October 22, 2025
COVID-19
You Decide: Did COVID Permanently Change The Labor Market?
By Dr. Mike Walden I doubt that anyone alive during the COVID pandemic will forget it. Many of us are reminded of it every day. Certainly, many remember being ill,…
Two Indicted In Scheme To Use Stolen Identities To Obtain Nearly $1 Million In Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief
RALEIGH – A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging two men with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to commit money laundering…
Many Businesses Optimistic About The Economy, But Still Plagued By Pandemic Disruptions
New survey reveals latest conditions and concerns among NC-based businesses RALEIGH – Four years after the pandemic began, North Carolina businesses are feeling optimistic about the future, but many still…
You Decide: Has The State Labor Market Changed Since COVID?
By Mike Walden Think about where you were four years ago, in February 2020. My wife and I have birthdays early in the year — mine in late January and…
Six Indicted In COVID-19 HOPE Fraud Scheme
RALEIGH – A federal grand jury in Greenville, NC returned an indictment charging six individuals with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud for their roles in an alleged…
NC Symphony, NCDNCR Being Sued Over COVID Vaccine Mandate
By Theresa Opeka Three former members of the North Carolina Symphony are suing their past employer to reinstate their jobs after being fired for refusing to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate…
Increases Seen In COVID-19 Trends
NCDHHS Encourages North Carolinians to be Prepared for Fall Respiratory Virus Season RALEIGH – Increases in COVID-19 metrics have been seen in North Carolina and nationally during recent weeks, including…
Opinion: Our COVID Outcomes Were Average
By John Hood RALEIGH — Because Gov. Roy Cooper’s former secretary of health and human services, Mandy Cohen, just got the nod from President Joe Biden to be the next…
COVID-19 Vaccines Available By Appointment At Johnston County Public Health Department
SMITHFIELD – COVID-19 vaccines will be available by appointment only at the Johnston County Public Health Department beginning Monday, May 22. COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be made free for…
4 Additional Defendants In NC Plead Guilty To National COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
RALEIGH – Denise Coit Alston, 69; Monica Faye Barnes, 51; Terron Cortez Parker, 37; and Kami D. Woodard, 37; each pleaded guilty earlier this week to conspiracy to commit wire…
Wilson Man Pleads Guilty To COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
RALEIGH – Nekita Donyae Hooks, 44, of Wilson, NC pleaded guilty today (Thursday) to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining a Paycheck Protection Act (“PPP”) COVID-19 loan. He…
Ban On COVID Vaccine Mandates for Government Employees, Students Passes House Committee
By David Bass Carolina Journal State and local governments in North Carolina would be barred from requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employees or students under a bill passed March 21…
