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Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
WNC businesses get more time to repay Helene loans

WNC businesses get more time to repay Helene loans

Over 800 Western North Carolina small businesses get six more months of interest-only loan relief after Tropical Storm Helene.
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Rhode Island Health Officials Warn of Persistent Tick Season and Emerging Lone Star Tick Threat

Rhode Island Health Officials Warn of Persistent Tick Season and Emerging Lone Star Tick Threat

Rhode Island is experiencing a prolonged tick season with health officials warning about the continued spread of Lyme disease and the emergence of lone star ticks. While blacklegged tick nymphs, the primary carriers of Lyme disease, typically wane by mid-July, tiny tick larvae, often appearing in 'tick bombs,' are now prevalent. Although these larvae are generally harmless as they haven't fed yet, the focus is shifting to lone star ticks, which are not vectors for Lyme but can transmit alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergy to red meat and dairy. The state recorded 2,563 Lyme disease cases in 2024, with Washington County showing a rate three times the statewide average. Additionally, Rhode Island health officials recently announced the state's second case of Powassan virus, a rare and potentially fatal tick-borne illness, in a Newport County man in his 70s, carried by blacklegged ticks. Scientists anticipate an increase in lone star tick numbers in Rhode Island, following surges in Martha's Vineyard, Nantuck...
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Army Environmental Command Faces Funding Cuts Amidst Toxic Waste Cleanup Efforts

Army Environmental Command Faces Funding Cuts Amidst Toxic Waste Cleanup Efforts

The Army Environmental Command, responsible for overseeing toxic waste cleanup at sites like the former Tarheel Army Missile Plant (TAMP) in Burlington, North Carolina, has experienced significant funding cuts. Nathan Edwards, who leads the Southwest branch of the Army Environmental Command, stated that the agency has been under a hiring freeze for approximately a year, resulting in a loss of 20 to 25 percent of its personnel. This reduction in staff could impede ongoing remediation efforts. The broader issue of federal funding reshuffling has impacted various programs, including the Defense and State Memorandum of Agreement (DSMOA) program, which reimburses states for regulatory oversight at Department of Defense (DoD) properties. The Department of the Army briefly suspended all reimbursement activities under the DSMOA program on August 4, instructing states to halt related work. Although funding was restored ten days later on August 14 without explanation, the incident highlighted the precarious nature o...
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Medetomidine Emerges as New Threat in North Carolina Street Drug Supply, Raising Public Health Concerns

Medetomidine Emerges as New Threat in North Carolina Street Drug Supply, Raising Public Health Concerns

Medetomidine, a potent veterinary tranquilizer, has significantly increased its presence in North Carolina's illicit street drug supply, surpassing xylazine in prevalence, according to data from the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab. This development follows a trend of constantly changing adulterants in illegal drugs, making it difficult for users to know what substances they are consuming. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued a provider alert on June 8, flagging medetomidine and other emerging substances. Unlike xylazine, medetomidine does not typically cause skin wounds but is considerably more potent, leading to prolonged sedation, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and severe withdrawal symptoms that can require intensive care unit hospitalization. Medetomidine is frequently mixed with fentanyl, complicating overdose responses as naloxone, while effective for opioids, does not reverse the tranquilizer's effects.
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Wake County Commissioners Hold Public Meeting on Potential WakeMed-Atrium Health Merger

Wake County Commissioners Hold Public Meeting on Potential WakeMed-Atrium Health Merger

Wake County commissioners held a public meeting to address questions and concerns regarding a potential merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health. The proposed deal, valued at at least $2 billion, has generated significant public debate. WakeMed leaders argue that Atrium's financial backing would help them serve a growing population, while opponents express concerns about potential higher healthcare costs and a decline in the quality of care. During the public hearing, dozens of individuals spoke, with many opposing the merger, citing fears of a 'complete handover of control' and a loss of WakeMed's community-centered approach. Conversely, some speakers supported the merger, believing it would enhance healthcare technology and services. Atrium Health responded to concerns, stating that the organizations have balanced transparency with the need to protect confidential business information and that the proposed combination would expand charity care.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
North Carolina high school football schedule Week 1, including every WNC game

North Carolina high school football schedule Week 1, including every WNC game

See the schedule of North Carolina high school football games in Western North Carolina in Week 1 of the NCHSAA, NCISAA seasons.
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Severe Weather and Flash Flood Threats Target East Coast and Appalachians

Severe Weather and Flash Flood Threats Target East Coast and Appalachians

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to impact the East Coast and parts of the Appalachians as the new week begins. A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk has been issued for areas including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore through Monday, with rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 2 inches. Additionally, a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk is in place for parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and northern North Carolina. The strongest storms could bring damaging wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph. The cold front driving these conditions will move across the East Coast on Monday, with thunderstorms expected from the Northeast to the Mid-South. Rain rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour could exacerbate flooding risks, particularly in areas already saturated from recent storms.
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Governor Josh Stein Vetoes Election Law Changes Bill in North Carolina

Governor Josh Stein Vetoes Election Law Changes Bill in North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has vetoed House Bill 958, also known as the Election Law Changes bill. The bill proposed several modifications to the state's election procedures, including reducing early in-person voting periods for primaries, primary runoffs, and special elections from 17 days to 10 days. Additionally, it mandated the use of federal databases and information from other states to assist in removing deceased voters from the rolls. The legislation also required the state auditor's office to conduct post-election audits of county election systems at least once every six years. Governor Stein characterized the bill as "anti-voter legislation," asserting that it would make voting more difficult and foster distrust in the electoral process. He emphasized that the General Assembly's intent was to complicate voting and facilitate the discarding of votes after Election Day. The bill also included a provision requiring candidates to be affiliated with their respective parties for at least 365 da...
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South Granville High School Mourns Student Emma Wallace After Fatal Car Crash

South Granville High School Mourns Student Emma Wallace After Fatal Car Crash

Emma Wallace, a student at South Granville High School in North Carolina, died in a car crash on Monday morning while on her way to school. The city of Creedmoor identified Wallace as the daughter of Corporal Tony Wallace, a Creedmoor School Resource Officer. The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when her car, traveling southbound on US 15, collided with a northbound vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene, but their identity and condition have not been released. Emma Wallace was known for her athleticism, playing softball and volleyball for South Granville High, and was remembered by her coach and teammates for her positive spirit and ability to make others laugh.
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Moore County Residents Challenge Law Enforcement's Use of Flock Cameras, Citing Privacy Concerns

Moore County Residents Challenge Law Enforcement's Use of Flock Cameras, Citing Privacy Concerns

A recent meeting in Moore County, North Carolina, regarding the use of automatic license plate readers (Flock cameras) by the Sheriff’s Office ended abruptly due to heated exchanges between residents and law enforcement. Residents expressed significant concerns about government surveillance and potential infringements on constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment. The Moore County Sheriff’s Office currently operates 10 Flock Safety cameras and has access to 23 more from municipalities, with additional cameras run by private entities. Law enforcement officials defended the technology, stating it has been instrumental in 31 investigations in July alone, including cases involving stolen vehicles, missing persons, and Amber Alerts. They emphasized the benefit of inter-jurisdictional information sharing, arguing that crime transcends county lines. However, residents, organized through groups like 'DeFlock Moore County,' questioned the lack of public input before the cameras were installed and voic...
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Graylyn Estate in North Carolina Named Top Boutique Hotel in U.S.

Graylyn Estate in North Carolina Named Top Boutique Hotel in U.S.

Graylyn Estate in North Carolina Named Top Boutique Hotel in U.S.
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North Carolina Paramedic Utilizes eVTOL Aircraft for Emergency Response, Outpacing Ambulances

North Carolina Paramedic Utilizes eVTOL Aircraft for Emergency Response, Outpacing Ambulances

In a groundbreaking initiative, a paramedic in rural Hyde County, North Carolina, has successfully used a single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Pivotal BlackFly, for real 911 emergency calls. Paramedic Quinn Reece, who is flight-trained, deployed the eVTOL on two emergency response missions, carrying essential medical equipment and landing near patients. In one instance, Reece arrived at the scene approximately 20 minutes before a ground ambulance, enabling him to provide advanced life support to the patient while other responders were still en route. This marks the first reported use of an eVTOL aircraft for routine emergency medical response in the U.S. The program, developed over several months by Hyde County EMS, Pivotal, Code Blue Resources, and Akute Networks, involved over 300 training exercises before operational flights began. The BlackFly is distinct from larger air taxis, being a lightweight, single-seat aircraft designed for personal use, allowing for operation...