Good morning, Hickory.

On May 12, N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced he is leading a bipartisan, multistate coalition to target WeChat— a Chinese-owned platform linked to money laundering and fentanyl trafficking— and he is asking the company to provide clear steps to stop these crimes within 30 days.

Today, state lawmakers advanced separate bills in the House and Senate to limit homeowners associations by setting new rules for foreclosures on unpaid dues and parking regulations—measures that include requirements for timely approval of property additions.

Lawmakers say the bipartisan proposals aim to restore property rights, though the attorney general has raised concerns about the bill's enforcement.

Catawba County Government warned Medicaid recipients on May 12 about a texting scam pretending to be from their Medicaid Health Plan & falsely claiming that benefits ended.

Residents are urged to contact their local DSS office for help and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

Catawba County Manager Mary Furtado recommended a $345,000,797 budget for FY 2025/26 on May 12 while keeping the property tax rate at $0.3985 per $100 to support county services and growth.

The Board of Commissioners will hold budget workshops on May 21 and public hearings on May 22 with final approval on June 2 at Newton’s Justice Center—each event open to the public.

Brandy Burd, BSN, RN, was named the 2025 Faye Sugg Nursing Excellence Award recipient at UNC Health Lenoir for her leadership, clinical practice, and teaching + her portrait will join those of past honorees on display during National Nurses Week.

Lenoir-Rhyne Baseball earned the #3 seed in the Southeast Region and will face #6 seed North Georgia on Thursday at 3:00 p.m.—Belmont Abbey will host the regional as the Bears advanced after a SAC Championship series effort.

The Chain - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hum — Tickets available — Experience the exceptional sounds of Fleetwood Mac brought to life by The Chain featuring Dani Kerr from America's Got Talent.

Swingin’ Under The Stars

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Sails on the Square — Free entry — Experience the Hickory Jazz Orchestra performing beloved big band classics under the night sky.

37th Annual Spring Fling

9 AM – 3 PM — Catholic Conference Center — $17 — Engage in crafts, educational sessions, and activities like line bingo for a fun and informative day.

On-Site Tour of Senior Living Facilities

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Greens at Hickory — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living facilities committed to quality care and engaging activities.

AWKN Conference

7 PM – 1 PM — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — Check event page for pricing — Big adventures await in Hickory, showcasing the local community's heritage and outdoor activities.

ACCW Live Wrestling Event

6-9 p.m. — Brookford Community Building — Tickets available now — Experience an epic Steel Cage Showdown for the Apple City Championship in Hickory.

Furniture Manufacturing Expo

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau — Complimentary tickets available — Discover the latest innovations and solutions for furniture manufacturing.