As expected, the N.C. Mining and Energy Commission completed its proposed regulations for the natural gas drilling industry on Friday. Also expected, many environmental activists are not happy with the results, which state lawmakers are expected to finalize next year. Read the recommended rules here. “With all of the challenges of NC’s shallow shale formations, […]
Billy Ball
Bio: Billy Ball is an INDY Week staff writer.Email: [email protected]: http://twitter.com/billy_k_ball
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Commission ignores public request on fracking
Since July, the N.C. Mining and Energy Commission has received more than 200,000 public comments about its proposed fracking regulations. But when members finalize their rules this week, they will likely approve fewer than a dozen major changes. With permitting for natural gas drilling expected to begin next spring, appointed members of the regulatory panel […]
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Following GSA controversy, A.L. Stanback Middle School names interim principal
Orange County Schools has chosen former Wake County principal Jan Hargrove to serve as interim principal at A.L. Stanback Middle School. The Indy reported last month that the school’s current principal, Gloria Jones, is stepping down following complaints from parents and staff who accused her of blocking the formation of a school Gay-Straight Alliance for […]
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Prison system short on psychologists, long on mentally ill inmates
Two years ago, the North Carolina prison system promised change after blaming staff shortfalls for the problem of mentally ill prisoners left isolated in cells splattered with human waste. Now, mental health advocates say they are still waiting for prison officials to deliver on that promise. New numbers obtained by the INDY show that North […]
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Burroughs in Orange County
In Orange County’s lone contested race for the Board of Commissioners, former school board member Mia Burroughs easily dispatched Republican Gary Kahn in District 1, collecting 76 percent of the vote.
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Walker, Price and Butterfield winning in Congressional races
Early results in Congress races showed mixed results for both parties Tuesday night. As expected, longtime U.S. Rep. David Price was on course to easily best his opponent Tuesday, picking up 75 percent of the vote in heavily left-leaning U.S. House District 4 with most precincts reporting. His underdog opponent, Republican Paul Wright, had mustered […]
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Insko, Foushee and Meyer in state races in Orange County
This is an easy call early on. Democrats may be bound for hard times in Tuesday’s midterm, but in Orange County, the bubble remains. There were no close races between N.C. Senate District 23 and N.C. House 56, where Democratic incumbents Valerie Foushee and Verla Insko hold apparently insurmountable leads in their bid for re-election. […]
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On Election Day, North Carolina precincts overwhelmed
Polls are closing now, and the word is turnout. All over the state, there are reports of presidential election-type turnout, perhaps a reflection of just how bitter this year’s midterm campaign has been in North Carolina. Meanwhile, Mark Dorosin, managing attorney for the UNC Center for Civil Rights, says the nonpartisan center’s Election Day hotline […]
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Voting questions? Call the hotline.
It’s Election Day. Confused about your voting rights in North Carolina post-GOP voting reforms? The UNC Center for Civil Rights is again hosting a hotline all day, with School of Law students staffing a non-partisan, free service for voters. Voters can call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VEY-VOTA. The line is open now and will remain open through […]
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In final days of campaign, Tillis-Hagan close on spending too
Election Day is Tuesday. Polls show Republican challenger Thom Tillis has tightened the gap with incumbent U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. Likewise, spending by the Tillis and Hagan campaigns is close. If you’re turned on the television or the radio in recent days, you might have noticed. According to the most recent reports to the Federal […]
