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Durham Faces Potential Stage 3 Water Restrictions Amid Worsening Drought Conditions

Durham Faces Potential Stage 3 Water Restrictions Amid Worsening Drought Conditions

Durham, North Carolina, is facing the possibility of moving to Stage 3 water restrictions due to worsening drought conditions across the state. City officials report that Durham currently has approximately 78 days of accessible water remaining, an estimate based on no additional rainfall and no further water inflow from rivers. The city's total water supply is estimated at 147 days. Durham has been under Stage 2 water restrictions since June 15. James Lim, a Durham water official, indicated that Stage 3 restrictions would largely eliminate outdoor water use, though hand watering and drip irrigation might still be permitted. The city has a 20-inch rainfall deficit, and hopes for a major rain event, such as a hurricane, did not materialize.

Country Singer-Songwriter Mark McGuinn Dies at 58, Remembered for 'Mrs. Steven Rudy' Hit

Country Singer-Songwriter Mark McGuinn Dies at 58, Remembered for 'Mrs. Steven Rudy' Hit

Country Singer-Songwriter Mark McGuinn Dies at 58, Remembered for 'Mrs. Steven Rudy' Hit

North Carolina Forestry Emphasizes Water Quality Protection in Timber Harvesting

North Carolina Forestry Emphasizes Water Quality Protection in Timber Harvesting

North Carolina forestry practices are increasingly focusing on integrating water quality protection into timber harvesting operations. According to Carolina Forestry & Realty, a thoughtful harvest plan is crucial, involving the identification of waterways, limiting stream crossings, protecting streamside vegetation, and controlling soil runoff. This proactive approach aims to prevent sediment from entering creeks, which can damage water quality and stream habitats. The North Carolina Forest Service provides guidance that distinguishes streamside management zones (SMZs) from ordinary harvest areas, emphasizing their protection before equipment arrives. Landowners are advised to map streams, including intermittent and perennial ones, and wet areas, through both aerial imagery and field inspection. Avoiding stream crossings when feasible, and using appropriate structures like temporary bridge mats or culverts when necessary, are key recommendations. Furthermore, proper drainage systems, such as groundcover, w...

Governor Josh Stein Pardons Turkeys Named for Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Win

Governor Josh Stein Pardons Turkeys Named for Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Win

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein pardoned two turkeys, Lord and Lady Stanley of Gobblesworth, at the annual turkey pardon ceremony held at the North Carolina Executive Mansion. The turkeys were named in anticipation of the Carolina Hurricanes winning the 2026 Stanley Cup. Governor Stein expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of North Carolina and highlighted the importance of Thanksgiving as a time for reflection. The turkeys, weighing 45 and 30 pounds respectively, were donated by Circle S Ranch Turkey Farm in Monroe, Union County. The event was sponsored by the North Carolina Poultry Federation (NCPF) in partnership with Butterball. Art Lankford, president of the NCPF, announced that 500 Butterball turkeys would be donated to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to help families celebrate Thanksgiving. Governor Stein also acknowledged the hard work of farmers, food banks, teachers, law enforcement, service members, and state employees.

U.S. Representatives Form Bipartisan Caucus to Combat PFAS Pollution

U.S. Representatives Form Bipartisan Caucus to Combat PFAS Pollution

U.S. Representative Clay Fuller, a Republican from Georgia's 14th congressional district, has announced the formation of the Southeastern PFAS Caucus. This bipartisan group aims to address the widespread issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution, often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' which have been a source of concern regarding drinking water contamination and potential health effects. The caucus's primary goal is to find solutions and secure funding for cleanup efforts across the region. Founding members include U.S. Representatives Laurel Lee and Brian Mast, both Florida Republicans, and Darren Soto of Florida and Deborah Ross of North Carolina, both Democrats. Representative Fuller emphasized the personal significance of this issue, citing his own thyroid cancer diagnosis, which he believes may be linked to environmental factors in his childhood community in north Georgia. PFAS are manufactured chemicals used in various products for their resistance to water, stains, grease, and...

Michael Malone had a message for his team during the Wyoming game

Michael Malone had a message for his team during the Wyoming game

UNC Basketball head coach Michael Malone told his team the "Streets are talking" in terms of their weakness.

North Carolina Revises CPA Licensure Requirements, Offering New Pathways Without 150 Credit Hours

North Carolina Revises CPA Licensure Requirements, Offering New Pathways Without 150 Credit Hours

North Carolina Revises CPA Licensure Requirements, Offering New Pathways Without 150 Credit Hours

Charter Senior Living Expands Partnership with Ventas, Adding Three Senior Living Communities

Charter Senior Living Expands Partnership with Ventas, Adding Three Senior Living Communities

Charter Senior Living Expands Partnership with Ventas, Adding Three Senior Living Communities

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Emerge as Premier Winter Sports Destination

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Emerge as Premier Winter Sports Destination

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Emerge as Premier Winter Sports Destination

Durham Faces Severe Drought, Implements Stage 2 Water Restrictions Amidst Declining Reservoir Levels

Durham Faces Severe Drought, Implements Stage 2 Water Restrictions Amidst Declining Reservoir Levels

The City of Durham is experiencing prolonged drought conditions, leading to significant concerns about its water supply. City officials estimate that the two primary reservoirs, Lake Michie and Little River, are at a combined 33% capacity, leaving approximately 80 days of easily accessible water. This situation has prompted Durham to implement Stage 2 water shortage protocols, a level of restriction not seen since 2007. Under these protocols, activities such as washing personal vehicles at home and residential landscaping are prohibited. While some heavy water users like recreational fields and botanical gardens are exempt, they are required to limit consumption and submit water conservation plans. The city is also actively working with neighboring Orange and Wake Counties to purchase water from their reservoirs, specifically nine million gallons daily from Jordan Lake via Cary and two million gallons from Orange County. Additionally, Durham has tapped into its emergency reserves at Teer Quarry, which hold...

North Carolina HOAs Face Complex Process for State Takeover of Private Roads

North Carolina HOAs Face Complex Process for State Takeover of Private Roads

Homeowners associations (HOAs) in North Carolina often inquire about transferring the maintenance responsibility of their private roads to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). While this is possible, the process is not straightforward and can be costly. Many subdivision roads are private, either by design or because NCDOT has not formally accepted them into the state-maintained system. Even if a road is publicly used or dedicated for public use on a plat, NCDOT is not automatically responsible for its maintenance. To be considered for state maintenance, HOAs must contact their local NCDOT office, which evaluates factors like road location, number of homes served, rights-of-way, construction standards, and current road condition. NCDOT will inspect the roads and may require significant repairs or improvements, such as fixing deteriorated pavement, addressing drainage issues, or providing sufficient rights-of-way, before acceptance. The costs for these improvements typically fall to the H...

Sunny Skies and Cooler Temperatures in Raleigh

Sunny Skies and Cooler Temperatures in Raleigh

Raleigh, NC is experiencing clear and sunny weather conditions today, with temperatures gradually cooling into the evening. Afternoon highs reached 17°C (63°F), while evening temperatures are expected to drop to 9°C (48°F) by 10:00 pm. Winds are light, ranging from 8 to 11 km/h (5 to 7 mph), coming from the northwest. Humidity levels will increase slightly as the night progresses, reaching 72% by late evening. No precipitation is expected, and skies will remain mostly clear throughout the day and evening. Atmospheric pressure is stable, ranging from 1015 to 1019 hPa. Source time: Thu, 12 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT.