Columns
Of pockets, legs and polarization
“For the people who actually study the origins of civil wars, not just in the U.S., but as a class o...
5 key facts on the inflation blame game
The subject of inflation has been on many tongues in the public policy world of late — especially as...
Temps will be cold, but snow forecast remains hazy
The temperature forecast for our area this week appears set — cold Tuesday, a brief warm up Wednesda...
Scots-Irish roots shape our Southern dialect
“Prove it.” One of this column’s readers challenged me to back up my recent assertion that some Amer...
Trust God before, after a decision
January 17, 2022“Don’t forget in the dark what you heard in the light.” I’m not sure where my husband heard that sta...
Exit polls offer useful insights
Every two years, exit pollsters attempt to survey voters who’ve just cast ballots. They post intervi...
Poll presents compelling, alarming picture of NCGOP
From time to time, it is wise to consult a statistical portrait of the nation’s politics. Politics c...
How deep is our economic divide?
The term “economic divide” is commonly used today. It can refer to several aspects in our economy, s...
Low’s track will determine snow vs. freezing rain totals
The combination of cold temperatures and a low pressure system expected to intensify over South Caro...
Labor board: Take your politics to work
The National Labor Relations Board wants to open the door to workplace activism, but winning its cas...
Is justice blind to party labels?
If asked to identify a symbol for justice, most of us would picture a blindfolded Lady Liberty holdi...
Our sky was never falling
From July 2020 to July 2021, there was a net inflow of 637,729 Americans into these top five destina...
Cold snap could bring weekend snow
The jet stream continues to open up our area to cold Canadian air, and there is no real relief in si...
Civil war: ‘Our people’ vs. ‘my people’?
To live in interesting times — is it a blessing or a curse? To live in the era of Donald Trump would...
After beginning, how will we finish?
January 15, 2022It’s a new year, and I should be thinking about the beginning of things — like taking that extra wal...
Local news
SSS students display their photos
SMITHFIELD —Through February, photographs by Smithfield-Selma High School students are on display at...
School board member Johnson appeals for looser mask rules
SMITHFIELD — Another month, another 4-3 vote to mandate masks in Johnston schools. “It’s sad news,” ...