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More than 70,000 mothers in 21 states were referred to law enforcement over alleged substance use during pregnancy — oft...
02/21/2026

More than 70,000 mothers in 21 states were referred to law enforcement over alleged substance use during pregnancy — often based on flawed or misinterpreted drug tests.

A new investigation by The Marshall Project found many referrals began with false positives, including results triggered by prescribed medications or legal CBD products. In more than half of reviewed cases, child welfare agencies ultimately found no abuse or neglect — yet police investigations sometimes continued.

The reporting raises urgent questions about privacy, due process and the growing criminalization of pregnancy.

Read the full investigation: https://buff.ly/tgOm6s7

ACA enrollment dropped sharply in North Carolina for 2026 — and more coverage losses may be ahead, per NC LocalOnly 761,...
02/20/2026

ACA enrollment dropped sharply in North Carolina for 2026 — and more coverage losses may be ahead, per NC Local

Only 761,457 North Carolinians enrolled in ACA coverage for 2026 — a 22% drop from last year, the largest decline in the country. More than 200,000 lost affordable coverage after enhanced subsidies expired, premiums rose, and navigator funding was slashed. Advocates warn more residents could lose coverage if costs remain high.

Who is most affected? What options exist for those who lost coverage? And what happens next?

Read the full breakdown here: https://buff.ly/tDB0E3O

Dentists, oral health advocates urge EPA to use ‘gold standard science’ in its fluoride reviewThe EPA is accepting publi...
02/19/2026

Dentists, oral health advocates urge EPA to use ‘gold standard science’ in its fluoride review

The EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary assessment plan for review of fluoride in drinking water.

Full story at the link::
🔗 https://buff.ly/OO0hZ2q

02/19/2026

Former EPA Administrator Michael Regan says moving forward after hard-fought environmental justice gains fall before shifting federal priorities will require relying on science and exchanging ideas. 🔗 Full story at our website.

02/18/2026

Sunlight pours through stained glass windows onto rows of wooden pews that, on occasion, still hold hymnals. But Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church, where those same windows once illuminated weekly worship, is gone. In its place stands Milner Commons, an affordable housing complex for older adults that is designed to preserve pieces of the church’s past while serving a new purpose. 🔗 Full story at our website.

She thought she was doing the right thing.When Kimberly Sanders stepped into a mobile mammogram van outside her Charlott...
02/18/2026

She thought she was doing the right thing.

When Kimberly Sanders stepped into a mobile mammogram van outside her Charlotte workplace, she expected peace of mind. Instead, after an abnormal result, she faced canceled appointments, repeated delays, and months of anxiety before finally getting answers.

Mobile mammography is meant to expand access — especially in underserved communities. But when follow-up care stalls, early detection can turn into prolonged uncertainty. Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer. Experts say timely follow-up care is critical.

Read this joint investigation from NC Health News and The Charlotte Ledger:
🔗 https://buff.ly/WwzH8dO

02/18/2026

Kimberly Sanders thought getting her annual mammogram in a mobile van would make screening easier. But when the results came back abnormal, Charlotte’s largest imaging provider wanted her to start over — and pay out of pocket.

Experts say any delay after abnormal results can lead to missed or later cancer diagnoses. Is Charlotte Radiology’s policy creating a potential barrier to lifesaving care? 🔗 Full story at our website.

Hard-fought environmental justice gains fall before shifting federal priorities, leaving communities in renewed uncertai...
02/17/2026

Hard-fought environmental justice gains fall before shifting federal priorities, leaving communities in renewed uncertainty

The Trump administration rescinded the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, weakening federal authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental advocates warn the rollback could disproportionately harm vulnerable communities, including those in North Carolina. Leaders say Warren County’s environmental justice legacy may guide the next phase of grassroots action.

READ MORE ⬇️
🔗 https://buff.ly/L0DCaVS

From sanctuary to senior housing, Milner Commons reflects shifting needsMilner Commons is an affordable senior housing c...
02/16/2026

From sanctuary to senior housing, Milner Commons reflects shifting needs

Milner Commons is an affordable senior housing community built on the former site of Milner Memorial Presbyterian Church, preserving touches of the church’s past while serving a new mission.

The project reflects North Carolina’s growing affordable housing crisis, especially for low-income seniors who struggle to find safe, independent living options. Nonprofit developer DHIC partnered with faith-based organizations to convert the property, creating 156 units with community spaces and supportive resident services. Even with these successes, leaders worry about how seniors will be supported as they eventually need more care than independent living allows.

READ MORE ⬇️
🔗 https://buff.ly/aQHXXgN

Without school vaccine mandates, many kids may never see a doctorAs a growing number of states weaken childhood immuniza...
02/14/2026

Without school vaccine mandates, many kids may never see a doctor

As a growing number of states weaken childhood immunization requirements, physicians fear many families will miss critical wellness checks.

Read More ➡️
🔗 https://buff.ly/4ifQmxi

At 75, Myron Cohen isn’t interested in retiring. But fewer titles would be welcome.UNC Chapel Hill’s Cohen, who became w...
02/14/2026

At 75, Myron Cohen isn’t interested in retiring. But fewer titles would be welcome.

UNC Chapel Hill’s Cohen, who became world-known for his research into controlling the spread of HIV, says he’s not ready to quit, but it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation.

Read More ➡️
🔗 https://buff.ly/TPsrjwn

02/13/2026

North Carolina’s three state psychiatric hospitals — Cherry, Central Regional and Broughton — serve about 570 patients each day. But hundreds more wait weeks or even months for a bed.

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