Lucas Thomae

govt accountability + transparency @CPublicPress | formerly @nchealthnews @dailytarheel | email tips to [email protected]

[Sarah Michels @sarah_michels13]

INBOX: State Board says that if you still need to return your absentee ballot via the U.S. Postal Service, you should do so TODAY.

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

These public meetings, scheduled to start Oct. 1, are an important part of the electoral process in which county boards review and act upon issues related to absentee ballots.

The change is not expected to affect compliance with any other state or federal deadlines.

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

In the wake of Helene, the NC State Board of Elections unanimously adopted a resolution to use its emergency powers to allow 25 WNC counties to reschedule their pre-Election Day absentee ballot meetings. (1/2)

[Sarah Michels @sarah_michels13]

Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is still in the governor’s race, despite pressure to drop out after scandal broke

His decision runs the risk of harming other Republican candidates on the North Carolina ballot, including former president Donald Trump

https://t.co/jbW0Q2ckdq

[Sarah Michels @sarah_michels13]

Well, the saga continues…

Today, a NC court denied RFK Jr.’s request to get off the North Carolina ballot & have all ballots reprinted.

But, they gave him 24 hours to appeal the decision.

This comes as absentee ballots were supposed to go out tomorrow

https://t.co/HYq0ftbprd

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

Have you had any frustrating experiences at the #NCDMV recently? You're not alone.

Agency officials told me they simply don't have enough people to meet high demand. The legislature denied their most recent request to allocate money for more positions.
https://t.co/3Nj6kntFYz

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

A federal lawsuit filed two weeks ago by advocacy group @DisabilityRtsNC alleges that Moore County Department of Social Services unlawfully institutionalized two children while their mother was being treated for cancer.

My latest for CPP: https://t.co/POp6F3VHNk

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

Also made by me for this story 😍

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

As other municipalities across North Carolina are updating their traffic safety efforts to reflect current best practices, some Durham residents are concerned their city is falling behind in when it comes to traffic calming.

My latest for CPP:
https://t.co/EUicLDxPdq

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

@wslivingston_ Thank you!

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

Princeville, the oldest Black town in America, has suffered from two devastating floods in the last quarter century.

After years of planning and setbacks, an $11.2 million FEMA grant award offers hope for its resiliency plan:

https://t.co/leaNQS7BJc

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

Photos by freelance photographer and former Princeville resident Calvin Adkins 📸

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

The central focus of Princeville's recovery plan is a 53-acre parcel of land that sits outside the floodplain of the Tar River.

In 2019, Mayor Bobbie Jones declared the land ready for development, yet for the next four years it remained untouched due to a lack of funding.

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

That $11.2 million grant will pay for the development of that land, and the ceremonial groundbreaking is set for later this month.

A new fire station and municipal services building were set to be built on the plot, but those projects have been tabled because of budget limits.

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

Last week, I reported on uncertainty regarding DSS's ability to use alcohol-monitoring bracelets.

After that story was published, the Western NC DWI Task Force told me it has plans to address that gap in state law. One representative is already on board:
https://t.co/UEnTO8IwvK

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

State law allows court-ordered alcohol monitoring bracelets to ensure compliance with child custody orders, although they are rarely used in such cases, I learned.

Some DSS agencies are uncertain if they're even permitted to use them. For @CPublicPress :
https://t.co/FDCwW2gSTJ

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

@BenMcC33 congratulations!

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

@carsonelmpicard @OmarVega @BostonGlobe crane design is a certified carson classic

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

@thenoahmonroe @Panthers @NLLBandits @BuffaloSabres congratulations!!

[Lucas Thomae @lucasthomae]

Last month, I reported on the Town of Yanceyville’s illegal restriction on recording devices at its Council meetings. After that story was published, the council called a special meeting on June 18th and re-amended its policy.

Here is the original amendment and the new version: