The Hilton Bluffs project in Sledge Forest recently had its technical plans administratively denied by the county manager. This week, a county board considered a separate appeal from neighbors. One county official called the increasingly complex situation a “nightmare,” and suggested developer Copper Builders start over with a new application; developers, however, think they may still have a way forward.

The North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve, which protects over 44,000 acres of coastal lands and waters for research, education, and stewardship, is unveiling two paddling trails, one at Zeke’s Island and the other at Masonboro Island.

Cape Fear River Watch says Chemours has allowed groundwater contamination to continue at levels well above limits required in the 2019 agreement, in part because of ultra-short chain PFAS.

State Auditor Dave Boliek made an unannounced visit to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools headquarters on Wednesday amid ongoing turmoil at the district, after the board took a 5-4 vote to fire Superintendent Crystal Hill the night before.