"Shaking Things Up: North Carolina Mountains Hit by Earthquake!"

Trivia Question❓

Which North Carolinian was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, just five years after Charles Lindbergh's historic flight?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Young girls in North Carolina pack dolls for Central Texas flood survivors

Earthquake Rattles North Carolina Mountains Thursday Morning

An earthquake hit the North Carolina mountains on Thursday morning.

The U.S.

Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred 4.4 miles north of Columbus, NC at 11:14 a.m.

There have been 551 reports of people feeling the earthquake and there have been reports of damage.

Columbus is a town in Polk County with 994 residents, located about 15 miles from Hendersonville, NC.

The earthquake shook the region, causing concern and prompting residents to stay updated on the latest news and weather developments through the WXII app.

The Element by Westin Wilmington has opened in Mayfaire Town Center, bringing the brand’s first extended-stay hotel to Wilmington.

Jointly developed by Vision Hospitality Group and CBL & Associates, the 139-room property features amenities such as a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, conference facilities, and a fitness center.

Guests can take advantage of eco-friendly features like electric vehicle charging stations, filtered water access, and complimentary bike rentals, reflecting a growing demand for sustainable stays.

Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, expressed excitement over the Element brand’s Wilmington debut and highlighted a strong partnership with CBL & Associates in fusing hospitality with sustainability.

The opening signals continued growth in Mayfaire, coinciding with BrodyCo’s plans for Mayfaire West: a new residential community with apartments, townhomes, and green spaces.

These additions underscore Wilmington’s evolving mix of residential, retail, and hospitality offerings.

This newsletter sponsored by

Barnyard Betsy’s: Where Rustic Charm Meets Philly Flavor

Named after the owner’s grandmother, Barnyard Betsy’s brings a rustic barn atmosphere to Creswell while serving up authentic Philly favorites.

Enjoy cheesesteaks and hoagies made with fresh meats and special rolls, alongside signature items like the “Barnyard Burger,” Fire Pit Kits, salads, and wraps.

Dine at our indoor lunch counter, outside at the picnic or fire pit area, or take your favorites to go.

Perfect for nature lovers, busy days, or anyone seeking a moment to relax with great food in a charming atmosphere.

North Carolina's Expanded Medical Release Law Fails to Increase Inmate Releases

North Carolina updated its medical release law in 2023, lowering the eligibility age for geriatric release to 55 and extending the timeframe for terminal illness to nine months.

The changes were meant to allow more seriously ill inmates a chance to spend their final days at home, easing burdens on both families and the prison system.

Despite these reforms, new data shows that very few have benefited.

Only four people were granted early medical release in 2024 out of about 32,000 incarcerated, with just five more by August 2025.

Advocates say these disappointing numbers fail to meet the law’s compassionate goals.

Older inmates, less likely to reoffend and costing the state more in medical care, are still mostly excluded due to strict medical criteria and convictions for violent offenses.

Ambiguous terms like “incapacitation” further limit eligibility, and delays have caused some inmates to die before decisions were made.

Advocates continue to urge lawmakers to better align policy with the state’s humanitarian and financial needs as the prison population ages.