Several years ago, I served on the board of directors of “Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries.” Known by the acronym FONCPL, this statewide organization promotes the interests of 384 public libraries and tens of thousands of library friends.
All tagged north carolina
Humphrey highlights license extension measure in sweeping transportation reform bill
North Carolina drivers holding expired Class C licenses now have up to two additional years to renew without penalty under a new law aimed at easing Department of Motor Vehicles backlogs. S.B. 391 authorizes counties and cities to install automated cameras in school zones to issue civil citations for speeding.
“This temporary extension, effective through Dec. 31, 2027, helps address DMV backlogs and keeps folks on the road,” said Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir), who supported the legislation.
Mike Parker: Kinston & Lenoir County to Remember WWII Heritage
Although I never met Floyd Dawson of La Grange, my wife Sandra's father, we have a photo of him and a fellow soldier standing in front of an ambulance. Sandra’s father was part of a team that went to the front lines of World War II to pick up the wounded and take them to the nearest field hospital.
North Carolina's May county and area employment figures released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 93 counties in May 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in three. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.9 percent. Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and one decreased. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.9 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.
Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ seeking sponsors
When the first “Wings Over the Neuse” fundraiser occurred, I was not part of the CSS Neuse Foundation Board. In 2009, board members decided to do something special to raise funds to place a monument for Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor all the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II.
Mike Parker: Juneteenth and the end of slavery
Last Thursday, many observed the latest federal holiday – “Juneteenth.” The term “Juneteenth” is the compression of “June Nineteenth” – the day in 1865 that Union Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Roughly 250,000 enslaved people received their freedom that day.
Mike Parker: ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ takes off again
I had a break from high school graduations after my oldest four grandchildren earned diplomas. Courtney was first, followed by Haley, Taylor, and Jaxen. Jaxen’s graduation coincided with COVID, so he had no real commencement ceremony until he finished his degree at Johnston Community College. As you may recall, I call my first four grandchildren “The Old Guard.”
Mike Parker: Beware ‘smishing’ toll texts
Just Thursday I received three threatening text messages regarding my non-payment of tolls. All came from different email addresses, but instead of coming as emails, the messages were delivered as text messages to my phone.
May 31st STEAM Day for Youth in Kinston
A local eastern North Carolina nonprofit organization will provide youth with an opportunity to participate in hands on activities in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
North Carolinians and Organizations Awarded Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service
(RALEIGH) Earlier this week, 20 people and two organizations representing 21 counties received the State of North Carolina’s highest award for volunteer service: the Governor’s Medallion Award. The award is presented annually by the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service, or VolunteerNC.
North Carolina's March County and Area Employment Figures Released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 43 counties in March 2025, increased in 29, and remained unchanged in 28. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.8 percent.
North Carolina's January Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from December’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.0 percent.
Burn ban issued for all North Carolina counties due to hazardous forest fire conditions
RALEIGH – Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
Jones County joins eCourts expansion across North Carolina
Jones County is among 13 new counties transitioning to eCourts, offering electronic filing, online court searches, and improved digital access. Attorneys must now eFile all cases in these counties.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Cold Winter Days, Perfect for Comfort Food
As I write this most of North Carolina is bracing for some snow and ice. A “snow day” screams for comfort food, but often comfort food comes with some extra calories. Here are some great tasting “warm you up” recipes that have been made a little healthier and of course I have included some slow cooker recipes. Hope we get some snow, and that you enjoy these recipes!!
North Carolina's November County and Area Employment Figures Released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 85 counties in November 2024, decreased in 12, and remained unchanged in three. Mitchell County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.9 percent while Orange and Currituck Counties each had the lowest at 2.9 percent.
North Carolina's November employment figures released
The state’s seasonally adjusted November 2024 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from October’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.
North Carolina's September Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2024 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, remaining unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.
John Hood: Helene Shows Value of Fiscal Restraint
RALEIGH — The devastation wreaked on North Carolina by Hurricane Helene will take weeks to assess, months to clear out, and years to repair or rebuild. Second only to the value of the lives lost will be the exorbitant fiscal and economic costs of our recovery.
From Dr. Murphy's Desk: Updates from eastern North Carolina and Washington D.C.
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.