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The forecast cone is one of the most recognizable forecast tools each hurricane season. It shows the public the uncertainty with time of where a tropical cyclone may head.
Fortunately, the average forecast error has improved considerably over the last decade thanks to advancements in satellites, weather models and forecasting.
Watch the video above to learn more about the meaning of the forecast cone.
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Meteorologist Nick Merianos
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Skywatchers and astronomy lovers are in for a treat as a partial lunar eclipse will dance across the skies Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
It is a partial lunar eclipse, meaning part of Earth’s shadow will cover the moon. The celestial show will start at around 8:41 p.m. ET, Tuesday, stated NASA.
Patience will be key as the eclipse will prove difficult to spot until the top edge of the moon starts to enter that shadow at around 10:13 p.m. ET, with the peak of the eclipse happening at 10:44 p.m. ET.
Only about 8% of the full moon will be in Earth’s shadow and the partial lunar eclipse will end Wednesday at 12:47 a.m. ET.
Now, if skywatchers are patient and can wait a few more months, there will be a total lunar eclipse on March 13 and 14, 2025.
And another added treat is that it will be a supermoon. A supermoon is when Earth’s lunar sister’s orbit is at its closest to the planet and when it is full.
It does not happen often because the moon’s orbit is more of an egg shaped, which means when the moon is at its closest orbit to Earth, called a perigee, there is a supermoon.
And September’s full moon is known as a harvest moon or corn moon.
“During the fall harvest season farmers sometimes need to work late into the night by moonlight,” described NASA, adding, “According to this (Maine Farmer’s Almanac), as the full Moon in September the Algonquin tribes in what is now the northeastern USA called this the Corn Moon, as this was the time for gathering their main staple crops of corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice.”
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Anthony Leone
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Asheville has gone through many changes in the past 50-plus years, and Priscilla Robinson has watched as her city transform.
“This space is where the three-story apartment, my three-story apartment that I once lived in, used to be,” Robinson said.
That lot is now vacant but used to house an apartment building until the 1960’s when Robinson and her family were told by Asheville’s Housing Authority they needed to move.
“My family was told that we were going to be relocated to better living conditions because many of the apartments were blighted,” Robinson said. She said it was a positive experience to move into a new apartment, but that quickly changed.
Robinson’s family and many other Black families, Black homeowners and Black businesses were uprooted during a process called “urban renewal.”
Urban renewal negatively impacted many aspects of life, including education, economic development and housing.
“It took away unity. It took away community. We were forced to move – and I say we as a whole – to other communities. For those who could go out and repurchase, [they] were forced to move into communities where they were not accepted,” she said.
Priscilla said reparations is about making amends. “Urban renewal was like a big wound and the wound has never healed. Reparations would actually begin the healing process,” Robinson said.
Dewana Little is a fourth generation Asheville native and the Community Reparations Commission chair. Her great-grandparents lost their home during urban renewal and that impacted intergenerational wealth.
“There was a real economic impact. My mom’s generation was in public housing, and I even spent some time in public housing,” Little said. “I was fortunate to have opportunities and people that opened doors for me to be able to transition out.”
She said everyone doesn’t have those opportunities, which is why reparations is about breaking down barriers.
The commission is looking for a six-month extension to address all areas where reparations are needed.
“There has not been enough time for us to really dig deep into the policies and practices that continue to perpetuate harm on Black people,” Little said. “The marginalization, the issue, has been far greater than a two-year time line.”
The Reparations Commission recently made 38 recommendations to the city and county of how reparations should be allocated. A few of those recommendations include settlements of $148,000 given to families and businesses negatively impacted by urban renewal, establishing a health care subsidy fund, requiring mandatory training of public servants in criminal justice, and providing job training and educational support for Black students after high school.
Asheville Community Reparations Commission meetings are every third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Banquet Hall.
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Melody Greene
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CARY, N.C. — There’s no question a cancer diagnosis is life changing, but it impacts more than just physical health. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly one in four people diagnosed with breast cancer experience depression.
It can lead to memory loss, fatigue, anxiety and even PTSD. But a woman in our state is working hard to meet fellow survivors on their journey, offering them love, support and care.
Jackie Cromity spent a majority of her life battling cancer. She lost her mom to breast cancer at age 8, and her father to cancer a few years back. And now she’s facing yet another challenge.
“Right now, I have brain cancer. It’s in my lungs, as well as in my stomach. It’s the fourth time I’ve been through this,” Cromity said.
“They found over 30 lesions in my brain,” she added.
Jackie Cromity spent a majority of her life battling cancer. (Jackie Cromity)
From intense radiation and chemotherapy to lumpectomies and mastectomies, Jackie’s seen firsthand the problems that arise with the disease. She’s faced hair loss, swelling and even a lack of skin-colored prosthetics for women of color.
“I can’t tell you how many women come in suicidal. I’ve had women share that they won’t even let their husbands see or touch them. They feel they should have died because of the quality of life they currently have,” Cromity said.
So Jackie decided to build a place for women like her to turn. She created Survivor Friendly, a one-stop shop that helps cancer patients in their delicate journey to recovery.
“No woman should ever be stuffing their bra because they don’t think they have support,” Cromity said.
Cromity says her mission is growing (Jackie Cromity)
“We want to uplift them when they come through the door no matter what stage of the journey they’re in,” Cromity added.
The shop is filled with port friendly clothing and fitted prosthetics for all skin colors, with mastectomy bras, cosmetic eyebrows and even wigs.
“A lot of people lose their hair like I did. People see me and say, you don’t look sick. No, my hair is gone,“ Cromity said while removing her wig.
It’s a place to feel empowered that educates women about what’s covered by insurance and offers the essentials for free to those who can’t afford them.
“For us to do something as simple as give them a prosthetic, or give them a mastectomy bra, that can make them feel pretty, or women that can feel like she can step in front of her husband and feel whole again, or just her looking in the mirror and looking whole again. To me, that’s giving them a piece of life back,” Cromity said, fighting back tears.
Now, her mission is growing. What started as a couple of shops in the Triangle is expanding across the state, with new permanent locations and packing parties to help send essentials to the people who need them the most.
“We’re packing bags today for Survivor Friendly. This is something that’s very near and dear to my heart. I actually have a friend that’s battling breast cancer right now,” said Candace Beverly, of First Bank in Raleigh, who spent her day volunteering to pack care packages for the foundation.
Survivor Friendly’s mission is to raise awareness of the side effects of cancer and treatments, and to help survivors transition from surviving to thriving. (Jackie Cromity)
On this day, Beverly and other volunteers from First Bank in Raleigh are stuffing bags with small but meaningful gifts like lipstick, nail polish and eyelashes, to help boost self esteem.
“I’ve seen her go through a lot of this stuff and the loss that she’s had from her hair to not getting her nails done and eyelashes. And just the loss of self that you feel as a woman. So this is really special to me,” Beverly added.
Each bag is also stuffed with a handwritten note, to let those fighting know someone cares.
“When someone takes this out and they’re feeling a little down, or they don’t feel like being courageous today, they can know that there’s people out here thinking about them and praying for them, and that they have a village,” said volunteer LaQuan Lucas Harris, while writing messages letting know cancer patients how much she cares.
It’s a village led by Cromity, who hopes their reach will only continue to grow.
“I feel like it’s my mission to help people live while they’re going through their treatment,” Cromity said.
Now, Survivor Friendly has locations in Cary, Shelby, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Durham, Thomasville, Gastonia and Fayetteville, and Jackie wants to expand their reach to people in rural parts of the state that can’t make it to one of their stores for a fitting.
That effort costs money, so they’re holding a fundraiser this fall, calling on the public to help.
The Survivorship Support Fundraising Event is taking place on Sept. 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tickets are $125, while table sponsorships are also available.
The dress code is business casual and Cromity says support and auction item donations are greatly needed. For more information, visit their website or call 888-432-4747.
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Caroline Blair
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It will strengthen into a hurricane in the Atlantic.
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Spectrum News Weather Staff
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It will strengthen into a hurricane in the Atlantic.
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Spectrum News Weather Staff
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Topics include: Cooper’s take on VP consideration, Republicans on Harris, Biden dropping out of the race and more.
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Spectrum News Staff
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North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton rejoins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the tumultuous month since the debate. Their conversation spans from President Joe Biden’s exit to her role in leading the state party’s delegation, which unanimously supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the uncertain time.
“Every single delegate was exploding with excitement,” she said when holding a state call on Harris. “I didn’t want to go into that convention not unified.”
She also responds to the question of the process in which Harris has become the Democratic nominee.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
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Spectrum News Staff
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As the 2024 Olympic Games kick off July 26, more than 30 athletes with ties to North Carolina will be there to compete.
Six swimmers from N.C. State University in Raleigh will be there, but not all will be on Team USA. The Wolfpack swimmers will also be representing Poland, Sweden, Denmark and Greece.
Eleven athletes with ties to Charlotte will be in Paris, including four current players with the Hornets.
Fayetteville native Naya Tapper will be on the U.S. Rugby Team. Madison Wiltrout, at UNC Chapel Hill, with compete in the most traditional of Olympic sports: the javelin.
Jesse Ssengonzi, of Cary, will swim for the Ugandan team.
This map shows each Olympic athlete competing in Paris with ties to North Carolina.
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Charles Duncan
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Lincoln County Republican Rep. Jason Saine abruptly filed his resignation letter July 15, confirming he would step down from his 97th House District seat on Aug. 12.
Saine talks to host Tim Boyum about his reasons for leaving public office while his party holds the supermajority and what’s next for him in the private sector.
Boyum and Saine also talk freely about the financial and time challenges state lawmakers face in a part-time system that requires full-time work. He says he’s tired of being poor at his age, but thankful for the lifelong friendships he’s made.
He also gives us some behind-the-scenes insight into the battle over approving sports betting and the budget.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
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Spectrum News Staff
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DURHAM, N.C. — Being active and moving our bodies really makes a difference in how we feel, and one 70-year-old Durham choreographer says movement can be fun and enjoyable. She offers African dance classes to seniors for free.
Experts say movement is one of the most important things we can do for our health.
Donna Graham has traveled the world teaching folks young and old the rhythms of African dance and drums.
Donna Graham and Baba Chuck Davis (Donna Graham)
We first met Graham at a Kwanza event in January leading the drum and dance celebration. She credits African dance master Baba Chuck Davis of Durham with fueling her passion to spread the spirituality and joy of the art form.
“I knew I could teach children to drum so I figured I could teach adults as well,” Graham said.
She now shares her love of African Dance every Thursday morning at the Durham Center for Senior Life. But it’s no walk in the park. Even in retirement, Graham keeps these seniors moving and grooving mentally and physically for a healthier life.
“A lot of it is spiritual, for many of us, culturally speaking for many of us. And then we have the health benefits,” Graham added.
These classes are designed to get seniors moving and dancing to the beat of the drum. But Graham says it’s a chance for her to share her culture.
“In order to really know where you come from, it’s really best to know your history. It’s kind of like a tree trying to grow without roots. You need a firm foundation, and build on it,” Graham said while teaching an advanced class.
(Donna Graham)
“We perform for Black history here, we perform for Kwanza here. It reaches a lot of different people here at the center, it makes it comfortable for everyone to be a part of,” said Regina White Brewer, a student of the class.
The classes have become so popular, Graham added an additional free low-impact class at the Durham Center for Senior Life for those new to the art form. It’s a movement through movement that continues to grow in size each week, and one Graham credits with saving her life.
In 2022, Graham almost died after she suffered a cerebral posterior aneurysm, causing her brain to bleed.
“They couldn’t remove it all because it was heart-shaped and there’s a titanium clip,” Graham said.
At times, she thought she might not make it. But Graham pushed on, fighting to get back in the classroom even earlier than doctors expected. She credits her miraculous story of survival to her mental and physical fitness, grounded in African dance.
“Because after an 8-hour brain surgery I feel like I’m still here because of this place,” Graham said while looking around the Durham Center for Senior Life.
It’s a place that keeps her moving and sharing her passion in life while helping others along the way. Her passion for teaching and dance is only outshined by her passion for life.
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Caroline Blair
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On this week’s episode, Tim talks with Rev. Dr. William Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove about their new book, “White Poverty.”
The book looks at historical myths about race and class and makes a case that addressing white poverty might be key to mitigating racism and uniting a massive group of voters to demand change.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
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Spectrum News Staff
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Summer can be ruff with soaring temperatures that leave us panting for relief. Some people call the worst of the heat “the dog days of summer.” Here’s the tail of where that phrase comes from.
Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for “greater dog.” The ancient Greeks and Romans noticed that during the heart of summer, this star rose and set with the sun. They theorized that having another star in the sky, along with our own sun, is what made the summer months so hot.
Sirius is a massive star that is double the size of our sun and 25 times as bright. Thankfully, it’s much farther away from Earth than our own sun, otherwise we’d be dealing with serious heat!
Sirius, part of the Canis Major constellation, appears near the eastern horizon in latter August just as the sun rises. (Adapted from Stellarium)
Sirius appears often in Greek mythology, including references in Homer’s “The Iliad.”
The word Sirius translates as “scorching” or “glowing,” which is appropriate for the heat of summer.
The phrase “dog days of summer” was translated from Latin to English about 500 years ago.
Some people think “dog days” refers to man’s best friend’s tendency to lie about during the summer heat, but now you know the real meaning behind the phrase.
Although the star Sirius appeared in the early morning sky to the ancient Greeks and Romans shortly after the summer solstice, it now has shifted to mid-August. In about 13,000 years, the star will shift to rising with the sun in the middle of winter.
This is because of the wobbly movement of the Earth on its path around the sun each year.
The dog days of winter… now that’s a phrase that will set tails wagging.
Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
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Meteorologist John Davitt
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Tropical activity is typically still slow as we head into the official second month of the season. The National Hurricane Center only names, on average, one July storm per season.
Even though the month is usually quiet, it doesn’t mean we haven’t seen strong storms in the past.
Let’s take a look back at hurricanes that caused major damage during this time of the year.
Hurricane Hanna 2020: Our first hurricane takes us to the recent year 2020. Hanna first received its name on July 23 when it strengthened from a tropical depression into a tropical storm.
It continued to strengthen into a hurricane, then made landfall along Padre Island, Texas on July 25.
Hanna brought storm surge, intense rainfall and flash flooding. Several EF0 tornadoes formed from the storms. Hanna also destroyed several mobile homes, and floodwaters from the hurricane inundated many low-lying areas.
In the end, Hanna caused 1.1 billion dollars in damages and indirectly caused 5 deaths. This came only 3 years after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas coast.
Strong winds from Isaias led to many downed trees. (AP Photo)
Hurricane Isaias in 2020: Isaias became a tropical storm in the south-central Atlantic on July 29. It continued northwest and made its first landfall in the Dominican Republic on July 30. It made its second landfall on Aug. 1 on Andros Island in the Bahamas as a Category 1 hurricane.
Wind shear helped weaken the storm as it continued north off the east coast of Florida. As Isaias moved closer to the Carolinas, it became a Category 1 hurricane again before making its third landfall on Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. on Aug. 3.
Isaias brought devastating impacts to the U.S., triggering a tornado outbreak of 39 tornadoes from the Carolinas to Connecticut. The most powerful one, an EF3 in Bertie County, N.C., destroyed several mobile homes, killing two people and injuring 14.
Storm surge along the South Carolina coast destroyed 483 homes in Myrtle Beach.
As Isaias moved into the Northeast, strong winds, tornadoes and significant rain led to damaged homes and several fatalities.
The peak of the storm left about 3 million people without power.
Overall, there were 14 deaths in the U.S., and the Northeast saw about 3.5 billion dollars in damage, making it the costliest tropical cyclone to strike the region since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Hurricane Barry 2019: Hurricane Barry was an atypical storm from its inception. Unlike most tropical systems, Barry originated as a complex of thunderstorms over the Midwest before moving south into the Gulf of Mexico. It was there that it strengthened into a hurricane, becoming the first of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season.
On July 13, Barry reached land in south-central Louisiana as a category 1 hurricane and caused significant rainfall. Ragley, Louisiana saw 23.58 inches of rain.
In Dierks, Arkansas, Barry dropped 16.59 inches of rain, making it the most rain associated with a tropical system in the state’s history.
Overall, flooding was the biggest threat. Numerous people had to be rescued from flood waters and homes experienced major flooding. The damage was estimated to be at $600 million.
One interesting note is that Barry never took on the classic circular look of a hurricane and was asymmetrical throughout its entire life.
Hurricane Dolly floods South Padre Island, Texas.
Hurricane Dolly 2008: Next, we head to 2008, where Hurricane Dolly made a huge impact across Texas and New Mexico.
At its strongest, Dolly became a category 2 hurricane before weakening to a category 1 hurricane and making landfall in South Padre Island, Texas, on July 23.
The effects of the storm were devastating, with damage estimated at $1.3 billion.
Over 16 inches of rain fell in parts of Texas, causing flash flooding and major flooding for many cities.
The rain continued to stream in and reached parts of New Mexico where rivers flooded and over 500 people had to be rescued.
Interestingly, Dolly skipped the tropical depression phase, developing with tropical storm force winds, showing that not all tropical systems start as a cluster of basic thunderstorms.
Hurricane Danny causes destruction and flooding in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Hurricane Danny 1997: Hurricane Danny was a moisture-packed hurricane that made landfall in the United States during the 1997 Atlantic hurricane season.
Danny formed from a non-tropical system south of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico on July 16 before becoming tropical by July 17. It strengthened into a category 1 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall on July 18 near Buras, Louisiana. Danny then moved back into the gulf waters, strengthening back into a Category 1 hurricane before making a second landfall near Mullet Point, Alabama, a day later.
This was a slow-moving system that was able to stream copious amounts of moisture into it from the Gulf of Mexico. An estimated 36.71 inches of rain fell on Dauphin Island within 7 hours.
Record flooding caused major damage to homes, making many roads impassable.
Several tornadoes touched down and caused extensive damage.
Danny ended up causing $100 million worth of damage and took the lives of nine people.
It was the only hurricane to make landfall in the United States that year, but left quite an impression.
Hurricane Celia destroys a mobile home park in Robstown, Texas.
Hurricane Celia 1970: The strongest storm on our list is Hurricane Celia, which was the first major hurricane of the 1970 Atlantic hurricane season.
Celia first formed on July 31 in the western Caribbean Sea and tracked northwest, where it rapidly intensified into a category 3 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. Rough seas bashed against the west coast of Florida, causing eight people to drown.
The hurricane continued to track west and finally made landfall near Corpus Christi, Texas on Aug. 3.
Winds were the main cause of destruction with Celia.
Wind gusts reached 180 mph for numerous cities, and tens of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed. Over 450 injuries were reported, and 28 people total lost their lives.
Meteorologists release a weather balloon to collect weather data in the 1940s.
Hurricane One in 1943: Our last stop takes us to the 1943 Atlantic hurricane season when Hurricane One hit the coast of Texas.
This was the first hurricane that the now infamous Hurricane Hunters flew into to gather data. It was done on a dare, but done successfully, and forever changed how hurricanes were studied.
This hurricane was also known as the “Surprise Hurricane”.
During this time, meteorologists used radar and weather balloons to track weather activity on land. To track tropical activity off land, meteorologists almost completely relied on reports from ships at sea for tropical activity data.
Because German boat activity was expected in the Gulf of Mexico, all ship radio broadcasts were silenced, including weather reports.
Since information could not be relayed ahead of time, many people were unprepared for this hurricane.
Hurricane One made landfall near the Houston and Galveston area on July 27 area where it brought wind gusts over 130 mph.
Water was waist-deep throughout many cities. This led to hundreds of people being injured and various buildings being destroyed. 19 people were killed.
After this hurricane, advisories were never censored from the public again. It was a lesson learned.
As we go through July, remember we are only about a third of the way through the Atlantic hurricane season. Activity doesn’t peak until mid-August to late October.
Be fully prepared. Have a hurricane kit, and plan to be ready all season long.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
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Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade
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Strong hurricanes can look nearly symmetrical on a satellite presentation, but the impacts can vary depending on which side of the storm you’re located at.
Meteorologists often refer to the most dangerous side of the hurricane as “the dirty side,” which is known as the front-right quadrant.
Check out the video above to see why the front-right quadrant typically has the harshest conditions in a tropical storm or hurricane.
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Meteorologist Nick Merianos
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On this week’s episode of Tying It Together with Tim Boyum, Tim goes back to school for a visit with Duke professor Philip Napoli. They talk about the challenges of regulating artificial intelligence and the election.
Even if regulations are put in place to stop the spread of misinformation, would they be effective?
Napoli is the James R. Shepley professor of public policy, director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy and senior associate dean for faculty and research for the Sanford School.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
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Spectrum News Staff
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2024 has gifted us with some spectacular celestial views from the total solar eclipse in April to the northern lights seen throughout most of the U.S. in May. June brings another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.”
It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form into a straight line in the early morning sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”
This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, will align. He recommends waking up early and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. “Saturn is expected to rise from the east to southeast of the horizon at 2 a.m. ET on June 3.”
And bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars. The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”
Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.”
With three out of the six planets expected to rise just before 6 a.m., the sun may end up obscuring the view of the “parade.”
As for how common is this event?
“Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone.
“The last time people saw most planets line up was this year’s total solar eclipse in April.”
And if the weather doesn’t permit you for the viewing in June, there will be another opportunity in August. “The next one will be Aug. 28 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.”
2025 will have three chances to witness planets on parades, Jan. 18, Feb. 28 and Aug. 29.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
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Meteorologist Stacy Lynn
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On this last episode of our three-part series, “United in Grief, Divided on Solutions,” the Maine legislature wraps up its work and a final decision is made on potential new gun laws after the Lewiston mass shootings last October.
Find out how this community and state will try to move forward and what it means for the future.
This story takes place in Maine, but it will remind you of conversations happening in diners, barber shops and kitchen tables across America.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it’s easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
Do you have any thoughts or questions for Tim? Weigh in on X with the hashtag #TyingItTogetherNC. Afterward, rate the podcast and leave a review to tell us what you think!
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Spectrum News Staff
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-area dentist is giving back to an organization that helps children in her home country while taking her biggest physical challenge to date.
Dr. Smita Warrier, who is originally from India, plans to participate in the World Marathon Challenge, which involves running seven marathons in seven continents in seven days.
Warrier moved to the U.S. from India 24 years ago, and seven years later, she opened Warrier Family Dentistry.
“I feel like [Mumbai, formerly] Bombay will always be my home, but Charlotte is where my heart is now,” Warrier said.
At her practice, she helps patients smile with confidence, and a few times a year she gives back by offering free dental services.
“Who we are and what our role is in our community is what makes us as a person,” Warrier said.
Warrier is taking strides to make a difference by running seven marathons in seven continents in seven days next year.
“I feel like this would combine my love of running with drawing attention to an important cause,” Warrier said.
She’s raising money for an organization in her home country called Sakhi for Girls Education. It helps girls in the slums and rural areas of India continue their education.
“Unfortunately, not all the girls have the opportunities that I’ve had. Girls marginalized and don’t have as much access to education and even good health, nutrition,” Warrier said.
Warrier has several triathlons and ultra marathons under her belt.
“This was my longest run ever. It was built to be a 100K and it ended up being a 107K,” Warrier said.
She’s now training for her longest challenge to date, which will take place in January 2025.
“Right now, because it’s summer, I’m focusing on strength training,” Warrier said. “When I’m six months away from the goal, which will be in August, I’m going to crank up the running and increasing the mileage that I’m doing.”
By pushing her boundaries, she also wants to inspire other women.
“Don’t let anyone tell you no. If you set your mind to it, anything is possible,” Warrier said. “I’m the first Indian woman to do this. If I can do it. Anyone can.”
Warrier’s goal is to raise $85,000 for Sakhi for Girls Education.
She’s covering most of the cost of the World Marathon Challenge, but is also accepting support from corporate sponsors.
Participants run their first marathon in Antarctica, then fly a chartered place to their next destination.
Their last race will take place in Miami.
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Estephany Escobar
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GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina is home to a number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and this month, the Greensboro History Museum partnered with an advocacy group to host a film festival showcasing the creativity within the area’s Asian community.
Paul Beyun submitted a film on his Kenya travels for the AAPI Short Film Fest, hosted by Pave N.C. at the Greensboro History Museum.
“Let’s embrace Asian community, but let’s also address some issues that we need to talk about and strengthen our community. And, also celebrate, you know,” Beyun, a Greensboro filmmaker and videographer, said.
The festival organizer says the films help to break stereotypes surrounding the Asian community.
“It’s always good to talk about just individuality and then talk about just hard topics such as, like, different races, different religions having to mix together,” Beyun said.
Six film makers from the Triad showcased their short films highlighting the Asian and Asian American community.
Beyun says showing the films and discussing them with the audience after gives all the filmmakers a sense of pride.
“The panel is important because it makes people say their truth. Like sometimes they say good things about the world, and sometimes it talks about the pains that we had,” Beyun said.
When it comes to the films Beyun creates, he showcases the different backgrounds of his travels.
“I just want to show, like the real, real side of things, like, so my Kenya video, I didn’t want to just show zebras and lions and resorts and hotels,” he said.
Beyun is Korean, and says even though people are from different backgrounds, their experiences bring people together, which is why he began filming all of his travels.
“All cultures are beautiful and we shouldn’t be so scared to go to certain countries, or we shouldn’t stereotype like continents, you know, like that’s what happens here. Most people don’t go to certain parts of the world,” Beyun said.
There are more than 20 Asian Film Festivals worldwide, according to the AsianFilmFestivals.com.
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Zyneria Byrd
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