Even after two years, I remember exactly where I was when I found out about the coal ash spill on the Dan River. Not because I particularly care at all about the environment, but rather because my grade depended on it.
It was 11 a.m. my first year at UNC. I was in Journalism 153. It was current events quiz day. "Who was responsible for spilling tons of coal ash into the Dan River?" I hesitated. I hadn't heard anything about it yet. After filling out the rest of the questions, I returned and hastily scribbled "Duke, probably. Everything is Duke's fault."
I got my quiz back the next class with a red check and a note saying I, quote, "wasn't wrong."
— Danny
QUICK HITS
- North Carolina's historically black colleges and universities face a six-year graduate rate between 32.2 and 45.5 percent, according to a database from Wall Street Journal.
- A student coalition at Duke is taking a stand against political correctness and its perceived war against free speech — toeing the line of a movement telling minorities they haven't actually been marginalized.
- UNC students and volunteers got together to write letters in support of queer and transgender prisoners at an event with the Internationalist Books & Community Center.
- Nonprofits officially don't have to secure your social security number if you make donations over $250. Charities (and people who actually care about sensitive personal information) are rejoicing. Somewhere.
IN PERSONAL STORIES
Alj, a 13-year-old interviewed by The Daily Tar Heel in 2002, is still waiting for a heart transplant. His mother, a nurse's assistant, is taking off from her 10 years working for UNC to care for him. Other state employees have donated enough of their hours for her to have continuous leave through March, but it's still a day-to-day struggle.
IN CAMPUS NEWS
A UNC Board of Trustees meeting says to expect a solid draft design for Carolina Hall by March. They also discussed the Nighttime Travel Working Group, which is actually 100 percent a real thing and is also about to publish its next report.
IN HAZARDOUS WASTE
Nearly two years after the coal ash spill, state legislators still can't agree on storing hazardous waste. The responsibility currently falls to utility companies like Duke Energy. Which is awkward because utility companies are super politically influential, according to activists. (Not according to me. Please continue heating my house, Duke Energy.)
IN THE BLOGS
Sen. Richard Burr denies ever saying he'd vote for Bernie Sanders over Ted Cruz. Likely after a really awkward, "Mean Girls"-esque three-way call with Cruz and his campaign manager. Sources close to the situation say the Associated Press was likely behind the rumors because it's always been, like, super jealous of Burr and Cruz's friendship.
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