Here are two programs offering financial assistance for renters, homeowners

“If we’re going to be a healthy, vibrant Orange County, then we have to make sure that our people have safe, secure housing and that their needs are met,” Orange County Board of County Commissioners Chair Renee Price said.

Carrboro celebrates Earth Hour, looks forward to environmental events in April

On Saturday, the Town of Carrboro celebrated Earth Hour — a one hour period where community members turned off their lights to encourage climate change awareness. 

Nine Orange County incumbents running unopposed in May primary election

Cora Martin, a former staffer at the UNC Institute of Politics and field director for Jonah Garson’s N.C. House campaign, said the lack of competition in this election cycle is a problem for democracy.  “I think that, in order for a democratic society to function, there needs to be participation from people of all backgrounds and all ideologies,” they said.

Turning over a new leaf: Fallen tree repurposed into Hillsborough art project

The project was developed by the Hillsborough Arts Council in partnership with the Orange County Arts Commission and local government representatives.

Friends of Chapel Hill Public Library hosts first "Big Book Sale" since COVID-19

From March 25 to 27, the Friends of the Chapel Hill Public Library hosted the Big Book Sale — an event where community members could purchase used books. 

Orange County Historical Museum to open Kids' Space on March 27

CHTC moves forward with redevelopment project despite potential health hazards

Redevelopment would include affordable housing, fire station access, connections to Bolin Creek Trail, thousands of square feet of office space and a few hundred parking spaces, in addition to the police station currently housed in the lot.

Drift Marketplace brings a space for student creativity to Franklin Street

“If you're just somebody who wants to be an artist and wants to be entrepreneurial, this is the place to do that,” Hunter Burkard, the founder of Drift Marketplace, said.

'Left behind': Orange County Animal Services sees increase in dog surrenders

Over the last few months, Orange County Animal Services has seen an increase in dog surrenders and a drop in adoptions, leaving more dogs without homes. The shelter is now focusing its efforts on bringing more visitors to the shelter.

Carrboro Town Council debates alternative means of increasing affordable housing

The plan includes modifying Carrboro’s land use ordinance to permit new accessory dwelling unit construction and creating incentives for both detached and attached ADUs. 

Concert venues across North Carolina grapple with changing COVID-19 guidelines

While Orange County has lifted its mandate on public indoor places, businesses and other private spaces still have the discretion to require masks indoors. Some venues, such as Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, are still requiring masks indoors. In addition, Cat's Cradle requires concert attendees to present their COVID-19 vaccination cards or proof of a negative test within the prior 72 hours, in addition to their ID. "Sort of like with public transit, there is not a real easy way to stay six feet from everyone if you're going to enjoy a typical concert environment at Cat's Cradle," Frank Heath, owner of Cat's Cradle, said.

‘The system wasn't designed to support us’: Black maternal mortality rates rise

“The system wasn't designed to support us," Maya Jackson, the founder and executive director of MAAME, Inc., said. "It was not designed to heal us, educate us, sustain us." Her nonprofit focuses on providing doula services for mothers of color.

From pork to pasta: Big Belly Que owners to open new Italian-inspired restaurant

The owners of Chapel Hill’s Big Belly Que are raising the steaks with Bombolo, a new restaurant set to open in the summer. A change of pace from barbecue, Bombolo will serve pasta, charcuterie and sandwiches.

Seafood Destiny owner Anthony Knotts faces multiple lawsuits

Anthony Knotts, who owns the newly-opened Seafood Destiny restaurant on Franklin Street, is being charged for allegedly writing and distributing false checks, in addition to charges related to an estimated $101,000 in debt.

Retirement community creates project to document the effects of the pandemic

Residents from Carolina Meadows, a retirement community in Chapel Hill, discussed their new project “Our History: Pandemic at the Meadows," which works to document the effects of COVID-19 on their lives and the community. 

Rising gas prices threaten North Carolina’s most vulnerable communities

In North Carolina, specifically, the average price per gallon of regular gas was $4.08, as of March 21, which is nearly $0.70 higher than a month ago and more than a dollar from prices last year, according to data from the American Automobile Association. 

Students, parents react to mask mandate drop in Orange County Schools

The Orange County Board of Education's decision to remove mask mandates for students, staff and faculty has warranted varying reactions from parents and students alike.   “There's been a mixture of people still wearing masks and people without masks," one student said, "and everyone’s been pretty respectful of each other."

'Historical moment': Compass Center appoints Christian Adams as executive director

Adams comes to the Compass Center after gaining experience in management, as well as reproductive and social justice. One of her top priorities for Compass Center is sustainable funding.

Arts apprenticeship encourages young artists to pursue passion

The 2022 Jacquelyn Gist Summer Apprenticeship in the Arts program helps support young artists in Orange County by providing financial compensation while they complete a summer apprenticeship with an Orange County artist or arts organization.

Healthy food initiative Good Bowls gains traction in Chapel Hill and beyond

Good Bowls aims to increase accessibility to affordable, healthy and tasty food for community members. The organization uses flexible pricing that takes customers' income into consideration.