The Down East Journal

This week on the Down East Journal, it's part one of a two-part feature focusing on migrant farm workers in eastern North Carolina.  We talk to the author of a study that found a third of camps where they live had contaminated drinking water.  And, a new book by a Chapel Hill author examines the similarities and disparities in the lives of two pre-Civil War era soldiers in the book, "Two Captains From Carolina."

This week on the Down East Journal, October is domestic violence month.  We talk to a non-profit who is helping victims in Jones, Craven and Pamlico counties.  And, the life and legacy of Ava Gardner is explored thru heritage tours and screenings of her work with lifelong friend Gregory Peck during this weekend’s Ava Gardner festival in Smithfield.  Plus, LC Morris reports on gun control laws in North Carolina.

This week on the Down East Journal, we discuss the future of the biofuels industry in North Carolina. We talk to researchers and farmers about the potential of growing high energy grasses that can be converted into ethanol.  And, the Carteret County Health Department and a Croatan High School student group combine forces to clean the air and ground of county parks.  Plus, President Obama announced an executive order this week that would address human trafficking in US government contracting.  We have an update on modern day slavery in our state which is now ranked seventh in the nation.

This week on the Down East Journal, Cape Lookout National Seashore is looking for public comment on ways to facilitate ferry service to Shackleford Banks and the lighthouse.  We explore how the project could impact the Down East economy.  And, a growing number of eastern North Carolinians are looking at alternative ways to educating children. LC Morris reports on the facts surrounding homeschooling.

This week on the Down East Journal, we talk to officials with the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune about the treatment and interventional services they provide to Marines and Sailors returning from combat.  And, we discuss Executive Order 124, which seeks to improve relations between North Carolina agencies and local military installations. Plus, it's a fundraising event in New Bern that sets the table to fight hunger.

This week on the Down East Journal, a report on what the state is doing to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars lost thru the lack of online sales tax revenues. Plus, we talk to the Carolina Chamber Chamber Music Festival's event organizers about what’s in store this year.  And, it’s the 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.  The life and legacy of Carson and her not so well known ties to eastern North Carolina.

This week on the Down East Journal, Abraham Galloway was one of the first three African-Americans elected to the state legislature, but a new book by a Craven County native contends his importance extends far beyond that political first. And, after three years of renovations, the Bodie Island Lighthouse will open to the public for the very first time.

This week on the Down East Journal, we say farewell to 2012 with a look back at some of the best features this year.

This week on the Down East Journal, Gov. Pat McCrory made a stop in New Bern to talk with constituents and outline his plan for North Carolina.  Plus, we speak with the author of a study that found pockets of high cervical cancer rates in eastern North Carolina.  And, an abandoned lighthouse 13 miles off the coast of the Outer Banks is being transformed into a research facility. 

This week on the Down East Journal, we explain a federal court battle over minority voting rights in Kinston and why the Supreme Court recently denied a hearing of the case.  And, we check in with cyclist Dock Hooks, who completed his thousand mile journey from Emerald Isle to Key West for charity.  Plus, we wrap up our “Just Desserts” series with a recipe for pecan pie. It's a Down East Journal you won't want to miss....

The Down East Journal (08/31-09/01)

New Bern, NC – This week on the Down East Journal, we say goodbye to summer with sights, sounds and sand between our toes.

New Bern, NC – This week on the Down East Journal, we say goodbye to summer with sights, sounds and sand between our toes.

New Bern, NC – This week on the Down East Journal, we say goodbye to summer with sights, sounds and sand between our toes.

New Bern, NC – This week on the Down East Journal, tourism statistics for the summer's busiest month have remained almost unchanged the past five years. We talk to tourism officials and business owners who say spending is slightly up this season. And, we talk about the growing Montagnard population in eastern North Carolina that are escaping persecution in their own country.

Down East Journal 8/17 & 8/18

New Bern, NC – A death attributed to the West Nile Virus in Wayne County is the first this year in the state. We'll talk to an official with the North Carolina Division of Health about identifying the virus, and how to protect yourself. And, we speak with forecasters about predictions for increased tropical weather activity this Atlantic hurricane season. Also, the Garden Journal and commentator Joan Carris.

The Down East Journal (08/10-11/12)

New Bern, NC – On Monday, President Obama signed a bill that provides health care to people who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This week on the Down East Journal, we'll talk about what the bill entails in what's being called the largest water contamination incident in American history. And as the summer winds down, bat sightings are on the rise.