CONTAMINATION UNSOLVED: The source of contaminated fish in Badin Lake, scene of a long-running dispute over Alcoa's now-closed aluminum smelter, remains unknown nearly a year after state officials warned the public.
Alcoa has acknowledged contamination from its plant, 45 miles northeast of Charlotte. The company says there is no proof it is responsible for the tainted fish that led to a state warning in February.
Environmentalists, meanwhile, say a state investigation is dead in the water.
Toxic fish are only part of Alcoa's struggles with its community. In a rare move, Gov. Bev Perdue wants the state to take over the aluminum maker's hydroelectric operations on 38 miles of the Yadkin River. (Charlotte Observer)
CENSUS GEARS UP: A U.S. Census worker, one of a small army of federal employees who will soon launch a house by house count, is using a radio booth to urge Latinos to get over their fears of being counted. (Charlotte Observer)
HAGAN'S FIRST YEAR: At the end of her first year in office, U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, has earned a reputation as someone whose vote is closely counted by party leaders and outside groups trying to push a policy debate. (Greensboro N&R)
