The State of Things

Lawmakers Push Slew Of Controversial Bills

Alex Granados and Frank Stasio — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:35:32 +0000

Lawmakers were on a tear in the North Carolina General Assembly this past week, pushing forward a slew of controversial bills.

The Senate tentatively passed a bill requiring seventh-graders to be taught that abortion can lead to premature delivery in future pregnancies. The controversy there came about because the medical conclusion is based on disputed science.

"I feel emotional about this one," said singer-songwriter Laurelyn Dossett during a State of Things news roundtable. "I have three daughters...I find it so offensive when science is used in that way."

Legislation requiring parental consent for teenagers who want STD treatment or birth control is making its way through the House. Some think that it could be counterproductive if passed.

Goolsby Defends Potential Racial Justice Act Repeal

Frank Stasio and Nicole Campbell — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:40:11 +0000

This week the North Carolina Senate voted along party lines to repeal the Racial Justice Act. Also in the legislation are measures designed to restart executions, which have been unofficially on hold in the state since 2006.

Critics contend that eliminating the Racial Justice Act will prevent those unfairly sentenced to death because of racial bias from getting justice. More than 150 people in the state are awaiting execution.

Republican Senator Thom Goolsby of New Hanover County sponsored the legislation repealing the Racial Justice Act, and he said on The State of Things that the Act isn’t necessary.

Band Keeps Soul Alive Through Musical Expression

Christina Blyde and Frank Stasio — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:13:54 +0000

The Third Expression is an interesting hodgepodge of genres -- jazz, roots music and country -- and they only hit the Durham scene about two years ago.

The State of Things in Greensboro 4/4/2013

State of Things — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:44:36 +0000

About once a month The State of Things packs up our Mobile 1 and heads to Greensboro for a broadcast from The Triad Stage. Here's what's coming up on the next show this Thursday, April 4:

Musician Sings For Social Justice

Isaac-Davy Aronson and Frank Stasio — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:42:53 +0000

Tokyo Rosenthal is an Americana musician. And while Americana might be a traditional sort of music, Tokyo Rosenthal isn’t your traditional artist.

His sound combines rock, country and blues, and his songs revolve around issues of social justice. Host Frank Stasio talks to him about his newest album, and Tokyo Rosenthal plays live in the studio.

One Step Closer To Scrapping Dix Park Deal

Jessica Jones, Frank Stasio and Isaac-Davy Aronson — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:31:43 +0000

A Senate committee has passed a measure that would void a deal signed three months ago to turn Raleigh's Dix hospital site into a destination park.

The Senate Appropriations Committee would void a 99-year lease signed amid great fanfare by the mayor of Raleigh and former Governor Bev Perdue. Under the deal, the city would pay $500,000 a year plus yearly adjustments to lease the land.

Singer-Songwriter Finds Stories In Greensboro

Frank Stasio and Nicole Campbell — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:51:50 +0000

Bruce Piephoff began writing songs in Greensboro in the 1960s, and 22 albums later he's making music here today. He's found music one of the best vehicles to tell a story, and he'll tell you that Greensboro is full of stories. He and electric guitarist Scott Sawyer talk to host Frank Stasio and play live at the Upstage Cabaret at the Triad Stage.

Downtown Greensboro Welcomes First Grocery Market In 40 Years

Jeff Tiberii, Frank Stasio and Nicole Campbell — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:37:20 +0000

Residents in Greensboro haven’t been able to shop downtown for fresh produce, seafood and prepared meals in decades. The city had two A&P Grocery stores in the early 1970s, but since they left no other markets have filled the void. That changed this week when Deep Roots Market relocated to North Eugene St.

The Hidden Diaries Of A Young Jewish Woman

Shawn Wen and Frank Stasio — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:01:54 +0000

Out of the varied horrors of the Holocaust, a body of literature survives. The most famous voice belongs to Anne Frank. At 15-years-old, she wrote, “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” It's hard to believe that anyone, even a child, can be so big-hearted.

Less well-known is the voice of an adult woman, Etty Hillesum. And her writing is finally getting its day in the sun.

A Look Back At The 1968 Poor People’s Campaign And How We Create Black And Brown Unity Today

Nicole Campbell and Frank Stasio — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:36:50 +0000

The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 often overshadows what may be his most radical crusade. The Poor People’s Campaign in the spring of 1968 was organized by a coalition of predominately Black and Brown organizers working across the color line.