Environment

Community

North Carolinians voice concerns about plans to build Buc-ee’s in Mebane

NC’s first Buc-ee’s is expected to feature a 74,000-square-foot store, 652 parking spaces, and 120 gas pumps. Despite the Mebane City Council hearing hours of public comments that were mostly against Buc-ees, the council approved the project back in January 2024. The mega gas station would consume over 23,000 gallons of water daily, and the site sits within a mile of 13 known underground fuel leaks.

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Economy

Trump’s FEMA Denies North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene Aid Request, Again

“FEMA’s denial of our appeal will cost North Carolina taxpayers potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up out west,” Stein explained. “The money we have to pay toward debris removal will mean less money toward supporting our small businesses, rebuilding downtown infrastructure, repairing our water and sewer systems, and other critical needs.”

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Environment

Money talks: chemical giant, Chemours donates thousands to NC GOP lawmakers

Now the company is looking to lawmakers to avoid having to face more consequences for their pollution of North Carolina waters.  This legislative session, lawmakers are considering bills to hold polluters accountable, including House Bill 569, entitled “PFAS Pollution and Polluter Liability” and Senate Bill 666, the “2025 Water Safety Act”.

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Environment

Trump Administration Slashes NOAA Budget as North Carolina Grapples with Natural Disasters

As North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and battles ongoing wildfires across the state, the Trump administration—along with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency—has set its sights on slashing federal spending, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as its latest target, according to WECT.

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Economy

Newly-Elected Governor Josh Stein Pledges Long-Term Helene Support

Stein prioritized housing survivors, supporting businesses, and strengthening infrastructure in the mountain regions. He also shared stories of local residents he had met, including the operator of an AM radio station in Haywood County, a Watauga County business owner, and a McDowell County restaurateur.  

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