North Carolina’s largest public university NC State names new chancellor

North Carolina’s largest public university NC State names new chancellor

By MAKIYA SEMINERA Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has chosen the next person to lead the state’s largest public university by enrollment after its longtime chancellor is set to retire soon.

Kevin Howell was named the next chancellor of North Carolina State University — and the first Black person to lead the institution in its 138-year history — at the public university governing board’s Tuesday meeting. He will succeed Randy Woodson, who has served in the role since 2010 and is one of the university system’s longest-serving chancellors.

Howell is the chief external affairs officer for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health, according to the school’s website. He also previously served in various leadership roles at NC State, including as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development. As an NC State undergraduate student, Howell was student body president.

“I know from experience that effective diplomacy in contentious times requires patience, humility and a genuine respect for the voices and opinions of others,” UNC System President Peter Hans said during the meeting. “These are all qualities that Kevin Howell possesses in abundance.”

Howell will begin in his new role May 5, according to an NC State news release. His salary as chancellor will be $600,000.

Woodson announced his retirement during the university’s trustees meeting last July as his contract was slated to end this summer. Woodson, 67, told reporters then that it was “just a good time” to step away from the chancellorship.

Under Woodson’s leadership, the university increased its graduation and retention rates, as well as research funding. Enrollment also expanded, growing to more than 38,000 students as of Fall 2024.

“I feel good about leaving the institution better than I found it, but I also feel good that the next leader has plenty to do at NC State,” Woodson said after announcing his retirement in July.

There will be a lot on Howell’s plate when he assumes his position this summer, including navigating a nationally turbulent time for higher education as institutions prepare for potential massive losses of funding from the National Institutes of Health. NC State is an R1 research institution — the highest tier for research universities under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — and received more than $48 million from the NIH last fiscal year.

NC State also paused most of its hiring activities — including for faculty — in February, partially due to uncertainty on federal funding, according to a memo from executive vice chancellor Warwick Arden. The memo did not specify when the hiring freeze would end.

March Madness tips off with First Four in Dayton

March Madness tips off with First Four in Dayton

By JEFF WALLNER Associated Press

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — North Carolina was a controversial selection for the NCAA Tournament, but the Tar Heels can silence some skeptics with a win over San Diego State on Tuesday night at the First Four.

The winner will face No. 6 seed Mississippi on Friday in Milwaukee.

The Tar Heels (22-13) seemed a long shot to make the tournament with a 1-12 record in Quadrant 1 games, but were chosen Sunday thanks to a strong nonconference schedule and other metrics.

“I didn’t listen to bracketology,” North Carolina coach Hubert Davis said Monday. “I didn’t listen after our name was selected on CBS. I didn’t listen to the telecasts. I haven’t listened to anybody’s comments in regards to selections, seedings. I know that we’re really excited to be a part of this, and we’re looking forward to tomorrow night.”

UNC’s inclusion fueled some conspiracy theories, with athletic director Bubba Cunningham being chair of the selection committee.

Rules state that Cunningham could not participate in the debate about his team, so the vice chair, Sun Belt Conference commissioner Keith Gill, presided over discussions about the Tar Heels.

The knock against North Carolina was a lack of Quad 1 wins. But the Tar Heels played the nation’s fifth-toughest nonconference schedule, which included games against No. 1 NCAA Tournament seeds Auburn and Florida, No. 2 seeds Alabama and Michigan State, and a trip to Kansas, which earned a No. 7 seed.

And the Tar Heels had higher rankings in the NET (36th), KenPom (33rd) and BPI (25th) than West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State and Boise State, the first four teams left out of the field.

Additionally, they finished slightly ahead of the Mountaineers for best among that group in Wins Above Bubble (WAB), a metric added this year looking at how many more or fewer wins a team has against its schedule compared to what a bubble team would expect.

Regardless, San Diego State (21-9) isn’t going to make things easy for the Tar Heels.

The Aztecs lead the nation in field goal percentage defense (.378) and rank 13th in defensive efficiency.

“I think our identity is in our defense and our effort,” forward Jared Coleman-Jones said. “I think that if we play really good defense and we play with effort and we play with swagger, I think everything else is going to handle itself.”

RJ Davis carries the load for the Tar Heels, averaging 17 points and 3.7 assists per game.

The No. 11 seed is the lowest ever for North Carolina, which is making its 54th NCAA Tournament appearance, second-most to Kentucky’s 62.

Despite the questions about their resume, the Tar Heels practiced on Sunday and prepared to play.

“I think we’ve all kind of felt the hate, the disagreement, all that,” guard Seth Trimble said. “We’re just running with it. We definitely feel like we’ve got something to prove.”

Familiar foes

When No. 11 seeds Texas and Xavier play on Wednesday night in Dayton, it will mark the fourth time since 1990 the teams have met in the NCAA Tournament.

The Longhorns (19-15) beat the Musketeers 83-71 in the 2023 Sweet 16. In 2004, Xavier beat Texas 79-71 to reach the Elite Eight before losing to top-seeded Duke 66-63.

Zach Freemantle returned from injury and averaged 19.8 points during a seven-game winning streak to close the regular season, helping the Musketeers (21-11) return to the tournament after missing out last year.

The First Four extends the standout freshman season for Longhorns guard Tre Johnson, who led the SEC in scoring with 19.8 points per game.

The Longhorns and Musketeers were firmly on the bubble entering Selection Sunday. The winner will face No. 6 seed Illinois on Friday night in Milwaukee.

“It’s so difficult to make the tournament,” Xavier coach Sean Miller said. “There’s so much invested. We played our best basketball as we entered March.”

Unlikely dancers

Saint Francis (PA) made an unlikely return to the University of Dayton Arena after becoming the 19th team to reach the NCAA Tournament with a losing record.

The Red Flashes (16-17) lost their season opener 87-57 to the Dayton Flyers on Nov. 4, and few would have predicted they’d return to the same building in March.

“We’re obviously very excited we’ve already played here before,” Saint Francis guard Riley Parker said. “The first game we played here didn’t turn out our way, so we’re just trying to come back here and make it right.”

Saint Francis is making its second NCAA Tournament appearance, first since 1991.

The Red Flashes face Alabama State (19-15) in a matchup of No. 16 seeds on Tuesday night. The Hornets’ last tournament appearance was in 2011. The winner will face No. 1 overall seed Auburn on Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky.

Teams with losing records entering the NCAA Tournament have gone 0-18.

Deep threat

No. 16 seeds American (22-12) and Mount St. Mary’s (22-12) meet in Dayton on Wednesday night, with the winner earning a date with No. 1 seed Duke in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday.

The player to watch for American is 6-foot-9 Matt Rogers, who leads the team with 59 3-pointers. His 1.7 made 3s per game ranked 12th in the Patriot League.

Dola Adebayo leads Mount St. Mary’s with 13.2 points per game. The Mountaineers averaged more than 70 points per game and shot 34% from 3-point range this season.

The two Washington D.C. area programs have a long history. This will be the 71st meeting between the schools. American leads the series 37-33, including four straight wins entering Wednesday.

Vegan Sloppy Joe

Vegan Sloppy Joe

Vegan Sloppy Joe

Photo by Getty Images

Vegan Sloppy Joe Recipe from Minimalist Baker

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 8 hours

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Lentils

  • 2 cups water (or you can use half water, half vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup green or red lentils, well rinsed (red lentils for quicker/more tender result or green lentils for more bite/texture)

For the Sloppy Joes

  • 2 Tbsp olive, grape seed, or avocado oil
  • 1/2 medium white or yellow onion, minced (plus more for serving)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves yield about 1 Tbsp)
  • 1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, diced
  • Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar (plus more to taste / or sub brown sugar)
  • 1-2 Tbsp vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1-2 tsp chili powder (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (plus more to taste)
  • 1 pinch smoked or regular paprika (optional)
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. If using green lentils: To a small saucepan, add liquid (I used 1 cup water, 1 cup vegetable broth for added flavor // amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and rinsed green lentils and heat over medium-high heat. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered for about 18-22 minutes, or until tender. The water should have a constant simmer (not boil). Drain off any excess liquid and set aside.
  2. If using red lentils: To a small saucepan, add liquid (water and/or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add rinsed red lentils and bring back to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes, or until just tender. You want them to be cooked through but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In the meantime, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Season with a pinch each salt and pepper and stir to combine.
  4. Sautè for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the peppers and onions are tender and slightly browned.
  5. Next add tomato sauce, coconut sugar, vegan worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, and paprika (optional). Stir to combine.
  6. Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the skillet as well, and stir to combine.
  7. Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat until completely warmed through and thick, stirring occasionally – about 5-10 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more chili powder and/or cumin for smokiness, salt for saltiness, coconut sugar for sweetness, or worcestershire for depth of flavor.
  9. Serve the mixture on toasted buns with sliced onion. Best when fresh, though leftover sloppy joe mixture will keep in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for 1 month. Reheat in the microwave, or on the stovetop, adding water or vegetable broth if the mixture has dried out.
Photo by Getty Images
March 18th 2025

March 18th 2025

Thought of the Day

Photo by Getty Images

Attitude is a little thing that make a big difference.

Americans increased spending tepidly last month as anxiety over the economy takes hold

Americans increased spending tepidly last month as anxiety over the economy takes hold

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Business Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. shoppers stepped up their spending just a bit in February after a sharp pullback the previous month, signaling that Americans are shopping more cautiously as concerns about the direction of the economy mount.

Retail sales rose just 0.2% in February, a small rebound after a sharp drop of 1.2% in January, the Commerce Department said Monday. Sales rose at grocery stores, home and garden stores, and online retailers. Sales fell at auto dealers, restaurants, and electronics stores.

The small increase suggests Americans may be growing more wary about spending as the stock market has plunged and President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and government spending cuts have led to widespread uncertainty among consumers and businesses.

Some economists were relieved the numbers weren’t worse. Still, many expect consumer spending will grow just 1% to 1.5% at an annual rate in the first three months of this year, far below the 4.2% gain in the final quarter last year.

“Consumer spending is on track to slow sharply this quarter, but not by as much as we previously feared,” Stephen Brown, an economist at Capital Economics, a consulting firm, said in an email.

On Friday, a measure of consumer sentiment fell sharply for the third straight month and is now down more than 20% since December. Respondents to the University of Michigan’s survey cited policy uncertainty as a leading reason for the gloomier outlook. While the respondents were divided sharply by party — sentiment about the current economy fell among Republican by much less than for Democrats — Republicans’ confidence in the economy’s future dropped 10%.

Consumers from all income levels are feeling more strained.

Hunter Simmons of Austin, Texas, who is a lawyer and journalist, said that the uncertainty around the economy because of the stock market turmoil and tariffs has made him more cautious about spending. He said he used to buy the more expensive farm fresh eggs, but now he’s going for the cheapest eggs he can find. He’s also been buying fewer fresh vegetables and fruits and has turned to frozen versions. And lately Simmons started to pay for gas in cash and is joining fuel rewards programs.

“I am not a big spender in general, but I have been cutting back in small ways,” he said.

A slew of earnings reports over the past few weeks from major retailers including Walmart, Macy’s and Dollar General have cited a slowdown in spending.

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer and a bellwether for the retail sector, released a weak outlook last month citing uncertainty around tariffs.

February sales also fell last month at gas stations, clothing stores, and sporting goods stores. The figures aren’t adjusted for prices, and the cost of gas also declined in February, which likely accounts for most of the drop. Excluding gas and autos, retail sales rose 0.5%, a healthier figure but still modest after a plunge of 0.8% in January.

Also Monday, the National Association of Homebuilders said its index measuring builder sentiment fell three points to 39, the lowest level in seven months, as economic uncertainty dimmed builders’ outlook and fewer potential buyers visited homes.

“Economic uncertainty, the threat of tariffs and elevated construction costs pushed builder sentiment down in March,” the group said. The homebuilders estimate tariffs will add $9,200 to the cost of a new home.

Macy’s says its customers, even at its upscale chains Bluemercury and Bloomingdale’s, are feeling angst and its financial outlook this month reflects that.

“I think the affluent customer that’s shopping Macy’s is just as uncertain and as confused and concerned by what’s transpiring,” Macy’s CEO Tony Spring said at the time.

Hiring has mostly held up and there are no signs that companies are laying off workers. As long as Americans have jobs, spending could remain resilient. But that is not assured.

Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said Thursday that the overall economic picture for his customers is not ideal and the company said it would close around 100 stores.

“Our customers continue to report that their financial situation has worsened over the last year as they have been negatively impacted by ongoing inflation ” Vasos said during an earnings call. “Many of our customers report that they only have enough money for basic essentials, with some noting that they have had to sacrifice even on the necessities.”

Spending patterns at Costco have changed to accommodate a soured view of the economy, including a shift toward ground beef and poultry instead of more expensive cuts of meat, said to Gary Millership, the company’s chief financial officer.

American Eagle Outfitters CEO Jay Schottenstein said angst is particularly high among younger customers.

“Not just tariffs, not just inflation,” said Schottenstein. “We see the government cutting people off. They don’t know how that’s going to affect them. And when people don’t know what they don’t know – they get very conservative.”

The retail sales report mostly just covers goods purchases — as well as restaurant sales — but there are signs Americans are cutting back spending on services as well.

Airline executives at JP Morgan’s airline industry conference last week said bookings have fallen.

“There was something going on with economic sentiment, something going on with consumer confidence,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian at the industry conference.

___

D’Innocenzio reported from New York.

St. Patrick’s Day brings boisterous parades and celebrations to New York and other cities

St. Patrick’s Day brings boisterous parades and celebrations to New York and other cities

NEW YORK (AP) — St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of all things Irish, is being marked in cities across the country on Monday with boisterous parades and celebrations.

New York City hosts one of the largest and oldest parades in the United States.

The rolling celebration, now in its 264th year, is taking place along Manhattan’s famed Fifth Avenue. Some 150,000 take part in the march, according to organizers.

Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day has long been known for a boozy good time. But a growing number of people have found ways to participate in the parades, festivals and banquets without a buzz. (AP Video shot by Rodrique Ngowi and Charles Krupa)

Major celebrations are also planned on Monday in Savannah, Georgia, and other American communities, though some of the cities most transformed by Irish immigration held festivities over the weekend.

Chicago ‘s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which is punctuated by turning its namesake river bright green with dye, happened Saturday. Boston and Philadelphia marked the occasion Sunday.

Across the pond, the Irish capital of Dublin culminates its three-day festival with a parade Monday. Cities such as Liverpool, England, another city transformed by Irish immigration, also host celebrations on the St. Patrick’s feast day.

The parades are meant to commemorate Ireland’s patron saint but have become a celebration of Irish heritage globally.

The Chicago River is glowing a bright emerald green Saturday as the city kicks off its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Thousands of cheering onlookers clustered along downtown bridges as members of Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130 began dumping containers of dye into the river from motorboats Saturday morning. (AP Video)

Festivities on March 17 were popularized by Irish immigrant communities, who in the 19th century faced discrimination and opposition in the U.S.

The New York parade dates to 1762 — 14 years before the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

It stepped off at 11 a.m. as marchers headed north along Fifth Avenue from East 44th Street to East 79th Street in Manhattan.

A bevy of local politicians, from the mayor to the governor, are expected to walk the route along with school marching bands and traditional Irish pipe and drum ensembles and delegations from the New York Police Department and other organizations.

The grand marshal of this year’s parade in New York City is Michael Benn, the longtime chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade held in Rockaway Beach.

Are Honey Bees Pets?

Are Honey Bees Pets?

Did you Know…

Photo by Getty Images

Honey bees are essential to everyday life. You may not know this but without bees we would not have food. They are pollinators who help circulate pollen from flowers to vegetables to trees. But the question is are honey bees pets?

The short answer is no. Honey bees are actually considered livestock but not pets. You can for them in hive and they live in groups called colonies. You can have as many hives as you want as long as your neighborhood or HOA is fine with it. Check your local city regulations or neighborhood rules to fine out more information. An apiary is a bee yard or location that bee hives are kept.

It is also a good idea to join your local bee club association to learn how to care for your honey bees. Most of the 50 states should have a state-wide bee association. Taking a course at a bee school is another great way to learn about bee life. For information about check out the North Carolina Beekeepers Association, there is also a good exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo about honey bees.

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North Carolina’s Historic Restaurants

North Carolina’s Historic Restaurants

Locations as Old as Time

Carolina Coffee Shop

Photo by Visit Chapel Hill

This restaurant has the proud honor of being North Carolina’s longest running original restaurant. It began as a student post office at UNC Chapel Hill before morphing into a soda shop then in 1922 into the full-service coffee and bar it is today.

The Players Retreat

Photo by The Players Retreat

Opened in February 1951, the Players Retreat has become a staple in the Wolfpack territory. It is oldest standing bar in the Raleigh area. Started by Bernie and Mickey Hanula, the “PR” as it has been dubbed by all the locals, wanted a place where anyone could go. You can find old photos decorating the walls all the way back to the leather head football days.

The Mecca Restaurant

Photo by TripAdvisor

This local favorite began as a luncheonette in downtown Raleigh just up the street from the Capital Building in 1930 by Nick and Helen Doumbalis. A few short years later though it become so popular they had to move the restaurant to East Martin Street, where it sits today. It has become a family owned eatery as their son, John, took over in 1952. In 2009, it opened its doors to the late-night crowd and become one of Raleigh’s most historic night time places.

Washburn’s General Store

Photo by Washburn’s General Store

This unique locations is a 5th generation owned store, opening it’s doors in 1831 in Rutherford County. Washburn’s General Store has the great honor of being recognized as the oldest continually-run, family-owned & -operated retail business in all of North Carolina and they should be proud! In 2002, the General Store, now owned by Ann Washburn Hutchins, was inducted into the National Register Historic District by the National Department of the Interior.

March 17th 2025

March 17th 2025

Thought of the Day

Photo by Getty Images

If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Photo by Getty Images

Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe from Spend with Pennies

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 8 hours

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

You will need a slow cooker.

  • 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket uncooked, with spice packet
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups water
  • 2 pounds potatoes peeled* & quartered
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • 1 small head green cabbage cut into wedges
Photo by Getty Images

Directions

  1. Chop onion into large chunks and place in the bottom of a 6 qt slow cooker. Top with corned beef and seasoning packet.
  2. Pour water into slow cooker until it just about covers the corned beef. Add garlic and bay leaves.
  3. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
  4. After the initial 3 hours, add potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker.
  5. Two hours before serving, add cabbage wedges to the slow cooker.
  6. Remove corned beef from slow cooker and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with potatoes, carrots and cabbage.
Photo by Getty Images

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