Posts tagged Local
What’s Next for Chapel Hill: Congresswoman Valerie Foushee’s Legislative Priorities and Their Impact
What’s Next for Chapel Hill: Congresswoman Valerie Foushee’s Legislative Priorities and Their Impact

Foushee, who assumed office on January 3rd, 2024, acts as Chapel Hill’s current voice in Washington, representing North Carolina’s 4th congressional district. Compared to other nearby cities, Chapel Hill voters tend to lean more liberal, aligning with Foushee’s role as a Democratic House Representative. As a woman of color and Chapel Hill native, Foushee is best known for championing and amplifying causes such as protecting minority rights and education reform, among many others. When it comes to her vision for the future of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, there are a few key legislative issues she seeks to prioritize through the remainder of her term.

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LocalJaya NadellaLocal, Foushee, NC PoliticsComment
UNC System Drops U.S. Diversity Requirement in Curriculum
UNC System Drops U.S. Diversity Requirement in Curriculum

As of Wednesday, February 5th, the UNC System is no longer mandating course requirements for classes dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). All general education and major-specific DEI graduation requirements besides the FC-POWER focus capacity have been suspended, reshaping how certain courses fit into students’ degree plans. Although FC-POWER is yet to be completely cut out from the curriculum given that the shift is so fresh, university leadership has suggested that further changes might be on the horizon.

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LocalJaya NadellaUNC, LocalComment
North Carolina and US Experienced Decreased Voter Turnout in 2024
North Carolina and US Experienced Decreased Voter Turnout in 2024

In the 2024 general election, North Carolina overall experienced decreased voter turnout compared to record numbers in 2020. National trends reflect a similar slight decrease in voter turnout this year, with a one-percent reduction between 2020 and 2024. Orange County evaded such a decrease and voter turnout was nearly the same as in 2020.

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Local, Election 2024Elise ChangElections, NC Elections, NC Politics, Local, Election 2024Comment
UNC’s Reliance on Coal Limits Local Rail Conversion
UNC’s Reliance on Coal Limits Local Rail Conversion

Last month, the Chapel Hill Town Council agreed to participate in planning the Co-Gen Rail Transformation Project alongside Orange County and Carrboro. This project aims to convert a 10-mile rail line into a multimodal greenway that would bring economic and environmental benefits. Still, it is currently limited by UNC’s reliance on the coal the rail line provides. 

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LocalDanny BardenCoal, Rail, UNC, Chapel Hill, LocalComment
National Attention Placed on NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Race
National Attention Placed on NC Superintendent of Public Instruction Race

One of the most polarizing races on North Carolina’s ballot this year is the fight for Superintendent of Public Instruction, the chief administrative officer for the state’s public school system. Mo Green, the Democratic candidate, is the former Superintendent of Guilford County Schools. Michele Morrow, the Republican nominee, is a registered nurse from Cary who homeschooled her children, running on a platform of parental rights, a reorganization of educational institutions and funding, and opposition to critical race theory. 

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Local, Election 2024Ben JonesNC Elections, North Carolina, North Carolina Politics, Education, LocalComment
The Lumbee Tribe’s Rightward Shift
The Lumbee Tribe’s Rightward Shift

While it is unclear whether Robeson County will remain conservative for the foreseeable future, given the Republican Party’s embrace of former President Trump and their committed investment in Robeson, it seems Republicans can count on winning Robeson in the next election.

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LocalMercer Boothlocal, Local, Local News, Local Elections, Local Politics, Biden Administration, Tech, Native Americans, Lumbee Nation, North Carolina, North Carolina PoliticsComment
Unpacking the State Budget (Part 2) - Health
Unpacking the State Budget (Part 2) - Health

H.B. 259’s health spending should be taken with a mixture of optimism and caution. Optimism, because the legislature has shown they can be convinced to make bipartisan decisions in the interest of the state, such as Medicaid expansion. Caution, because it took the state losing $5 billion federal dollars a year plus an extra signing bonus to reach that point. Optimism, as the bill makes historic investments in mental health and rural health infrastructure and workforce incentives. Caution, since these investments were made with one-time funding with no clear path to renewal in the context of aggressive tax cuts limiting future revenues.

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Editor's Picks, EssaysBobby PetersLocal Politics, Editor's Pick, LocalComment
Chapel Hill Goes to the Polls
Chapel Hill Goes to the Polls

Chapel Hill’s polling stations will also find themselves busy, as the mayor’s office, four seats on the town council, and four seats on the school board are all up for election. Issues such as changes to zoning in Chapel Hill, progress on the Bus Rapid Transit line, and possibly more planned buildings on Franklin Street promise to make this election an impactful one for Chapel Hill’s future.

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Editor's Picks, LocalBenjamin McAvoy-BickfordLocal Elections, Local, Local NewsComment
Gov. Cooper’s Revealing Vetoes of Environmental Legislation
Gov. Cooper’s Revealing Vetoes of Environmental Legislation

“One bill is a wide-ranging regulatory reform bill that would speed up environmental permits for projects like the Mountain Valley natural gas pipeline. Another provision would change the regulations around hog waste lagoons, a move that opponents say could prevent state agencies from considering civil rights issues when they issue permits.”

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Editor's Picks, LocalLandon KnoxEditor's Pick, Local, Environmental Politics, Roy Cooper, Energy, Alternative EnergyComment
Carrboro’s Comprehensive Plan Sets the Framework for the Town to Address Affordable Housing, Climate Action, and Racial Equity
Carrboro’s Comprehensive Plan Sets the Framework for the Town to Address Affordable Housing, Climate Action, and Racial Equity

“Increasing affordable housing takes funding and extensive organization; however, its attention in the plan marks a vital first step. One of the most important ways the plan will achieve affordable housing is by providing financial incentives like an increase in density bonus for rental units that provide housing to residents whose average income is below 80% of the Average Median Income, AMI, of the community.“

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Editor's Picks, LocalEmma GilliamChapel Hill-Carrboro Community Efforts, Local, Editor's Pick, Affordable Housing, Community OrganizingComment