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For Faylene Whitaker, H-2A visa workers are the heartbeat of her farm. H-2A visa workers are seasonal foreign workers who come to the United States for a few months for temporary agricultural work. The USDA reports over 378,000 H-2A visa positions were approved in 2023 in the United States, up from 48,000 positions certified in 2005. 
“They are so important to the economy of the United States and the safe food,” Whitaker said.

Your Weather Planner

Much of the Triad is under a Flood Watch until Tuesday morning due to anticipated showers and storms. The weather pattern remains unsettled through Wednesday until the storm system departs off to the northeast.

A ridge of high pressure builds in later in the workweek, allowing for lower rain chances and a preview of summer heat. Highs across the region will top out near 90 degrees.

Get the full forecast of areas around the state:
Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains


Watch the latest local news and get your Weather on the 1s.

Around North Carolina

1. N.C. professor sees similarities between Pope Leo XIV and Pope Francis

Steve Harmon, historical theology professor at Gardner-Webb, calls Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, the first of many things. He’s the first American pope, and the first pope with a higher education degree from a U.S. university. He took the same path as many of Harmon's students. Harmon traveled to Vatican City as part of the press pool reporting for Good Faith Media.

2. Farmer races against the clock for planting season as cleanup continues from Helene

Linda Pryor, owner of Hilltop Farms WNC LLC, says her farm in Edneyville, which primarily grows apples, grain corn and raises beef cattle, took a huge hit. Pryor says she estimates that the farm lost $750,000 to $1 million from the impact of the storm. Now, they’re preparing corn for the upcoming planting season, while also readying for apple growing season.

3. Shelter in Boone grapples with surge in food and housing needs

Hospitality House Northwest helps people in need in Watauga, Wilkes, Ashe, Avery, Alleghany, Mitchell and Yancey counties. Many in their service area were impacted by Helene. Since Helene, the food and housing demand at their Boone location has skyrocketed.

Around The Nation

1. US and China take a step back from sky-high tariffs, agree to pause for 90 days

2. Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as details emerge of how votes coalesced in the conclave

3. Another issue disrupts Newark's airport as Trump's transportation secretary plans reducing flights

 

Editor's Pick - Taking care of your hummingbirds and hummingbird feeders

With the beginning of spring comes the arrival of the ruby-throated hummingbird to North Carolina. These tiny, feathered friends are making their way northward into the United States after wintering in Central America. Hummingbird food is easy to make and attracts the birds. Change the food in your feeder on a regular basis. Wash the feeder and keep it clean during the season.