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Tag: Zach Tucker

  • FFA grows in popularity while the farming industry faces challenges nationwide

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    TRIAD, N.C. — The student organization Future Farmers of America is growing in popularity. The program has more than one million participants nationwide and is celebrating National FFA Week this week, but it comes at a time when farming is facing its share of challenges. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The N.C. Chamber estimates agriculture alone has an $111 billion dollar impact on the state’s economy

    • N.C. has fifth largest FFA membership in the country

    • USDA: number of farms nationwide was at its lowest total in a century in 2024

    • U.S. Senate report: farming has the oldest workforce in the nation, with the average age being nearly 60 years old


    “People kind of don’t realize how big agriculture is,” said Makayla VanMeter, vice president for the senior team of the Davie County High School FFA.

    Agriculture is one of the leading industries in North Carolina. The N.C. Chamber estimates agriculture has an $111 billion impact on the state’s economy. Student leadership organizations like FFA are educating the next generation about the importance of this field.

    “I feel like a lot of people aren’t educated on things that happen in agriculture and how our food is produced and how our animals are handled,” said Lillian Ragan, northwest regional and chapter officer for the Davie County High School FFA. “I think that it’s just something important for everyone to know, whether you’re going into the industry or not.”

    Nearly 90 students participate in the FFA program at Davie County High School in Mocksville. The school has a greenhouse and a barn with a variety of livestock including cows, chickens and pigs. It all helps students learn about topics like animal science, horticulture and agricultural mechanics.

    “It just shows awareness of how deep agriculture is in Davie County, and that it’s not going to go away any time soon,” VanMeter said.

    In Randolph County, the Asheboro High School Zoo School has the only FFA chapter headquartered at a zoo. It’s home to 1,700 animals and 2,800 acres of land. Students are able to work alongside zoo employees on one-of-a-kind projects and take unique courses like animal behavior, zoology and natural resources.

    “When it comes to animals, [we have a] higher diversity, instead of cows, chickens, birds,” said Alex Soto, vice president of the Asheboro Zoo School FFA Chapter. “I get to look at alligators, polar bears and discuss things about those.”

    Both programs are part of more than 370 FFA chapters in 99 counties statewide.

    North Carolina has the fifth largest FFA membership nationwide at just under 49,000 members, but the program’s popularity comes at a time when the agriculture industry is facing challenges.

    A U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows the number of farms nationwide was at its lowest total in a century in 2024 at just under two million. It also shows the amount of acres of farmland has shrunk from 900 million in 2017 to 876 million acres in 2024.

    According to a U.S. Senate Committee on Aging report, farming has the oldest workforce in the nation, with the average age being nearly 60 years old. It shows 40% of U.S. farmland is owned by farmers who are 65 years or older. Experts believe the global population will increase to more than two billion by 2050. If that happens, the report says farmers will need to increase production by 70% to meet the demand. 

    “It’s hard for students to get into the agricultural industry because of the cost associated with it,” said Jesse Ledbetter, agricultural education teacher at Davie County High School. “It’s important for us, as teachers, to show them how they can be profitable and the opportunities through different types of niche markets.”

    Organizations like FFA are helping address these issues. The program prepares high school and middle school students for more than 350 careers in agriculture.

    “It teaches you work ethic,” Ledbetter said. “It teaches you time management. It teaches you how to be efficient and resourceful. I think that the goal of our program is to help those students in any career choice.”

    FFA has more than 794,000 alumni members across the country that help support and mentor current members.

    The Davie County High School FFA chapter will host a plant sale fundraiser at the school on April 18. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Remembering the ‘Greensboro Six’

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    Dec. 7, 1955, is a day that changed the course of history in Greensboro.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Despite rescheduling, fans flock to Bowman Gray Stadium for Cook Out Clash

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Thousands of fans showed up to Bowman Gray Stadium Wednesday for the Cook Out Clash. The NASCAR exhibition race was pushed back multiple times due to snow, but that didn’t stop fans from attending the event.

    Ryan Preece battled sleet and near-freezing temperatures to win the race.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cook Out Clash was rescheduled due to snow

    • Fans traveled from 41 states, eight countries, four continents and three Canadian provinces

    • A lot of ticket buyers came from the Triad


    “Short track racing to me is just more exciting,” said Kerry Zapata, a racing fan from Minnesota. “Where else can you stand up, yell and scream and just get your frustration out. You don’t need anything to make it exciting, just get you some racing. Oh, it’s just exciting.”

    NASCAR officials tell us fans traveled from 41 states, eight countries, four continents and three Canadian provinces. They say a lot of the ticket buyers came from the Triad.

    “If they had it Sunday, we would’ve been here Sunday,” said Ronnie Banks, a racing fan from Dobson. “Last year there was some good racing, two and three wide racing, which you don’t normally see that here with the modifieds. Just some good entertainment.”

    Fans said they couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to see Cup Series cars at the place known as “The Madhouse.”

    “This is kind of the thing you don’t get to see every day,” said Seth Renigar, a fan from Winston-Salem. “You know, you don’t get to see experience every day, and so I had to be here for this.”

    It’s not clear yet if or when the Clash will return to Bowman Gray, but fans are hoping NASCAR will consider more short track races in the future.

    “I think now they’re seeing that spectators are liking to come to these smaller tracks,” Renigar said. “I think they should branch out to the smaller tracks, back to the basics, basically.”

     

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    Zach Tucker

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  • NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash pushed back to Wednesday

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem has been pushed back to Wednesday. It was originally scheduled for Sunday, then pushed back to Monday before being postponed again due to snow. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cook Out Clash will be held on Wednesday

    • Parking lots open at 11:30 a.m., gates open at 12:30 p.m.

    • Practice and qualifying starts at 1:30 p.m. 

    • The last chance qualifier is at 4:30 p.m., and Clash starts at 6:30 p.m. 


    “We felt that this was the right call on the right move, and we feel very confident in our ability to execute this event,” said Justin Swilling, project lead for the NASCAR Cook Out Clash.

    The Cook Out Clash is being pushed back once more. NASCAR made a collaborative decision with the City of Winston-Salem, N.C. Department of Transportation and other community stakeholders to move the race to Wednesday due to safety and cleanup efforts.

    On Sunday, crews spent the day cleaning up snow on the track, the stands and areas around the stadium after a winter storm dropped several inches of snow Saturday.  

    “The condition of the facility now is continually improving while the temperatures remain below freezing,” Swilling said. “The sunlight has helped us tremendously.

    Over 40 truck loads of snow and ice have since been removed from the property. Officials say, fortunately, a lot of ticket buyers for the nearly sold out event live nearby.

    “Whoever shows up at Bowman Gray Stadium, we’re ready to find a seat for them and put on one heck of a show,” Swilling said.

    “We got really lucky last year with the weather,” said Burt Myers, who will race in the No. 50, Team AmeriVet, Chevrolet. “I kept saying this time of year, we can handle the cold if we can just dodge the snow and the ice, and it bit us this year.”

    Myers is one of the dozens of drivers waiting to compete in the Clash. Myers along with his family have made a name for themselves racing in the modified summer series at the historic track, where he’s won numerous titles. Myers is looking forward to another chance competing for a victory at the place known as “The Madhouse.”

    “Typically we’re used to just getting ready for racing season [this time of the year],” Myers said. “To throw a race in, it gives us a chance to kick start a little early and it’s a Cup car, so who wouldn’t be excited about that, right?”

    Parking lots are set to open at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Off-site shuttles will start running at noon with gates opening at 12:30 p.m.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Clearing ice from parking lots after winter storm

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    Crews have been working to clear roads and parking lots after a winter storm brought snow, sleet and ice across the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Craig Whitley, owner of Tim Whitley Hauling and Grading, spent Monday traveling around the Triad to clear parking lots before covering surfaces with salt

    • His company has been in business since 1992 

    • He says weather can be unpredictable this time of year but that preparation is key

    “Parking lots that don’t get completely dried like this one right here, in the morning, it’s going to be a solid sheet of ice,” said Craig Whitley, owner of Tim Whitley Hauling and Grading.

    Whitley knows a thing or two about keeping people safe when inclement weather strikes. His company has been in business since 1992. They help remove ice during the cold months. 

    “This storm wasn’t near as bad as we’ve had some in the past,” he said. “I think [one of the worst] was 2002. We talked about that ice storm that came through. We pushed snow for three or four days. It was pretty bad.”

    Whitley and his crew spent Monday traveling around the Triad, using a skid steer to clear parking lots before covering the surface with salt. His phone has been ringing off the hook as residents try to clean up from the winter storm. 

    “We’ve had a bunch,” he said. “I don’t even know. There’s been so many. I can’t keep up with them. We’ve been to Asheboro, Albemarle, Thomasville, Kernersville and now we’re in High Point.”

    Weather can be a little unpredictable this time of year. That’s why Whitley says preparation is key.

    “Friday and Saturday, we went around a lot of these businesses, like this one, and other ones and we pretreated them with salt,” he said. 

    No matter how long it takes to clear each lot, he enjoys helping clients get back up and running. 

    “It feels good to help them out where they can get back rolling, because if they’re making money, they’re spending money with me,” he said.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Another NASCAR race returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway

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    NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — The hills are alive with the sound of racing. Several NASCAR Cup Series teams tested a new engine package at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Tuesday afternoon.

    What You Need To Know

    • Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19

    • Testing on a new 750-horsepower package at the racetrack happened on Tuesday

    • Hundreds of racing fans attended the test

    • Single-day tickets for the race are now available online


    “I’d like to maybe try to get a ticket for this,” said Collin Welborn, a racing fan from High Point.

    Fans came out in numbers to secure their tickets for the Window World 450 on July 19. It’ll be the first NASCAR Cup Series points race at North Wilkesboro since 1996.

    Some fans say they have gotten tickets to every race held at the historic speedway and see the upcoming event as a chance to carry on the exciting tradition.

    Not only was it the first day fans could buy tickets for the race at the box office, but it was also the first time fans got to see NASCAR’s new 750-horsepower package in person. The new package will be used during select races this season, and fans say they are excited to see the difference in speed. 

    “It’s not just having it. It’s knowing how to use it,” said Bobby Mills, a racing fan from Winston-Salem. “You can’t just mash the gas and go. You’ve got all the power you need for this place now.”

    Fans say the corners of the track are tight coming in, so the extra horsepower on the straightaways could help pick up a little of the difference from having to lift off so far back.

    The Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race from 2023-2025 after sitting empty for decades following the infamous 1996 race.

    Fans say they are glad to see action back on the track. 

    “The atmosphere here is unbelievable,” Welborn said. “Fans come from all across the world just to see the best of the best come here and tackle this track that’s been here since 1949.”

    “I think it takes talent to get around this track with 30 or 40 other cars on the track, versus some other tracks that have more wider grooves,” Mills said. “I think this track makes you show your talent.”

    Single-day tickets for the Window World 450 will be available online starting Wednesday morning, Jan. 14.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • New year, new way to deduct charitable donations

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Changes to how charitable donations are taxed are coming in 2026.

    “I think that the winners are definitely going to be those that take a standard deduction,” said Jahad Zenith, chief financial officer of Ummah Tax Solutions in Winston-Salem.

    What You Need To Know

    • The way charitable donations are treated on income tax returns is changing in the new year

    • Depending on tax bracket, those who do not itemize can deduct cash donations to charity of up to $1,000 for single filers and up to $2,000 for joint filers

    • Itemized charitable donations will be capped at 35%




    Depending on tax bracket, starting Jan. 1, those who don’t itemize will be allowed to deduct charitable cash donations of up to $1,000 for single filers and up to $2,000 for those who file jointly. Itemized charitable donations will be capped at 35% and a new floor has been set regarding deductions for itemizers and corporations. 

    “If your [adjusted gross income] is $100,000, 0.5% of that is $500, you have to go above the $500 in order to get any credit,” Zenith said. “You have to meet a certain number before any deductions even count.”

    Reports show nearly one-third of charitable donations are made in December. It’s typically a busy time of year for nonprofits such as Goodwill to receive donations. 

    “It’s not unlikely for us to get hundreds of donations a day,” said Renee Rohrer, director of marketing for Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C.

    Goodwill accepts gently used clothing, furniture, household goods and electronics, and 87 cents of every dollar received go toward the nonprofit’s mission programs.  

    “When you make a donation to Goodwill, you can receive a receipt,” Rohrer said. “[It’s a] tax-deductible receipt. It also has cool reminders on the back of what we can accept and what we can’t accept, and what our most needed items are.”

    Although the holiday season creates a rush, recently imposed tariffs have also led to an increase in those shopping at Goodwill. The new tax codes may move some to donate even more.

    “We still see an incredible amount of donations because people are just already in the swing of things this time of year to go through stuff in their houses, whether or not they’re able to write that off on their taxes,” Rohrer said. 

    With tax season around the corner, experts recommend consulting with a tax professional to make sure you get the most out of your return. Some organizations offer free estimates. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Rockingham County band director to march in Rose Parade

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    EDEN, N.C. — In his 11th year teaching at Morehead High School in Eden, director of bands Nathan Hines is getting to check an item off his bucket list. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Nathan Hines was selected to be a part of the 350-member Band Directors Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California

    • The group features music educators from all over as part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project

    • Hines, one of 12 North Carolina band directors to be selected for this honor, will play trumpet along the parade route 


    Hines was selected to be a part of the 350-member Band Directors Marching Band in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. The group features music educators from all over as part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors project.

    “There’s no better professional development for a teacher than being able to interact with teachers from all around the country and even some from other countries,” Hines said.

    Hines, one of 12 North Carolina band directors to be selected for this honor, will play trumpet along the 5.5-mile parade route. He previously played with some of the band members at the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and expects a similar experience in California. 

    “When [the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade] was over, that was two and a half miles, and it felt like it lasted 20 minutes,” he said. “Getting to play in front of millions of people there is pretty, pretty neat.”

    Nearly 10% of the students at Morehead High participate in the band program, and many of Hines’ students are excited to see him perform.

    “To get that recognition, to put Morehead and Eden on the map, sort of in a sense, that’s pretty cool to be a part of that,” said senior percussionist Enrique Garcia. 

    “He really cares for everyone in [the] band,” said senior flute player Diana Mor Martinez. “He makes sure everyone here is OK. He likes to remind us that everyone in [the] band is important, no matter how small your part.”

    Hines said he hopes his journey will be an inspiration to students. 

    “I hope actually for my students that they see that and say, ‘Well, you know, he’s still doing these things and maybe I can do that too in the future,’” he said.

    This isn’t the first time Hines was selected for the Rose Parade. He got a call to participate in 2021, but that event was canceled due to COVID. 

    Now, five years later, this will be Hines’ first trip to California, and he’s planning to do some sightseeing on the West Coast.

    The Morehead High School Band will perform in Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, in the spring, and the band recently received invitations to play at Pearl Harbor next December and in Ireland in 2027.

    Hines also completed a service through music project with the Morehead High band as part of a Saluting America’s Band Directors initiative.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Son decorates home for Christmas to remember late mother

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    SUMMERFIELD, N.C. — The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate with family and friends. For some, annual holiday traditions have a deeper meaning, especially after loved ones pass away. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Sterling Nix of Summerfield keeps a tradition of putting up Christmas decorations each year

    • He started out as a young boy, helping his mother put them up at the family home

    • His mother died in 2023, and he says the tradition now helps him remember her

    “This is the accumulation of several years of just loving this hobby, and I enjoy sharing the spirit with others,” said Sterling Nix, a Summerfield resident. 

    Sterling Nix moved to Summerfield from Florida with his family in 2019. He has helped put up Christmas decorations at his family’s home each year since he was a young boy. It started out as a fun, annual chore with his mom. 

    “When I was young, I was obsessed with things that plugged in as a baby,” said Nix. “My mom always told me that I was getting into the lamps and stuff, just walking around, plugging them in and unplugging them, so I guess it’s just kind of a natural connection.”

    Things took a turn in March 2023 when Nix’s mom, Beth, passed away from heart failure.

    “Inside [our home] we don’t have nearly as many decorations as we did before, because I was always the outside person and he would take care of the inside,” said Nix. “There’s always a spot missing.”

    Each year since, Nix has carried on the family tradition. He says his mom’s favorite part was the nativity scene because it helped share the true meaning behind the holiday.

    “You can easily get lost in all the commercial aspects,” said Nix. 

    Nix says it takes nearly a month to set everything up. The display includes dozens of inflatables, lights and other festive decor including rare or hard-to-find items. 

    “I haven’t seen them in a while,” said Nix. “I plug them up and I’m like, dang, I forgot how big these things were.”

    When cars pass by to look at the display, Nix feels joy knowing that his work is appreciated by many and hopes they’ll take away something from it.

    “You don’t have to lose the magic of Christmas as you get older,” said Nix. “You can always look at the things that brought you joy. They don’t have to stop bringing you joy.”

    All while remembering his mother.

    “She loved bringing people joy, so this is what she would have loved,” said Nix. “She’d probably think it’s a little insane with the amount I’ve gone, but she’d love it.”

    Nix says power and wind can be the most challenging aspects when it comes to managing the display. He also sets up decorations for Halloween. He plans to buy more Christmas decor in the coming months and hopes to have a bigger display next year. 

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • N.C. animal shelter suggests doing research before giving pets as gifts

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — Every year thousands of pets are given as holiday gifts, but some get returned to shelters.

    What You Need To Know

    • The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says a pet should only be given to those who have “sustained interest” and the “ability to take care of it responsibly”

    • ASPCA data from 2024 shows that more than 4 million cats and dogs were adopted from shelters nationwide 

    • Since Jan. 1, Guilford County Animal Services has helped nearly 2,100 dogs and 1,800 cats find homes 


    In North Carolina, shelter officials are urging caution when giving a pet this time of year.

    Jorge Ortega, director of Guilford County Animal Services, says some of the reasons for surrendered animals include housing concerns and lack of veterinary care.

    “I think the big key here is the family,” Ortega said. “The individual has to be ready for a new pet in the family.”

    According to the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, as of 2024, only 48 North Carolina shelters were listed as no-kill. 

    To help more pets stay with their new families, Guilford County Animal Services, which is recognized as a nearly no-kill shelter, uses a voucher system.

    “If you’re interested in giving a pet as a gift, we ask you to come here, get one of those vouchers, and then give the voucher as a gift and have the receiving individual come to the shelter and then pick the love of their life,” Ortega said.

    The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says a pet should only be given to those who have “sustained interest” and the “ability to take care of it responsibly.” The nonprofit says parents that give children ages 12 and under pets as gifts should be ready to assume care for the animal.

    Ortega says it’s important to do your research before bringing a pet home.

    “If they’re looking at a dog that’s really active, how much time do they have to give to that dog, so they can work on that energy level,” Ortega said. “Or are we looking at probably adopting a cat if they have long hours.”

    ASPCA data from 2024 shows that more than 4 million cats and dogs were adopted from shelters nationwide. More than 600,000 animals were euthanized.

    Since Jan. 1, Guilford County Animal Services has helped nearly 2,100 dogs and 1,800 cats find homes. 

    “To be able to find homes for these pets, it’s not only rewarding for me, but it’s rewarding for the whole team that works here,” Ortega said. 

    Officials urge owners to have their pets microchipped and to make sure that the information is updated, so that if they ever get lost or go missing they can be reunited with their family.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • Report shows potential drop in shopping ahead of holiday season

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    GREENSBORO, N.C. — This weekend typically marks the start of the holiday shopping season. A nationwide report shows there might be a dip in holiday spending this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • A WalletHub survey finds nearly two in three Americans think the economy will make the holidays less fun this year

    • About 85% of consumers say they’ll spend the same amount or less this year holiday shopping than last year

    • The Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic is back in Greensboro this Friday through Sunday


    “We need to support the people that literally make their own product,” said Sheila Putnam, owner of SCP Collectibles in South Carolina.

    This holiday shopping season may not be merry for some small business owners who worry they may see a decline in sales. 

    A WalletHub survey finds nearly two in three Americans believe the economy will make the holidays less fun this year. About 85% of consumers say they’ll spend the same amount or less this year holiday shopping compared with last year.  

    Nearly 300 small-business owners will have booths at the 52nd Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic in Greensboro over the coming days. Some vendors are from North Carolina, while others traveled from out of state.

    Josh Miller sells custom furniture in Pennsylvania. He has attended this craft show for more than 20 years.  

    “This has always been a great show for sales,” said Miller, owner of North Crate & Co. 

    Miller believes quality, not quantity, will be a priority for customers when buying products and gifts this year.  

    “My furniture costs a little bit more upfront, but, per year, it’s something you can hand down to your kids and grandkids,” Miller said. “It’s actually the best way for a family to survive on harder financial times.”

    Organizers expect 15,000-25,000 shoppers over the weekend. Vendors like Putnam are hoping they’ll get as much business as in years past.  

    “My product is very affordable, too, where everybody can use it and give it as a gift, so no, I’m not concerned about [consumers potentially spending less],” she said. “I’ve done all my other shows and have been relative about the same. I’m happy if we can hold on to what we did last year.”

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Winston-Salem church hosts community meal on Thanksgiving Day

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Jasmine Crawford is among the 50 volunteers that helped make hundreds of meals for the community at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Winston-Salem Thursday.

    “It’s always a blessing to be a blessing,” said Crawford, owner of Jasmine’s Kitchen and Catering.

    The spread included a variety of food, including chicken, green beans, mac and cheese and dessert.

    “We have some apple pie,” Crawford said. “Cinnamon apple pie. We have some sweet potato pie. Also, very delicious.”

    Church members were inspired to create this meal giveaway following the recent government shutdown, where millions of Americans faced food insecurities due to a lack of funding for SNAP benefits.

    “We wanted to be a blessing to any and all within our community, and so this was our way of doing just that,” said Pastor Brandon Helton of Piney Grove Baptist Church.

    Crawford has run her own catering company for seven years. She felt a calling to help her church feed those in need this Thanksgiving. 

    “Nobody wants to sit around a table and think that somebody is not eating today,” Crawford said. “This is something that has been placed on my heart to do. I love cooking, so when I can cook for other people, that’s even better.”

    Any leftovers from the lunch are donated to nearby food shelters. Organizers are hoping to make this an annual event. 

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  • Head Start programs face financial challenges as government shutdown continues

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    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Helping low-income children and families access education is an investment that pays off for the entire country, says Khari Garvin, president and CEO of Family Services of Forsyth County.

    “The way that I like to think about it is Head Start is one of several programs that’s part of our nation’s prescription to end poverty,” Garvin said. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Head Start programs in North Carolina receive $290 million in federal funding

    • The program supports 19,500 students and more than 5,600 jobs in the state 

    • Head Start is responsible for 20% or more of licensed child care facilities in 22 rural counties statewide


    Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free learning and development services to children in low-income families. The ages of participants range from birth to 5 years old.

    Most programs receive funding from the federal government, and some have not received those payments because of the ongoing government shutdown.

    Family Services of Forsyth County is the grantee for 10 sites in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. The nonprofit secured enough grants to keep its Head Start programs funded through May. 

    “The theory is that if you assist a child and family with accessing those important resources to development, health care, education, nutrition, parent engagement and parent development, if you help these families access to services that they would otherwise not have ready access to given their situation, then you’re giving them a head start, as it were, to development,” Garvin said.

    Other programs across the state, such as the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project and the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, are on hold or suspending operations because they don’t have the funding.

    Gov. Josh Stein, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt and Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green sent a letter to Congress in April about potential cuts to funding for Head Start programs. According to the letter, Head Start programs statewide receive $290 million from the federal government. It says Head Start supports 19,500 students and more than 5,600 jobs in North Carolina. State leaders believe if federal funds end for these curriculums, roughly 500 child care programs could close.

    “These are not children who, No. 1, they’re not being babysat,” Garvin said. “Secondly, they’re not just sitting around watching cartoons all day and eating snacks. These are early education programs designed to help support children’s educational trajectory to enter kindergarten and go beyond literacy, numeracy and social emotional development.”

    North Carolina is considered to be a child care desert. On average, five families compete to fill one spot at licensed child care facilities. Statewide, Head Start is responsible for 20% or more of licensed child care facilities in 22 rural counties.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • New tariffs impact High Point Furniture Market

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    HIGH POINT, N.C. — Over the next five days, 75,000 people are expected to visit “The Furniture Capital of the World,” High Point, for the Fall Furniture Market. 

    “This is the most important furniture show in the world,” said Eduardo Perez, president and CEO of Adriana Hoyos. 

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 75,000 people are expected to attend the High Point Furniture Market

    • It has a $6.7 billion impact on North Carolina’s economy

    • There’s a 25% tariff on imported vanities, kitchen cabinets as well as upholstered chairs, seats and sofas


    It’s considered to have the biggest economic impact of any event in North Carolina. 

    “$6.7 billion comes​​ to our state economy as a result of this show being here twice a year,” said Tammy Covington, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “It’s great for our city. Market is in High Point’s DNA. We love to welcome our furniture friends back to High Point.”

    The semiannual event gives furniture industry leaders the chance to network with and collaborate with their peers and clients. Attendees can visit showrooms, learn key insights from industry experts and check out the latest home furnishings and trends. 

    “It’s about the brand,” Perez said. “It’s about the lifestyle. It’s about presenting what we think overall, that design is about. It’s about creating spaces, it’s not only about product.” 

    The fall market comes at an interesting time for the furniture industry. President Donald Trump recently imposed tariffs on specific wood products and components, citing national security and foreign trade practice concerns. Currently there’s a 25% tariff on imported vanities and kitchen cabinets as well as upholstered chairs, seats and sofas. Those tariffs could increase in the new year. 

    “Challenges are part of life,” Perez said. “It is what it is. We’re going to be very creative. In order to handle the tariffs, we manufacture in Ecuador as a fact. We are a vertically integrated company, perhaps like no other. We even have the forests. We grow our own trees. What we’re thinking now is also complementing our manufacturing here in the states.”

    “Retailers are exploring their options in terms of what’s out there and really understanding how our exhibitors are responding to the tariff issue,” Covington said. “The great thing about High Point is we’re where those conversations happen.”

    Industry leaders remain optimistic during this time of uncertainty. 

    “I really like that we can cooperate and give to the American market the best possible furniture as it used to be, the best quality,” Perez said.

    “I don’t anticipate it having any issues for April because folks really need to have exposure to this product,” Covington said. “They need to know what their options are in terms of sourcing, and High Point is where you do that.”

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Food Lion’s parent company to bring 500 jobs to Piedmont-Triad

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    BURLINGTON, N.C. — One of the world’s largest food retail groups, Ahold Delhaize USA, which operates Food Lion, will build its newest distribution center along the Alamance-Guilford county line. It’s considered to be the largest capital investment in Burlington’s history, officials said.

    What You Need To Know

    •  TThe owner of Food Lion is making what it said is the largest capital investment in Burlington’s history at $860 million

    •  The facility will create more than 500 jobs

    • The average wage is expected to be more than $60,000 per year


    “I think everyone likes roads,” said Marvin Price, executive vice president of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. “I think everyone loves a well-funded school system and a police department or EMS teams that have the right kind of equipment, and you don’t have that unless you have the tax revenue to pay for it. A company coming in of this magnitude, gainfully being able to employ the citizens of that community, that just is a win.”

    The company’s $860-million investment could potentially create more than 500 jobs, company officials said. The average wage is expected to be more than $60,000 per year. Initially, 120 jobs will come to Guilford County.

    “They will come in and they will start that process of hiring and beginning to develop that culture, if you will, for that facility,” said Teross Young, vice president of Ahold Delhaize USA. “We’ll have supervisors who start to come in and then will start to bring in people who will automatically start to understand kind of how this facility will be run long term.”

    Guilford County Commissioners, along with the Burlington City Council, held separate public hearings on “Project Titan” Wednesday afternoon. Council approved $21.5 million worth of incentives to close the deal.

    “The one thing that is most important is that, as the population continues to grow, jobs and quality of life and places to live are going to be equally important,” said Burlington Mayor James Butler. “This is just a cog of that wheel, and we’re very fortunate.”

    The new state-of-the-art, one million square foot warehouse will be located in the Rock Creek area near Lake McIntosh off Interstate 40. Companies including Duke Energy, PrePac and Zink Imaging already have facilities nearby. 

    “Did you know that Guilford County is the place where I-40 and 85 merges together,” Price said. “When you think about that from a company standpoint, going all the way to California or going through I-85, going all the way to Virginia to New York, that’s an opportunity where it merges together. Commerce starts essentially in Guilford County, North Carolina.”

    Construction of the project is expected to start next year and be completed in 2029.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • ‘No Kings’ protest held along Capital Boulevard in Raleigh

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — Protesters lined Capital Boulevard in Raleigh on Saturday afternoon as part of a “No Kings” protest, part of a series of demonstrations across the United States on Saturday by critics of Republican President Donald Trump and his administration. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A “No Kings” protest took place Saturday on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh

    • Charlotte and other cities across the United States saw similar demonstrations

    • Organizers of the “No Kings” protests express opposition to what they see as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian policies



    “I was out here for the first one and I couldn’t wait to be out here for the second one,” said Jackie Alces, a protester. The rally Saturday is the third mass mobilization and the second “No Kings” protest since Trump was elected to his second term as president.

    “It is energizing to see like-minded people,” Alces said. “I tried to get more of my like-minded people to come out and they were hesitant. They’re afraid that something’s going to happen. Like we are peacefully protesting, we are not here to cause problems.”

    Car horns and other noisemakers filled the air while protesters waved signs and chanted messages along the busy street. One woman who is the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors says it was important to be out there.

    “People here are saying it’ll never happen, but it’s happening,” said Catherine Tabor. “I have my mom and grandma’s passport. When you first walk in my house, that’s the first thing you see. I have it in a shadow box right by the front door. And I think about them all the time.”

    Not everyone who was there was in favor of the protest. Some stopped by to see what was going on. 

    “It made me curious,” said Rex Caesar, who stopped by the protest. “I wanted to see some people’s opinions on why they’re anti-Trump, and we’ve been able to talk to a few people. It’s definitely cool to hear people’s experiences and what they feel about Trump and really just hear them out.”

    Others say they were there to make their voices heard.  

    “I feel that if we don’t put our voices out there, we’re complicit with … what they’re doing, and I’m not happy with what they’re doing,” said Alces.

    Republican supporters of Trump have dubbed the protests “Hate America” rallies, and the North Carolina GOP on Saturday called on Democrats to end the federal government shutdown.

    “Far-left radical Democrats shut down the federal government to brag at these events they shut down the government to stop President Trump,” Matt Mercer of the N.C. GOP said in a statement. “Democrats must stop holding the government hostage at the expense of military service members, low-income families, and federal law enforcement.”

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    Zach Tucker

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  • High Point school closes after state revokes its charter

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    HIGH POINT, N.C. — What once was a place to learn is now quiet. The Triad International Studies Academy in High Point closed this week after losing its charter. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The North Carolina Charter School Review Board revoked the Triad International Studies Academy’s on Oct. 6 for failure to meet minimum enrollment standards

    • State law requires charter schools to have a minimum of 80 students 

    • TISA, which had only 45 students, closed this week



    “I wish we were given the opportunity to save the school before it was too late,” said Breanne Kraft, whose daughter attended TISA.

    The North Carolina Charter School Review Board during its meeting Oct. 6 revoked the school’s charter after it failed to meet enrollment standards. State law requires charter schools to have at least 80 students. TISA had only 45. 

    Kraft’s daughter, who is autistic, was a kindergarten student at TISA. Kraft says her daughter enjoyed the immersive language program offered at the school.

    “My daughter speaks a little bit of Spanish at home, but being here in this environment helped her Spanish improve and get better,” Kraft said. “Her favorite subject was Chinese.”

    Kraft was surprised when she received the message about the school’s closure. 

    “They just suddenly said, hey, the charter review board voted to close our school,” Kraft said. “They said they’re going to give us until maybe Dec. 30, but it could be sooner than that. We may have to help you transfer your kids out of the school. It was very like, where did this come from?”

    The TISA board has since released a statement thanking students, families and the TISA team for their support. “Our team remains committed to serving and supporting our community in other capacities,” it says. 

    “I haven’t been given time to really do as much research as I did before school started,” Kraft said. “For me, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t know. I’ve had other parents and people saying, ‘Oh, we’ll help you find another school,’ but for me, it’s like, I feel like I’m throwing my kid who developed bonds with their teachers and their fellow students into a school that I don’t know if it’s right for her.”

    In response to a question about whether TISA could reopen in the future, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction said: “The board for TISA could decide to reapply in future application cycles. There is no prohibition against that.” 

    “I wish that they would actually come by the school and see how great my kid and other kids are doing in the school, rather than most kids do in other schools,” Kraft said. “I wanted them to see for themselves that they’re making a mistake.”

    TISA is still planning on holding a free medical clinic Nov. 8.

    Data from the Department of Public Instruction shows there are 220 active charter schools in North Carolina, which supported almost 150,000 students during the 2024-25 school year. Fourteen charter applications were submitted this year for schools that would open in 2026 or 2027.

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    Zach Tucker

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