Erik Beene

State and local ALE departments play different roles within the community

Only 109 agents of the State Bureau of Investigation are tasked with enforcing alcohol law in the 100 counties that make up North Carolina. Yet the presence of Alcohol Law Enforcement is strongly felt in Chapel Hill.  The state agency makes up for its relatively small size by forming partnerships with local police departments, sheriffs and district attorney's offices, ALE Special Agent in Charge Bryan House said.  “We work with stakeholders of all kinds to try and solve problems as they relate to alcohol and places that sell alcohol specifically whether they be legal or illegal,” he said. “Typically, what that looks like for us is we take an all-crimes approach as it relates to enforcement and that is at places that sell alcohol, specifically.”

Fake IDs, real consequences

An underage student stands in line outside a popular bar on Franklin Street and gives their fake ID to a bouncer. After looking at it for a moment, the bouncer passes it back — not to the student, but to an undercover alcohol law enforcement officer behind him. The student is ticketed immediately.

Mayors of Chapel Hill, Carrboro win by landslide in municipal elections

Pam Hemminger won by a landslide against write-in candidate Eugene Farrar. Hemminger will serve her second term as Mayor, and secured 92 percent of votes according to unofficial results from Orange County precincts.  Hemminger was excited and honored to receive support from the community and said ...

"Homegrown Halloween" shrinks due to safety concerns

Halloween in Chapel Hill has become more tame in recent years due to collaborative efforts to make the town’s celebration more local. 

Student vote carries serious weight in Orange County

Early voting starts this Thursday for local elections, and local efforts are underway to motivate students to vote.  

Carrboro Board of Aldermen meet to discuss DACA workshops, floodplain areas and affordable housing

See our live updates from the Sept. 26 Board of Aldermen meeting here:

Al takes a bite out of Chapel Hill business scene

From the moment he got behind a grill, Al Bowers knew he had a love for the food industry. Years after discovering his passion, Bowers is now the owner of Al's Burger Shack in two locations and Mel's Commissary in Carrboro.  

Carrboro Board of Aldermen meets on Sept. 19

See our live updates from the Sept. 19 Board of Aldermen meeting here:

Chapel Hill Fire Department helps Hurricane Harvey in Houston

 Four members of the Chapel Hill Fire Department were deployed to Houston to help relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey.  

Q&A with Esther Lederman, Holocaust survivor and author

Esther Lederman is a 93-year-old Chapel Hill resident, Holocaust survivor and author of "Hiding for our Lives." Senior Writer Erik Beene talked with her about her thoughts on the in Chapel Hill Silent Sam protests and other recent events.

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People arriving at City Kitchen for Pam Hemminger's election night party.

Carrboro Aldermen Sept. 26

Carrboro Board of Aldermen Sept. 19

The Carrboro Board of Aldermen met on Sept. 19. 

Immigration Protests

In response to an executive order banning Syrian refugees from entering the United States, protesters gathered in front of the post office on Franklin Street and at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.