Month: May 2024

1. Environmental Management Commission stalls PFAS standards, members own stock in companies lobbying against regulation

Despite pressure from regulators and activists, North Carolina’s top environmental rule-making body delayed action on PFAS water standards. This comes as several decision-makers own stock in companies reliant on the compounds, many opposing new regulations. The Environmental Management Commission is a 15-member body appointed by the governor, General Assembly leaders, and the agricultural commissioner. It […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

2. House committee approves community college request to change funding model

The House Standing Committee on Community Colleges gave a unanimously favorable report Thursday to a $99 million bill to change how the state funds community colleges. The bill goes in front of the House appropriations committee next. House Bill 1069 is the result of Propel NC, the community college system’s effort to align course funding […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

4. At North Carolina’s GOP convention, governor candidate Robinson energizes Republicans for election

Before Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s GOP candidate for governor, even stepped on stage at the state party’s convention Saturday, several state candidates took time in their own speeches to energize the crowd by vouching for Robinson’s gubernatorial bid. When the state’s lieutenant governor did take to the stage more than an hour and a half […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

5. NC tourism going gangbusters, with state among top US destinations

The North Carolina tourism economy reached its highest level ever in 2023, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, with travelers spending more than $35.6 billion on trips to and within the state. That’s up almost 7% from the previous record in 2022, according to the governor’s office. The state also rose to fifth in the nation […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

6. Ad spending shows where the presidential campaign is really taking place

If you are one of the lucky people in the most hotly contested presidential states, you are seeing a lot of advertising. And with just over five months to go until Election Day and only about three-and-a-half months until people start early voting, the deluge is just beginning. The election is being fought most acutely […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

7. Higher prices affecting Chapel Hill restaurant owners as inflation stalls

Restaurant owners in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, are feeling the strain as they grapple with higher prices on food and supplies in the wake of a high-inflation period. Despite efforts by the Federal Reserve Bank, inflation has been slow to drop to pre-pandemic levels. For Vimala Rajendran, owner of Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe in Chapel Hill, […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

8. Oversized plant foreshadows scary sewer costs in Canton

Pactiv shuttered its paper mill last year, but has to maintain the wastewater treatment facility until the agreement concludes next year. Even if Pactiv does not charge, the town must consider what it will do to cover those costs in the spring of next year, long before a new sewage treatment plant would be in […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

9. New police district will reallocate officers to downtown Winston-Salem

Over the last 20 years, Winston-Salem’s downtown has boomed with new businesses in retrofitted buildings, and apartments taking the place of warehouses. But the population growth has come with a rise in crime. Police hope a new fourth district will help address the problem. Captain Jason Gates has been with the Winston-Salem Police Department for […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

10. NC regulators inspect Mission/HCA in Asheville; nurse: conditions better when they visit

State health regulators are conducting another inspection of Mission Hospital following patient deaths and other compliance problems. A nurse union representative, meanwhile, welcomed the visit, saying management improves conditions when the regulators are present − something a hospital spokesperson denied. The inspection, which began May 20, comes after the hospital was placed under an “immediate […]

Written by on May 27, 2024

1. UNC System repeals diversity, inclusion policies, goals at NC public colleges

The UNC System Board of Governors, which oversees public colleges and universities in the state, voted Thursday to repeal and replace its policy on diversity and inclusion, a move that could lead to the elimination of diversity-related positions at schools across the state. Dozens of students planned protests about the removal of diversity, equity and […]

Written by on May 23, 2024

3. Toyota planning $500M expansion at its Southside plant

Toyota is planning to make a hefty new investment in its San Antonio plant, to the tune of $531.7 million. The investment came to light in documents prepared for County Commissioners, who met Tuesday to discuss potential new incentives in exchange for the automaker’s proposed investment. Commissioners gave unanimous approval for discussions to move forward. […]

Written by on May 23, 2024