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Thursday: Catching Up
posted at 2009-09-17 20:07 | Last modified 2009-09-30 09:37
I’ve been busy the last couple of days with a story about first-time homebuyers. You can hear it Friday morning. But there’s been plenty of great stuff from other WUNCers on the air this week...
The Biggest Losers?
Rose Hoban explains how the State Health Plan plans to police state employees’ “wellness.” Starting next year, they’ll be conducting random workplace visits to test workers’ saliva for nicotine, plus weigh-ins to check for obesity. No, really, I’m serious. One can only imagine what this’ll do for productivity at the selected worksites – not to mention what it’ll mean for public services while the workers are getting weighed and swabbed.
Surprised that no one’s complaining about this? It’s because neither workers nor the general public has ever been given a chance to. The plan’s architect says it “wasn’t necessary” to solicit feedback.
The story’s here. Check it out, and let Rose know what you think about it.
Rural Schools
In case you’ve missed it, Dave Dewitt has had a three-part series this week on the challenges facing NC’s rural schools. It’s great stuff. Part 3 airs Friday morning. You can catch up with Part 1 here, and Part 2 here.
In the headlines
- The State Board of Community Colleges is set to vote Friday on whether illegal immigrants can attend classes at out-of-state tuition rates. (WRAL)
- Former Alamance Rep Cary Allred pleads guilty to 102 in a 65. (AP)
- The NC Institute for Constitutional Law takes Johnson & Wales to court over tax incentives championed by disgraced former House Speaker Jim Black. (Char-O)
On the grapevine
The rumor mill is working overtime this week. So far, I’ve heard that two legislators are expected to step down in coming days. I’m not convinced the rumors are credible, but if you’ve been following the news lately, you can probably guess the names.
There’s also (still?) the matter of the marathon grand jury investigation of the Easleys. The N&O’s Andy Curliss reports environmental officials have been called in to testify about the permitting process for Cannonsgate. And Wilmington's Wayne Faulkner says developer Nick Garrett has filed for personal bankruptcy after a costly legal battle with his ex-wife. In case you’re foggy, Garrett remodeled Easley’s house shortly before winning the lease contract for the state-owned Southport Marina. (H/T: Joe Sinsheimer)
Comments? Drop me a line.
