Month: March 2024

1. Fresh start: Duke Energy’s coal-to-natural gas

The Roxboro coal-fired plant has been a key power generator since 1966. It’s slated to close within a decade, forcing the utility to seek new energy sources. A windblown hill of coal ash on the shore of Person County’s Hyco Lake may seem like an odd place from which to survey North Carolina’s energy future. […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

2. NHC leaders have repeatedly called for anti-SLAPP law — but courts, House Speaker don’t want one

In the past 15 years, two New Hanover County representatives introduced legislation aiming to strengthen North Carolina’s free speech protections — but for unclear reasons, the bills never made it out of initial committees. North Carolina is one of 17 states without an anti-SLAPP law, an acronym for strategic litigation against public participation. Anti-SLAPP laws […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

3. Does NC need licensure reciprocity for dentists and hygienists?

As many states struggle with workforce shortages across the health care industry, there’s a national effort to give dentists and dental hygienists more authority to work in multiple states without going through a time-consuming licensure process in each one. Two licensing compacts are being floated, one by the Council of State Governments — a nonprofit […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

5. Long-term risk of psychiatric disorder and psychotropic prescription after SARS-CoV-2 infection among UK general population

The continuing spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a major public health concern and results in enormous disease burden, with more than 774.7 million cases and 7.0 million deaths registered worldwide as of 18 February 2024 (ref. 1). Emerging evidence exists for the direct (through […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

6. Durham wants to boost tourism with a new convention center

Durham’s tourism agency is calling for the city to invest in a new convention center as part of a sweeping plan to improve its downtown and visitor industry. Why it matters: The Triangle’s downtowns are all seeking ways to reinvigorate themselves after the pandemic changed daily commuter and work patterns, causing daytime foot traffic to […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

7. Summerfield denies NAACP’s `segregation’ assertion

Summerfield denied NAACP allegations that the town has a long history of “perpetuating segregation and discriminating against non-white residents of Guilford County” with its zoning laws and land use and zoning decisions. Calling the allegations “meritless,” Summerfield said in a statement yesterday (March 21) it “denies that it has engaged in any intentional, purposeful, or […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

9. NC’s top veterans affairs leader stepping down after criticism from GOP lawmakers

The embattled head of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is stepping down following recent criticism by Republican state lawmakers over his department’s closure of a Fayetteville retirement home for veterans. Walter Gaskin, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general who has led the department under Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration since […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

10. Utility trailers hooked up as crime target

Utility trailers, the lifeblood for many small businesses and a resource for outdoor enthusiasts hauling boats and equipment, have become a target for thieves. The High Point Police Department recorded five utility trailer thefts last year. So far this year police already have handled four thefts. Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Chris Azelton said the […]

Written by on March 31, 2024

2. Where do tourism tax dollars go? Buncombe Co. eyes recent Outer Banks case

A court ruling last week in a Currituck County case could have echoes across North Carolina, including in Buncombe County. The case centers on the ways counties and municipalities can use occupancy tax dollars, which are paid by visitors every time they stay in commercial lodging such as a hotel or short-term rental. In last […]

Written by on March 28, 2024

4. Making Biscuitville rise

Biscuitville’s new hash brown casserole was too good. Soon after its chain-wide rollout, it had to be pulled from the menu. The casserole, which debuted in October 2023, had been created by a member of the company’s culinary operations team, perfected by store leaders, and blessed by president and CEO Kathie Niven. Its preparation was […]

Written by on March 28, 2024