How COVID-19 may affect the 2020 election process
Although the 2020 Presidential election is still over seven months away, state officials are weighing options to find a way to best ensure voter turnout despite COVID-19.
CITY & COUNTY
Local businesses create GoFundMe pages to support employees
In wake of the mass economic uncertainty the coronavirus continues to pose, many local restaurants have taken to GoFundMe as a means to collect donations for employees affected by the new restrictions dining services face.
Here's what the third coronavirus relief package means for North Carolina
Some college students are concerned because they aren't specifically addressed in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the third federal bill addressing the COVID-19 crisis. Most Americans will receive direct checks for $1,200 — or $2,400 for married couples who jointly file tax returns — with an additional $500 for each child aged 17 and under. If a student is still considered a dependent on their parents' taxes, however, they will not receive a direct check themselves.
Where are the coronavirus cases in North Carolina?
There are 1857 reported cases of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, in North Carolina according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. North Carolina, Orange County, and many other localities have declared states of emergency in response to the outbreak. Of the reported cases, 37 are in Orange County. This interactive county map will be continually updated to show where coronavirus cases have been reported across the state.
Environmental departments in N.C. face cuts amidst state budget uncertainty
N.C. environmental departments have lost funding and staff as pollution complaints continue to rise.
N.C. public service workers seek relief from officials as COVID-19 risks escalate
The expansion of COVID-19 continues raising risks for essential state employees, with the death of a Raleigh sanitation worker last week marking a new level of urgency. UE local 150 — a union representing North Carolina public service workers, including many at UNC — sent individual letters to Gov. Roy Cooper, Raleigh city leaders and the UNC System Board of Governors earlier this month. The UE150 letters called on each authoritative body to implement new, "commonsense" measures that increase support for these workers, as the coronavirus shutters them off from working for needed wages and endangers them in their day-to-day duties. “Something like this kind of shows where there’s a lack of resources, supplies, a lack of personnel,” UE150 President Bryce Carter said, “so it brings those points out even more in these times.”
CHCCS Board of Education to fund WiFi hotspots for students without internet access
In preparation for the implementation of at-home learning until May 15, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education estimated the need for 225 MiFi hotspots to address the technology gap among elementary school students. The Board is also setting up approximately 500 Chromebooks for elementary school students that will tentatively be available for pick-up at the Lincoln Center or may be delivered to students directly.
Here's how COVID-19 changed life in the University and state over the course of a month
The University, city and state have seen dramatic changes over the past month due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From classes going remote and campus shutting down to North Carolina residents being directed to stay at home, coronavirus and the related restrictions impact nearly every aspect of people's daily lives. From the first case in North Carolina to a statewide stay-at-home order and everything in between, here's how COVID-19 has impacted UNC, Chapel Hill and North Carolina so far.
‘Everything is getting worse and worse’: coronavirus deepens homeless population struggles
As the rapid outbreak of COVID-19 pushes counties across North Carolina to issue stay-at-home orders, individuals experiencing homelessness are left to grapple with an increasingly restricted reality. Organizations dedicated to serving these populations are trying to maintain normal operations while protecting both volunteers and community members.
How the women of Orange County stepped up to respond to WWI and the Spanish Flu
Women also formed various war circles, in which they made hospital gowns, garments for refugees, bed pads and various medical supplies. These circles were the accessible alternative to Red Cross Chapters for rural women of Orange County who lived in more isolated areas.
Not your typical grandmas: Raging Grannies fight for freedom and justice in the Triangle
That message is that as grandmothers, we’ll do everything we can to ensure a safe and sustainable future for our grandchildren,” said Vicki Ryder, a member of the group. "Wherever we see that that future is threatened, we will raise our voices.”
Chapel Hill group taking novel approach to helping survivors of domestic violence
“To see women who I have worked with having flourished after escaping a situation and to see them on the road to doing better is incredible.”
Here's how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting the 2020 census
In the wake of the novel coronavirus, the census has been delayed, but remains vital to our society. Renee Price, chairperson for Orange County's task force dedicated to increasing census participation answers pressing questions.
Acting CHCCS Superintendent Patrick Abele to lead transition to online learning
Current superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has been placed on medical leave, so Abele will be taking action to lead adjustments due to COVID 19.
This nonprofit is raising money for local Latinx and Hispanic communities amid COVID-19
To help during the pandemic, the organization has already donated food to a total of 246 people, including 107 children who are no longer receiving food from their school.
Refugees in Orange County struggle to make ends meet amid COVID-19 economic hardships
As COVID-19 continues to change the dynamics for families everywhere, refugee families in Orange County are facing their own unique set of challenges.
Column: Wash your hands, stay six feet apart and fact-check your sources
Assistant City & State editor Sonia Rao shares why one should fact-check information during a time when "misinformation and disinformation are already rampant on social media."
Gov. Cooper issues stay-at-home order for North Carolina effective Monday
Enforcement will begin on Monday at 5 p.m., but Cooper said at a news briefing that he encourages residents to start following the order immediately.
Common Cause files complaints against Burr and others for alleged insider trading
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and three other senators are facing allegations of insider trading after selling off large amounts of stock following a confidential meeting on COVID-19. Common Cause has launched an investigation into their actions.
Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver gives virtual "State of the Town" address
Instead of addressing a room full of people, Mayor Jenn Weaver gave her first State of the Town Address to an empty board meeting room.
