ncnewsline.com – Galen Bacharier – 2025-08-29 04:30:00

SUMMARY: After Hurricane Helene caused flooding and damage to western North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate and surrounding areas, Visit NC launched marketing campaigns to revive tourism. Initially urging in-state residents and visitors to cautiously return, they shifted to the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” campaign, promoting outdoor activities and local attractions. Despite sluggish tourism in 2025, spending remained near 2024 levels. Visit NC invested nearly $14 million in targeted advertising, leveraging social media influencers to counter negative online flood imagery impacting visitor sentiment. Support from Governor Josh Stein, a vocal advocate for the region’s recovery, has been crucial in maintaining positive momentum and encouraging travel.

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The post Inside NC’s tourism push: Tracking Helene’s impact, ‘playing heartstrings’ & wrangling social media appeared first on ncnewsline.com

www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-08-28 11:30:21

SUMMARY: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement has captivated Swifties worldwide, sparking widespread celebration despite fans never personally knowing the couple. Clinical psychologist Susan Alers explains this as a parasocial relationship, where fans form deep, one-sided emotional bonds with celebrities. Many relate to Swift, having grown up with her music about love and heartbreak, and her engagement offers them hope for their own “fairy tale” endings. Social media amplifies this connection by announcing such news like a friend’s post, making fans feel involved. Alers encourages fans to embrace their joy and not let skeptics diminish their excitement, recognizing the engagement as a positive, shared experience.

If you’re a Swiftie, you might be having a party to celebrate the recent news about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting engaged. And if naysayers are wondering how fans can be so excited for two people most have never met, today’s health minute explains that it’s psychology!

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ncnewsline.com – Christine Zhu – 2025-08-28 05:30:00

SUMMARY: The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) denied a mining permit application from Horizon 30 LLC for operations near Poplar in Mitchell County, citing violations of the Mining Act of 1971. Residents expressed concerns about environmental damage along the Nolichucky River caused by unpermitted mining. Horizon 30 had ignored previous cease orders and operated illegally on about 50 acres. A Watauga Superior Court judge issued an injunction in August demanding an immediate halt. DEQ will continue monitoring and a court hearing is scheduled for September 23 to review Horizon 30’s reclamation plan, aiming to protect local watersheds and communities.

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