ncnewsline.com – Ahmed Jallow – 2025-06-26 04:30:00

SUMMARY: The North Carolina House approved two Republican-backed bills restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools and public universities. Senate Bill 227 targets K-12, and Senate Bill 558 targets higher education, banning “divisive concepts” in classrooms. Critics argue the vague language could chill teaching about historical oppression and harm academic freedom. Separately, House Bill 171 would ban DEI initiatives in state agencies, imposing fines and job removal for violations, with audits by the state auditor. The bills now await Gov. Josh Stein’s decision; Republicans hold enough Senate votes to override a veto but would need at least one House Democrat.

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www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-06-25 23:11:12

SUMMARY: Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, after over 30 years at Duke Health, has taken on a leadership role at North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services. Bringing clinical and administrative experience, including Medicaid oversight, he focuses on preventing rural hospital closures amid policy shifts. Recently named co-chair of the state advisory council on cannabis, Greenblatt aims to regulate and address public health impacts of cannabis use. He also prioritizes combating opioid overdoses, supporting Medicaid addiction treatment programs. Committed to clear communication, he plans to counter medical misinformation and provide accessible, quality health information to North Carolinians.

“It’s my role to bring my medical background and skills, my ability to communicate, to assess the situation, to work in a team and to respond.”

https://abc11.com/post/dr-lawrence-greenblatt-nc-department-health-human-services-new-director-lays-vision/16847650/
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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-06-25 20:00:52

SUMMARY: Airfare prices are dropping due to falling demand amid global conflicts and fewer international travelers visiting the U.S. The latest data shows airfares are down 7.3% year-over-year, with European bookings to the U.S. declining 13% because of political issues. This marks a welcome change after four years of rising costs following the post-COVID travel surge. Travelers can now find reasonable fares for summer, fall, and even holiday travel, with examples like Houston to London for \$715 round trip. However, hotel prices remain high, about 50% above pre-pandemic levels, with no significant decrease yet.

If you still haven’t booked a flight for later this summer or fall, you may have been smart by waiting. Airfares have started coming down, due to dropping demand this year.

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