North Carolina News Summary

The recent guilty plea of Andrew J. Simmons Jr., owner of American Distillation Inc., highlights significant environmental concerns in North Carolina. The Navassa-based chemical company admitted to discharging harmful pollutants, including tert-Butyl alcohol, into the Cape Fear River from late 2019 through 2024.

This incident raises alarms about the state's water quality and regulatory enforcement, as noted by Coastal Review. Meanwhile, a report from the Education Law Center indicates that North Carolina ranks last in public school funding, investing only 2% of its GDP in education, which contrasts sharply with Vermont's 5.4%.

The report reveals a concerning disparity in funding levels and distribution, as North Carolina received failing grades in two out of three categories, according to WCNC Charlotte. Additionally, local leaders in North Carolina are expressing dissatisfaction with FEMA's recent changes to disaster aid processing, which they believe could hinder community recovery efforts following hurricanes.

A federal judge ordered FEMA to reinstate $200 million in disaster mitigation funding for infrastructure improvements across the state, addressing concerns about climate vulnerabilities, as reported by Cardinal & Pine.

Lastly, the Lumbee Tribe is on the verge of gaining full federal recognition, a significant step that could enhance their access to resources and rights, with the U.S. Senate voting on a related spending bill, according to ABC11.

This recognition would mark a historic moment for the tribe, which has sought full federal status since being recognized in 1955 without access to federal benefits.