During the early stage of the COVID crisis in 2020, my daily commute got super easy. Then it got scary hard.
All in Columns
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.
Mike Parker: An overlooked part of Black History
One of the most overlooked parts of Black History revolves around the service that many runaway slaves provided to the Union forces – especially those at New Bern. When New Bern fell to the Burnside Expedition in March of 1862, few locals today realize that from March 1862 until March 1865, New Bern served as a Union base and stronghold.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: February is Heart Healthy Month
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, focusing on your heart has never been more important and here’s why; *Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But you can do a lot to protect your heart.
Raney Rogers: Art is closer than you think
Smart Gallery is not just the newest addition to fine art galleries here in Kinston, it is so much more.
John Hood: Cooper Should Sign Riot Bill
Why did the North Carolina House vote overwhelmingly a few days ago to toughen penalties for those engaged in violent rioting? I’ll let Rep. Abe Jones of Wake County sum it up: “I despise somebody who would go out and tear up another person’s property that they didn’t pay for and take advantage of a situation — sometimes a very good protest — and then flip it.”
Mike Parker: We will celebrate our 51st anniversary on Saturday
Last year, Sandra and I celebrated our Golden Anniversary. The next day, we started on the path that would take us to number 51. If we both live until Saturday, we should achieve that goal.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Vegetables to Cook During the Winter Months
Just because fewer farmers’ markets and roadside stands are open during the winter months, it doesn’t mean there aren’t some good winter vegetables. Unfortunately, in the winter months we tend to use less fresh produce, thinking it’s not as available or as tasty.
John Hood: When Politics Enters the Workplace
Should businesses weigh in on political controversies? According to a recent Gallup poll, the general public is closely divided on the question, with 48% in favor and 52% opposed.
John Hood: Racial Disparities Aren’t Proof of Bias
Black-headed households are less likely than white-headed ones to own their residences. The latest data from the Census Bureau put the homeownership rate at 75% for whites and 45% for blacks. According to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, our state’s racial disparity is roughly similar.
Mike Parker: Kinston was a leader in Civil Rights movement
When most of us think of the Civil Rights Movement in North Carolina, our minds go immediately to the sit-ins at Woolworth’s in Greensboro in the 1960s. We think of Dr. King’s speech “I Have a Dream” delivered on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Low Carb Super Bowl Party Snacks
Seems to me that Super Bowl parties are the “unofficial” diet breakers. Right when you get into the flow of eating healthy, here comes the Super bowl party and all of those fabulous recipes that come with it!! Traditional game day foods are crowd pleasers, but they can also be some of the worst foods for you health-wise.