Connect with us

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Senate confirms Bishop for deputy budget director in Trump administration | North Carolina

Published

on

www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-26 13:11:00

(The Center Square) – Dan Bishop, former congressman from North Carolina and state senator before that, was confirmed 53-45 by the U.S. Senate as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget Wednesday.

Every Republican voted for him; 44 Democrats and one independent did not; and a Democrat and an independent each did not vote.

In a December statement making the nomination, President Donald Trump said, “Dan will implement my cost-cutting and deregulatory agenda across all agencies and root out the weaponized deep state.”

According to the White House website, the Office of Management and Budget has five functions across executive departments and agencies. These include but are not limited to oversight of agency performance; clearance of presidential executive orders; and development and execution of budgets.

“Congratulations to Dan Bishop, my friend, House colleague, and proud North Carolinian, on becoming the deputy director for budget at OMB,” Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., wrote on social media. “I cannot think of a better person for the job.”

Bishop’s confirmation hearing was Feb. 25 before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs led by Chairman Dr. Rand Paul, R-Ky., with Budd introducing him. He was poised when questioned by Democrats, and well-received by Republicans on the panel.

“Our government has been self-absorbed, inefficient, unaccountable, and maladministered,” Bishop said during his confirmation hearing, referring to the national debt of $36 trillion. “The good news is that we can fix all of those things, and if confirmed, I will be laser-focused on doing so, along with Director Russ Vought and the superb public servants at OMB.”

Bishop won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a 2019 election do-over, was reelected in 2020 and 2022, and this past November lost to Democrat Jeff Jackson in the quest to be attorney general in North Carolina. The difference was just 159,549 votes of more than 5.5 million cast, with Bishop winning 76 of 100 counties and Jackson holding an upper hand in urban areas.

Not voting Wednesday were Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

The post Senate confirms Bishop for deputy budget director in Trump administration | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

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

Published

on

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.

The post Dry, windy conditions remain troublesome in Carolinas wildfires | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

Continue Reading

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Western NC fire is now highest priority in the country

Published

on

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.

YouTube video

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.

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Tar Heel Traveler: Elm City Birds

Published

on

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.

YouTube video

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.

Source

Continue Reading

Trending