In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 89^o and Partly Cloudy

📰Renewed Effort to Legalize Medical Marijuana in NC as Senate Amends Bill

📰New Budget Proposal Could Bring Engineering Programs Back to UNC-Chapel Hill

📰Stay Cool: Hillsborough Police Accepting Fan and AC Unit Donations for Needy Residents

🗓️Upcoming Events (updated)

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Renewed Effort to Legalize Medical Marijuana in NC as Senate Amends Bill

North Carolina senators have introduced the NC Compassionate Care Act, legalizing medical marijuana, into a bill regulating hemp and banning other substances. The act would permit medical marijuana use for various ailments and establish a licensing system. This is the latest attempt after previous efforts stalled in the House. The bill also includes provisions against the sale of hemp to minors and adds kratom, xylazine, and tianeptine to controlled substances. It has passed the judiciary committee and moves to the rules committee, with its fate in the House still unclear.

New Budget Proposal Could Bring Engineering Programs Back to UNC-Chapel Hill

A new budget proposal from state House Republicans suggests reestablishing a school for applied sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill, focusing on various engineering and science fields. The proposed school, which would receive $8 million in funding, aims to complement existing programs at NC State and address the growing demand for STEM professionals in North Carolina. The proposal has surprised some faculty members, who are concerned about the lack of traditional shared governance. Additionally, the budget includes provisions for reviewing and potentially consolidating low-performing programs. The House and Senate are currently negotiating the budget.

Stay Cool: Hillsborough Police Accepting Fan and AC Unit Donations for Needy Residents

Hillsborough police are launching "Operation Cool Down" to collect new fans and window air conditioning units for residents needing cooling assistance this summer. Donations of new equipment will be accepted at the Hillsborough Police Station from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, June 20-28. For arranging pickups of business or large donations, or to donate outside the specified hours, contact Major Andy Simmons or Danielle King at 919-296-9500. Find more information here.

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