FRIDAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU

Durham to Host First U.S. Semiconductor Institute

[ABC11] Durham, NC, will host the first U.S. semiconductor manufacturing institute, funded by a $285 million federal initiative under the Biden-Harris Administration. Known as "Smart USA," the institute will focus on digital twin technology to enhance semiconductor production efficiency. This initiative is part of the CHIPS Act to bolster U.S. semiconductor capabilities, create high-paying jobs, and drive innovation. Local leaders, including Mayor Leonardo Williams, celebrated the news, emphasizing the potential for economic growth and job creation in the region.

Read More »

Helene’s Aftermath: Urgent Calls for Federal Relief

[News & Observer] After Hurricane Helene devastated Western NC, Senator Thom Tillis and Governor Roy Cooper are urgently seeking federal disaster relief. Tillis called for Congress to approve a $100 billion package, stressing the need for innovative responses to climate-driven disasters. Cooper requested $25.57 billion for infrastructure, housing, and economic recovery.

Tillis spoke in his testimony about the widespread devastation seen throughout Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene ravaged the region beginning Sept. 26.

He ticked off the numbers:

• 102 deaths

• 151 homes destroyed

• 500,000 businesses affected

• 5,000 miles of roads damaged

• 1,300 public bridges and culverts damaged

• 163 water and sewer systems damaged

• 20,000 farms damaged

Congress faces a tight timeline to address disaster relief amidst other priorities.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News:

• North Carolina Public Radio [WUNC], has stated that they will no longer be posting on Twitter/X

• Over 100 acres on Topsail Island to be protected under Acres for America grant program

What you should know:

• Matt Gaetz withdraws his bid for attorney general

• Trump picks former Florida AG Pam Bondi as AG nominee after Matt Gaetz withdraws

• Moscow threatens to attack US air bases in Poland

• Arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu by International Criminal Court

• North Carolina ranked #7 in highest STD rate

What might surprise you

• Kissinger's final warning: Prepare now for 'superhuman' people to control Earth

• News helicopter captures mysterious orb zooming over Hudson River

• Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans upset by election

National & World News:

• Transgender teen sues South Carolina over school bathroom law

• Atmospheric River Pummeling Northwest With Flooding Rain, Snow, Strong Winds

• Dead 47-foot-long endangered fin whale washes up in Alaska, attracting hundreds of people

To-Do!

✅ Shop at Aldis for an Aldis holiday sweater, pajamas or tumbler

Weather Forecast

Fri 22 Mostly Sunny/Wind | 54°/42° | 1% | WNW 20 mph
Sat 23 Sunny | 61°/43° | 2% | WNW 14 mph
Sun 24 Sunny | 63°/48° | 4% | W 7 mph

Provided by weather.com

Tide Forecast

Fri Nov 22
6:03am: 0.76 ft (Low Tide)
12:19pm: 4.02 ft (High Tide)
7:10pm: 0.71 ft (Low Tide)

Sat Nov 23
12:51am: 3.51 ft (High Tide)
7:12am: 0.88 ft (Low Tide)
1:08pm: 3.75 ft (High Tide)
7:59pm: 0.67 ft (Low Tide)

Sun Nov 24
1:45am: 3.55 ft (High Tide)
8:13am: 0.90 ft (Low Tide)
2:00pm: 3.53 ft (High Tide)
8:41pm: 0.59 ft (Low Tide)

Provided by Marineweather.net