North Carolina is about to become the 40th state to expand its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act. The bill drew huge, bipartisan majorities of legislators.
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Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Strawberries - a Nutritional Powerhouse
Strawberry picking time is finally here, and what better way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while reaping these sweet treats! We can all agree that strawberries are delicious. However, did you know just what a nutritional powerhouse they are? Here are some great reasons to include strawberries in your diet.
Tonya Adams: A woman on a mission to make her community a better place
Tonya Adams is a woman on a mission to make her community a better place. As the owner of The Beauty Box and The Exchange, she has made significant contributions to her community, earning her a place among the influential women of our community. She started Bingo night at The Exchange, which has benefited Lucky Cats, SAFE, Mary's Kitchen, Lenoir County SPCA, and the Kinston High School band.
Mike Parker: Gunboat Association, partners host April 1 environmental education day
The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum (the Gunboat Association) has partnered with the NC Cooperative Extension in Lenoir County, the Kinston Fire Department, the Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary, and other community organizations to host an environmental education day at the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial on April 1.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Circling Back to Omega 3’s
About 20 years ago, Omega 3’s or Omega 3 fatty acids were praised as the number one supplement on the market when it came to heart health and a reduction of triglycerides. Omega 3’s are still very important; they remain one of the most studied nutrients.
John Hood: States Should Lead on Parental Rights
A few weeks ago, three members of the North Carolina Senate — Amy Scott Galey of Alamance County, Lisa Barnes of Nash County, and Michael Lee of New Hanover County — filed a state Parents’ Bill of Rights to ensure that local schools respect parental authority to direct the education, development, and medical treatment of their children.
Mike Parker: Franklin’s words still resonate
On Monday, September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin rose to address the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The fledgling states of our new nation had sent representatives to rewrite America’s first attempt at national government, the Articles of Confederation. Soon the delegates trying to tweak the Articles realized the document created a form of government that would not work.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Turn to Turmeric
Turmeric has recently been called the “most effective powerhouse in existence”. That a big promise, however several studies have shown that turmeric has powerful benefits for your body and brain. What is this magical spice?
John Hood: Labor Participation Is Falling Again
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.
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.