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What’s Lost When AI Does Our Shopping?

THE CONVERSATION - Americans spend a remarkable amount of time shopping - more than on education, volunteering or even talking on the phone. But the way they shop is shifting dramatically, as major platforms and retailers are racing to automate commercial decision-making. Artificial intelligence agents can already search for products, recommend options and even complete purchases on a consumer's behalf. Yet many shoppers remain uneasy about handing over control. Although

Beyond The Draft: How HBCU Athletes Continue To Fight For NFL Visibility

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian For many college football players, the NFL Draft represents the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and expectation. But for athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the path to that moment often looks different, less guaranteed, more uncertain, and heavily dependent on visibility rather than talent alone. Even as the 2026 NFL Draft unfolded, HBCU athletes remained part of a broader

How Americans Are Spending Their 2026 Tax Refunds

THE HILL - On average, Americans are receiving larger tax refunds this year. So, how will they spend them? The Treasury Department said in a release on Tax Day that as of April 14, the average tax refund this filing season was more than $3,400, an increase of 11 percent from last year. Filers can check the status of their refund using the "Where's My Refund" tool on either IRS.gov

NC Sees Drop in Infant Mortality, But Racial Gaps Persist

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer A fundraiser was held in Durham highlighting the human toll behind North Carolina's maternal and infant health disparities, as participants walked past signs bearing the names of Black women who died from pregnancy-related causes. The event was organized by MAAME, a Durham-based nonprofit that provides doula support and maternal health services, works primarily with Black mothers and families. The organization's name is both as an

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

A Legacy Ignited: Paneh Conference Concludes Three Days of Worship, Movement, and Testimony in Durham

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian The Paneh Conference concluded its three-day gathering on Saturday, April 25, at Union Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, closing out a weekend shaped by worship, movement, and testimony under the theme "Legacy Ignited." Now in its 21st year, the conference carried a strong emphasis on legacy across generations. Leaders pointed repeatedly to the presence of children, youth, and young adults not only

New Student Loan Limits Challenged By Democratic AGs And Governors In Lawsuit

WASHINGTON - A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday over forthcoming regulations that will impose new borrowing limits for students pursuing certain advanced degree programs. The lawsuit - filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland - challenges a portion of the incoming federal student loan system overhaul that sets stricter loan caps for students partaking in postbaccalaureate

Property Tax Levy Limit Could Hurt Budgets In Small Counties

NC NEWSLINE - Tyrrell County Manager David Clegg watched closely last week as lawmakers debated the merit of a constitutional amendment to limit the rate at which local governments' can increase property taxes. Clegg says voter approval of a levy limit will rob the tiny, rural county of 3,000 residents of desperately needed tax revenue. With a budget of approximately $10 million a year, the county runs on one of

Hundreds Gather in Durham For 30th Annual Komen Race For The Cure

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian For many gathered Saturday morning at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the walk was more than a race. It was a tribute, marked by names on bibs, pink clothing, and the shared understanding that nearly everyone there had been touched by breast cancer in some way. More than 2,000 participants attended the 30th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Triangle Race for the Cure,

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,