Drought Worsens, Water Restrictions Imposed

North Carolina’s drought has intensified, with all 100 counties now experiencing at least moderate drought conditions, and extreme or exceptional drought covering 16.7% of the state—an increase from 9.6% just a week earlier. A statewide burn ban remains in effect amid heightened wildfire risk.

Water utilities are responding with conservation measures. Raleigh Water will implement mandatory Stage 1 restrictions starting April 20 for more than 660,000 customers, limiting in-ground irrigation to specific days and times. Iredell Water Corporation customers are required to cut usage by 10% to help maintain the system’s correct water pressure.

Farmers face compounding hardships as dry topsoil delays corn planting by up to two weeks, prompting some to switch to soybeans.

Meteorologists note slim chances of drought relief soon, with most areas needing between 8 and 13.5 inches of rain over the next month.

NC House Recommends Property Tax Cap

The North Carolina House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform advanced a proposed constitutional amendment on Wednesday, recommending that the General Assembly enact limits on annual growth of local property tax levies.

The measure would cap revenue increases to account for inflation and population growth, giving lawmakers authority to set specific guardrails while allowing exceptions. It aims to protect homeowners, renters, and businesses from rapid tax hikes that have outpaced economic growth in many counties.

Property tax revenue grew by an average of 62% over the past decade in the state’s 10 largest counties, exceeding inflation and population increases by $2.6 billion, with Wake and Cabarrus counties seeing over 100% growth.

A March poll of 600 likely North Carolina voters showed 73.2% favor such restrictions amid concerns that escalating property taxes burden families in fast-growing areas.

NCSU Extracts DNA from Ancient Parchment

Researchers at NC State have developed a groundbreaking nondestructive method to extract animal DNA from ancient manuscripts.

Using gentle cytology brushes, a team led by Associate Professor Tim Stinson sampled over 90 parchments that originated between the 8th and 20th centuries and are now located in Duke University’s Rubenstein Library. The documents, which are from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, include Torah scrolls and religious texts.

The technique analyzes mitochondrial DNA to identify the species—such as goats, cows, or sheep—used in parchment production, along with the animal’s sex and potential diseases. This approach unlocks biological insights into historical manufacturing and regional animal husbandry.

The innovation is advancing the field of biocodicology, positioning NC State as a global leader in the field. Researchers worldwide are now seeking collaboration and expanding the method’s use to other historical materials like Roman leather.

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➤ Cabarrus County: A proposed federal settlement could heavily restrict solitary confinement at Cabarrus Juvenile Detention Center as plaintiffs and state officials seek preliminary approval from a federal judge. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Organizers with North Carolina’s Semiquincentennial Committee plan to invite Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch, an Onslow County native, to serve as grand marshal of Raleigh’s July 4 parade. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Battleship North Carolina will host a talk on the “hidden history” of Eagles Island on April 21, focusing on how natural forces and human activity helped shape the Wilmington area. (See Details)

➤ Also Wilmington: UNC-Wilmington Chancellor Aswani Volety presented a proposal to the UNC System Board of Governors for a new standalone medical school, aiming to enroll its first 60 students in 2029-30 to address physician shortages. (More)

➤ Wilkes County: Gov. Josh Stein is offering a $25,000 reward for information on the 1982 disappearance of 20-year-old Angela Hamby, last seen near Glenn’s Restaurant in North Wilkesboro. (More)

➤ Rutherford County: Lake Lure will begin a limited reopening on April 20 after an 18-month closure from Hurricane Helene, with officials designating a no-wake zone and warning of possible submerged debris. (More)

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➤ The NBA fined Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball $60,000 for two incidents during the team’s play-in win over Miami: $35,000 for tripping and $25,000 for using profane language in an interview. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan said he wouldn’t rule out drafting a wide receiver for the third straight year with the 19th overall pick, admitting he’ll take the best player available regardless of position. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes finished the regular season with seven 20-goal scorers, a franchise record since relocating from Hartford. Captain Jordan Staal reached the mark for the first time in a decade. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Duke Energy avoided federal income taxes in 2025 despite reporting $5.1 billion in net income, leveraging depreciation tax breaks and credits as one of 88 major U.S. companies paying zero federal tax that year. (More)

➤ Charlotte-based Krispy Kreme reached a $1.6 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit alleging the company failed to prevent a November 2024 data breach. Krispy Kreme denies any wrongdoing or liability. (More)

➤ CaroMont Health announced a $200 million investment in three new facilities to double cancer care capacity as the system serves more than 1,500 patients annually across five Charlotte-area counties. (More)

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➤ A Navy photographer captured an iconic image of Artemis II astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Koch during her April 10 recovery aboard USS John P. Murtha after splashdown. (See Photo)

➤ North Carolina’s Lumber River ranks No. 4 and the Dan River ranks No. 8 on America’s most endangered rivers list for 2026 due to PFAS pollution and pipeline threats. (More)

➤ Students at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills flew a two-seat RV-12iS on Tuesday, marking the first aircraft built and flown at the Wright Brothers National Memorial since 1903. (Watch Video)

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Should DNA testing be done on historical artifacts?

1. Absolutely
2. No way
3. Depends
4. Not sure

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you a North Carolina native?

1. Moved here later: 45%
2. Native Tar Heel: 40%
3. Just passing through: 15%

Which two rivers come together at Eagles Island?

Show me the answer