Month: May 2024

2. Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan announces she will not seek reelection

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan, who was first elected to that job in 2013, announced at the very end of the Greensboro City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, that she would not be seeking another term as mayor next year. Vaughan prefaced her announcement by speaking passionately about the accomplishments the city has made over […]

Written by on May 8, 2024

4. NC Democrats say religious groups with millions in state funding lack accountability. Now there’s a standoff over records

Private groups, including many aligned with conservative Christian churches and activists, have received hundreds of millions of dollars in state government funding in recent years. But they aren’t being transparent about their operations, Democratic state senators said during a press conference Wednesday. It’s an accusation strongly denied by some of the groups in the lawmakers’ […]

Written by on May 8, 2024

8. Rooted in rural: Schools as anchor institutions

North Canton Elementary in Haywood County only runs one morning bus route, and at the wheel is Carol Harkins. She has been a bus driver for 25 years. “I like building those relationships with these kids, and just seeing how they get so comfortable with you, that sometimes they call you mama, and just being […]

Written by on May 8, 2024

9. Fisheries Division seeks to delay mandatory catch reporting

State fisheries officials are asking lawmakers for another year to roll out a new harvest reporting requirement for coastal recreational anglers and commercial fishermen. “This will allow us more time to get the word out to the fishing public about the new law and to help them understand the importance of compliance,” North Carolina Division […]

Written by on May 8, 2024

9. North Carolina’s new anonymous anti-poaching program leads to multiple arrests, convictions

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said its anonymous reporting program has been helpful in apprehending poachers since launching last year. The new anti-poaching program has led to the conviction of more than 20 people. NC Wildlife launched its NC WILDTIP program last November, allowing anonymous reports of poaching through text message and an app. […]

Written by on May 7, 2024

2. Federal lawsuit: Mission/HCA illegally kept pay of 1,000 hospital, other workers

A newly filed federal lawsuit says the HCA-owned Mission Health system illegally withheld pay of 1,000 or more employees. The class and collection action lawsuit filed April 25 by respiratory therapist Sharon McRee said the Tennessee-based HCA “willfully manipulated both the beginning and end of shift time records” for her and other hourly workers “to […]

Written by on May 6, 2024

3. Chasing Gen Z voters: Sweeping water uphill?

A month ago, I spoke to students at a UNC Charlotte political science class. I talked about the Biden campaign pouring in resources in North Carolina; about how the state is essential to former president Trump’s chances; about how they — as students — are critical to whoever wins the state. Their eyes were a […]

Written by on May 6, 2024

4. Aberdeen looks at historic preservation, revitalization

Aberdeen plans to examine its historic guidelines for commercial buildings, wanting to balance preservation of historic structures in its downtown while supporting economic development. “There’s a lot of frustration with — we’re trying to get things done, respect the historic integrity of the buildings but also keep things going in our downtown,” said Town Manager […]

Written by on May 6, 2024