Latinx LGBTQ+ community continues to improve outreach, support during Hispanic Heritage Month

Latinx Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and local organizations members of the Latinx LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina and the Triangle are working to increase support, education and advocacy for each other. Of the more than 11.3 million LGBTQ+ adults that live in the United States, about 20 percent, or 2.3 million, also identify as Latinx, according to a report by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. “We try to empower people to get to know themselves,” Oscar Garcia, a community leader who works with LILA Latinx LGBTQI INC., said.

Chapel Hill and Carrboro planning departments recognize National Community Planning Month

Chapel Hill and Carrboro are bringing attention to the planning projects they have worked on this past year to celebrate October as National Community Planning Month. The month is recognized by the American Planning Association, which facilitates quality planning to benefit the community. 

Chapel Hill Town Council discusses funding prioritization for new infrastructure

During a meeting on Monday, Chapel Hill Town Council members and Mayor Pam Hemminger discussed whether funding should go towards new or existing infrastructure projects in town. 

Orange County BOCC delays voting on ordinance to regulate gatherings around schools

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners continued discussion on an ordinance that would regulate gatherings on and near school property and public playgrounds, during its meeting business Monday. The ordinance was met with opposition from community members and was tabled for further consideration until more information can be collected.

OC Board of County Commissioners approves new committee to combat opioid epidemic

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved the creation of the Orange County Opioid Advisory Committee last month in an effort to reduce rates of opioid addiction and overdose deaths in the county. It will include representatives from the a number of government organizations and other community organizations.

NEXT unveils Carrboro Linear Parks Project to create low-impact, equitable transportation

The Carrboro Linear Parks project is an initiative that aims to connect the north and south ends of Carrboro through greenways and parks. The project was spearheaded by NEXT, a local nonprofit that advocates for equity, diversity and affordability in the area.

NC organizations recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising funds to support breast cancer patients and having conversations about the disease. In North Carolina alone, more than 6,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Triangle Mutual Aid holds supply drive in Carrboro for victims of Hurricane Ian

The Monday supply drive was in collaboration with Mutual Aid Disasters Relief's response to the hurricane. The organization sent a box truck from Virginia to pick up hurricane relief supplies in cities and towns on the way to impacted areas in Florida.

Chapel Hill recognizes diaper needs by proclaiming 2022's diaper needs week

Mayor Pam Hemminger said the Town issues this proclamation every year during the fourth week of September. For 2022, the proclamation was issued for Sept. 24 through Oct. 2. “We care about the children in our community, especially to make sure that they have what they need, and we have resources in this community to make that a reality,” Hemminger said.

Artists from four states coming to Orange County for plein air paint-out and sale

 More than 50 artists from four states are participating in the event. Each artist will produce at least one painting outdoors within Orange County, capturing a subject or scene of their choosing. 

Chapel Hill sees sharp rise in gun violence, more deaths than previous four years combined

Since the start of the year, Chapel Hill has been rocked by uncharacteristic violence — 2022 has seen five homicides so far.

'These are going to be more common': Tropical Storm Ian hits NC, causes outages and closures

After passing through South Carolina as a hurricane, Ian hit North Carolina as a tropical storm last weekend, causing power outages, downed trees, blocked roads and four deaths.

Stone Center hosts film festival, first showing highlights environmental racism in NC

"Freedom Hill" was directed by Resita Cox, a filmmaker and UNC alumna. The film is a documentary on environmental racism and its effects on Princeville, N.C. Princeville has experienced repeated flooding following hurricanes, and the majority-Black residents of the town were often forced to live close to the flood-prone Tar River.

Chapel Hill Town Council releases Affordable Housing Annual Report for 2022

N.C. State Fair to hold accessABILITY Day aiming to include people with disabilities

On Sunday, Oct. 16, the North Carolina State Fair will hold an accessABILITY day, designed to be inclusive for those with disabilities.  From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m, acoustic-only music will be played on stages, public address announcements will only be made in emergencies and lights and sound on rides and vendor booths will be turned off. 

CHCCS and OCS need outside consultant for development of capital, report finds

Orange County is in need of an outside consultant for the continued development of school capital in Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, according to a report by the Capital Needs Work Group. CHCCS and OCS rank first and third respectively in statewide per-pupil funding. Despite this, a review by the work group found that funding availability is still a “significant issue” for both districts.

Chapel Hill Town Council releases Affordable Housing Annual Report for 2022

The average rent in Chapel Hill has increased by 59 percent since 2017, with current prices averaging $1,776 per month. Sarah Viñas, Chapel Hill's director of affordable housing and community connections, said while this increase impacts everyone in the community, people in moderate and low-income households will be disproportionately affected. 

Chapel Hill Transit bus driver numbers improve, although still not at full operation

After a pandemic-induced bus driver shortage, Chapel Hill Transit is trying to fill about 20 vacancies as it adapts to post-pandemic life. To expedite hiring, the transit system has opened applications to UNC students and workers without a commercial driver's license.

Cooper announces state's first digital equity program to increase internet access

Gov. Roy Cooper announced last Tuesday that the state will invest $24 million in federal funding to improve internet access and digital literacy in the state. The digital equity grant program is part of Cooper's plan to provide 95 percent of households in the state with high-speed internet. 

EPA launches new office for environmental justice and civil rights in Warren County

This Saturday, EPA administrator Michael Regan announced the new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. The office aims to prioritize environmental justice regardless of changing administration and will distribute $3 billion in grants to support affected communities.