Topic: North Carolina

Kentucky psychology board targets advice columnist. Free speech violation?

Lawyers for the syndicated advice columnist say his federal lawsuit against Kentucky gets to the heart of free speech rights and whether they can be trumped by occupational licensing laws.

Randy Travis is awake and alert again, say doctors

Randy Travis, a country singer best known for hits 'Forever and Ever, Amen' and 'I Told You So,' has awakened from surgery following a stroke, say his doctors.

Kroger buys Harris Teeter for $2.5 billion (+video)

Kroger buys Harris Teeter, combining two of the larger food retailers in the United States. Kroger buying Harris Teeter means the Ohio-based super market chain can gain a foothold in the southeastern US.

Kroger to buy Harris Teeter Supermarkets for $2.44B

Kroger, the country's largest traditional supermarket operator, has agreed to buy Harris Teeter Supermarkets for about $2.44 billion in cash, boosting its presence in southeastern and mid-Atlantic markets. Kroger will pay $49.38 for each of Harris Teeter's shares.

Opinion Gag the 'ag-gag' laws that bar undercover recording of cruelty to farm animals

Several states have passed 'ag-gag' laws that make it illegal to gather undercover documentation and videos of cruelty to animals at factory farms and in other areas of industrial agriculture. But it is precisely this kind of reporting that exposes and can help stop abuse of animals.

Chapter & Verse George Packer talks about the 'unwinding' of America

George Packer discusses his new book, 'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America' – a country no longer assumed to be a global leader, even as its internal economic gulf widens.

The 10 most expensive US natural disasters

Here are the top 10 priciest US natural disasters in billions of 2013 dollars adjusted for inflation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Los Angeles Clippers: 10 things you might not know

The arrival of Doc Rivers as the team's new coach has folks in Los Angeles buzzing about the NBA's Clippers, this after years in the long shadow of the Lakers. Here's some background about one of the league's most frustrated franchises.

Nine states charging hard against abortion

This year, numerous governors are promoting new limits on abortion – or have already signed legislation. Here’s a rundown:

N.C. motel deaths under investigation, three die in hotel room within months

N.C. motel deaths: Police in Boone said Sunday that Jeffrey Lee Williams of Rock Hill, S.C., is dead. His 49-year-old mother Jeannie Williams was injured. Police Sgt. Shane Robbins did not describe her injuries or condition.

Modern Parenthood Not all Seaboard communities are battling cicada infestations, but what if yours is?

Some areas, it seems, won't be witnessing any cicadas this year, while others are definitely hearing the horde's chorus. If you're subject to the swarm's din, here's what to do. 

A drenching tropical storm Andrea barrels up eastern seaboard (+video)

The tropical storm, after soaking parts of Florida and Georgia Thursday, was set to spend Friday in North Carolina and points north. Andrea's winds have abated to 45 m.p.h., but flooding, and perhaps tornadoes, remain of concern.

Father's Day: 12 best books for Dad

Check out these 12 books. At least one will be a perfect fit for your dad.

NAACP protest against NC GOP draws 1,000, over 100 arrested

NAACP protest: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has been holding weekly protests in Raleigh since mid-April, and what started with 17 arrests and tens of supporters back then has grown every week, bringing the total number of arrests to nearly 300 after five weeks of protests.

Vollis Simpson dies, leaves whirligig legacy (+video)

Vollis Simpson dies: An unusual folk artist, Vollis Simpson created whimsical, wind-powered whirligigs out of junk.

Chelsea Flower Show includes gnomes this year

A traditional no-no, gnomes will be welcomed -- this year only -- at England's famous Chelsea Flower Show.

The Unwinding

Is America coming undone? New Yorker writer George Packer describes a slow meltdown.

Chapter & Verse Stephen King's decision to skip the e-book format gets renewed attention

Stephen King said his new novel, 'Joyland,' will be released in paper format only. 'Let people ... go to an actual bookstore,' said King.

Can Democrats find moderate candidates in time for midterms?

Democrats may struggle to recruit moderate and conservative-leaning candidates for the 2014 midterm elections in states with the most competitive Senate races.

Latin America Monitor What does genocide conviction of Ríos Montt mean to Guatemalans abroad?

Many in the Guatemalan diaspora celebrated the historic conviction of ex-dictator Ríos Montt. But some say one conviction alone can't resolve the aftermath of the 36-year-long bloody conflict.

In Gear Tesla Motors can't email customers, says North Carolina law

A new law passed by the North Carolina state Senate would apparently make it illegal for Tesla Motors to e-mail its customers, Voelcker writes. The law is an effort to prevent what the North Carolina Automobile Dealers' Association terms 'unfair competition' by Tesla Motors.

Opinion Why are Obamacare supporters attacking job creators?

When seemingly organized Obamacare supporters attack small business leaders who express concern about the health-care law, job creators are no longer just uncertain about how their business will be impacted by the law. They are afraid – for their businesses and to speak out.

Why Obama agenda group faces pushback from some Democrats

Organizing for Action, an issue-advocacy group that spun off from President Obama's reelection campaign, is going after some Democrats and competing for fundraising dollars.

The dog is my homework: Attentive pups listen, help students read

Students in Alabama learned to love reading because of who was listening — a dog. Once a week, Maggie, a German shepherd, comes to class to hear the kids read books. 

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