Good morning, Hickory.

The City of Hickory announced the 2025 Business.

Well Crafted. Award winners during Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 17-21), naming local entrepreneurs like Jason Yates and Steven Lyerly of Olde Hickory Brewery, Boundary Fencing, Lilly Thomas Boutique, DeFeet, Ella Blu, Ideal Office Worx, and Hickory Community Theatre. The winners will be recognized at a City Council meeting on Dec. 16 and featured in upcoming videos.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson and attorneys general from eight states reached a $7 million settlement with Greystar Management LLC, North Carolina’s largest landlord with over 25,000 units, to stop using AI software that raised rents unfairly.

Greystar will cease using competitor data and must report its compliance to the Attorney General’s Office — a measure aimed at protecting renters and ensuring fair pricing.

North Carolina published new digital skills standards last month and will soon launch an online course to help residents learn crucial online tools with digital navigators trained to guide them - the plan aims to boost basic and advanced online safety and skills.

This effort joins other states working to strengthen digital literacy.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson warned residents to beware of immigration scams after his office received reports of scammers posing as immigration lawyers and government officials in exchange for large upfront fees—leaving vulnerable families with limited legal support.

Frye Regional Medical Center earned national recognition for its advanced cardiovascular care—receiving top American Heart Association honors for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and resuscitation care—and earned the inaugural Commitment to Quality Award, marking its continuous excellence in lifesaving treatment.

The CVCC Esports team won its third national championship on November 20th by defeating USC Sumter 3-1 in the Best-of-5 finals—marking an exciting comeback after an early deficit.

The Red Hawks went 5-0 during the fall season and overcame tough maps to seal the title—demonstrating their strong postseason performance.

Caldwell Community College men’s basketball swept the season series against Catawba Valley with a 100-89 win on November 20 in Hickory—Jared Taylor led with 26 points and Caldwell will host its next game Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.

Community members got a sneak peak of the Hickory High boys basketball team on Wednesday at Lenoir-Rhyne University+ the event allowed local fans an early look at the team in action.

Point of View Teen Writing Club

5-6 p.m. — Patrick Beaver Memorial Library — Free entry — Unleash creativity through writing challenges and storytelling games with fellow teen writers.