Posts in Local
North Carolina has Legalized Sports Betting. What has it Looked Like So Far?

With 3 Atlantic Coast Conference teams from NC in the Sweet Sixteen combined with legalized sports betting, revenue was pouring in for the state. The NC Education Lottery Commission released early projections of revenue generated from sports betting and the numbers included $141 million paid out in winnings and a $42.7 million dollar “gross wagering revenue,” of which the state gets an 18% cut in taxes.

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A Brief Introduction to the Invasive Species Crisis in North Carolina

10 foot pythons. Giant African snails. Lizards the size of cats. In Florida, the invasive species crisis takes center stage: the invasive animals are large, often threatening, and visibly foreign.  According to Dr. Johnny Randall, retired Director of Conservation at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, many North Carolinians don’t even know invasive species when they see them.

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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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How North Carolina’s New Budget Might Accidentally Break the State Retirement Plan

North Carolina’s budget for the next two fiscal years, H.B. 259 makes changes to UNC Health and ECU Health policies which received little reporting at the time of the bill’s passage but have since caused a legal crisis at the State Treasury and strong allegations of fiduciary misconduct. 

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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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UNC Announces Faculty for School of Civic Life and Leadership

On Oct. 6, 2023, the University of North Carolina announced that it has appointed nine of its faculty members to the newly created School of Civic Life and Leadership. However, faculty members and others have expressed concerns that the School of Civic Life and Leadership will reflect the conservative bent of the Board of Trustees.

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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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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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