Celeste Gracia
Environment ReporterCeleste Gracia has been at WUNC since September 2019. She moved over as environment reporter after starting off as morning producer. She's interested in covering several topics within her beat, including climate change and environmental justice.
Celeste graduated from the University of North Texas. She previously interned at CBS News Radio in New York and Morning Edition in Washington D.C.
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In her State of the City address, Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal discussed several issues the city is facing, including access to transportation and economic opportunity. -
The city of Raleigh is launching a new program to help some homeowners repair and update their homes. The program is meant to help preserve affordable housing.
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The Neighborhood Energy Resiliency Project is helping about two dozen homeowners in Carrboro upgrade their homes for free to reduce energy usage and cost.
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The North Carolina Coastal Federation finished its restoration of the North River Wetlands Preserve this winter. Wetland habitats play several crucial roles, including protecting water quality, preventing floods, and serving as critical territory for unique plants and animals.
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Environmental advocates say the new land management plan from the U.S. Forest Service allows for too much logging in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. The new document was released late last week after 10 years of planning.
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Darryl Tyree Williams, 32, died after being arrested, handcuffed and tased multiple times by officers on Jan. 17, 2023.
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Williams died in custody last week after Raleigh police officers tased him. Officers were attempting to arrest Williams for drug possession but he resisted, according to the city's report. Activists want those officers fired and charged with murder.
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Duke Energy officials answered questions from the North Carolina Utilities Commission during a public briefing Tuesday. The company offered more details about its decision to implement rolling blackouts for the first time in its history.
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A study released earlier this year from researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill shows that people who live close to commercial hog operations are more likely to become sick with gastrointestinal illnesses.
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The healthcare sector in the United States accounts for 8.5% of national carbon emissions. Hospitals use enormous amounts of energy to provide nonstop care for patients. In North Carolina, some hospital systems are starting their work to become more sustainable.
