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North Carolina’s electoral future may hinge on rural Black voters who feel ignored by Democrats

NASHVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Ricky Brinkley has lived in rural North Carolina nearly all of his 65 years, and he likes it “out in the county,” past the street lights and bustle of the small towns that carpet the landscape. But the former truck driver can feel left out when elections roll around in this battleground state. “People don’t come out like they should and ask you how you feel about things,”

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

Knight Brings History to Life in Exhibit

By Jordan Meadows  Staff Writer Artist Derwin Knight's work took center stage last Thursday at the Durham Main County Library, where visitors gathered for a showcase with his distinctive paintings and storytelling. Born in Long Island, New York, Knight studied at the State University College of New York at Old Westbury before graduating from North Carolina Central University. He joined the military in 1986, and it was during his time

North Carolina’s Disaster Risk Is High. How Does That Affect Home Insurance premiums?

BPR News - New data from a national insurance-comparison platform, Insurify, shows that homeowner's insurance rates are rising across the nation - in many cases, due to climate risk. Insurify projects North Carolina's insurance premiums to rise only by about 5% in 2026, and have risen 14% overall since 2023, though rates actually fell a little in 2024. Compared to other high climate-risk states, the premiums are fairly flat -

M&F Bank Grants $10,000 to Raleigh Small Business Marking $100,000 In Total Gifts Awarded Since 2024

DURHAM, N.C. - March 23, 2026 - M&F Bank, North Carolina's only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and minority-owned bank, awarded $10,000 to Sherrill's University through its Empowering Growth Small Business Grant. The Raleigh business provides vocational and entrepreneurial training focused on cosmetology, barbering, natural hair care, and instructor training. The award was made possible through the bank's ongoing partnership with Fiserv, a leading global provider of payments and financial

US Votes Against UN Resolution Labeling Slavery ‘Gravest Crime Against Humanity’

THE HILL - The U.S., Israel and Argentina on Wednesday voted against a United Nations resolution led by Ghana to label the international slave trade as the "gravest crime against humanity" and call for reparations. The resolution received 123 votes from the U.N. General Assembly in favor and 52 countries abstained, including all 27 European Union members, the United Kingdom, Australia, Oman and Japan. It states that the "trafficking of

Progress, Partnership, and the Path Ahead: 2026 State of the Schools Address by Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Superintendent of WCPSS

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - In his second annual State of the Schools address, Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor delivered a message that was equal parts celebratory and sobering. Speaking to a room filled with educators, students, business leaders, families, and elected officials, Dr. Taylor painted a picture of a district leading North Carolina in academic growth and innovation, while simultaneously bracing for the "difficult choices" posed

Duke announces $200 million ‘economic opportunity’ initiative

WUNC - Duke University says it will commit more than $200 million to expand economic opportunity in the Triangle. The "HomeGrown" initiative will unfold over the next three years and include a combination of hiring, investing in affordable housing, and spending with local and regional businesses. More than half of the money, $120 million, will go to increasing partnerships with Triangle-based construction companies. Another $45 million is earmarked for contracting

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Mid-Atlantic Region Paints The Town Pink & Green

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The 73rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, themed "Legendary," welcomed a pretty girl takeover of downtown Raleigh with a focus on sisterhood and service to all mankind. The weekend featured dynamic trainings, impactful workshops, and signature events, each thoughtfully curated with the membership in mind. A major highlight of the event was a keynote by outgoing Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart. Stewart shared

Marbles Kids Museum, Blue Cross NC and Wake County Social Services to Provide Free Museum Memberships for Wake County Foster Families

RALEIGH, N.C. - Foster families across Wake County will now have greater access to joyful, hands-on play thanks to a new partnership between Marbles Kids Museum, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and Wake County's Department of Social Services. Foster families licensed through Wake County will receive a membership to Marbles that provides free museum admission for foster parents and all children in the household.