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Poll: More money, not elimination, favored for Education Department | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-25 15:37:00

(The Center Square) – Polling from a private university in North Carolina says 6 in 10 state residents want an increase in funding, no change or only minor reductions to the U.S. Department of Education.

The agency created by the administration of President Jimmy Carter and on the chopping block of President Donald Trump has a mission “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal success,” according to its website. Trump, in a fact sheet released Thursday, says the department “does not directly educate students,” and since inception 45 years ago “has spent over $3 trillion without improving student achievement as measured by standardized National Assessment of Educational Progress scores.”

The Elon University Poll was done in partnership with McClatchy Media Company and polling firm YouGov. The sampling March 3-11 included 1,050 adults ages 18 and up, matched down to 800 for the final dataset. The margin of error, adjusted for weights, is +/- 4.04%.

In the analysis, 33% of respondents wanted to increase funding to the Education Department and 30% said no change or a minor reduction. The third choice of answers was to eliminate or a major reduction (25%).

The poll asked specifically about 14 departments. The Education Department was the lone one where the largest response was to increase funding. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, 35% wanted to increase funding, 42% wanted no change or a minor reduction, and 10% said to eliminate it or give a major reduction.

Between 35% and 52% said a minor reduction or no change for the Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Agency for International Development; public broadcasting meaning PBS and NPR; Environmental Protection Agency; FBI; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Department of the Interior; Department of Justice; Department of Defense; Department of Agriculture; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Weather Service.

The IRS (31%) and USAID (30%) were the only departments drawing a larger percentage for elimination or major reduction than did the Education Department. The smallest percentages seeking elimination or major reduction went to the VA (10%), NOAA (13%), USDA (13%) and the Department of Defense (13%).

“Our poll results suggest that Democratic efforts to rally public support around the Department of Education are having some impact in North Carolina,” said Jason Husser, director of the poll. “A large majority of Democrats and half of independents want to see funding for the department kept the same or increased.”

The poll says 51% distrust Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency when it comes to the best interests of the public. He’s trusted by 40%.

Asked if supportive or opposing “a program that provided undocumented immigrants living in the United States a pathway to become citizens if they meet certain requirements, such as a background check and paying any fines and taxes,” 63% gave support, 19% were opposed, 10% did not know, and 9% had no opinion.

Asked if state, county and local lawmen should assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in enforcing federal immigration laws in churches, schools and hospitals, 41% said no, 40% said yes and 19% were unsure.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Dry, windy conditions remain troublesome in Carolinas wildfires | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-28 12:56:00

(The Center Square) – Persistent dry and windy conditions, along with downed trees from Hurricane Helene six months ago, remain troublesome for wildfires in the Carolinas.

The Table Rock Fire, largest of several, has crossed from Pickens County in South Carolina to Transylvania County in North Carolina.

In an update from the South Carolina Forestry Commission on Thursday evening, the Tabe Rock fire grew significantly during the day and the Persimmon Ridge fire only modestly. The Table Rock fire is estimated 8,679 acres and the Persimmon Ridge fire 1,992 acres.

Three counties are home to four other significant size fires in the Tarheel State: Deep Woods and Black Cove in Polk County, Alarka in Swain County, and Rattlesnake Branch in Haywood County.

“Excessive storm debris and timber damage from Hurricane Helene has created many challenges for firefighting efforts,” a release from the North Carolina Forest Service said Friday morning. “One factor is the loss of tree canopy. More ground cover is receiving direct sunlight, accelerating the rate in which fuels dry out.”

The Black Cove fire that originated March 19 is 3,288 acres in size and 17% contained, the Forest Service says. It is approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda in the Green River Gorge.

The Deep Woods fire, also a March 19 start, is 3,373 acres in size and 30% contained, the Forest Service says. It is about 5 miles northwest of Columbus in the Green River Gorge and the adjacent Holbert Cove community.

The Fish Hook fire that began March 20 is 199 acres in size and 95% contained, the Forest Service says. This fire is about 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring near Lake Adger.

Other fires of size are burning near Sylva and Leicester.

Burning bans are in effect throughout North and South Carolina.

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Western NC fire is now highest priority in the country

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-03-28 08:07:43


SUMMARY: A wildfire in Western North Carolina has become the highest priority in the U.S. The Black Cove Complex fire near Saluda has burned over 6,500 acres, with over 500 firefighters working to contain it. Authorities warn residents in mountain communities, like Buncombe County, to prepare evacuation bags in case orders are issued. The fire has triggered statewide concerns, with varying levels of fire danger across the state. A statewide burn ban is in effect, and officials are hopeful that rain expected this weekend will help control the blaze. Aircraft are being used to drop water and fire retardant to assist firefighting efforts.

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More firefighters are arriving in Western North Carolina now that the Fire Service says a fire burning there is now the highest priority in the U.S.

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Tar Heel Traveler: Elm City Birds

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-03-27 20:33:11


SUMMARY: In late March 1963, Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller *The Birds* premiered, and in honor of its anniversary, Scott Mason revisits Elm City’s own bird phenomenon. Every afternoon, flocks of hundreds of thousands of starlings and blackbirds gather, creating a stunning, synchronized spectacle. The birds swarm the same fields at the same time, a behavior observed for over 20 years. Local residents are captivated by the sight, though some remain curious about the birds’ nature. Experts believe the birds flock for food and protection. This “bird ballet” continues to awe those lucky enough to witness it each day.

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It was around this time in March 1963 when the movie “The Birds” premiered. The Tar Heel Traveler revisits Elm City’s very own thrilling version of the birds.

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