bod...

10/09/2025

Barber was removed from a movie screening in Greenville in December 2023 for using a specific chair to manage his severe arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, leading to a lawsuit alleging disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

10/09/2025

Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman said the permit could use some additional language to protect the Pamlico River tributary in Beaufort County.

A revised permit that would regulate a mining company’s wastewater discharge into Blounts Creek is now open for public comment.

10/09/2025

Just in: A magistrate's order denying Brockman bond in the case says he is a state representative and has "attempted to use his status to gain information on the whereabouts of the victim." The order also says that Brockman made attempts to contact the juvenile victim, including in the hospital.

Brockman, a Democrat, represents a Guilford County district that includes High Point.

10/09/2025

“NCDHHS is aware of the increase in measles cases in South Carolina and is working with partners at the state and local levels to ensure preparedness. Vaccinations are safe, effective and remain the best way to prevent serious illness.”

While no cases have been reported in Western North Carolina, health departments across the state have been monitoring the outbreak and urging residents to check their vaccination status.

10/09/2025

State Epidemiologist Zack Moore is urging people to to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses, like getting a flu shot, regularly washing hands, covering a cough and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others.