New tax cuts go into effect next month in North Carolina, but critics say they are not making the state more affordable. Starting next year, the state will reduce the income tax rate from 4.25% to 3.99%, and the corporate income tax rate from 2.25% to 2%. Sally Hodges-Copple, public policy analyst with the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center, said the 1

There are now over 100,000 Opportunity Scholarship recipients. The scholarship provides vouchers for K-12 students to attend North Carolina private schools. Last school year, more than 75% of the scholarship funds, or $329 million, went to faith-based schools. Some argue that tax dollars going toward religious private schools violates the principle of the

ATLANTA – South Carolina State capped a thrilling championship performance with a dramatic 40-38 victory over Prairie View A&M in four overtimes to win the 10th annual Cricket Celebration Bowl, securing the MEAC’s seventh all-time victory in the event. Quarterback Ryan Stubblefield connected with Jordan Smith on the decisive two-point

DURHAM - Human connection still matters. That was one of three “unshakeable truths” shared by Anne Sempowski Ward, chairwoman of CURIO Brands, during her speech to graduate and professional students at North Carolina Central University during its 146th commencement exercises on Dec. 12, the largest fall class in the history of the university.

A new year is a chance to embrace a wallet-friendly mindset and make a fresh financial start. But what changes will make the most impact? CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals are sharing their favorite resolutions for 2026. * Calculate spending: Before any other money planning in 2026, you need to calculate your spending. Did you end 2025 with more

CHAMBER Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce Black Holiday Social & Toy Drive is Dec 18, 5-7 p.m., Hilton Durham, 3800 Hillsborough Road. Bring an unwrapped kid’s toy. CELEBRATION E3 Durham will host its end-of-year celebration and vendor bazaar Dec. 18, 5-8 p.m., echo Space, 112 Broadway St. Register: www.e#durham.org. AWARD Better

DURHAM – The fifth floor of the Durham County Justice Center was packed on Friday morning. People flew in from California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Florida in support of Amanda Wallace, founder of Operation Stop CPS. Wallace was served with a no-contact order pursuant to the North

Albany State’s season ended with a loss to Newberry in the Super Region Two quarterfinals. Playing without starting quarterback Isaiah Knowles, the Golden Rams led 21-3 in the first half before Newberry changed quarterbacks and dominated the second half for a 31-24 win. The Cricket Celebration Bowl closes out the HBCU season this weekend in Atlanta.