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

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s Impact and Opportunities 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Are you familiar with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council or JCPC? The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent juvenile crime. JCPC board members are appointed by each county's board of commissioners and meet monthly or bimonthly in each county. The meetings are open to

D.A.R.E. Failed, D.E.A.R. Succeeded: Reading Is Liberation

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Last week, in reference to the Afroman trial, there was a mention of the D.A.R.E. program. The emphasis was on the fact that his hit song, "Because I Got High," did more for drug awareness than its contemporary program D.A.R.E., which has recently come under fire. According to a 2023 NPR report, "numerous studies published in the 1990s and early 2000s concluded programs like D.A.R.E.

‘History Is Repeating Itself’: Rep. Clyburn’s Call To Action

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Monday night at Artspace in Raleigh, a palpable sense of history filled the air as Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) took the stage to discuss his latest book, "The First Eight," with a packed audience that included dignitaries and local leaders. The event began with a warm welcome from former Congresswoman Eva Clayton. Clyburn's message was not merely a historical recap, but a poignant and urgent

Behind the Scenes: Black Issues Forum Bridging the Gap in Autism Advocacy

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer RTP, NC - PBS NC Black Issues Forum in it's 40th year continues to do the work tackling important topics as a fixture of national Black media. We were given behind the scenes access on an essential conversation on neurodiversity, specifically focusing on the landscape of autism support within North Carolina. Hosted by Kenia Thompson, the segment featured insights from Nicole Harris of the Autism

Fire Damages Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh

By Jordan Meadows  Staff Writer A fire that broke out the morning of March 1 has left significant damage to Helping Hand Mission, a longtime Raleigh nonprofit that has served families in need for decades. Firefighters responded to the organization's building on Rock Quarry Road, where large flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from the roof. Roughly 40 firefighters initially arrived on scene, with an additional 25 personnel called