Bird Flu Confirmed in Three NC Counties

Three flocks of birds in Union, Rutherford, and Guilford counties tested positive for bird flu, which officials say spreads through migrating birds and poses little risk to humans but is highly contagious to poultry.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture said the infections are likely tied to wild ducks, geese, and swans passing through the state this season. Since 2022, wildlife officials have detected the virus in more than 400 wild birds and one black bear.

State veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin urged poultry owners to report sudden flock deaths and follow strict biosecurity measures. Infected birds do not enter the food supply, and the virus is not considered a food safety threat.

Medical School Earns Accreditation 

Methodist University earned preliminary accreditation for its new Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, North Carolina’s first new M.D. program in nearly 50 years, set to enroll its first class in summer 2026.

University leaders called the milestone a “transformational milestone” for the region. More than 50 faculty and staff have already been hired, and plans include collaboration with over 200 clinical instructors from Cape Fear Valley Health.

An N.C. State University study projects the school will boost annual local spending by $72 million and create 850 jobs. The program aims to train future physicians who stay to serve Southeastern North Carolina.

Apex Opens New Greenway Extensions 

Apex celebrated Great Trails State Day by unveiling two new greenway extensions—Beaver Creek and Middle Creek—that add more than two miles of new paths and connect neighborhoods to downtown. 

Town Manager Randy Vosburg called the effort “money well spent,” noting the $48 million package also funded Pleasant Park and the Apex Senior Center.

The new trails link Apex Nature Park, Kelly Road Park, and nearby Holly Springs, with future plans to connect to the American Tobacco Trail. The voter-approved projects have been in the works since 2017.

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➤ Raleigh: Residents are urging city leaders to revise a proposed noise ordinance to include factors like distance and topography, not just decibel levels, before a planned vote. (More)

➤ Greensboro: City officials shut down the Howard Johnson Inn after more than 900 police calls in three years, citing drugs, violence, and safety violations under nuisance laws. (More)

➤ Raleigh: State Sen. Norm Sanderson was arrested Saturday night on DWI-related charges, including driving while impaired and having an open container. (More)

➤ Transylvania County: A 1.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded Saturday night about six miles west of Rosman, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No damage or injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Waynesville: Town officials are warning residents about scam letters falsely claiming to be from a cross-connection control program and signed by “Christine Walsh.” (More)

➤ Buxton: Another beachfront home collapsed Saturday night, the tenth this month after erosion and surf damage tied to Hurricane Imelda, though no injuries were reported. (More)

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➤ Bryce Young threw a touchdown before injuring his ankle, and Jaycee Horn intercepted two passes as the Panthers beat the winless Jets 13-6 for their first three-game streak, with Young as quarterback. (Recap)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes right wing Seth Jarvis knocked in a game-winning goal in overtime to help the Hurricanes remain unbeaten on Saturday, making Jarvis the first player in NHL history with four game-winning goals in the first five games of any season. (Watch Video)

➤ Hornets Sports & Entertainment announced the reopening of Charlotte’s Spectrum Center after a major renovation, debuting with concerts before the Hornets’ Oct. 22 home opener against the Brooklyn Nets. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NHL | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

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➤ The Wilmington waterfront home featured in Dawson’s Creek is on the market for the first time in nearly 150 years, offering four bedrooms, a private dock, and two scenic acres. (More)

➤ Toronto-based MST Rebar will invest $15.5 million to open its first U.S. plant in Bladenboro, creating 83 above-average-wage jobs and receiving state and local incentives to launch operations. (More)

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➤ ABC’s new crime drama RJ Decker, based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel Double Whammy, will begin filming in Wilmington next month after completing its pilot there this summer. (More)

➤ The U.S. Geological Survey released an interactive map displaying the rocks and sediments beneath each state, including North Carolina, allowing users to zoom in and explore their own neighborhoods. (More)

➤ The Ayden Historical and Arts Society marked its 10th anniversary with the unveiling of a new mural depicting the town’s 1890 train depot. Created by Greenville artist Phil Barth, the hand-painted piece now welcomes visitors to the Ayden Museum. (More)

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When do you stop wearing summer clothes in North Carolina?

1. September
2. October
3. November
4. December
5. I wear them year-round
6. I avoid summer clothes

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you prefer fall leaf-peeping in the Great Smoky Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains?

1. Blue Ridge Mountains: 33%
2. Great Smoky Mountains: 23%
3. Other: 22%
4. Don’t like leaf-peeping: 22%

What is the largest known wildfire in North Carolina history?

Show me the answer