For nearly four decades, the stray dogs of Chernobyl have lived and bred in one of the most contaminated landscapes on Earth, absorbing low doses of radiation that would keep most people far away.

Air in the Tar Heel State is cleaner than it has been in decades. But oversight of the environment is shrinking.

As 2025 draws to a close, Watauga County reflects on a year of change, resilience, and community spirit. This last year ...