One Man, A Thousand Cheers: The Story Of “Big Mike”

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Mike Whiting, affectionately known across the Triangle as "Big Mike," is more than just a familiar face at Carolina Hurricanes games-he's the heartbeat of the fan experience, a beloved preschool teacher, and a local hero whose impact spans classrooms, arenas, and countless hearts. Raised in Cary, North Carolina, Mike grew up as one of the few Black families in the area, where he developed a

Somalia’s camel milk revolution is improving nutrition and creating jobs

BY  OMAR FARUK MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - Camels have long been the backbone of Somalia 's pastoralist culture, feeding families, transporting goods and standing tall in local folklore. But on the dusty outskirts of the capital, the camel now finds itself at the center of an agricultural revolution that could redefine Somali farming. On a breezy Wednesday morning in mid-June, The Associated Press visited Beder Camel Farm - one of a new generation

NCDHHS, NC Colleges Offer Free Training For Support Workers

RALEIGH-The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Community College System have partnered to launch an Advanced Training Certificate program for current Direct Support Professionals or people interested in pursuing a career in the field. The DSP workforce is critical in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work and thrive in communities of their choice. They provide a wide range of supports from

Good Eats: Top Burgers in 919

By Ms Jheri Worldwide Staff Writer A good burger is the staple of any restaurant menu. Burgers are special, featuring iron-rich meat, cheese that boasts calcium, and vegetables. Technically, with the diversity of ingredients, the argument can be made that burgers are healthy. While nothing beats homemade, there are a few places in our area where you can find a high-quality burger. I've done the research so you don't have

NC’s “Housing Wage” Average Is Up Nearly $2 Since 2024

By Greg Childress NC Newsline A full-time worker in North Carolina must earn a minimum of $27.14 per hour to afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment, according to a recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). A year ago, the state's "housing wage" was $25.21 per hour. The NLIHC releases an annual report - Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing - which shows what people must

What to know if you’re at risk of having your wages garnished over student loan debt

[caption id="attachment_13092" align="alignnone" width="980"] In this May 5, 2018, file photo, graduates at the University of Toledo commencement ceremony in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)[/caption] BY  CORA LEWIS NEW YORK (AP) - Millions of student borrowers could begin having their wages garnished as soon as this summer, according to estimates from credit bureau TransUnion. The company predicts that by August roughly 3 million borrowers could move into default, meaning they're

Will ‘The Power Bill Reduction Act’ Make Electric Bills In NC Go Up Or Go Down?

By Lisa Sorg  Inside Climate News Duke Energy can now backslide on its legally mandated carbon emissions reductions, offload a greater share of fuel costs to residential customers and charge ratepayers for financing costs of planned new power plants even if they're never built. On Tuesday the North Carolina House and Senate overrode Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's veto of Senate Bill 266, "The Power Bill Reduction Act." Stein vetoed the

NC House bill would allow fewer trips to the DMV

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2880"] NCDMV Office (photo from https://www.ncdot.gov/)[/caption] By Colin Campbell WUNC State lawmakers are trying to address long lines at the Division of Motor Vehicles by making it easier to renew driver's licenses online. DMV offices have been dealing with a surge in people trying to get a REAL ID under new federal requirements. Rep. Reece Pyrtle, R-Rockingham, says people who get their REAL ID shouldn't have to

State Audit Finds NC DMV In Crisis

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is facing a mounting service crisis, according to a performance audit released by State Auditor Dave Boliek on Monday evening. The report, based on visits to DMV offices, staff interviews, and data analysis, found that customer service has significantly worsened in recent years. Average wait times at DMV offices have increased by 15.5% since 2019, with customers now

Who Is Winning America’s Fight For Democracy?

By Dani Ross Special To The Carolinian This week in Texas, Democrats fled the state to force a pause in the redrawing of its voting maps. Many fled to Illinois where the governor promised protections as their governor promised prosecution. These are lawmakers. These are the people that were elected to represent the best interests of their citizens. In Colorado clerks are receiving requests for "official" government agents to gain