Duke Energy Urges Cutbacks Amid Heatwave

Due to extreme heat across North Carolina this week, Duke Energy officials are urging customers to reduce nonessential electricity use to alleviate strain on the power grid and lower the risk of isolated outages.

The company suggests customers conserve power—especially between 3 and 8 p.m.—by raising thermostats to the highest comfortable setting and avoiding prolonged use of ovens and other appliances. This can be accomplished by doing laundry in the morning or late evening hours and grilling meals outdoors.

Rising temperatures also increase irrigation demands on water systems. H2GO in Brunswick County offers guidelines for conserving water, such as following an alternating irrigation schedule and avoiding unnecessary watering of landscaped areas.

NC’s Rural Population Declines

Rapid growth in urban centers like Mecklenburg and Wake counties has caused North Carolina’s population to surpass 11 million, but rural counties like Swain and Avery face stagnation or decline, which highlights a growing urban-rural divide across the state.

U.S. Census Bureau data reveal that the population in 14 of North Carolina’s 100 counties declined between 2020 and 2024. Despite this uneven growth, North Carolina still ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing states, with population growth resulting primarily from net migration.

While North Carolina’s population data show rural decline, a global study released in March analyzing 300 rural dam projects across 35 countries found that global population datasets undercounted rural populations by 53-84% from 1975-2010, potentially misrepresenting rural populations on a massive scale.

NC’s Oldest July 4th Celebration Starts Friday

Southport hosts the 230th North Carolina 4th of July Festival June 27-July 4, with Beach Day planned for July 1 on Oak Island.

Around 45,000 people are expected to attend the annual weeklong event, which dates back to 1795. It’s considered the state’s longest-running Independence Day celebration and one of the South’s oldest.

The festival features ceremonies honoring veterans, flag traditions, a U.S. naturalization ceremony on July 3, and a parade at 11 a.m. on July 4. Fireworks shows are planned for July 1 at 9 p.m. on the Oak Island Pier and July 4 at 9 p.m. on the Southport waterfront.

Food vendors will set up on South Howe Street, and arts and crafts vendors will sell goods along South Davis and Bay streets. A free park-and-ride trolley will run July 2–4 from Southport Elementary School to downtown Southport.

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➤ Statewide: The federal lawsuit against North Carolina’s State Board of Elections for failing to maintain accurate voter rolls was transferred to U.S. Chief District Judge Richard Myers, who previously oversaw the State Supreme Court ballot challenge. (More)

➤ Bladen County: An educational nonprofit will install the country’s 72nd Charters of Freedom—and North Carolina’s 44th—in Elizabethtown on July 2. The charters include the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Civil Rights Amendments. (More)

➤ Wake County: A WRAL investigation found that more than one in 10 of the county’s 175 public pools were operating without valid permits. (More)

➤ Cary: A snake expert is working to rehome a boa constrictor found under the pickup window at a McDonald’s over the weekend. She believes the snake may have escaped from someone’s car. (More)

➤ Union County: A Charlotte man hired to care for a Weddington home’s lawn allegedly threw a house party there—with entry fees—while the homeowners were away. He now faces charges including breaking and entering and second-degree trespassing. (More)

➤ Southeast NC: A total of 2,973 fans were donated across five counties to help seniors stay cool this summer as part of Fran’s Fans, an annual collection drive held by WECT in Wilmington. (More)

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➤ UNC’s athletic department will distribute the majority of its $20.5 million revenue pool to football and men’s basketball players. Women’s basketball and baseball will also receive a portion, but significantly less. (More)

➤ UNC basketball has extended an offer to North Carolina native LJ Smith, a top-30 prospect in the 2027 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4 guard also holds offers from Virginia, Clemson, Ohio State, and Wake Forest. (More)

➤ More than 30 active MLB players played high school baseball in North Carolina. (See Details)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA

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➤ Two historic Moore County hotels—Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club—are entering a joint venture with Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, which will lead major renovations at both properties. The deal marks Marine & Lawn’s first U.S. venture. (More)

➤ China-based Joyalways, which manufactures wet wipes and other hygiene products, will open its first U.S. facility in Reidsville, creating 113 jobs and investing $18 million in the area. (More)

➤ Charlotte City Council members approved a program to regulate NoDa’s business district, requiring street vendors to obtain permits for under $100 or face fines of up to $500 for noncompliance. (More)

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➤ A prehistoric canoe measuring 12 feet 4 inches was found in good condition by a sportsman in the South River near Autryville. State archaeologists say it could be thousands of years old. (See Photo)

➤ National Park officials released photos showing how a mountainside damaged by Hurricane Helene is being rebuilt to support the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 401.5. (See Photos)

➤ Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals that the most common job in North Carolina during 2024 was retail salespersons and cashiers, with 126,060 claiming the occupation at that time. (See Data)

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Yesterday’s Results:

What state are you spending/will you spend your retirement in?

1. North Carolina, of course: 46%
2. Other: 15%
3. Florida: 14%
4. South Carolina: 13%
5. Georgia: 12%

What North Carolina community has the smallest population?

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