Johnston County Poet Named State Laureate
North Carolina has a new poet laureate. Gov. Pat McCrory has tapped Shelby Stephenson of Benson for the post.
Politics & Government
Ready To Hit The Cuban Beach? Americans Still Have To Wait
Travel to Cuba for business or education will be much easier as the U.S. eases restrictions, but until the embargo is completely lifted, going to Cuba simply for tourism still won't be allowed.
Treasury Nomination Sparks Fight Among Democrats
When Congress returns in 2015, it will consider the nomination of Antonio Weiss to be undersecretary of Treasury for domestic finance. The nomination is causing a fight within the Democratic Party.
Court Upholds Controversial NC District Maps
The State Supreme Court on Friday upheld the voting maps drawn by Republican leaders in 2011, months after taking control of the General Assembly.
'Rum, Rumba, And Romance': A Book On Cuba's Enduring Mystique
This week, President Obama announced that he will begin to normalize relations with Cuba. Cuban-American writer Richard Blanco recommends a book about Cuba's imprint on the American imagination.
GOP Sens. Rubio, Paul Square Off Over Cuba Policy Shift
Rubio, appearing on ABC's This Week, lashed out at Paul, who has expressed support for opening trade with the island nation after a decades-long embargo.
North Korea Has An Interesting Offer. And Another Threat
The secretive regime denies any involvement with the Sony Pictures hack and says the U.S. must allow it to help find the real culprit. Or else.
Obama's Wide-Ranging, Year-End News Conference
The president discussed issues ranging from normalization of relations with Cuba to Sony Pictures' decision to cancel release of the film 'The Interview' after a North Korean hack attack.
Obama Says 'James Flacco.' The Internet Says, Thank You
It was an honest mistake. But when President Obama said "James Flacco" when referring to James Franco — on a Friday before the holidays, no less — the slip was eagerly received online.
Advocacy Groups Tell Lawmakers To Back Off
Three groups from across ideological lines say a congressional investigation into ties between the EPA and the Natural Resources Defense Council seems intended to intimidate.