The magic day in much of Eastern North Carolina is the day our strawberry producers let us know that strawberries are ready!
All in Columns
John Hood: Too many workers are sidelined
The latest federal job report is out — and it shows North Carolina’s employment recovery stalling out a bit during the first quarter of 2021.
Reece Gardner: We influence and are influenced by others
All of us are influenced by the actions of others, and that influence can be positive or negative. It was sad this week to see the tragic end of the life of a 13-year-old boy slain on the streets of Chicago at three o'clock in the morning while in the company of a 21-year-old criminal.
John Hood: Bigger Government isn’t the answer
Is it the job of government to make you happy? While it may seem like a straightforward question, there are some important subtleties packed into those few words.
Mike Parker: Local historian publishes compilation of Wyse Fork documents
When Dennis Harper was 11 years old, he became fascinated with the Wyse Fork Battlefield. In the decades since, Harper has collected more than 12,000 artifacts from that battle.
Travis Towne: It is time to reinstate advanced (6th year and doctoral) degree teacher pay
As many teachers are intimately familiar with, in 2013, the North Carolina General Assembly froze teacher pay due to budgetary constraints and shortfalls. During this process, Session Law 2013-360 Senate Bill 402 Section 8.22 stated that
From school boards to city councils, we depend on local news for information. But do we truly appreciate it? As my first official job, the late Joe Sink hired me, a green 16-year-old, to answer phones in the circulation department of The Lexington Dispatch. I was drawn to the buzz in the newsroom.
Reece Gardner: Lots of talent on the Reece Gardner show!
For my Column this coming week, I want to recognize the guests on my television show this week to highlight the fact that we have multitudes of very talented people who regularly give of their time and talent to make things better for all of us.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Time for opening farmers markets and fresh strawberries
The magic day in much of Eastern North Carolina is the day our strawberry producers let us know that strawberries are ready! It means to us in Lenoir County that it’s time to fully open the Lenoir County Farmers Market!
John Hood: Corporate tax should be priority
North Carolina state government is headed into the 2021-22 fiscal year with nearly $5 billion in unanticipated revenue and unencumbered savings. Even after making critical deposits into the state’s rainy-day fund, reserve for repairing and renovating state buildings, and other accounts, there’ll be enough money left on the table to start a fight.
Mike Parker: On April 17 support the Neuse II and make Mom happy
The year 2020 was rough on attendance aboard the CSS Neuse II, a full-scale replica of the original Confederate Ram once housed on the Neuse River at Kinston. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 the replica gunboat drew more than 5,000 visitors each year. In 2020, roughly one-third of that number visited the gunboat.
John Hood: Political fantasies can be costly
Politicians who assert the magic of multiplier effects to justify their pet programs may be dissembling. But it is my experience that most of the time, they don’t know enough about the matter to be lying. They are just repeating what they’ve heard, or spotting spurious connections on the basis of limited experience.
John Hood: ‘Partisan’ reading bill passes easily
On March 31, the North Carolina Senate passed the hugely controversial SB 387, titled the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021, by margin of 48 senators in favor, none opposed.
Reece Gardner: If it's to be, it's up to me
Let's get right to the essence of what I want to talk about today. We are all faced with ups and downs in our lives and sometimes we might forget that it isn't the situation we face that really matters, it is how we handle it.
Mike Parker: Make your home a fortress against child abuse
When I was training to be a teacher, I first heard the “IALAC” story. The story of a child who goes through each day with people ripping little pieces from his sign emblazoned with “IALAC” made a profound impact on me. Each day, the sign returns, but a little more of it is torn away. “IALAC” stands for “I Am Lovable and Capable.”
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Healthy, quick and easy suppers for Spring
Spring is here and these dinner recipes are perfect for the new season. Use fresh seasonal produce for dinners are also low in calories and high in fiber, which is a key combination if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight. Sheet pan recipes, pastas and veggies, and fruit and chicken salads, are always a favorite. Hope you will find these recipes bright and delicious!!
John Hood: State has too much debt already
Thanks to the fiscally responsible policies of the North Carolina General Assembly, state government has some $5 billion in unspent funds and unanticipated revenues in its General Fund.
Reece Gardner: Do you believe in Easter?
Edith Burns, a Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas, had a habit of introducing herself in the following way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" She would then explain the meaning of Easter. She was in declining health and was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips.
John Hood: No, inequality isn’t increasing
Every argument has three parts: definitions, premises, and logical reasoning. When conservatives and progressives disagree about a specific issue, each side often leaps to the conclusion that the other side is being illogical (or dishonest, or stupid).
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Why you should enjoy artichokes!
Besides a good spinach artichoke dip, most of us don’t really know what to with the very interesting vegetable. Aside from having a good number of health benefits, the artichoke is way more versatile than given credit for.