News & Features

  • Legislators Preview New Shellfish Bill

    Rep. Pat McElraft and Sen. Norm Sanderson told attendees at the annual Oyster Summit in Raleigh they plan to introduce legislation that addresses conflicts related to the state’s shellfish leasing program.

  • Planning Board OKs Sand Mine Permit

    Despite residents’ objections, the New Hanover County Planning Board has approved a special use permit allowing a sand mine next to a site with toxic groundwater pollution.

  • Topsail Towns Prioritize Storm Projects

    North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach are selecting storm mitigation projects to be funded with multi-million-dollar state grant from the state Division of Water Resources.

  • Local Taxes Could Fund Storm Repairs, Inlets

    Legislators included new ways to raise cash for coastal towns’ storm-related expenses and infrastructure needs, such as local-option sales taxes, in a spate of bills filed in recent days.

  • Landowner Challenges Conservation Terms

    The owner of a 12-acre property in Morehead City that was set aside for conservation more than a decade ago is asking a judge to remove deed restrictions and allow the land to be developed.

  • New Signs Warn of Lake’s Troubled Waters

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted new signs this week at Lake Mattamuskeet to warn the public about the harmful algal blooms, another problem associated with the lake’s deteriorating water quality.

  • Retired General Frames Climate Change Risks

    Retired Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, now CEO of the American Security Project think tank, told an audience in Wilmington this week that climate change poses a national security threat.

  • Wildlife Shelter Prepares for Baby Season

    Folks at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter are in need of volunteers and donations as they get ready for the influx of young animals needing care and rehabilitation in springtime.

  • Push On to Change Sand Rule Interpretation

    Topsail Island officials, with support from the state’s congressional delegation, are calling for changes that would once again allow use of a longtime source of sand for beach renourishment projects.