Democrats Gain Ground in NC’s General Assembly: What’s Next?

By: Jordan Meadows, Staff Writer The results of North Carolina's 2024 legislative elections have created a major shift in the state's political landscape, with Democrats breaking the Republican Party's fragile supermajority in the General Assembly. Unofficial results show Democrats have picked up a net gain of one seat in the state House, reducing the GOP's majority from 72-48 to 71-49. This shift means Republicans will no longer have the ability

Ms. Catharine Ferrell Celebrates 112 Years

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer A celebration took place in Durham as Ms. Catharine Ferrell marked her 112th birthday, making her one of the few super-centenarians in the world. The Durham County Sheriff's Office organized a special event on Sunday to honor this extraordinary milestone at the historic J.A. Whitted School, now a Senior Living Housing Center. Ms. Ferrell, the guest of honor, has an inspiring family history. Her grandmother

Early Voting Soars, Despite Lower Mail-In Ballots

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer As early voting progresses in North Carolina, the state has reported 1 million ballots cast as of Monday morning, representing approximately 13 percent of all registered voters in the state. This year's turnout includes 916,433 in-person early votes, 77,831 absentee domestic votes, 11,168 absentee overseas votes, and 2,691 absentee military votes. Compared to previous elections, early voting has seen notable shifts in demographics and party

How AI Is Reshaping The Customer Service Experience

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming customer service in unprecedented ways, particularly within fast food and other service-oriented industries. As customer expectations soar, businesses increasingly turn to automation and predictive analytics to enhance the customer experience. This shift addresses long-standing frustrations associated with traditional customer service models, often leaving customers feeling unheard and unvalued. Today's customers demand seamless, personalized, and efficient service. Yet,

A Brief History Of US Political Parties

Jordan Meadows Staff Writer As the 19th century progressed, internal conflicts within the Democratic-Republican party led to the formation of the Democratic Party under Andrew Jackson and the Whig Party among his opponents. The 1850s saw new parties like the Free-Soil Party arise amid sectional tensions over slavery, with the Republican Party emerging from discontented Whigs and anti-slavery factions, achieving its first presidential victory in 1860. After the Civil War,

A Perspective Of Generational Drug And Alcohol Use. How It Has Changed

Jordan Meadows Staff Writer The landscape of substance use among high school students in the United States has shifted dramatically over the decades. From alcohol and cigarettes to marijuana and prescription medications, the trends have evolved in response to cultural, social, and legislative changes. The 1970s marked a period of high substance use among adolescents. Data from 1975 indicated that nearly 50% of high school seniors reported alcohol use in

New Affordable Housing Development Reshaping SE Raleigh

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer A wave of housing development is reshaping southeast Raleigh, with one ambitious project aiming to meet the increasing demand for housing while enhancing the community's vibrancy. Starting on New Bern Avenue and extending into South Fisher Street, the area is being redeveloped into the new Lucas Point neighborhood, which will feature a significant number of affordable housing units. This development will include 80 units of

Maryland Governor And Community Leaders Unite In Support of VP Harris

By: Jordan Meadows  Staff Writer In a spirited press conference hosted at NC Central University, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, State Representative Zack Hawkins, Raleigh Councilmember Corey Branch, and other community leaders came together to voice their support for Vice President Kamala Harris while denouncing proposals by Donald Trump and North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. "I don't come from a family that's used to making policies. I come from a

There Is A Rise Of Virtual Learning From Coast To Coast

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer As students and parents increasingly seek alternatives to traditional schooling, a shift towards innovative education models reshapes how children learn. Dissatisfaction with conventional classrooms-whether stemming from concerns over quality, safety, or personalized learning-has led many families to explore options like homeschooling, charter schools, private schools, and virtual schooling. According to recent estimates, the number of virtual and homeschooled students in the United States has surged

No GOP In The CBC: Why All Black Caucus Members Are Democrats

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer  After the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the notable rise in African American representation in the House of Representatives exposed the need for a formal organization for Black Americans in the legislature. Recognizing that a black caucus would enhance their visibility and political influence on issues affecting the African-American community, members sought to create a unified voice. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has its roots