Advocates Work Toward Western NC Train

Rail advocates in Western North Carolina are intensifying efforts to restore passenger train service between Asheville and Salisbury, a route that last operated in 1975.

The Western North Carolina Rail Committee organized a March 18 conference in Morganton, drawing about 140 attendees to strategize next steps. Local leaders, including Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Salisbury Mayor Pro Tem Susan Kluttz, expressed growing momentum for the 139-mile corridor on Norfolk Southern tracks.

An NCDOT feasibility study and N.C. State economic impact analysis both support the project, which envisions three daily round trips with a travel time of 3 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours 48 minutes.

The $665 million initiative would create connections in Salisbury to other Amtrak routes, boosting tourism and regional access. Advocates are seeking state, local, and private funding to match potential federal support.

NC Azalea Festival Kicks Off April 8

The North Carolina Azalea Festival kicks off on Wednesday in Wilmington, launching its annual celebration of spring and one of the South’s favorite flowers.

The five-day event, which started in 1948, features activities across the city and Wrightsville Beach, including garden tours at peak bloom in Airlie Gardens, the Azalea Queen’s Coronation, and a spotlight on India through the International Blooms program with cultural performances, food, and art.

Signature highlights include the Azalea Parade on Saturday, along with a free street fair on Front Street offering food vendors, live music, a children’s area with bounce houses and crafts, and a beer garden.

Concerts feature Lil Jon with the Ying Yang Twins on Thursday and country star Dustin Lynch on Friday. Fireworks light up the Cape Fear River on Saturday evening. Visit the official website for full schedules and ticket information.

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➤ Statewide: North Carolina has 12 data centers under construction, tying for 12th nationally as the U.S. AI boom drives demand for digital infrastructure. Texas leads with 140, while 12 states have none under construction. (See Graphic)

➤ Wilmington: The USCGC Vigorous, a 210-foot Reliance-class cutter, will dock at Port City Marina on Tuesday and Wednesday, offering public ship tours as part of America 250 celebrations. (See Details)

➤ Western NC: Fortnite creator and billionaire Tim Sweeney has quietly acquired more than 50,000 acres across 15 North Carolina counties since 2008 to establish conservation corridors for wildlife, rare species, and public hiking access. (More)

➤ Murphy: Singer Braden Rumfelt, a Murphy native, advanced to the American Idol Top 14 after performing Jelly Roll’s Hard Fought Hallelujah on the March 30 episode, with the next elimination round airing tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC. (More)

➤ Mooresville: Retired NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray has slashed $1 million off the asking price of his 33.6-acre lakeside mansion—now listed at $10.995 million. (More and See Photos)

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Are you watching the NCAA men’s basketball championship game?

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Which 1970 North Carolina music festival did the Allman Brothers headline?

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