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For almost two years, Sheila Mikhail’s breast cancer advocacy efforts have been “obsessive, like a honey badger.”
The biotech executive and breast cancer survivor has written letters, posted on social media, met with women’s advocacy groups, spoken on Capitol Hill, visited medical centers, and called physicians, leaders, and legislators. Her goal? Spread awareness that dense breast tissue can interfere with mammograms, and convince insurers to cover supplemental screenings.
“With all the breast cancer walks, pink parades, and celebrations, many of us think we’ve got breast cancer handled,” Mikhail told the North Carolina State Health Plan Board of Trustees recently. “But 42,000 women will die from breast cancer this year: 115 deaths per day. That’s like a medium-sized plane crashing every single day.”
Mikhail knows she could have been one of them. Sara Israelsen-Hartley updates us on her progress to convince state policymakers to fund more screening option.
‘We Keep Doing It for Other Women’
Breast cancer survivor Sheila Mikhail makes the case that additional screenings for women with dense tissue is the most cost-effective choice.
Such a Thing as a Free Lunch
The pay-what-you-can restaurant movement has been gaining a sturdy foothold in the South over the last 20 years. The region is home to about one-third of the 14 venues affiliated with One World Everybody Eats, a national consortium of cafes without set prices, including a new pay-what-you-can restaurant planned for Pittsboro.
Industry experts estimate there are dozens more independent venues nationwide relying on a combination of charitable donations and customer payments to underwrite luncheonettes where patrons can choose to forgo all or part of the tab, although about the same number have come and gone since the concept got buzzy.
“What’s great about pay-what-you-can is it makes folks feel normal,” said Jennifer M. Caslin of the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.
Hanna Raskin reports on this burgeoning food movement.
Have a news tip for our team? You can reach us at scoops@theassemblync.com.
Election Event: A Quick Update
This Wednesday’s virtual deep dive into North Carolina’s election results just got bigger.
Initially planned as a premium-only event, we’ve decided to open this crucial analysis to all Assembly subscribers. Here’s why:
The 2023 election results tell a fascinating – and sometimes perplexing – story about our state’s political landscape. You’ve been asking the tough questions:
- How did we end up with an even 5-5 split on the Council of State?
- What explains Trump’s overperformance compared to other Republican candidates?
- Why did House Republicans appear to lose their supermajority while Senate Republicans gained ground?
- What did local elections in Durham, Fayetteville, and other locations tell us?
Join us next Wednesday, November 13, at noon as our editorial team unpacks these questions and more. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what these results mean for North Carolina’s future.
On Wednesday at noon, our team will examine these questions and more in a special virtual event – exclusive to Assembly subscribers.
Join us by becoming a subscriber today. You will have the opportunity to join the event, as well as access the event recording after the fact. You will also unlock all of The Assembly’s in-depth North Carolina coverage and you will provide support for our journalism.
Ready to join the conversation?
Can’t make it? The recording will be available exclusively to subscribers following the event.
What We’re Reading
On the Money: Triad City Beat spent election night with Louis Money, the former video porn shop employee who raised allegations about gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson’s … habits.
Meck No: The executive director of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party resigned the day after the election, calling the work environment “hostile and unbearable,” per Axios.
The Big Dig: NPR zooms in on the work of excavating Asheville’s River Arts District after Hurricane Helene: “It was basically like an archaeological dig.”
Our Recent Stories
The State’s Democrats Ask: What the Meck?
Mecklenburg County is the largest Democratic stronghold in the state, but it hasn’t turned out voters at the rate of other urban centers.
Democrats Break the GOP Supermajority in the Legislature–But Barely
State House Democrats gained one seat Tuesday, diminishing Republicans’ advantage and giving Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein more leverage.
Have Your Cake and Drink It, Too
Raleigh-based Boozie Bakes is taking alcohol-infused treats to a dreamy new level.
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