Repairs to Western NC’s Water Infrastructure Underway

Earlier this month, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order to expedite repairs, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been called in to assess water systems, wastewater plants and dams across the state. Crews have been working 24 hours a day replacing broken pipes and patching up leaks.

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Students March to the Polls at the Country’s Largest HBCU

Early voting is underway in North Carolina, and millions across the state have already cast their ballots. Organized by the political groups America Votes and Advance North Carolina, dozens of North Carolina A&T State University students and alumni held a march to the polls event on campus.

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We must unite to reject Project 2025

Here in North Carolina, Republicans have already started to implement parts of the Project 2025 agenda, including an abortion ban, the rollback of LGBTQ protections, the undermining of public schools and new voter suppression laws.

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Wake County Republican NC House Candidate Mike Schietzelt Has Ties to Jan. 6 Insurrection, SCOTUS Ruling Overturning Roe v. Wade

Republican Mike Schietzelt, a 37-year-old married father of four who served in the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and currently works as a litigation attorney at a Raleigh law firm. Voters should be cautious about buying into what Schietzelt (pronounced Sheet-zelt) is selling. It’s easy to be fooled when reading what he thinks about providing more funding for our public schools or supporting efforts to keep our air and water clean. Once you scratch below the surface and look deeper into his background, the picture of who he is as a candidate becomes clearer – and it’s not pretty.

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Party-switching Republican Frank Sossamon runs for re-election

For those familiar with Tricia Cotham, Frank Sossamon’s story might sound similar. Sossamon, a reliable Democratic primary voter for over two decades, abruptly changed his party registration to Republican after 2020. He then ran for a seat in the State House as a Republican, won, and has been a reliable vote for the party’s far-right policy priorities ever since.

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President Joe Biden Puts Country Before Self

A chorus of Americans have offered their gratitude to President Biden for his courageous decision to end his candidacy, creating the space for Vice President Harris to defeat Donald Trump. In stepping aside, he has put not only the Democratic Party ahead of his ambition but the future of the country.

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Project 2025 Would End Local Weather Reports

Should Trump take the presidency, Project 2025 recommends that the National Weather Service “should fully commercialize its forecasting operations.” Effectively privatizing weather data could hinder everyday Americans’ access to weather data.

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Republican Rep. Allen Chesser Supports Extreme Policies To Restrict Personal Freedoms And Make North Carolinians Less Safe

One of the far-right Republican legislators up for reelection is Rep. Allen Chesser, who has represented the 25th district in the North Carolina House since 2022. While endorsing Chesser, Destin Hall, the House member presumed to become the next Speaker of the House, stated that Chesser’s reelection is “vital in ensuring we are able to keep our super majority in the next election”

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$800 for an Office Stool, $7,500+ on Dinners, Fuel: Taking a Look at NC Republican Rep. Ken Fontenot’s Questionable Campaign Spending

First-term state House Rep. Ken Fontenot (R-Wilson) shares the same views as Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson when it comes to abortion and education. And it turns out that he has something else in common with Robinson – they both seem to be “not very good at math” and confused about what purchases they’re legally allowed to make using campaign contributions.

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Last Dam Removed On Watauga River In Decades-Long Effort

After decades of work, environmental groups finally achieved a major victory for the Watauga River. On July 2nd, the last dam on the waterway, Shull’s Mill Dam, began to be dismantled. This marks a significant milestone in the restoration of the river’s natural flow, stretching from its headwaters near Boone, North Carolina all the way to Watauga Lake in Tennessee.

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ProPublica Investigation Reveals How the NC Supreme Court’s Republican Majority is Playing Politics With the Judicial System

One judge, without legal justification, arrested the parents of child sex assault victims for bringing them to court late. Another judge’s actions in court resulted in the fatal police shooting of a defendant – in the courtroom. Neither Republican judge was reprimanded despite the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission’s (JSC) recommendation.

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Robots On NC Beaches Leading By Example

Summertime at many of the beautiful beaches in North Carolina is one of the main reasons people from all over the county come here every summer. The emerald ocean waters, beautiful sandy beaches, and local seafood are some of the reasons you find our beaches listed yearly as the best in the country.

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NC Democrats Propose State Constitutional Amendment Expanding Public Records Access

Earlier this month, Democrats in the North Carolina General Assembly introduced House Bill 1075 and Senate Bill 911 that would amend the state constitution to guarantee the right to access public records and meetings. The proposal is a direct challenge to a provision Republican lawmakers added to last year’s state budget that allows them to hide legislative records from public scrutiny.

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Abortion, Voting Rights Groups Invest In North Carolina Supreme Court Race

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, a group that fights for fair legislative maps, and Planned Parenthood Votes, the health care organization’s political arm, are teaming up to invest in state supreme court races in North Carolina as well as Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Texas. The groups plan to spend $5 million across the states to fund digital ads, canvassing operations, and get-out-the-vote efforts, they announced earlier this month.

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 UNC Board Cuts Funding For Diversity Programs

As North Carolina’s public university system prepares to vote on revising its diversity policy, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees voted recently to cut funding for diversity programs in next year’s budget. 

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Federal Judge Strikes Down NC Law On Prosecuting Ex-Felons Who Voted Before 2024

A federal judge has put a stop to the enforcement of a North Carolina law that had severe penalties for individuals voting while still on probation or parole for a felony conviction, even if they mistakenly violated the voting law. This decision has been welcomed by advocacy groups representing low-income residents and Black union members. However, the ruling only addresses certain claims of illegal voting that occurred before 2024.

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AG Josh Stein Announces End of Rape Kit Backlog

On Tuesday, Attorney General Josh Stein announced that North Carolina has successfully cleared the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. Since 2017, Stein has made it a priority to address this issue, aiming to ensure justice for survivors.

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Landmark EPA Regulations Will Make Drinking Water Safer in North Carolina

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a historic step to safeguard drinking water across the United States by setting the first-ever national limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These man-made chemicals have been linked to various health problems and have contaminated water supplies nationwide, including North Carolina.

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Clean Energy Boom Boosts North Carolina’s Economy

North Carolina is poised for a major economic boost thanks to a surge in clean energy investments, according to a new analysis by E2, a nonpartisan group of environmental business leaders. The report examines nine clean energy projects announced in the state since the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022.

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Wolfpack Women’s & Men’s Teams Dance On To The Final Four

The N.C. State Wolfpack owns the college basketball world right now. The men’s and women’s teams came into their respective NCAA Basketball Tournaments and put the college basketball community on notice. Both teams will play in the Final Four with a chance of being crowned 2023-2024 national champion.

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Meet Mo Green, The Democratic Nominee For NC Superintendent

Maurice “Mo” Green won the Democratic primary and is the former superintendent of Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in the state. Green was also the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a foundation that awards grants supporting public education.

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Michele Morrow Again Under Scrutiny for Past Social Media Posts on Transgender Kids, QAnon Conspiracies and More

It has become very clear, very quickly just how unqualified Morrow is to be running the state’s public schools or to be in any position of power. She’s become so toxic that the North Carolina Republican Party, who have embraced Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and his hatred of the LGBTQ+ community and just about everyone else, is now too afraid to say whether they support Morrow. 

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VP Harris Announces $285 Million For Mental Health Care in Schools

During her recent visit to North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a new funding initiative of $285 million for mental health care in schools, according to Courthouse News Service. This funding, a component of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, is designed to enhance access to mental health resources for students across the nation.

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 Movies Filmed In North Carolina That You Should Add To Your Watch List

North Carolina is known for many things that the world loves us for. We have the best rivalry in sports in Duke/UNC. Don’t worry this is not about picking sides. We have an arena with the reputation of being the loudest arena in the NHL in our Carolina Hurricanes. We have the highest population of HBCU undergrad students in the country. Our mountains and beaches are top notch and our cities and towns have their own unique beauty. Last but not least we’ve given the world Krispy Kreme, Pepsi, Texas Pete and BBQ and we are talking pork not a damn grill.

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Gov. Cooper Urges Federal Government To Ensure Over-The-Counter Birth Control Is Affordable And Accessible

Governor Roy Cooper joined five other state governors serving on the Executive Committee of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance in sending a letter this month to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, urging the federal government to take steps to ensure over-the-counter (OTC) birth control will be covered by private health insurance plans and Medicaid at no-cost to the patient

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Duke’s Mayonnaise, Pop-Tarts And Birmingham, Alabama, College Football Bowl Season Is Here.

The 2023 college football regular season has come to an end. The post season is upon us and there is much to talk about. If you have been under a rock lately you will know that Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama will play for a chance to be crowned national champions. Alabama was the final team making the top four after an impressive victory over defending national champions Georgia. Undefeated Florida State of the ACC was left out of the playoff with a 13-0 record but given their best play Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury, the committee did not think they were one of the four best teams in the nation. 

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North Carolina’s Climate Crisis: A Tale of Drought, Wildfires, and the Urgent Need for Action

The parched lands of North Carolina are bearing stark witness to the intensifying climate crisis. For months, the skies have remained stubbornly dry, casting a pall of drought over the state. Asheville has not seen a significant downpour since late August, leaving its rain gauge yearning for a replenishing shower. The situation is echoed across the state, with Hickory, Southern Pines, and Reidsville all reeling from rainfall deficits.

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The Arc of Greensboro: Building Connection in Community for Those With Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities

Since 1953, the Arc of Greensboro has been connecting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with their greater community. This member-based nonprofit works hard to showcase and educate the public on why those who have disabilities deserve to be treated with respect. In addition, this organization works tirelessly to show that those with disabilities have something extraordinary to offer the world around them.

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Parents & Teachers Unite to Fight for Public Schools

North Carolina parents and educators are banding together to demand more resources and support for public schools. “Public School Strong” is an emerging group with over 500 members from various regions across the state. According to WRAL News, the group held a rally in Raleigh on Wednesday, November 15th. The parents and teachers marched and presented Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt with their survey showing that most North Carolinians support public schools.

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Black Friday Shopping Is Here, Please Don’t Be An Idiot This Year

This week many folks will take much-needed time to rest, relax, eat, watch sports, and spend time with loved ones. Some folks will be working during holidays so send special love and energy to those people. Then you have the folks that are looking forward to just finding the best deals for holiday gifts or just for themselves.

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GHOE vs NCCU vs CIAA Rivalry Week Wrapup, The Biggest Winners And Losers Of The Weekend

As the 2023 college football season enters the home stretch here in North Carolina, there are two events that everyone looks forward to around here. One of those events is homecoming and the other event is playing your biggest rival. Nothing is greater than great weather to flashback to memories while on campus and seeing old friends. On the other hand, having bragging rights over friends that attended your rival school is also rewarding.

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Charlotte Will Host Bowl Game Normally Played In The Bahamas

The 2023 college football season is coming down to its final weeks. Many teams are still in the hunt for a college football playoff spot. Many of our local teams are looking to get their sixth win to become bowl eligible. Duke and UNC have qualified with six wins while NC State, Wake Forest and App State are on the brink of qualifying. Our friends at ECU and Charlotte are not having the seasons they imagined.

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According to NC Republicans, “Separation of Church and State” Only Applies to Non-Christian Religious Groups

Historically, the Republican-controlled NC state legislature has included millions for fake abortion clinics in our state budgets, and after months of delays, the newly passed state budget for 2023-24 is no different. Nearly $26 million in funding is headed to a variety of religious organizations, including direct grants to specific churches as well as even more funding for fake abortion clinics often called “crisis pregnancy centers”. 

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Under Republican Leadership, ‘The Guardrails Are Off In North Carolina’

As a recent News & Observer editorial highlights, Republicans have relied on a strategic plan to dismantle democracy for decades. In North Carolina, Republicans have worked endlessly to disenfranchise voters across the state, with one judge ruling that an NCGOP voter ID law targeted “African-Americans with almost surgical precision” — making it harder for Black North Carolinians to vote. 

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Mysterious boom shakes homes and businesses but who’s to blame, USGS decides

It’s October and we all know it’s the month of spooky things, candy and our favorite horror movies. One thing for certain, North Carolina has a long history of spooky places along with weird occurrences that till this day can’t be explained. One of those unexplained events happened this month in the town of Hillsborough, which is about 40 minutes northwest of Raleigh. 

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Gender Affirming Care Ban for Minors Challenged in Federal Court

National and local LGBTQ+ groups have sued North Carolina over the ban on gender affirming care for minors passed by Republicans earlier this year. The lawsuit was filed in federal court by Lambda Legal and several other groups on the grounds that House Bill 808 violates the 14th Amendment by discriminating against transgender individuals and infringes on the rights of parents to make medical decisions with their children, according to the News & Observer. 

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What You Need To Know Before Heading To The North Carolina State Fair

Well it’s October and fall is here so you know what time it is. Yep, it’s time for confusing North Carolina weather where you wake up at 7 am and it’s 40 degrees out so you dress accordingly. When you make your return  back outside around 3pm and it’s freaking 80 degrees out. Make sure you take care of your wardrobe and mental and physical health during the season change. 

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Local Parents Rally Against Discriminatory Don’t Say Gay Law

Several school districts are still weighing in on the implementation of Parents’ Bill of Rights, also known as North Carolina’s Don’t Say Gay law. While school officials across the state work on policy revisions, North Carolinians and local groups are condemning the enforcement of the controversial law. 

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State Budget Includes Massive Investment In North Carolina’s Mental Health Services

The latest North Carolina state budget included massive investments in mental health services, in part thanks to federal Covid relief funds, as well as the $1.4 billion sign-on bonus the state received for expanding medicaid. Legislators worked closely with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley and visited patients and providers across the state for their input, according to NC Health News.

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It’s time to leaf

It’s officially Fall season here in North Carolina. The North Carolina State Fair is upon us and we are excited. Just sitting here thinking about all that good looking forward to the food that will make me run to the gym the following week. We can’t forget the rides and games that drive people through the gates every year.

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North Carolina Water Systems Detect PFAS Levels Above EPA Standard

Eleven public water systems in North Carolina have detected levels of the toxic compound PFAS above the EPA’s proposed maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt). This information was revealed through the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), which requires public water systems to sample for certain unregulated contaminants, including PFAS.

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Federal Judge Blocks Two Provisions Of New NC Abortion Ban

US District Judge Catherine Eagles recently issued an order blocking two provisions of North Carolina’s new abortion ban from taking effect during an ongoing lawsuit. According to the Associated Press, nearly all the restrictions put forth by NC Republicans, such as the ban on abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, are still in place and aren’t being specifically challenged at this time.

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Meow, The Cat Custody Fight Continues!

A few weeks ago we brought you the story of a cat custody battle between two owners in Kansas and North Carolina. When we left you we just knew this cat fight had been resolved. But there has been an added twist to the cross-state battle for our adventurous furry little friend. Bob was a stray cat found in Kansas by a family ten years ago. The family took him to the local vet in Kansas and no microchip was discovered so they decided to keep him.

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One Parent’s Complaint Leads To Book Ban In New Hanover County

Recently, the New Hanover County school board voted to temporarily remove the book “Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, And You” from their district’s classrooms following a complaint made by one parent. The decision came after a five-hour public hearing where Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust and Assistant Superintendent Dawn Brinson argued against Katie Gates, the lone complainant and parent of a former Ashley High School AP Language and Composition student.

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NC Republicans Sham Investigation Of Justice Earls Underscores Their Unchecked Power

In less than a decade, Republican politicians across several states, including in North Carolina, have led efforts to transform state supreme courts in their favor. In recent years, North Carolina Republicans have injected partisan politics into the judicial system; passing laws that would undermine the court’s impartiality, and place judges on the bench that will adhere to their bidding.

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Freedom Park Opens In Raleigh, First Of Its Kind

If you find yourself in downtown Raleigh between the General Assembly and the Governor’s Mansion, you may see there’s been a new addition to the area. Freedom Park is officially open to the public in downtown Raleigh. The park which sits on an acre of land is the first park in North Carolina dedicated to the African American struggle.

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Gov. Cooper Vetoes Voter Suppression Bill

Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed a voter suppression bill passed in late August by Republicans in the state House and Senate, but it’s only a matter of time before the legislature overrides his veto and puts numerous anti-voting laws on the books in North Carolina.

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Save the Pollinators: Celebrating Bees in NC

Did you know that there are over 3,600 native bee species in the USA? Or that 85% of all flowering plants rely on pollinators for reproduction, and 67% of agricultural crops depend on pollination, so we can thank bees for one in the three bites of food we take?

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US Soccer Considers Relocating To Cary

Cary is no stranger to being the hub for national sports teams. USA Baseball chose Cary as its home and HQ back in 2007. Cary is also the home of WakeMed Soccer Park where North Carolina FC and the NC Courage play.

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The Word of Mark Robinson

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has become widely known for his anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, his anti-Semitic remarks, and his claims that the United States is a “Christian nation.”

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