NC Education Lottery: Where Does Your Education Dollar Actually Go? 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Since its inception in 2005, the North Carolina Education Lottery has been marketed as a winning ticket for our state's schools. But as the lottery grows into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, many North Carolinians are left wondering: is the money actually making its way to the classroom, or is it just a shell game? According to recent data from Public Schools First NC, the answer

SB 214 Threatens Local Government Protections

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer North Carolina Senate Bill 214 (2025-2026 Regular Session) is a complex legislative package that addresses various local government and municipal issues across several counties. While it covers matters like planning, zoning, and annexations, the most significant and controversial provision currently making headlines is Section 5 of the Conference Report. Section 5 authorizes Franklin County to acquire real property (including through condemnation/eminent domain) in Halifax, Vance,

Celebrating The 20th Annual NC Black Summit 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - North Carolina Black Alliance is marking its 25th year and just concluded its 20th Annual NC Black Summit, held at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley. The event brought together Black elected officials, policy experts, partners, and community advocates to exchange ideas and explore solutions to improve the lives of Black people in North Carolina. The Summit's theme was "Unleashing OUR Power: United

Ingersoll Rand Life Sciences Technologies Charts New Course

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC - To the uninitiated, the name Ingersoll Rand often conjures images of heavy-duty power tools and humming air compressors. But inside a pristine, 60,000-square-foot facility in Lillington, the narrative is shifting from mechanical torque to medical breakthroughs. Last Thursday, local leaders, state representatives, and industry executives gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ingersoll Rand (IR) Life Sciences Technologies site. The event was

Girls Are Great!

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Harnett County, NC - With cuts to public education resources as funds are being syphoned away from public schools, resulting in fewer and fewer opportunities to have conversations with youth about essential things. For example, the physical and emotional changes that take place during puberty. Harnett County Government and the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Harnett County hosted this impact event, which included health insights, creating

Developers Pressure Taylortown As Sewer Saga Stalls Critical Projects

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Taylortown, NC - Taylortown, the historically Black town in Moore County, which neighbors the world-class golf resort Pinehurst, continues to be pressured by developers eager to drive revenue by renting hotel rooms to tourists. Moore County is a top ten tourism county in North Carolina, so the urgency of Summit Hospitality Group, Ltd. and the Parks Hospitality Group is understood. These two developers are pushing

Spending A Day In The Biltmore Estate

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer In today's economic climate, conversations often gravitate toward the hardships of the Great Depression or the anxieties of modern recessions. Yet, for those seeking a tangible example of unparalleled wealth and architectural opulence, look no further than the Biltmore Estate. This exclusive, ornate landmark offers a masterclass in detail, where every glance reveals another layer of craftsmanship and history. Tourism serves as a cornerstone of

Child Abuse Prevention Month

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer From the Richard B. Harrison Branch of the Wake County Library, through Durham, Harnett, and beyond, you'll find blue and silver pinwheels swirling to spread awareness regarding Child Abuse Prevention Month. Now more than ever, we are being called to protect children both in person and online. Childhood is a shared responsibility and one life experience that unites us all. April is Child Abuse Prevention

Santana Shines At Harrah’s Cherokee Casino

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer The atmosphere was electric at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center as guitar and music legend Carlos Santana took the stage for what can only be described as a truly timeless concert. The 10-time Grammy-winning guitarist, known for his masterful fusion of rock, blues, and Latin rhythms, delivered an outstanding performance that once again displayed his artistic brilliance. But beyond the soaring guitar solos

Harnett County Holds Legislative Luncheon To Discuss Challenges

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, N.C. - In a recently held Annual Legislative Luncheon, Harnett County commissioners met with state and federal legislators to discuss a range of issues affecting the county, with a particular focus on budgetary constraints, education funding, and state versus local control. The meeting, which aimed to facilitate dialogue and seek support for county priorities, was marked by both collaborative intent and expressions of frustration