North Carolina

GREENSBORO, N.C. – November 06, 2026 -- If water pressure has dropped across your whole house, the cause could be anything from a half-closed main shut-off valve to corroded galvanized pipes, according to a HelloNation article featuring Plumbing Expert Tim Martin of Jimmy's Plumbing.

One weak tap usually means a local problem

A single weak faucet often points to a clogged aerator or a partly closed valve under that fixture. Older fixtures can also develop internal buildup that gradually reduces flow at just that tap.

Whole-house drops point to bigger causes

When pressure falls at every fixture, the article lists a partially closed main shut-off valve, a failing pressure-reducing valve and corroded galvanized pipes as common reasons. A sudden, sharp drop more often signals a break in the supply line than gradual buildup.

CHARLOTTE – November 04, 2026 -- Piedmont Natural Gas customers in North Carolina will pay less for heating this winter. A rate decrease that took effect Nov. 1 lowers the average residential bill by just under $12 per year.

Five 2026 rate cuts add up to about $112 in annual savings

The November reduction follows earlier North Carolina rate decreases in January, February, April and June. Combined, the five cuts lower average residential bills by roughly 9%, or about $112 per year.

Customers will see the latest reduction on their November bills, with the full impact showing in the months after. The North Carolina Utilities Commission reviews and approves all rate changes for the state's customers.

Emily Henson, president of Piedmont Natural Gas, said the company wants to make the heating season "a little easier on customers' wallets" at a time when many household costs remain high.

Raleigh – October 29, 2026 -- Used car owners in Raleigh, North Carolina, can book oil changes at the service center of Auction Direct USA, which services vehicles of all makes and models.

An oil change replaces dirty oil with fresh lubricant

The service involves draining old engine oil and refilling the engine with fresh oil that lubricates components, reduces friction and helps manage heat. Over time, oil collects dirt, debris and other contaminants that reduce its effectiveness. Following the manufacturer's recommended intervals can help drivers reduce the risk of preventable mechanical problems and costly repairs.

CHARLOTTE – October 29, 2026 -- If you smell natural gas, leave immediately and call Piedmont Natural Gas at 800.752.7504 or 911 from somewhere safe. The utility issued the reminder as temperatures fall and furnaces switch on.

Mercaptan gives odorless gas a rotten-egg smell

Natural gas has no smell on its own. Utilities inject an odorant called mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs, so leaks are easy to notice.

Leaks can also be seen and heard

Smell is not the only warning sign. Piedmont says leaks can cause bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead plants. Sinkholes or exposed pipe may also appear, and a hissing sound can come from near a gas line or meter.

Winston-Salem – October 21, 2026 -- A new HelloNation article walks homeowners through every stage of a whole-house remodel, from budgeting and permits to cabinets and paint, with input from Brian Ward of Ward Construction & Remodeling.

Planning and permits come before any demolition

The process starts with design and planning. Homeowners and contractors review project goals, evaluate existing conditions, and set budgets. In older Winston-Salem homes, assessing plumbing, electrical, and structural systems may take extra time.

Structural changes and certain plumbing or electrical upgrades generally require building permits and approvals. Processing times vary, so the article advises building possible delays into the remodeling timeline.

Warne, N.C. – September 11, 2026 -- A limited collection of 1- to 3-plus-acre high-elevation Blue Ridge Mountain properties goes on sale September 19, 2026, with prices starting at $34,900. National Land Partners, a land development company with more than 50 years in the industry, is bringing the parcels to market and encouraging interested buyers to book a private property tour ahead of the sale.

Lillington – September 09, 2026 -- Former journalist Lee Jennings has released her Christian romance mystery novel "Home in Montana," available now in softcover and electronic formats through WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The story follows a woman starting over in a new home

The novel centers on Allie, a woman beginning a fresh chapter in a new home while questioning whether her heart can heal. She befriends a young girl living across the street and the girl's father, only to face a missing friend, health struggles and unwanted contact from her ex-husband.

Jennings weaves personal health struggles into the plot

Jennings said the book targets women, teen girls, Christian readers and those interested in stories about love and second chances. She also hopes it resonates with readers managing OCD, thyroid conditions or other health challenges, since Allie faces similar struggles throughout the story.

New York – September 07, 2026 -- Emmy-winning conservationist Jeff Corwin returns to national television with "Jeff Corwin's Southern Wild," premiering Saturday, October 3, on ABC stations nationwide as part of the Weekend Adventure educational programming block, with air times varying by local market.

The series, produced by Hearst Media Production Group in partnership with Lees-McRae College, was filmed across North Carolina, following Corwin from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast.

Corwin Tracks Bears, Alligators and Sea Turtles Across the State

Episodes show Corwin searching for bats and salamanders, encountering black bears, alligators and sea turtles, and snorkeling native waterways to study fish populations. The show also documents wildlife rescue and conservation work as it happens in real time.