School systems across the state are bracing for state budget cuts, just as federal stimulus money also disappears. Carolina Public Press goes inside the Macon County Schools to see how looming cuts could impact the largely rural 11-school system, it’s nearly 4,400 students and 340 teachers.
Posted inEconomy, Environment, Politics & Government
North Carolina’s budget woes mean hard days ahead for WNC’s public, private workers
The debate on state-budget related job losses is in full swing. Economic incentive programs were targeted early on, only to be saved by Gov. Bev Perdue. Now, her budget proposal cuts 10,000 jobs off the state’s rolls. What does this mean for Western North Carolina — and Graham County, which currently has the worst unemployment rate in the state?
Posted inEnvironment, Politics & Government
Infographic: Creating North Carolina’s state budget, step by step
This infographic, by contributing reporter Travis Fain and contributing illustrator Stacy Gray, breaks down how North Carolina lawmakers are tackling the issue of the day: the state budget. View in a slideshow, or to see it all together, view and print our PDF.
Posted inEnvironment, Politics & Government
A new set of WNC legislators wielding influence in Raleigh could mean more political power for the mountains. Or does it?
The North Carolina General Assembly’s Republican revolution has been good for Western North Carolina’s political position in Raleigh, by many accounts.
Posted inSpecial Reports
Celebrating the Institute for Southern Studies’ first 40 years
The Institute for Southern Studies’ 40th anniversary, on March 26 in Durham, features civil rights leaders, investigative journalists and an introduction to the Freedom Journalism School.