Simone Jasper

1 week ago | newsobserver.com | Simone Jasper

A goofy dog kept returning to a North Carolina shelter for being "too playful" - then came good news. The 1-year-old pup, known for his love of splashing in the pool, has now been adopted into a new home. "We are hopeful that this time's the one for him," Samantha Ranlet, a spokesperson for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Wake County, told McClatchy News in a June 20 email.

1 week ago | newsobserver.com | Simone Jasper

A North Carolina ice cream shop serves "appealing flavors" - and fans can't get enough. So much so, Andia's Ice Cream again ranks among the nation's best places to grab a scoop, a new report finds. Andia's, which has multiple locations in the Triangle, landed at No. 4 on a list from USA Today's 10Best. To determine the top ice cream shops, the website said editors and travel experts nominated destinations across the country. Then, readers could vote on their favorites over the course of a month.

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Simone Jasper

A South Carolina destination is an "inviting" place to cool off - and enjoy fun-filled activities, a new report finds. Lake Murray, in the Columbia area, ranks No. 1 on a list of the nation's best lakes for "unforgettable water sports experiences." "If you love water sports, then you probably know the United States is home to some amazing lakes that are hubs for aquatic adventures," USA Today's 10Best wrote in a June 11 report.

1 week ago | kansascity.com | Simone Jasper

A lottery player spent $1 on a ticket - and hit the jackpot in North Carolina. The player bought a Carolina Cash 5 ticket that won the top prize in the June 17 drawing, making it worth more than a half-million dollars, the N.C. Education Lottery wrote on its website and in an email to McClatchy News. The winning numbers: 1-14-16-21-33. The winner scored $512,111 after playing the Cash 5 game online.

1 week ago | charlotteobserver.com | Simone Jasper

A "scrappy street cat" now shows off his sweet side - and he needs a home. "He melts under a good head scratch and leans into affection like he's been waiting for it his whole life," Danielle Deschamps, communications coordinator for a North Carolina animal shelter, told McClatchy News in a June 17 email. "His purr can fill a room. He's discovering the joys of indoor life, and you can see how much he's savoring it."Cloudy the three-legged cat has spent nearly 100 days at the Watauga Humane Society.