• 🌦️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 72^o and Sunny w/ a Few Clouds!

• Local News

  • 🍔Free Burger from Shake Shack with Online or Kiosk Orders with a $10 Purchase

  • 👂Chapel Hill Insider Tailors Future Issues to Readers’ Picks

  • Major Lawsuit Aims to Address Social Media's Impact on Student Well-being

  • Immediate Intervention Key to Preventing Teen Suicide in NC

  • Federal Budget Backs Chapel Hill's Vision for Sustainable Urban Transit

• Event Highlight: ACC Tournament Underway

• 🗓️Chapel Hill Local Event Listings

• 💫Just for Fun: Hump Day

Free Burger from Shake Shack with Online or Kiosk Orders with a $10 Purchase

Due to the tidy timekeeping of Hollywood’s Biggest Night, Shake Shack is currently delighting its customers with an enticing promotion, allowing them to snag a complimentary SmokeShack burger on orders more than $10. The burger joint decided on this promotion to celebrate big wins at the Oscars, but only if they kept it under 3 hours. Seems fair.

To take advantage of this tempting offer, which runs up until March 18, 2024, hungry Insiders are simply required to apply the promo code BIGWINS at the time of checkout. This can be done easily through Shake Shack's kiosk, app, or website, ensuring a smooth and convenient ordering process.

The SmokeShack burger, a crowd-pleaser among Shake Shack's menu offerings, boasts a mouthwatering composition. Each burger is crafted from premium, all-natural Angus beef and is adorned with savory applewood smoked bacon, spicy chopped cherry peppers, and the signature ShackSauce. Diners have the option to elevate their burger experience to a double patty for an even more indulgent treat, though it's worth noting that any additional toppings may incur extra charges. Importantly, this promotion is exclusive to online, in-app, or kiosk orders, highlighting Shake Shack's embrace of digital convenience.

Your Voice, Our Content: Chapel Hill Insider Tailors Future Issues to Readers’ Picks

Dear Chapel Hill Insiders,

We asked, and you answered! In our quest to make your favorite newsletter even more engaging and tailored to your interests, we reached out with a survey asking what YOU wanted to see in the upcoming issues. The response was overwhelming, and we're thrilled to share the results. Here's what you're looking forward to:

1. Local Business Spotlights

2. Community Events

3. Nearby News

4. Town Government Updates

5. Trivia

6. Local Schools

7. Crime Reports

8. Delicious Recipes

Your feedback is the compass that guides our content, and we're already revving up our engines to bring these topics to the forefront of our future editions. In line with your top request, we're excited to announce that we are launching a new Local Business Spotlight feature. This segment will dive deep into the heart of Chapel Hill's vibrant business community, shining a light on the incredible entrepreneurs and establishments that make our town unique.

And There's More Good News!

Understanding that our town and its interests are ever-evolving, we've decided to conduct this survey quarterly. This way, we can stay in tune with your preferences and keep delivering the content you love most.

Get Involved!

Do you have a local business you're eager to see featured? Know about an event that deserves the whole town's attention? We're all ears (and eyes)! Reach out to us at [email protected] to nominate a business or announce an event. Your input is invaluable in crafting a newsletter that truly represents our community.

Looking Ahead

Armed with your feedback, we're already at work curating content that aligns with your interests. Expect articles, interviews, and features that bring Chapel Hill's heartbeat to your inbox. From uncovering the stories behind our local businesses to keeping you in the loop on town affairs, we're doubling down on our commitment to keep you informed, entertained, and connected.

Thank you for making your voices heard. Together, we're turning the Chapel Hill Insider into a true reflection of our community's spirit and interests. Stay tuned for an even more exciting and engaging newsletter experience, crafted with you in mind.

Major Lawsuit Aims to Address Social Media's Impact on Student Well-being

Durham Public Schools has decided to take a significant step by joining a large-scale lawsuit against major social media companies, including Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap. This action aligns Durham with numerous other school systems and attorneys general nationwide, aiming to address the harmful impacts these platforms have had on students' mental health and well-being. The unanimous decision by the school board came after a persuasive presentation by attorney Janet Ward Black, who emphasized the manipulative designs of social media apps that entice and retain young users to the detriment of their mental health. These platforms, according to scientific research, contribute to a range of psychological issues among adolescents, prompting an urgent response from educational and legal entities.

The lawsuit seeks to hold these tech giants accountable for the strain placed on school resources dedicated to supporting affected students. By leveraging the collective power of multiple districts, the suit aims to compel meaningful changes within these corporations, much like previous legal battles against companies like JUUL and opioid manufacturers. Durham Public Schools' participation in this lawsuit underlines a commitment to safeguarding children's mental health and securing necessary funds for future support initiatives. The case, to be filed in North Carolina before moving to a federal court in California, represents a bold challenge to Big Tech, with the hope of fostering a safer online environment for youth.

Immediate Intervention Key to Preventing Teen Suicide in NC

In North Carolina, the urgent issue of teen suicide has intensified, with youth suicide deaths doubling from 2011 to 2020 and becoming the leading cause of death among children and adolescents aged 10-14. Some experts say the rise is due to the advent of social media taking a central focus in the typical COVID teen’s daily life. The crisis underscores the necessity of recognizing warning signs such as discussions about death, noticeable changes in behavior, and social withdrawal. It's equally important to understand the steps to take when these signs are observed, emphasizing the critical nature of open, empathetic communication and immediate action when necessary.

If a teenager is thought to be at imminent risk of suicide, it is vital to contact emergency services by calling 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Engaging in a conversation about suicide requires sensitivity and care. Key actions include acknowledging warning signs, directly inquiring about suicidal thoughts, asking about specific plans, ensuring the teen's safety, and promoting the seeking of professional help.

To effectively address this concern, one should:

• Be direct in asking about suicide, providing a sense of relief through open discussion.

• Stay with the teen expressing suicidal thoughts to ensure their safety.

• Encourage exploring help from mental health professionals or trusted individuals.

• Maintain an open mind, listen empathetically, and foster a supportive environment.

• DON’T invalidate their feeling or experiences

• DON’T ignore their internal battles or keep their thoughts about suicide a secret.

Remember, it's crucial to act on any threats of suicide by providing both emotional and practical support. Open communication, empathy, and professional intervention play pivotal roles in preventing teen suicide.

Federal Budget Backs Chapel Hill's Vision for Sustainable Urban Transit

The Chapel Hill community is on the brink of a significant transformation with the North-South Bus Rapid Transit (NSBRT) project receiving a nod in the President's recommended budget. The allocation of $138.3 million earmarks this project as a pivotal development in enhancing the town's transit landscape. The NSBRT aims to seamlessly connect transit riders from the northern Eubanks Park and Ride, near the I-40 interchange, to the Southern Village Park and Ride, near the Chatham County line. This vital corridor will include a passage through downtown Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and UNC Hospital, covering a span of 5.7 miles dedicated exclusively to bus lanes.

The project is set to feature 17 premium station areas along with a multi-use sidepath, integrating other infrastructure and engineering improvements. These enhancements are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, bolster safety, foster sustainability, and ensure equitable access to transportation for all community members. The comprehensive plan underscores a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility, aiming to enrich the community's connectivity and vibrancy.

Acknowledgment is due to the various partners and advocates whose steadfast support has been instrumental in advancing this project. As preparations continue, the Chapel Hill community is encouraged to stay updated on the progress of the North-South BRT Project. With anticipation building, this initiative promises to mark the beginning of an exhilarating chapter towards achieving a more interconnected and dynamic community.

ACC Tournament is Underway

⬇️Here is what’s going on in the Chapel Hill local area⬇️