Drought Impacts Most of NC

Severe drought persists across much of North Carolina for a second week in February, with low river and stream levels despite recent snowfall, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.

The drought, which is impacting 98% of the state, began toward the end of last year and is the result of lower-than-average rainfall during spring and fall, along with drier, windier winter conditions.

Asheville has recorded 5.36 inches of rain since December, which is 4.32 inches below average for the winter. Greenville-Spartanburg has seen just 4.22 inches during the same time frame, 5.9 inches below average.

Sixty-two percent of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions, and authorities remind residents to conserve water, follow local burn restrictions, and avoid outdoor burning on dry or windy days.

NC Manufacturing Employment Takes Hit in 2025

North Carolina’s manufacturing industry lost 7,200 jobs in 2025, a 1.6% decline, making it one of only two sectors in the state to see job losses.

The losses come at a time of overall economic growth in the state, with other industries like construction, private education, and hospitality seeing consistent growth. Some believe Trump administration tariffs and labor shortages are driving factors in the decline.

The manufacturing sector is still healthy, with over 310 manufacturers posting 4,400 job openings.

Current statewide unemployment rates sit at 3.4%

President, First Lady Visit Fort Bragg

President Trump visited Fort Bragg on Friday to honor U.S. special forces involved in the January operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, praising their success before troops and families.

Trump also took the opportunity to endorse Senate candidate Michael Whatley, warning Democrats would weaken the military if the former Republican National Committee (RNC) chair is not elected in North Carolina.

Trump was joined by first lady Melania Trump, who met with military families during the visit to one of the largest home stations for U.S. Army special operations forces.

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➤ Wilson County: Alumni of Springfield School, built in 1951 for black students during segregation in Lucama, are working to preserve the abandoned campus and transform it into a community center with multipurpose rooms, a cafe, and a gym. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Austin Thompson, who pleaded guilty to a 2022 mass shooting, received life without parole on Friday for five first-degree murder counts and at least 157 additional months for attempted murder and assault. (More)

➤ Zebulon: Community leaders broke ground this week on a $1.7 million renovation of Little River Park, adding a new entrance, native wildflower meadows, and new walking trails. (More)

➤ Statewide: A business court judge dismissed Carrboro’s lawsuit against Duke Energy seeking to hold the utility responsible for local costs related to climate change. (More)

➤ Gaston County: Fourteen children were hospitalized after a school bus ran off the road into the woods, though none suffered life-threatening injuries, and the cause remains under investigation. (More)

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➤ North Carolina star Caleb Wilson, a projected top-five 2026 NBA draft pick, fractured his left hand in a 75-66 loss to Miami on Tuesday and is out indefinitely. (More)

➤ Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter Kon Knueppel is the favorite to win today’s NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, leading an eight-player field that includes Damian Lillard and Devin Booker. (See Odds)

➤ No. 4 Duke hosts No. 20 Clemson at noon today, followed by No. 11 UNC facing Pitt later this afternoon. (How to Watch)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: Olympics | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf 

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➤ Dare County released interactive drone images comparing decades of Outer Banks erosion following four home collapses during a blizzard, with 31 total homes lost in Buxton and Rodanthe. (See Photos)

➤ The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services fined 10 stores in nine counties for overcharging customers in 2025 after unannounced inspections found price-scanner error rates exceeding the state’s 2% threshold. (More)

➤ A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral on a crewed mission to the International Space Station and was visible across most of North Carolina. (See Launch)

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Do you go out for Valentine’s Day?

1. Almost every year
2. Once every few years
3. Nope—not worth the crowds
4. I would if I had a valentine
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your favorite type of Valentine’s Day gift to receive?

1. A night out: 22%
2. Chocolate: 19%
3. Flowers: 16%
4. Other (reply to tell us): 16%
5. Jewelry: 14%
6. Tools: 13%

Where on North Carolina’s coast can you see both the sunrise and sunset on Valentine’s Day?

Show me the answer