Weekly Update, September 18

Hey there, Carrboro. Anyone else feeling increasingly angsty and apprehensive about the embedding of AI into most parts of life? Some of the chatter from the tech giants this week has been downright apocalyptic. We at The Carrborean are pleased to report that our all of our Weekly Updates and articles are the work of word-smithing, coffee-swiveling humans.

We care about the people-produced expression of ideas, so when a local Chapel Hill High School teacher shared that he's had to revamp his entire approach to teaching to AI-proof his assignments, removing core assignments that used to give students a chance to dig deeply and discover their own interests, we had to sit with that reality. He was voicing an anxiety that more teachers and professors are sharing. The recent report out of MIT argues that the technology has, among other things, "upend[ed] foundational elements of the MIT educational experience," led to greater isolation, "undermin[ed] student mastery and confidence," "erod[ed] the 'social contract' between instructors and students," and "challenged . . . norms and values about rigor, the creative friction required for learning, collaborative problem solving, and personal integrity." This problem will not solve itself.

One gift of the AI revolution is a renewed and visceral appreciation for the material and the tangible. We want to know: Where are you taking your print copy of The Carrborean? Email your picture with your name and the location to carrboroemily-at-gmail.com.

Online this week

As we look ahead to the Carrboro Music Festival next weekend, Arts Editor Pamir Kiciman continues his preview acts. Check out his article on the Daniel DeLorenzo Trio, celebrated for the contemporary spin it puts on traditional jazz influences. And read his preview of The Rattletraps, a guitar- and vocal-led band with gritty originals and punchy lyrics. And Jason Wares joined in the preview fun with his story about Pippa Hoover and Honey Magpie.

This weekend and next, Center Theater Company's production of "Twelve Angry Jurors" is on stage, and we have this preview for you.

On The Carrborean Radio Hour

This past Monday, local guitarist and songwriter Dave Hedeman performed original music and shared stories from his journey with John Rees and Jason Wares. Listen here for a Carrboro Music Festival preview.

Tune in this coming Monday, when Whitney Fry of Flame Tree Story invites her niece, Carrboro resident and UNC student Caroline Fry, to join her in an exploration of the art of storytelling.

After each radio show, join us at a pop-up newsroom to discuss all things Carrboro and stories you'd like to read, hear, or write. In September, you'll find us at Weaver Street Market on Mondays from 5 to 6 pm.

News from CHCCS, Town, and County

The CHCCS Board of Education met Thursday evening and heard Rashkis Elementary PTA leaders push back on relocating Glenwood’s Mandarin World Language program, reviewed alarming data showing two-thirds of Black middle school students are not proficient, and ultimately voted to discontinue the Mandarin World Language offering. The Board also adopted the 2026–2027 budget, approved a temporary attendance rule for bus-related absences, and kicked off a new NC State-supported school boundary process. Watch meeting highlights here.

The Carrboro Police Department announced this afternoon that they have a warrant for the arrest of Carrboro resident Keila Quarles, 33, who is suspected of stabbing a victim at 101 NC 54 just after midnight. Quarles and the victim knew each other, and the victim was taken to UNC-CH Hospital and is expected the live. The Police are requesting that anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts or information about the case to contact them at (919) 918-7397 or call Crime Stoppers at (919) 942-7515.

Carrboro Police Chief Chris Atack has announced he'll be retiring on October 1 after 28 years with the Department. The Carrborean thanks Chief Atack for his many years of service to the Town and for helping to keep our community safe and connected.

The Town of Carrboro passed a resolution at its Tuesday meeting honoring former Carrboro firefighter Bryce Aric Jungbluth, who died July 31 at age 27 from sudden onset hydrocephalus. He had recently moved back to his hometown in Wisconsin, but he's lovingly remembered in Carrboro. In 2022, he joined the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department, which recognized him as Firefighter of the Year in 2024, the same year he dedicated time in Western North Carolina helping with Hurricane Helene relief.

Carrboro Public Works Department has announced that residential household waste collection is experiencing delays this week due to equipment failures. Homes along Friday's collection route won't see a pick up until Monday or Tuesday, and there will be no yard waste collection next week.

If you've seen a Chapel Hill Transit bus wrapped in images from Carrboro town festivals, cultural celebrations, and community events, then you can probably appreciate why The Town of Carrboro was just awarded national recognition from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA). The project is titled Carrboro: A Rolling Invitation to Belong.

On Monday morning Carrboro residents are invited to come out and meet some members of the Carrboro Police Department at Coffee and Conversation, from 8 to 10 am at Breakaway Carrboro, 410 North Greensboro St.

The Town of Carrboro will sponsor another Carrboro in Motion event from 11 am to 2 pm this Saturday, Sept. 19, in front of the Willow Creek Laundromat. The event will include a free Zumba class with Oscar Garcia and representatives from public agency partners and community resources.

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Carrboro Town Council heard from Alabama Avenue residents challenging a short-term rental project over tree loss, flooding, and lack of public input. The Council wrestled with issues of trust, transparency, and whether to replace its UDO consultant. They also reviewed Chapel Hill Transit’s Blueprint 2035, considered future options for the J Branch Rail Trail, and voted unanimously on the development code effort. Watch meeting highlights here.

Also on Tuesday evening, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners met. They honored local farmer Kamal Bell's prestigious Loeb Fellowship at Harvard and celebrated gains in our public schools. OWASA executive director Todd Taylor reported to the Board about the persistent moderate to severe drought conditions in Orange County, the downward slide of water storage in our reservoirs that began in April, and the rebound that has storage levels at 75 percent. No restrictions or surcharges are needed at this time.

With equal urgency, Taylor reported on the presence of PFAS in the water system, which is coming in through the Cane Creek Reservoir and through the sewage system. OWASA is testing samples to find the precise sources. Through the use of powdered activated carbon, OWASA is removing PFAS from the water, and that means the solid waste that once was used for composting now must go to a landfill. Finally, the board reviewed case studies and survey results that are shaping the future of the J Branch rail trail corridor and its economic, environmental, and community impacts. Watch highlights of the meeting and Todd Taylor's presentation to the Board here.

Other Interesting Things

Buzz is building around the imminent opening of Carrburitos in its new location in Carr Mill Mall, in the space once occupied by Elmo's Diner and most recently Grata Cafe. The sign is now up!

Final Notes

The Community Bulletin Board has announcements and opportunities for giving and civic engagement and is updated weekly.

There's so much going on in Carrboro! Check out The Events Calendar to see what's happening and help us keep it up-to-date. We just added more events for this weekend!

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Poetry Moment

This week we turn the "mic" over to Carrboro poet and writer John Steele, a member of the Carrboro Poets' Council who regularly shares his wit and pithy observations at the 2nd and 4th Fridays-of-the-month Chime In at Lanza's Cafe (601 West Main St.).

Head, Meet Wall

Our bright-eyed, tail-wagging cattle dog is intent on herding the new cat.

Nevermind my repeated explanation that what she is attempting is

literally the figurative epitome of futility. Like spitting in the wind.

Like leading a horse to water and demanding that it hydrate. 

Like trying to convince self-appointed gatekeepers to feel empathy

for those who look different, live differently, love differently than they do.