Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Shorty Jones, Paramedic with Duplin County EMS! Shorty was nominated by his wife Jennifer, who says, “My husband is the definition of selfless service and community dedication. He wears many hats, not for recognition, but because he believes in showing up for others — every single day.…… Continue Reading
Thought of the Day Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.… Continue Reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A Democratic mayor secured a comfortable win in a primary election despite days of intense backlash following the deadly stabbing of a young Ukrainian woman on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mayor Vi Lyles is seeking a fifth term but is coming under criticism after images of the attack sparked widespread outrage from President Donald Trump and others in the Make America Great Again movement. They say the killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska shows how Democrats are too soft on people with criminal records. Democrats who challenged her in the primary have also said the mayor’s response has been insufficient.… Continue Reading
Far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his appeal of the $1.4 billion judgment a Connecticut jury and judge issued against him for calling the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting a hoax. The Infowars host argues in a filing to the court that the judgment for defamation and infliction of emotional distress violates his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and protections against excessive punishment. The shooting killed 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Connecticut. The legal judgment came in lawsuits filed by some of the shooting victims’ relatives, whose lawyers dispute Jones’ claims to the Supreme Court.… Continue Reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has charged a man with the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina commuter train. The charge means he could face the death penalty. Decarlos Brown Jr. has a lengthy arrest record with 14 prior criminal cases. He allegedly killed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska last month on a train in Charlotte. The case has sparked debate over crime and transit safety in such cities. North Carolina prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder. He now also faces a federal charge of causing death on a mass transportation system.… Continue Reading
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple has rolled out its next generation of iPhones that includes a new ultra-thin model and a slight price hike for one of its high-end models, while the company feels the squeeze of a global trade war. The iPhone 17 line-up includes a new slimmed-down model that will adopt the “Air” name that Apple already uses for its sleekest iPads and Mac computers. The new iPhones are the first to be released since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and unleashed a barrage of tariffs, in what his administration says is an attempt to bring overseas manufacturing back to the U.S. — a crusade that has thrust Cook into the hot seat.… Continue Reading
Cracker Barrel said Tuesday it’s suspending remodels of its restaurants after criticism from many longtime fans. The announcement came two weeks after Cracker Barrel backtracked on a separate plan to modernize and simplify its logo. Fans of the chain had also loudly criticized that move. Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel said Tuesday that just four of its 660 restaurants had been remodeled as part of a test for the brand. The remodels, which began last year, added more comfortable seating, brighter lights, lighter paint and a simplified assortment of antiques but kept signature elements like fireplaces.… Continue Reading
NEW YORK (AP) — A month after Congress voted to strip public media of public money, PBS and NPR stations are working to cope — and survive. More than 500 radio and television stations are affected, and while some have issues in common, most have problems and strategies unique to their own area. For example, the PBS station in Spokane, Washington, has turned to viewers for emergency donations, but a significant part of their membership is from Canada, and many are already angry with the U.S. because of President Donald Trump’s drive to make the country the 51st state. Many stations are heartened by the way viewers are responding, and different ideas to save money are emerging.… Continue Reading
These baked enchiladas are a super easy way to enjoy a delicious, warm dinner. Try them with chicken or beef, and add toppings of your choice to make them even better. Ingredients Instructions 1. Preheat ovenPreheat oven to 350 degrees f. 2. Create fillingIn a medium-sized bowl, combine the meat with 1/2 cup of the…… Continue Reading
Thought of the Day Be thankful for the past, have courage for the present, and faith for the future.… Continue Reading