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Here is a sampling of links and notes about Carolina people and programs cited recently in the media:

International Coverage

Study: News stories aid anti-Muslim groups
United Press International

Anti-Muslim fringe groups became more mainstream and got funding after Sept. 11, 2001, in part because of U.S. news coverage, a study published Thursday says. …But newspaper and television coverage of fringe groups with messages seeking to inspire anti-Muslim and Islamic fear and anger gave the groups "increased visibility and created the misperception they were mainstream organizations, and this perception enabled them to secure funding and build social networks that they may not been able to do otherwise," said Bail, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill assistant sociology professor.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/5735/73/

National Coverage

Health insurers learn how to woo
USA Today

…At the same time, most Americans will be required to carry insurance — or face a fine — and federal subsidies will be available to help some do so. It is uncertain whether the subsidies and fines will be enough to entice younger and healthier people to buy insurance, seen as necessary to spread costs and help slow premium growth. "This is a revolution in health insurance regulation: Insurers in the non-group market will have to play by new rules," says health policy expert Jonathan Oberlander at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Regional Coverage

Increase in Negative Messages About Muslims
The Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

A study released today shows an increase in the media for negative messages about Muslims. That probably comes as no surprise to Muslims. Christopher Bail, an assistant professor of sociology in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s College of Arts and Sciences, used plagiarism detection software to track the influence of 1,084 press releases about Muslims from 120 organizations on more than 50,000 television transcripts and newspaper articles produced from 2001 to 2008.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/5735/73/

Investor calls reaction to tax plan overwrought
The Boston Globe

…Douglas A. Shackelford, an economist who examined 2003 legislation that lowered tax rates on capital gains and dividends, said that ‘‘people thought this would be revolutionary,’’ sparking changes in the way companies rewarded investors, and how investors evaluated companies. In the end, ‘‘it made a difference, but it certainly was not revolutionary,’’ said Shackelford, a University of North Carolina professor.

State and Local Coverage

Blue Cross and UNC create medical training program for veterans
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

UNC-Chapel Hill and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina are teaming up to fight the state’s shortage of health care professionals by turning veteran military medics into civilian physician assistants. University and BCBS of North Carolina officials on Monday announced a new master’s degree program at the university’s School of Medicine designed for veteran medics who have left the military.
Related Links:
http://wunc.org/programs/news/archive/TBC120412.mp3/view
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/21010204/article-UNC-to-train
-special-forces-vets-as-physician-assistants?

UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/5741/1/

Military Medics To Get Civilian Training
The North Carolina News Network

The state’s largest health insurer is joining forces with the military to use the skills of those trained in medical fields in uniform here at home. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), and the UNC School of Medicine (UNC) are collaborating to create a physician assistant (PA) masters degree program designed for returning military veterans with input from the United States Army Special Operations Command team at Fort Bragg.
Related Links:
http://www.wral.com/unc-blue-cross-partner-on-degree-program-for-military-medics/11838772/
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=8907050
http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/2012/12/blue-cross-and-unc-look-to-train-more.html

On World AIDS Day, Triangle celebrates medical advances, laments continuing stigma
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

…Science has come a long way, to the point that researchers are talking about the infection’s eventual eradication. A 2011 UNC-Chapel Hill study showed that proper HIV medication reduced sexual transmission of the virus from an infected person to his or her partner by 96 percent.

Actors give polish to well-worn 'It's A Wonderful Life'
The News & Observer (Raleigh)

Joe Landry’s 1996 stage version of the holiday film favorite, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” sets the story in a radio studio, acted out in front of microphones. The script has become a staple of community and school theaters, including a number in the Triangle. Now PlayMakers Repertory Company is taking it on, giving it a high-gloss, professional production that expands on the original concept.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/5700/66/

BB&T Ballpark owners will pay back city – but not county – for lost tax revenue
The Winston-Salem Journal

…Christopher McLaughlin, a professor with tax expertise at the School of Government at UNC Chapel Hill, said that while it’s clear that stadium leases can be taxed, “there is not one approach to evaluating these things.” Because stadium financing arrangements vary from city to city, McLaughlin said, “reasonable people can disagree on (valuation), without question.”

Politicians' pet projects are 'not transparent,' professor says
WRAL-TV (CBS/Raleigh)

Politicians' practice of putting earmarks in the budget with names attached for pet projects was banned in 2010, but many watchdog groups say earmarks aren't really gone, just re-defined and sometimes underground. …Under the earmark system, the WRAL Investigates team found requests on Price's website for local universities, especially North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

County leaders mull abandoning empty business park
The Fayetteville Observer (Raleigh)

…That "just jumped out at me," said Jason Jolley, research director for the Carolina Center for Competitive Economies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "It's twice as expensive as everything else on the list." Jolley said he was not familiar with the Cedar Creek site but reviewed the park's history for The Fayetteville Observer. He noted the lack of three-phase industrial power – capable of handling heavy commercial power needs – as a weakness.

Stories for children
The Herald-Sun (Durham)

Storytellers and musicians will entertain children of all ages Thursday at the 20th annual Winter Stories program at UNC Chapel Hill’s Wilson Library. In honor of the program’s 20th anniversary, two special guests will take part. Jeffery Beam, a Hillsborough-based poet who helped found Winter Stories, retired from the UNC library staff in 2011. Terry Rollins, a professional storyteller, was one of the earliest Winter Stories performers.

Issues and Trends

Gender neutral housing sparks debate at UNCC
WCNC-TV (NBC/Charlotte)

Student leaders at UNC Charlotte will not begin formal debate on gender neutral housing Thursday as planned. …Dugan says the Student Senate will spend time gathering information and talking to student leaders at UNC Chapel Hill, where gender neutral housing recently passed.

ECU Board Approves Tuition, Fee Hikes
WCTI-TV (ABC/Greenville)

In a unanimous vote Friday, East Carolina University's Board of Trustees recommended tuition increases for students, starting in the 2013-2014 academic year. …The increases are expected to produce $5.9 million in revenue to pay for classroom instruction and infrastructure and student support operations at ECU. Of that amount, $1.2 million will go toward need-based financial aid for undergraduate students, and another $500,000 will pay for merit-based financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate students.

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