Public Radio East

01/05/2026

On paper, North Carolina has policies protecting recess time. The State Board of Education’s “Healthy Active Children” policy prohibits schools from withholding recess from kids as a form of punishment. It requires all K-8 students to get at least 30 minutes of “moderate to vigorous physical activity” per day.

Research shows that recess during school could have both physical and academic benefits for kids. But some say recess periods at schools here and across the country are getting shorter and shorter.

01/05/2026

Lee is also accused of punching another person with a closed fist, causing visible swelling, lacerations to the cheek, and a bloodied lip

He’s also accused of punching another person with a closed fist, causing visible swelling, lacerations to the cheek, and a bloodied lip—injuries considered serious under state law.

01/05/2026

After his arrest, Jonathan Bulluck reportedly threatened deputies and tried to spit on one of them. He now faces a long list of charges.

During the stop, deputies say Jonathan Bulluck tried to hand a hidden gun to a family member, then sped away, tossing narcotics out the window as he drove up to 80 mph through multiple counties. The chase ended in Edgecombe County with deputies recovering m**h and fentanyl as well as a 9mm handgun.

01/05/2026

Commissioners will discuss and vote on the changes at 7 p.m. at the Jones County Agricultural Building on Trenton.

County Manager Kyle Smith will present the proposal as part of new business, but details haven’t been released yet.

01/05/2026

Starting this week, ICE can use Medicaid data in deportation cases. A judge rejected a legal challenge against the practice brought by Democrat-led states last year.

01/05/2026

In North Carolina, a consortium of 55 schools across 18 school districts and covering around 23,000 students was part of a five-year, $50 million program that Jackson says is among those being discontinued despite prior Department of Education approval.

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced he is suing the federal Education Department to prevent a cut of nearly $50 million in grant funding for mostly rural schools in low-income communities.

01/05/2026

Anyone that develops symptoms—like high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, or a red blotchy rash—should stay home (except to seek medical care) and call their local health department.

This is North Carolina’s third measles case this year. Measles spreads easily through the air and can linger for up to two hours.

01/05/2026

As the Trump administration tries to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, a new NPR investigative project is preserving evidence of the crimes committed that day.

01/05/2026

The U.S. Mint is also considering issuing a $1 coin with the face of the current president, Donald Trump, a move usually shunned as a symbol of monarchy.

New coins marking the United States' 250th anniversary begin circulating this week. The Trump administration tweaked the design of some coins and is considering a dollar coin featuring the president.

01/05/2026

At Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, they're working on two sites, UXO-28 and UXO-29, to make them safe for everyone.

There will be a public meeting to discuss the program on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Coastal Carolina Community College, Room BT106.

01/05/2026

Beginning Monday, CarolinaEast Medical Center will allow only two people at a time to visit patients.

01/05/2026

As events continue to unfold, members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation stress the importance of constitutional checks and balances, the need for transparency, and careful consideration of the broader implications for American security and democracy.

The military operation and subsequent U.S. oversight of Venezuela have sparked debate over executive authority and the role of Congress in approving military interventions. Lawmakers remain divided over the legality, potential repercussions, and long-term strategy for U.S. involvement in Venezuela.....