
After canceling in 2020, MerleFest returns to Wilkes Community College
“It’s been a dadgum year,” a Balsam Range band member said before closing out the set at this year’s MerleFest celebration. …

Could North Carolina farmers get student loan forgiveness?
Top North Carolina officials are asking U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for student loan forgiveness for farmers. Attorney General Josh Stein and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler asked Cardona in a letter earlier this month to add farmers to the list of those eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which pays off the balance of a Federal Direct loan for anyone who works 10 years in public service and has been making payments on the loan.…

Perspective | North Carolina students engage in purpose-driven inquiry to address global challenges
This week is Global Goals week — an annual week of action, awareness, and accountability for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which are aimed at addressing global challenges like poverty and hunger.…
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ICYMI | How every N.C. school performed on year-end tests
Given the pandemic, caution is the order of the day when looking at these test scores, but the scores will inform strategies for academic recovery.... Read the rest
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SHOUT OUT N.C. School of Science and Mathematics | NC school ranked the No. 2 public high school in the U.S.
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Democrats hammer out details of free community college plan
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ANN DOSS HELMS REPORTS | Union County School Board Votes To Honor COVID-19 Quarantines But Won't Do Contact Tracing
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COVID Vaccine Authorization for Children Ages 5-11 Possible Within Weeks After Pfizer Trials Find Shots Produce ‘Robust’ Immune Response
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‘Can’t Compete’: Why Hiring for Child Care Is a Huge Struggle
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What happens if NC Republicans defy the courts on schools funding?