Author: Jordan Meadows

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer For nearly two decades, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission has been consequential in finding justice in the state - and a national model for reform. Created by the General Assembly in 2006 and formally established in 2007, the commission has reviewed thousands of claims of wrongful conviction and played a critical role in the exoneration of 16 individuals who collectively served more than 300

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer In Part 1 of the series, we explored the historical context of the cover-up culture within law enforcement in North Carolina and the Triangle area, with insights from Dr. Kimberly D. Muktarian-a Raleigh native, journalist, historian, and civil rights activist. In Part 2, we examined several examples of this troubling culture in law enforcement, where Dr. Kim shared her personal encounters with officers and discussed

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer On Thursday evening, community members gathered in downtown Durham for a panel discussion hosted by the Carolina Forward Foundation, a non-profit policy organization focused on shaping North Carolina's future. Titled "Abundance" the event brought together journalist and author Derek Thompson, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, and Durham Mayor Leo Williams. Carolina Forward founder Blair Reeves moderated the discussion, which explored how cities and states can embrace

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer In a tribute to the history and legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities, several universities across the nation have recently unveiled permanent installations that honor the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and its member organizations. These commemorations acknowledge the profound impact of the "Divine Nine" on campus communities, from leadership and civic engagement to academic excellence. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill celebrated

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer As homeowners in North Carolina face escalating insurance premiums, experts continue to grapple with the underlying reasons behind these hikes. The situation has become increasingly dire, with some homeowners seeing double-digit percentage increases in just a few years. According to Travis Fain, a communications consultant with the North Carolina Rate Bureau, these rising premiums are part of a broader national trend. "If you look at

[caption id="attachment_11347" align="alignnone" width="2560"]  [/caption] By: Jordan Meadows | Staff Writer Names are more than mere labels; they carry the weight of history, culture, and identity. For African Americans, names have long been a way to assert individuality, heritage, and pride. Yet, throughout history, names such as Lynishia, Laquisha, Shaqueen, Marquise, Neveah, Lucinda, and Felicia have sometimes been unfairly labeled as "black" or even "ghetto." These names are far more

  By Jordan Meadows | Staff Writer In recent months, North Carolina homeowners have seen a surge in their insurance premiums, a trend that has left many questioning the stability of the state's insurance market.  In January 2024, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced that the North Carolina Department of Insurance had reached a settlement with insurance companies over their proposed rate increases. The North Carolina Rate Bureau, which represents homeowners'

By: Jordan Meadows | Staff Writer In Part 1 of the series, we explored the historical context behind the culture of cover-ups within North Carolina and the Triangle's law enforcement agencies with Dr. Kimberly D. Muktarian, a Raleigh native, journalist, historian, and civil rights activist. In Part 2, we discuss more examples of this tragic culture in law enforcement, share Dr. Kim's personal experiences with members of the force, and

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Born into slavery on a plantation in Georgia in 1848, Susie King Taylor overcame incredible odds to become a pioneer in education, nursing, and activism for African Americans during and after the Civil War. For the first seven years of her life, she lived on a plantation in Georgia, where education for enslaved people was strictly prohibited. However, in 1855, Susie was allowed to live

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer The dynamics between law enforcement agencies and the broader communities they serve, particularly in North Carolina and the City of Raleigh, has been a longstanding issue, especially where accountability is swept under the rug. This is particularly concerning when it involves Black males, who are disproportionately affected by excessive force, wrongful arrests, and suspicious deaths. The case of Tyrone Mason highlights this pervasive issue. In