Members of the Ragin’ Grannies perform some of their anti-war hits at a Memorial Day event at the Carrboro Town Commons Monday. Speakers called for an end to the Iraq War and greater understanding between the Israeli and Palestinian people. About 100 residents attended the afternoon event. Photo by Kirk Ross
Month: May 2007
Native plants show off in spite of drought and heat
A group of local folks stopped in their tracks on the edge of one of Mason Farm’s Penstemon fields. Photo by Ken Moore By Ken Moore Summer has not officially arrived, but the summer heat made its dramatic entry this past Memorial Day weekend. And we are well along into the predicted drought; without ample…
Local leaders question new immigration bill
By Susan Dickson Staff Writer Local Latino leaders say an immigration reform bill under consideration in Congress is unlikely to benefit a majority of the local immigrant population. Under the bill, illegal immigrants who entered the United States before January 1 of this year would receive probationary legal status. To qualify for permanent residency, illegal…
Tax hikes coming
By Kirk Ross Staff Writer Counties and towns look at raising rates This isn’t likely to come as a shock, but it’s safe to assume your property taxes are going up. Even though county and town managers have crafted no-tax alternatives, elected officials throughout the region have not shown an inclination toward the idea and…
Survey should guide policy, IFC says
 By Matthew Fiorentino Correspondent For six weeks now, two outreach workers have been hitting the streets of Orange County getting to know the homeless and the panhandlers. They talk to these people of the streets, earning their trust, learning about their situation and, most importantly, coming up with ideas about how to help them. At…
Slater details Weaver Street Market’s Hillsborough moves
 Slater By Kirk Ross Staff Writer Ever since Weaver Street Market announced plans to open a store in Hillsborough and move administrative offices and food preparation out of Carrboro, concerns have been raised about the impact on the Carrboro economy and the workers whose jobs are heading to the county seat. In a recent…
Early sun exposure linked to skin cancer gene mutation
UNC News Services Skin cancers often contain different gene mutations, but just how these mutations contribute to the cause of melanomas has been a mystery. A new clue comes from scientists at UNC’s Schools of Medicine and Public Health. Their research indicates that early-life sun exposure, from birth to 20 years old, may specifically increase…
Easy Rider
Easy Rider State Senator Ellie Kinnaird guides her bike toward the ribbon as part of last Friday’s opening ceremonies for the Roberson Place bike path. The new path runs from Wesley and Eugene Street to Purple Leaf Place. photo courtesy of Mariana Fiorentino
Share your views on Carolina North
Got some thoughts you’d like to share on the shape of Carolina North? Here’s your opportunity. This Monday, June 4, at 7 p.m., the grassroots citizens group Neighborhoods for Responsible Growth will be hosting a community forum at the Chapel Hill Town Hall. This will be an opportunity for citizens to learn of the most…
Researcher wins Lance Armstrong foundation grant
UNC News Services Treatment for head and neck cancer is particularly aggressive, affecting speech, swallowing, breathing and communication. A grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to UNC will fund research on the experiences of head and neck cancer survivors, so that health professionals can effectively manage the impact of treatment
High-quality child care for low-income kids offsets the risk of later depression
UNC News Services Young adults from low-income families who were in full-time early educational child care from infancy to age 5 reported fewer symptoms of depression than their peers who were not in this type of care, according to a new report. The early educational intervention also appears to have protected the children to some…
News briefs: 5/31/07
Teens charged with rape Five local teenagers were arraigned on Tuesday after being charged with first-degree rape over an incident that allegedly took place in September near Southern Village. Those charged are Sean Lee Crawford-Brown, 17, of 140 BPW Club Road; Mark Anthony Holland, 17, of 2201 Homestead Road; Brian Gregory Minton, 16, of 118…
County, school leaders debate budget
By Susan Dickson Staff Writer The Orange County Board of Commissioners will likely hear pleas for more funding for the schools at public hearings tonight (Thursday) and Monday on the county manager’s proposed 2007-08 budget. Last week, County Manager Laura Blackmon presented her recommended budget, which would increase the property tax rate by 3.7 cents,…
Fundraiser planned
By Susan Dickson Staff Writer The Swim for Smiles Foundation will host the area’s first-ever youth-only triathlon on Saturday to raise money for the N.C. Children’s Hospital. Swim for Smiles is a Chapel Hill-based nonprofit organization that raises money for children’s hospitals through youth swim-related sporting events. Gary Kayye, founder of the organization, said they…
School briefs: 5/31/07
Students honored for achievement on national exams Smith Middle School students have received honors for their performance on the National French and Spanish Exams. On the French I exam, Violette Zhu earned first place. Other students who performed well include Emer O’Reilly, Abby Muller, Herman Bhupal and Stefan Garval.