Author: The Carolinian

Stateline-After large drops during the pandemic, life expectancy in the United States should recover to 2019 levels this year nationally and in 26 states - but not as fast as it should compared with similar countries, according to a new study. Bad habits such as junk food, smoking and illicit drug use are preventing longer lifespans even as technology brings major progress in diseases such as cancer and heart disease,

The Guardian - The Nobel peace prize winner Maria Ressa has said Meta's decision to end factchecking on its platforms and remove restrictions on certain topics means "extremely dangerous times" lie ahead for journalism, democracy and social media users. The American-Filipino journalist said Mark Zuckerberg's move to relax content moderation on the Facebook and Instagram platforms would lead to a "world without facts" and that was "a world that's right for a dictator".

[caption id="attachment_10223" align="aligncenter" width="612"] A senior retired black couple enjoying time together in the garden.[/caption] Why does gardening seem to be so beneficial to health? It combines physical activity with social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight. Sunlight lowers blood pressure as well as increasing vitamin D levels in the summer, and the fruit and vegetables that are produced have a positive impact on the diet.  Working in the

[caption id="attachment_10302" align="alignnone" width="1536"] Sherri White-Williamson of Clinton, in Sampson County, co-founded EJCAN, which advocates for environmental justice in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color where pollution sources are clustered. (Photo: Lisa Sorg/Inside Climate News)[/caption] This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. CLINTON-Sherri White-Williamson rode down Main Street here a week before Christmas,

BOSTON (AP) - The cost of college keeps spiraling ever higher, right? Not necessarily. New research indicates students are paying significantly less to attend public universities than they were a decade ago. And tuition increases at private colleges have finally slowed after years of hefty rises. Figures compiled by the nonprofit College Board indicate the average student attending an in-state public university this year faces a tuition bill of $11,610,

[caption id="attachment_10277" align="alignnone" width="980"] Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division speaks during a news conference Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)[/caption] BY: TRAVIS LOLLER AP News - A U.S. Justice Department investigation into the Memphis Police Department after the beating death of Tyre Nichols found a pattern of unlawful use of excessive force and discrimination against the Black residents of the majority-Black

[caption id="attachment_10309" align="alignnone" width="981"] Flooding in western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene. (Photo: David Davis, County Extension Director, N.C. Cooperative Extension)[/caption] NC NEWSLINE - A new team within Gov. Josh Stein's office will be tasked with leading Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. Stein announced the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) on Tuesday, as he spins up infrastructure for relief in the mountains during

  The Guardian - Four years after launching a push for more diversity in its ranks, McDonald's is ending some of its diversity practices, citing a US supreme court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions. McDonald's is the latest big company to shift its tactics in the wake of the 2023 ruling and a conservative backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Walmart, John Deere, Harley-Davidson and others rolled back their

NEW YORK (AP) - Lenders will no longer be able to consider unpaid medical bills as a credit history factor when they evaluate potential borrowers in the U.S. for mortgages, car loans or business loans, according to a rule the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized Tuesday. Removing medical debts from consumer credit reports is expected to increase the credit scores of millions of families by an average of 20 points, the bureau said.

[caption id="attachment_10316" align="alignnone" width="1536"] Members of the U.S. House of Representatives file past the flag-draped casket of the late President Jimmy Carter in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)[/caption] WASHINGTON - Lawmakers, military officials and other dignitaries celebrated the late President Jimmy Carter's life and achievements before, during and after his White House term at a service in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda Tuesday where he