State and Regional News

First US bird flu death is announced in Louisiana

First US bird flu death is announced in Louisiana

By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The first U.S. bird flu death has been reported — a person in Louisiana who had been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms. State health officials…

Last North Carolina legislative races get finalized, confirming GOP loss of veto-proof control

Last North Carolina legislative races get finalized, confirming GOP loss of veto-proof control

By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina General Assembly elections were finalized Monday as officials issued certificates to the winners in three close legislative races from November that later became…

After fighting virus, storms and Republicans, departing North Carolina Gov. Cooper focuses on wins

After fighting virus, storms and Republicans, departing North Carolina Gov. Cooper focuses on wins

By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is leaving his job after eight years in which the southern Democrat picked his moments against a Republican-dominated legislature, winning big on…

Here’s a look at the $100 billion in disaster relief in the government spending bill

Here’s a look at the $100 billion in disaster relief in the government spending bill

By REBECCA SANTANA and TRAVIS LOLLER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is allocating more than $100 billion in emergency aid designed to address extensive damage caused by disasters after this week’s scramble to find consensus on…

New damage delays I-40 reopening in North Carolina closed by Helene

New damage delays I-40 reopening in North Carolina closed by Helene

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The reopening of a section of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that collapsed during Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding has been delayed after more asphalt from eastbound lanes fell this week, the state…

EPA head Regan, who championed environmental justice, to leave office Dec. 31

EPA head Regan, who championed environmental justice, to leave office Dec. 31

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael Regan, who has led the Environmental Protection Agency throughout President Joe Biden’s four-year term, said Friday he will leave the agency Dec. 31, about three weeks before Biden’ leaves office. In…