Month: April 2024

7. Did Cooper’s Covid lockdowns violate the NC Constitution? Court of Appeals says yes, and no

North Carolina’s mandatory business closures in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic were partially unconstitutional, the state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday. It’s the latest step in a long-running lawsuit brought by an advocacy group for bars, the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association. The association acknowledged in its lawsuit that Democratic Gov. Roy […]

Written by on April 16, 2024

8. Brunswick County purchases additional land for incoming manufacturing facility

Another 30 acres of land in Brunswick County will be used to continue its momentum of economic development. After investing nearly $19 million to purchase hundreds of acres of land last year, Brunswick County leaders unanimously decided last month to buy even more land in the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park to support an incoming manufacturing […]

Written by on April 16, 2024

10. Moore County school calendar to follow state law

After several months of consideration, overwhelming community feedback and ongoing unanimous frustration with North Carolina school calendar legislation, the Board of Education narrowly chose Monday to adopt a “traditional calendar” that aligns with state law for the 2025-2026 school year. The contentious topic of potentially adopting an “early start” calendar drew school board calls for […]

Written by on April 16, 2024

1. Why the state’s deaf schools declined–and could rise again

In the late 1980s, Amelia England’s family moved to Georgia, pulling the then-10-year-old out of the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton and into a mainstream school. England said it was the worst time of her life. “I was placed in special education just because I came from the deaf school,” she said […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

3. Coastal property owners yet to embrace roof-girding grants

Maybe one North Carolina insurance provider should join the industry trend and advertise: “Hello Beach Plan policyholders! Do you need a new roof? Want to save on your property insurance? How about we help you out with as much as $8,000 toward a much stronger roof that is fortified to withstand storms? And don’t worry […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

4. Culture is at the core of this school’s turnaround

Kate Hanlon has worked for Durham Public Schools for 21 years. She’s been a teacher, administrator, and even worked in the central office. Hanlon is now a member of the school improvement team at Glenn Elementary in Northeast Durham. Over the past few years, Hanlon and her team have helped Glenn transform from a school […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

6. Locals to push for more tenant protections

There’s a new political movement in Vance County by the name of Down Home North Carolina — and the 20-some members have some big plans. Its focus is on organizing working-class people in counties across the state. Somewhat new, at least — the chapter launched in late February. Efforts to get it set up, including […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

7. Feds reject proposal to split Lindberg, Gray retrials on bribery, fraud charges

Federal prosecutors oppose a plan to split the bribery and fraud retrials of Greg Lindberg and John Gray. Both are scheduled to return to federal court on May 6. The government submitted its latest court filing Friday. The case involves the federal government’s charges that Lindberg bribed state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey after Causey’s 2016 […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

8. SCC, Fayetteville State announce transfer partnership

Sandhills Community College students wanting to move their educational careers on to Fayetteville now have a new opportunity. Fayetteville State University and SCC have agreed to a new arrangement, called the Bronco Benefit partnership, guaranteeing transfer admissions for qualified students. “It is exciting to expand the Bronco Benefit program because it offers students in our […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

9. From dispute to decision: OKI hotel approved for expansion

After months of consideration, delays, and some intense discussion, the Oak Island Town Council has approved a special building permit for a hotel expansion. Council voted 3-2 in favor of granting approval for hotel owner Kuntal Gandhi to construct a three-story, 20,000 square foot addition to the existing Ocean Crest Motel with conditions. Gandhi told […]

Written by on April 15, 2024

10. Maggie leaders craft vision for the future

New vehicles, additional police officers, and perhaps a new town park with access to Jonathan Creek may be part of Maggie Valley’s plans for 2024-25 or following years. Those were among the plans and ideas floated during the board of aldermen’s visionary session March 27 to discuss goals for the next fiscal year budget and […]

Written by on April 15, 2024