Environment

A look at bridge maintenance in rural eastern and western North Carolina 

North Carolina maintains over 18,000 bridges with limited crews and funding, making repairs challenging, especially in rural areas. Geographic factors like coastal erosion and mountain storms worsen conditions. Despite constraints, only 6.8% of rural bridges are in poor condition, and inspectors prioritize safety while balancing budget, staffing and urgent infrastructure needs statewide.

Our Part in Trump’s National Farm Security Action Plan: All About the N.C. Farmland & Military Protection Act

North Carolina’s HB 133 restricts foreign adversaries from acquiring agricultural land to protect food security. Despite such concerns, USDA data shows foreign investors own only 3.6% of U.S. farmland, mostly from allies like Canada. Chinese ownership remains under 1%, raising questions about the scale of the perceived security threat.

New Asia Continent to open at the N.C. Zoo this fall 

The North Carolina Zoo will open a 12.5-acre Asia Continent this September featuring tigers, Komodo dragons and more. Designed for immersive guest experiences and top-tier animal welfare, the exhibit blends jungle landscapes with architecture. Funded by $152 million in state and private support, it’s expected to boost tourism and conservation awareness.