Good morning, Hickory.

Whataburger’s second location opens today at 2411 North Center Street (Highway 127) with a ribbon cutting at 8:30 a.m., and WHKY’s Chuck Boozer will broadcast his program On Second Thought from 9 a.m. to noon.

Corning and Meta broke ground on the world’s largest optical cable plant in Hickory — a project set to support AI data centers and add over 130 jobs — with work scheduled to finish in the first half of next year.

Construction began on Monday, March 30, with a project in several phases to improve streetscapes along Government Avenue SW and First Avenue NW in downtown Hickory.

The project, funded partly by an $850,000 state grant, will be completed by August + may cause temporary traffic delays.

Yesterday, the Lenoir-Rhyne women’s lacrosse team beat Tusculum 19 to 7, winning four of their last five games and improving their conference record to 6 to 1.

They will host UVA Wise for senior day Saturday at Moretz Stadium at 1:00 p.m.

The Hickory Crawdads will have fireworks after baseball games on 15 dates between April and Sept.

A section of Aviation Walk and 24th Street NW will close at 6 p.m. on most nights + 4 p.m. on July 4 to create a safe zone for the displays.

Rockie Lynne All Star Jam

7-10 p.m. — The Premier — Cost not specified — Experience soulful blues and rock as Rockie Lynne takes the stage with special guests for a night of memorable music.

Live Again Tribute Fest

5-9 p.m. — The Premier — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of powerful tribute performances from iconic rock bands.