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Fly Around Festival Returns to Lansing to Aid Hurricane Recovery

Fly Around Festival Returns to Lansing to Aid Hurricane Recovery

The Fly Around Festival, an Appalachian and folk music event, is set to return to Lansing, North Carolina, this weekend. The festival aims to support the town's recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which left up to eight feet of water in downtown businesses. Proceeds from the festival will contribute to the restoration of the WPA-era Lansing school, transforming it into a new cultural arts center. The event will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary artists, including headliner Jake Xerxes Fussell, known for his unique interpretations of folk music. Other performers include Murphy Campbell and P.G. Six. The festival will take place over two days, Friday and Saturday, in Lansing, located nine miles north of West Jefferson.
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Fly Around Festival Returns to Lansing, Supporting Community Restoration

Fly Around Festival Returns to Lansing, Supporting Community Restoration

Fly Around Festival Returns to Lansing, Supporting Community Restoration
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Severe storms expected in Western NC today, July 27. Latest forecast

Severe storms expected in Western NC today, July 27. Latest forecast

Main concerns are damaging winds and isolated large hail in the region, the National Weather Service says. Here's the latest forecast.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
USA TODAY named Bars of the Year. This Asheville lounge made the list

USA TODAY named Bars of the Year. This Asheville lounge made the list

USA TODAY Network food journalists around the country named 38 of the best bars in the U.S., including this one in Asheville, North Carolina.
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North Carolina Senate Advances Voter Suppression Bill Amidst Controversy

North Carolina Senate Advances Voter Suppression Bill Amidst Controversy

The North Carolina Senate has passed a controversial bill aimed at tightening voter registration and reducing early voting periods. The legislation, which was approved in a 28-13 vote along party lines, seeks to make it easier to purge voters from the rolls and imposes stricter requirements for voter registration. The bill also reduces the early voting period for primaries, runoffs, and special elections from 17 to 10 days. Additionally, it mandates the removal of deceased voters on a weekly basis and requires post-election audits after each general election. The bill has been criticized by Democrats and voting rights advocates who argue that it could lead to mass challenges against eligible voters and suppress voter turnout. The measure now returns to the House for consideration of the Senate's amendments.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Judge weighs lawsuit over Asheville Blade reporter arrests

Judge weighs lawsuit over Asheville Blade reporter arrests

A federal judge is considering a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by journalists arrested at an Asheville park.
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Mosquitoes in Wake County Develop Resistance to Common Insecticides, Raising Public Health Concerns

Mosquitoes in Wake County Develop Resistance to Common Insecticides, Raising Public Health Concerns

Mosquitoes in Wake County, North Carolina, are developing resistance to pyrethroids, a class of insecticides commonly used to control mosquito populations. Research from North Carolina State University has identified a genetic mutation in mosquitoes that contributes to this resistance. The mutation was first detected in 2018 and has since spread, with 39% of mosquitoes carrying it by 2023. This resistance poses a challenge for pest control companies and public health officials, as pyrethroids are a key tool in managing mosquito populations during disease outbreaks. Companies like Mosquito Shield are adapting by using a variety of treatments and focusing on integrated pest management strategies.
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NC Law Enforcement Urges House to Pass Hemp Regulations Amid Industry Concerns

NC Law Enforcement Urges House to Pass Hemp Regulations Amid Industry Concerns

Law enforcement and prosecutor groups in North Carolina are urging the state House to pass proposed hemp regulations. The legislation, known as House Bill 328, aims to regulate hemp products, including those with THC content, by setting a threshold for legality. The bill has faced opposition from the hemp industry, which argues that the proposed regulations could effectively ban many products currently on the market. The legislation would classify products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC as controlled substances, aligning with upcoming federal regulations. The bill also includes provisions to prevent the sale of hemp products to minors.
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North Carolina Senate to Review Election Rules Potentially Reducing Campaign Finance Transparency

North Carolina Senate to Review Election Rules Potentially Reducing Campaign Finance Transparency

The North Carolina Senate is set to review a contentious bill, House Bill 958, which proposes significant changes to the state's election rules. The bill, which has already passed the state House of Representatives in a party-line vote, aims to reduce transparency in campaign finance by allowing more information about campaign funding to remain undisclosed. Additionally, it proposes extending the waiting period for individuals who switch political parties before they can run for office under their new affiliation. The bill also seeks to modify the rules for challenging the validity of ballots and grants new powers to Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek to conduct post-election audits, supplementing the existing audits performed by election officials. The proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public, with concerns about the potential confusion these changes could cause for voters.
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Five Manufacturers Break Ground on New U.S. Facilities, Creating Thousands of Jobs

Five Manufacturers Break Ground on New U.S. Facilities, Creating Thousands of Jobs

Five Manufacturers Break Ground on New U.S. Facilities, Creating Thousands of Jobs
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U.S. Army Seeks Telecommunications Specialist for Fort Bragg Operations

U.S. Army Seeks Telecommunications Specialist for Fort Bragg Operations

The Department of the Army is actively recruiting for a Telecommunications Specialist (Program Manager) to join the Joint Activities at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This position, which falls under the GS-13 pay scale, offers a salary range of $111,147 to $144,493 per year. The role involves managing telecommunications and information technology projects, ensuring state-of-the-art information management programs, and overseeing project-related functions. The position requires a Top Secret security clearance and involves occasional travel. The job is part of the competitive service and does not offer promotion potential. Applicants must have specialized experience in managing telecommunications projects and systems, and the position is open to U.S. citizens.
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North Carolina Education Commission Proposes Early Literacy and Teacher Pipeline Reforms

North Carolina Education Commission Proposes Early Literacy and Teacher Pipeline Reforms

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education in North Carolina, established by state lawmakers, is drafting recommendations aimed at improving education. The commission, which began its meetings in April, is focusing on three primary areas: enhancing early literacy, strengthening the teacher pipeline, and modernizing the accountability system. Co-chair Don Martin, who also leads the Forsyth County Commission, highlighted these priorities during the latest meeting. The commission is considering aligning educator preparation programs with the science of reading and expanding access to Pre-K education. Additionally, they are discussing the importance of increasing teacher salaries and expanding mentorship programs for new educators. The commission is also exploring the inclusion of factors beyond test scores in evaluating school performance. These recommendations are currently in draft form and will be reviewed in August, with a final vote scheduled for September.