The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics just released its latest jobs report for North Carolina and the rest of the country. As usual, the report contained a mixture of good news and bad.
All in Columns
Kristy Bock: What is in a name?
Picture this: You've been excitedly planning your first-ever cruise for months. You've picked out your outfits, researched shore excursions, and made a packing list. But as you gather the necessary documents to prove your citizenship, you make a startling discovery - your legal name is not the one you've been using your entire life.
John Hood: Partisan Elections Are the Best Kind
When I returned home to North Carolina from the nation’s capital in 1989 and subsequently registered to vote, I opted not to join a political party.
Mike Parker: NCDOT should respect hallowed ground
On Friday, March 3, I returned to my post at the Kinston-Lenoir County Information and Visitor Center after being out for two months following my surgery on January 5. The Visitor Center has a limited amount of traffic this time of year. After all, only a few people are heading to the beach this time of year.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Spring is Almost Here and That Means Fresh Asparagus!
March 20 is the official First Day of Spring and around eastern North Carolina that means that asparagus begins to “spring” up as well!! Asparagus has rapidly become a favorite green vegetable for many. It arrives in early spring but is available all summer!
John Hood: Don’t Let Roads Become Racetracks
During the early stage of the COVID crisis in 2020, my daily commute got super easy. Then it got scary hard.
John Hood: COVID Mandates Were Too Strict
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, Gov. Roy Cooper and other officials began exercising government power in ways unprecedented in modern times
Mike Parker: My latest phase of Rehab
I write these words after a particularly taxing workout at the Minges Wellness Center’s Rehab facility. I checked in with the facility on Thursday, February 23, for an assessment of the rehab I needed to help me regain strength in my leg after a total hip replacement. I met my Physical Therapist – Victoria.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day
We’re all about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with some green grub. It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ve got one very vibrant color on your mind. Channel the luck of the Irish by whipping up some emerald-hued dishes to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.
John Hood: Get off the voter ID merry-go-round
North Carolinians want their election laws to include a photo ID requirement. They’ve made this clear many times. In 2018, a large majority of voters chose to add such a requirement to the state constitution.
Mike Parker: Pastors Appreciation Breakfast allows Gideons to update local churches
On Tuesday morning, Feb. 21, I was blessed to be able to attend the Pastors Appreciation Breakfast sponsored by the Kinston Camp of Gideons International. The breakfast allows the Gideons to express appreciation for the support of local churches and to update those attending on the work of the Gideons both here at home and around the world.
John Hood: Yes, they'll waste our money again
We will probably never know how much of our money was squandered during the pandemic by reckless politicians. But here are two damning numbers to start with: $400 billion and $855,000 per job year.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: March is National Nutrition Month This Year’s Theme is “Fuel for the Future”
National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Colleen Kosinski: Adult Accountability and Recovery Court
This is part one of a four part series on the importance of the justice system in the recovery process of individuals, as well as in the community. The 8th Judicial District (Greene, Lenoir and Wayne Counties) is home to both an Adult and a Family Recovery Court, as well as the Recovery Together ENC Coalition. This series will explore each of these, culminating in the celebration of Recovery Court Month in May.
John Hood: Broyhill Helped Build the Modern GOP
As the founder of one of North Carolina’s largest companies, James Edgar Broyhill helped build high-quality, durable furniture. His son James Thomas Broyhill, who died February 18 at the age of 95, helped build something just as lasting: the North Carolina Republican Party.