Simone Jasper

Raleigh

Reporter at The News & Observer

Reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer, real-time news in the Carolinas

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Articles

‘Gentle’ dog struggled in Florida shelter — then came ‘love at first sight’

6 days ago | miamiherald.com | Simone Jasper

A “gentle” dog struggled at a shelter — then came a heartwarming adoption. The Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida said Luna the pup was pulled from the shelter and met John Schwartz, who fell for her right away. “It was truly love at first sight, and it brought tears to my eyes to see her give her new dad that first hug,” Cathy Cottrill, intake coordinator for the rescue, told McClatchy News in an April 16 email. The emotional moments unfolded after Luna went through a rough patch.
Three small towns in Florida rank among the South’s best. Why they’re special

6 days ago | miamiherald.com | Simone Jasper

Three Florida destinations are bursting with charm — and rank among the best small towns in the South, a new report finds. The towns made it onto a list of smaller places where “relaxing getaways, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights” await travelers, according to results published April 9.
'Sweet' cat sisters returned to shelter. Now they need another home

6 days ago | charlotteobserver.com | Simone Jasper

Two "sweet" cats have spent their whole lives together - and a shelter doesn't want them to be separated. The Forsyth Humane Society of North Carolina hopes the feline sisters will be adopted into the same home. "Pumpkin and Spice are now looking for a home where they can live their best lives together as sweet, sedate adult companions," the Winston-Salem shelter wrote April 16 on Facebook.
This small SC college town ranks among nation's best

1 week ago | charlotteobserver.com | Simone Jasper

A small college town in South Carolina was named one of the nation's best - again. Clemson - home to Clemson University - ranks No. 5 on a list of places where "small-town charm meets campus life." But the destination didn't only receive praise for boasting a school. Clemson also landed in the No. 6 spot on a separate list of the best small towns to visit in the South, according to results published April 9. The lists come from USA Today's 10Best, which publishes vacation-related rankings.
Tiny puppy was lone survivor of car crash. Now, the ‘fighter’ will need a home

1 week ago | miamiherald.com | Simone Jasper

A puppy was the lone survivor of a car crash — and now, the “little fighter” will need a home. “Fragile and so tiny, he needed bottle feedings every few hours to have a chance,” a North Carolina animal shelter wrote April 15 on Facebook. “We didn’t know if he’d make it the first few days.”Maple Biscuit, who was found in bad shape, eventually pulled though. Now, the 2-month-old pup is “full of life” as he waits for a fresh start.
Three-legged dog with ‘inspiring’ journey raised her pups. Now she needs a home

1 week ago | miamiherald.com | Simone Jasper

A three-legged mama dog had an “inspiring” journey — and now, she needs a home of her own. “I have had a rough life for a 4 year old,” a North Carolina animal rescue said April 15 in a Facebook post written from the perspective of Rhea the dog. “I mean I am very lucky let me tell ya!”Paws Place Dog Rescue said Rhea is ready for a fresh start after she went through a rough patch. She was pregnant when she was picked up as a stray and brought to a South Carolina shelter that was low on space.
Lottery player had ‘good feeling’ about ticket. Then she won life-changing prize

1 week ago | miamiherald.com | Simone Jasper

A lottery player had a “good feeling” about a ticket — then it scored her a life-changing prize. “Something just told me to buy that one,” Angelette Cheek told the North Carolina Education Lottery in an April 16 news release. “I like playing the new games.”Cheek “trusted her gut” when she played the Emerald 10’s game, which launched in early April. She tried her luck at Neal’s Gas & Convenience in Pittsboro, a roughly 35-mile drive west from Raleigh, officials said.
2 young people trapped on rock after being swept down creek, NC rescuers say

2 weeks ago | charlotteobserver.com | Simone Jasper

Two young people were trapped on a rock after being swept down a creek, North Carolina rescuers said. Officers rushed to reach the pair and bring them to safety Monday, April 7, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. The rescue was reported at about 5:15 p.m. on a stretch of Salem Creek, south of downtown Winston-Salem. The two young people had been walking near the creek when they got swept away, police wrote in a news release obtained by McClatchy News.
‘Sweet’ pup who lost leg struggled at shelter. Then came a heartwarming adoption

2 weeks ago | miamiherald.com | Simone Jasper

A German shepherd puppy who lost his leg struggled at a shelter — then came a heartwarming adoption. “Everyone was absolutely thrilled that he went to an amazing home,” Shelby Hicks, public relations and community engagement coordinator for a Florida animal shelter, told McClatchy News via email.
Someone is holding a winning lottery ticket worth $328,000 in North Carolina

2 weeks ago | newsobserver.com | Simone Jasper

A lottery player spent $2 on a ticket - and scored an "epic jackpot" prize in North Carolina. The lucky player bought a Bison Bonanza ticket that won the game's top prize on April 6, making it worth $328,105, the N.C. Education Lottery wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Bison Bonanza is a progressive jackpot game that offers online tickets starting at 50 cents. To hit the jackpot, a person's ticket must match several digital symbols, rules show.