State Policy
August 12, 2014 -
Last week a federal judge denied a request to block North Carolina's restrictive new voting law from being enforced for this November's election. Voting rights activists say they'll redouble efforts to register African-American voters and help them turn out, with a mass voting rights rally planned for Raleigh on Aug. 28 -- the 51st anniversary of the March on Washington.
August 11, 2014 -
To mark International Youth Day, a personal finance website looked at living and economic conditions for young people in the United States. The findings do not reflect well on the South.
August 1, 2014 -
Republican governors' and legislatures' refusal to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act is leading to hospital closures, job losses and even deaths -- especially in rural Southern communities. But some conservative individuals and groups are calling on GOP leaders to reconsider their stance.
July 28, 2014 -
Most North Carolinians think the state legislature has not done enough to address Duke Energy's recent coal ash spill into the Dan River. Their dissatisfaction crosses party lines -- and could affect the outcome of a key U.S. Senate race.
July 25, 2014 -
Duke Energy contractors have finished cleaning up as much coal ash as they intend to from the Dan River -- leaving behind about 90 percent of the toxic waste left by the February spill. Meanwhile, state politicians continue to hammer out details of legislation that leaves ratepayers on the hook for addressing the company's coal ash woes.
July 22, 2014 -
A new report looks at the well-being of children by state and finds that those living in Appalachia and the South are facing especially difficult conditions, including growing poverty and economic inequality. It calls for smart investments to ensure all children have the chance to live up to their full potential.
July 16, 2014 -
The NC Mining and Energy Commission is taking public comments on the state's proposed fracking rules through Sept. 15. Meanwhile, environmentalists are urging the commission to reinstate the ban on the controversial gas drilling technique.
