Duke Energy has halted plans for offshore wind projects off North Carolina, citing economic challenges after an independent review found all proposals exceeded cost benchmarks.

The review, initiated in January 2025, evaluated submissions from Avangrid, TotalEnergies, and Cinergy, revealing offshore wind remains pricier than solar paired with battery storage.

No new requests for wind project proposals will be issued, but key data will inform Duke’s 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan.

Local responses are mixed.

Some coastal leaders, including Brunswick County Commissioner Marty Cooke, welcomed the pause over concerns for tourism and marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, clean energy advocates, like N.C. Sierra Club’s Erin Carey, underscored offshore wind’s potential for sustainable, independent energy.

North Carolina continues to bolster renewables, with recent wind farms such as Desert Wind and Timbermill Wind reflecting ongoing efforts to balance cost, environment, and energy needs.

A recent post-election survey found that 43% of North Carolina voters are dissatisfied with the state’s primary outcomes, suggesting the current system may not produce the most representative candidates.

North Carolina allows candidates to win primaries with just 30% of the vote plus one, the lowest threshold in the country since a 2017 law reduced it from 40%.

This policy was intended to open doors for more candidates but often results in nominees securing party backing with limited voter support.

Recent examples include Congressional contenders winning with barely a third of the vote, highlighting concerns about true party consensus.

In comparison, eight states require over 50% to win, and others enforce higher minimums.

Restoring a 40% threshold could help ensure broader voter engagement and more widely supported candidates, without the confusion of ranked-choice voting.

Many believe this move would better reflect North Carolinians’ voices at the polls.

Transform your daily shower cleaning routine with an effortless homemade spray that requires no scrubbing or wiping.

Simply mix half a cup of hydrogen peroxide, half a cup of clear rubbing alcohol, one teaspoon of dish detergent, one tablespoon of dish washer rinse aid, and three cups of water in a 32-ounce spray bottle.

Gently rotate the bottle to combine the ingredients, ensuring you start with a clean shower to keep maintenance easy.

After each shower, spray the cleaner on all surfaces while they’re still wet and warm—including walls, doors, handles, and drains.

Just let everything air dry.

If you have dark tile grout, consider omitting the hydrogen peroxide.

This simple spray keeps showers sparkling—with minimal effort—and even works on bathroom sinks and mirrors.