The N.C. State Board of Elections considers a new election security measure through county-level tests, including in Buncombe County, and works to figure out whether and how to incorporate it into state practices.
Tag: carolina public press
Showing 22-42 of 90 results
From CPP: NC counties base jail decisions on controversial consultant work
Recommendations to build bigger jails in North Carolina often come from the same firms that land jail design contracts, reports Jordan Wilkie of Carolina Public Press. Consultant methods may stack the deck in favor of big investments in jail construction.
From CPP: Changes to eviction in NC — Frequently asked questions
A reinstatement of the CDC moratorium and expanded state financial assistance aids tenants struggling to pay rent during the pandemic. Find answers to questions about the programs.
From CPP: Communities struggle with meth outside spotlight of opioid crisis
Increase in methamphetamine use in Western North Carolina affects the region’s “misery index,” even if the death rate is lower than that of opioids.
From CPP: Will telehealth continue filling gaps in WNC?
Patients and providers pivoted to online appointments during pandemic lockdowns. Some in Western North Carolina want the option to extend permanently.
Local media win legal fees from Asheville after open-meetings suit
Xpress, along with the Asheville Citizen Times, Blue Ridge Public Radio, Carolina Public Press and Asheville Watchdog, had incurred nearly $4,200 in attorney fees after suing Asheville over its plan to hold a March 31 City Council retreat behind closed doors.
From CPP: State cracks down on mining operations
A McDowell County neighbor’s concerns about the impact of mining operations and questions from Carolina Public Press drew the attention of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.
Nonprofit news in brief: Race raises $6,860 for Riley Howell Foundation Fund
The inaugural Mighty Four Miler race in Waynesville raised $6,860 for the Riley Howell Foundation Fund, which makes grants to organizations that support victims of gun violence. Plus, grant opportunities, leadership changes and news of note among area nonprofits.
From CPP: Haywood County seeks to build jail, grassroots group seeks to stop it
County officials say new jail is an issue of simple math. Opponents say money is better spent elsewhere.
From CPP: Vaccines critical for farmworkers in WNC
As one of the most vulnerable populations for COVID-19, farmworkers are key candidates for vaccination. Organizations in Western NC counties work to get shots to transient groups.
From CPP: Forest supervisor balances population, budget and environmental concerns
Forest supervisor James Melonas sets priorities for tenure as leader of state’s four national forests.
Judge rules City Council retreat must be open to media, public
The decision comes after a coalition of media outlets, including Mountain Xpress, took legal action to block the city of Asheville from holding a five-hour closed door meeting.
From CPP: Asheville City Council blocks public from retreat, says open meetings law does not apply
A coalition of media organizations takes legal action to ask courts to open the publicly-funded meeting.
From CPP: Black leadership advances new trails project in Pisgah National Forest
Creation of more than 40 miles of “purpose-built” trail system will serve a diverse range of users from equestrians to walkers.
From CPP: Environmental groups eye wastewater permit renewal for Canton paper mill
In town known for a foul smell and a river that used to run black, the Canton paper mill has made strides in cleaning up, and jobs depend on the facility. But environmentalists say concerns persist.
From CPP: New project opens mountain biking possibilities in Western North Carolina
The Mortimer Trails project expands access for mountain bikers and hikers to meet increased demand despite limited federal funding for recreation in National Forests.
From CPP: Family leave for county employees in some parts of the state
Seven North Carolina counties now offer paid days off to care for a new child or an ailing family member.
From CPP: 20% less food donated, 68% more need in NC
North Carolina food assistance programs struggle under economic stress of continuing pandemic.
Major milestones, unprecedented challenges for local media outlets in 2020
Former Xpress managing editor Jon Elliston shares his recap of key developments in 2020’s local media landscape.
From CPP: Court driving NC prisons reform, but expert advice on handling pandemic still rejected
Swannanoa inmate: ‘I probably have the COVID, but they don’t want to test me because they gave it to me.’
From CPP: Pandemic wearing NC nonprofits thin
Organizations providing food assistance to North Carolinians experience higher demand as unemployment increases.
