This week, the news was much the same as it was last week. This is actually good news, as things had been getting worse. As such, this stabilization represents progress. It also indicates that, in many states, outbreaks are being contained.
All in Columns
John Hood: New monuments could unify state
If you’ve lived in North Carolina for even a few years, you’ve probably formed an opinion about whether statues and monuments honoring Confederate leaders and soldiers ought to remain in or near courthouses, town halls, state buildings, and other public property throughout the state.
Rep. Chris Humphrey: Expanding rural broadband a top priority for NC General Assembly
During this past legislative session, expanding access to rural broadband and closing the digital divide was a top priority of mine and the Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly. In rural areas, especially in my district in Eastern North Carolina, connection to reliable high-speed internet service is critical to attracting and retaining businesses, improving health care access and ensuring that our children are not left behind in the digital age.
Reece Gardner: Replacing the Constitution with Socialism
Folks, the chaos that's been unfolding in several of our major cities recently has little or nothing to do with racism or grievances. It has everything to do with the massive attempt underway to destroy our Constitution and replace it with Socialism.
Mike Parker: Staring into the Coronavirus ‘rabbit hole’ - Parents and teachers share concerns
Since my column last week, I have spoken to parents, teachers, and administrative staff from no less than five school systems regarding their concerns for the coming reopening of schools in August. Please keep in mind that opening day – August 17 – is less than a month away. These parents, teachers, and administrators were plain spoken to the point of being blunt.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fresh crispy summertime cucumbers
Cucumbers are appearing abundantly at local Farmer’s Market and nothing says summer like the crunch of fresh cucumber. Most of us Southerners enjoy a plain cucumber in about any kind of salad, or in a bowl of vinegar and pepper, or made into a tiny sandwich, but here are some other ways to add the unique flavor to other tasty treats as well. Enjoy!
Matthew Lococo: Teaching in a pandemic
On March 14 at about 4 pm, my professional and personal life altered in ways that I would have never thought. On Friday, March 13, I told my students what I tell them every Friday, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do and enjoy your weekend, I’ll see you on Monday!.”
Reece Gardner: It is time to reopen
While one casualty from the Coronavirus is one too many, it is important that we receive accurate information about the true nature of the plague. In a recent conversation with Congressman David Rouzer, he expressed concern about the questionable reporting in some areas about the Positivity Rate for the Coronavirus.
Aleatha Thrower: Left and right - scoot to the middle, please.
The original decision to shut down was the right one and I fully supported Gov. Cooper. Now, it has gone too far.
Mike Parker: Students will return to school in August – sort of
When Gov. Roy Cooper announced at his press conference Tuesday that North Carolina will reopen schools with both in-person and remote education, the in-person option is perhaps the most difficult to achieve. Possible plans the governor earlier outlined were:
Leon Steele: Did you know? Part 6
Did you know that despite the possibility that we may not enjoy any Summerfest concerts this year the Pride team is moving ahead with Christmas plans? It takes months to plan a parade as well as the lights at Pearson Park.
Reece Gardner: Will schools open this Fall?
There are signs that seem to indicate that a significant number of our K-12 schools will open this Fall. National Education Secretary Betty DeVos stated this week that she expects schools to be "fully operational" for the upcoming 2020 term.
Mike Parker: Looking through a ‘window’ into the past
When I visited my mother recently, she gave me a photograph of a good-sized group of her family members. I picked out my granddaddy with ease, even though he was probably somewhere in this mid-30’s at this time.
The CARES Act 2020 RMD waiver: What you need to know
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law on March 27, 2020, includes provisions that temporarily relax several key retirement account rules. One of these provisions is a waiver of required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2020. Here’s what you need to know.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Healthy fresh local seafood
Eastern North Carolina is well known for its bountiful seafood. For many years and in many families, local fishermen harvest a wide variety of top-quality seafood products, including shrimp, blue crabs, flounder, grouper, clams and oysters, among others. Seafood is a prime component of a healthy diet and is easily used in a variety of recipes. Take advantage of our local bounty!!
BJ Murphy: So, about last month...
Have you ever had something gnaw at you long enough that you finally had to address it?
Last month the City of Kinston requested that Neuse News run a Public Notice informing the community of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. Having served for eight years as mayor, I know the budget process and numbers well. Glaring to me was the proposed $26,100 increase in the mayor and council’s salary line item. Surely that was a mistake. Surely in a time like this that would not be on the table.
Leon Steele: Did you know? Part 5
Did you know there are particular buildings downtown that remain empty year after year? Why is this? Pride of Kinston and its economic vitality committee have identified that issue as a primary concern and project. The first phase of this project is to address lower South Queen Street between Lincoln and King Streets because it is a key gateway into our downtown that has been an especially depressed and ignored area for years apparently and it needs some love, particularly since we have invested $2.5MM in redesigning and improving Queen Street.
John Hood: Choice should guide school reopening
If you are among the minority of North Carolinians who haven’t supported the expansion of parental choice in education over the past two decades — in the form of charter schools, open enrollment among district schools, and aid to private-school students who have special needs or modest household incomes — the challenge of COVID-19 presents you with an excellent opportunity to reconsider your position.
Reece Gardner: Every stage of life is significant
I really appreciated the response I received from last week's Column about the wondrousness of my life with My Emma. I want to follow up on that by looking at the various stages of life, and which of those stages may be most important to us.
Mike Parker: Capitalizing on a teachable moment
I have eight grandkids in the 6 to 13 age range. I offered them a challenge some time ago. If they learned Psalm 1 by memory and could recite it for me, then each one who completed the challenge would earn a five dollar bill. I am a believer in the importance of scripture memorization. David wrote in Psalm 119:11: “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.”