President Barack Obama to speak about federal loans for students in speech at UNC

Affordability has been a topic of discussion everywhere on campus this year — from the protests in board room meetings to the pragmatic discussions between student groups. APR 24

Amendment One debate at Meredith College turns partisan

An Amendment One debate at Meredith College Monday night began as “nonpartisan,” but it did not end that way. It quickly devolved into heated arguments about religion, family — and race. MAR 27

Obama advisers lead rally at NC Central

Addressing an eager audience of students at N.C. Central University’s rally for President Barack Obama Tuesday night, actress Gabrielle Union began a cheer: “Fired up?” FEB 22

UNC schools await Board of Governors action on degree programs

Those interested in post-graduate degrees in nursing practice, public policy or American studies at the University need not apply any time soon. Though UNC-CH has named these programs as top priorities for at least a year, they have not been approved by the UNC system. But getting degree programs approved is a problem for several schools in the UNC system. Administrators have a pile of 49 program proposals waiting to be reviewed and approved. A few even date back to 2007. FEB 9

State Minority Leader Joe Hackney won’t seek re-election

As the UNC system faces pervasive state budget cuts and tough choices to compensate for the loss, one of its allies in the legislature has announced the end of his political career. FEB 6

Virginia Tech on lockdown after police officer shot

A suspect involved in a shooting on Virginia Technical University’s campus still remains at large as of 2:20 p.m. According to the university’s website, the suspect was stopped at about 12:00 p.m. by a police officer at a traffic stop on campus. The officer was shot during the traffic stop. Another victim was found dead in a nearby parking lot. DEC 11

The Unborn Victims of Violence Act went into effect this month

After three years of tireless campaigning, Effie Steele feels that the murder of her daughter and unborn grandson is finally vindicated. JAN 9

Year in Review: Gay marriage threatened in N.C.

After heated debate and campaigns on both sides of the issue, the N.C. General Assembly made a decision Sept. 13 to pass a bill banning same-sex marriage in the state constitution. DEC 6

NC Women’s Right To Know Act, which tightens abortion requirments, debated in court

A new law tightening abortion requirements in the state went into effect Wednesday, but the debate continues in court over whether it is constitutional. OCT 28

Gay couples protest for marriage

Cartledge and Eve were one of 20 same-sex couples participating in a campaign against laws in North Carolina and across the South that ban same-sex marriage. For two weeks, couples applied for and were denied marriage licenses, and Friday, many went through it a second time. Cartledge and Eve, the first couple to apply on Oct. 3, were the last on Friday. OCT 17

Gay marriage family focus

ASHEVILLE — Walking hand in hand with their three children, Lupe Perez and Monroe Moore made their way to the Asheville Register of Deeds office to ask for a marriage license. That was the point — the couple was one of 20 to participate in the We Do Campaign, protesting state laws that ban gay marriage. OCT 17

Defense of Marriage amendment’s passage sparks debate in churches

Debate has flared in churches across North Carolina since the N.C. General Assembly passed the Defense of Marriage amendment, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman. OCT 13

UNC School of Law hosts Defense of Marriage amendment debate

The Defense of Marriage amendment has become a hot-button issue in the state, but the debates have just begun. SEP 27

UNC law students protest marriage amendment architect

A debate at the UNC School of Law today set two state legislators on either side of the Defense of Marriage amendment, arguing as lawmakers and as lawyers. Students crowded into the room until it reached capacity, then moved into an overflow room to watch N.C. SEP 27

President Obama visits N.C. State to garner support for his new jobs act

RALEIGH — The crowd was overwhelmingly on President Barack Obama’s side at his speech at N.C. State University Wednesday — but his speech showed support elsewhere is harder to find. SEP 20

NC Senate passes amendment to define marriage

RALEIGH — “Why don’t we vote on your marriage?” read one of many red, white and blue signs held by rainbow-clad protestors outside the N.C. General Assembly Tuesday. SEP 15

NC may constitutionally ban same-sex marriage

The N.C. House of Representatives passed the controversial Defense of Marriage amendment on Monday, which would make heterosexual marriage the only union recognized by the state. SEP 15

NC legislators considering outright gay marriage ban

North Carolina does not recognize same-sex marriages under the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. SEP 6

N.C. abortion law sparks controversy

Planned Parenthood is already fighting the N.C. General Assembly for funding, but it could soon decide to file another lawsuit against the state — this time about the Woman’s Right to Know Act. SEP 1

Hurricane Irene could hit North Carolina Saturday

While students are packing the essentials for waiting out the storm or making plans to leave, Hurricane Irene is heading North Carolina’s way. By the time it hits, it is expected to be a category-3 hurricane with about 110 mile-per-hour winds, said Dennis Feltgen, a spokesman for the National Hurricane Center. SEP 1

Republican Party's gathering in Raleigh kicks off - results so far show Lawson in the lead

The crowd at the state’s Republican Party gathering has collected around a giant TV in the Marriott Raleigh City Center as the polls close in North Carolina.

Incumbent Price’s seat is considered “safe” or “leaning Democrat” — something not betrayed by the cheerful atmosphere at the event. Early voting results show Lawson up by 3 points.

Pakistan wary of receiving U.S. aid

Congress passed an aid package for Pakistan last month, promising $7.5 billion to the government over the next five years. DEC 8

Diplomatic efforts could change the game on Iran

 President Obama addressed the issue of Iran and nuclear proliferation last week at the U.N. General Assembly.

He expressed hope that he could use diplomacy to bridge differences between the two countries.

He also got Russia on board with imposing sanctions on Iran if they do not follow UN orders.