Health Alert: Whooping Cough Cases Rising Fast Across South Carolina

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Health Alert: Whooping Cough Cases Rising Fast Across South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Public Health has reported 183 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) as of July 30—up from a total of 147 cases this time last year.

Spartanburg County leads the state with 45 cases, followed by Greenville (24), Pickens (14), and Anderson (13). Several counties, including Abbeville, Cherokee, Laurens, Oconee, and Union, have reported no cases in 2025.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing or sneezing and can be especially dangerous for babies, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. Symptoms include intense coughing fits, vomiting, and a “whooping” sound when inhaling.

Health officials stress the importance of vaccination. The CDC recommends a series of shots for children, boosters for preteens and adults, and a dose during every pregnancy. Vaccines are available through pediatric clinics, health departments, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for those in need.

Residents are also urged to stay home when sick, practice good hygiene, and ensure vaccinations are up to date to prevent further spread.

North Carolina Ranked Among The Best States in America For Summer Road Trips

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North Carolina Ranked Among The Best States in America For Summer Road Trips

With 75% of U.S. adults saying they will take a road trip this summer, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips.

The site compared the 50 U.S. states based on 32 key metrics. The data set ranges from the number of attractions to road conditions to costs.

Road Tripping in North Carolina (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

  • Overall Rank: 7th
  • 19th – Number of Attractions
  • 5th – Lowest Price of Three-Star Hotel Room
  • 19th – Avg. Gas Prices
  • 18th – Nightlife Options per Capita
  • 18th – Car Thefts per Capita
  • 4th – Access to Scenic Byways
  • 25th – Lowest Price of Camping
  • 27th – Driving Laws Rating

Best Road-Trip Destinations for Summer

Overall Rank  State Total Score  Costs Rank  Safety Rank  Activities Rank 
1 Texas 58.59 11 39 5
2 Minnesota 58.48 12 7 20
3 New York 58.44 40 12 3
4 Louisiana 57.62 1 46 9
5 Florida 57.11 23 50 2
6 Ohio 56.98 21 24 13
7 North Carolina 56.66 17 34 7
8 Wyoming 56.44 26 5 22
9 Maine 56.27 29 1 30
10 Pennsylvania 55.73 32 14 14
11 Wisconsin 54.76 18 11 31
12 Utah 54.49 36 13 11
13 Idaho 54.10 30 9 21
14 Iowa 53.70 14 3 39
15 Illinois 53.27 34 22 19
16 Virginia 52.89 35 23 15
17 Colorado 52.85 22 41 12
18 Georgia 52.66 7 32 29
19 Michigan 52.07 13 31 25
20 Nebraska 51.99 15 8 38
21 Arizona 51.76 25 40 16
22 Nevada 51.72 33 38 8
23 Alabama 51.43 10 29 33
24 Alaska 51.17 48 21 4
25 Oregon 50.37 42 28 10
26 Oklahoma 50.27 3 33 37
27 Missouri 49.96 9 44 26
28 Tennessee 49.90 6 45 27
29 South Dakota 49.88 19 26 35
30 North Dakota 49.54 24 6 46
31 Kansas 49.50 8 16 47
32 South Carolina 49.35 5 48 24
33 Indiana 48.84 27 17 40
34 Kentucky 48.60 28 25 36
35 New Hampshire 48.50 37 2 41
36 Mississippi 48.24 2 42 42
37 Massachusetts 48.11 46 10 23
38 West Virginia 48.07 20 19 45
39 Maryland 47.85 43 30 17
40 New Mexico 47.04 16 49 28
41 Washington 46.32 49 35 6
42 New Jersey 46.22 44 15 32
43 California 46.10 50 43 1
44 Hawaii 45.39 47 27 18
45 Arkansas 44.88 4 47 43
46 Vermont 44.84 38 4 49
47 Montana 44.72 31 37 34
48 Connecticut 40.73 45 18 44
49 Rhode Island 40.36 39 20 50
50 Delaware 36.67 41 36 48

FDA Recall: High Noon Filled Energy Drink Cans w/ Vodka Seltzer Before Shipping to South Carolina

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FDA Recall: High Noon Filled Energy Drink Cans w/ Vodka Seltzer Before Shipping to South Carolina

The US Food and Drug Administration has just issued a major recall after cans labeled as non-alcoholic energy drinks were discovered to contain alcohol. The recall affects two production lots of High Noon energy drinks, which mistakenly include alcoholic vodka seltzer in cans labeled as CELSIUS ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink.

The issue stems from a shared packaging supplier that incorrectly sent CELSIUS-branded cans to High Noon’s production line, according to the FDA’s recall. As a result, some 12-ounce cans meant for High Noon vodka seltzer were filled and sealed with misleading CELSIUS non-alcoholic branding and a silver top. This has likely led to unintentional alcohol consumption by underage individuals.

Recalled Products and Lot Codes

The recall applies specifically to High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs distributed between July 21–23, 2025. Consumers should check for the impacted lot codes:

  • L CCB 02JL25 2:55 to L CCB 02JL25 3:11

These codes appear on CELSIUS ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition cans with silver lids. Any product with these codes should be immediately disposed of and not consumed.

Affected States

The recalled product was distributed to stores in:

  • South Carolina

  • Florida

  • New York

  • Ohio

  • Virginia

  • Wisconsin

Retailers in Rock Hill and Fort Mill received shipments of the affected 12-packs, prompting immediate concerns from local parents and health officials. While no illnesses or adverse events have been reported, the risk of unintentional underage alcohol consumption remains serious.

Consumers who have purchased the identified 12-packs or mislabeled CELSIUS cans should:

The Carolinas Now Rank Among The Worst States in America For Speeding-Related Fatalities

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The Carolinas Now Rank Among The Worst States in America For Speeding-Related Fatalities

The Carolinas are facing an increasingly alarming trend on our roads: speeding-related fatalities.

The 2025 Speeding Report shows that South Carolina ranks 3rd and North Carolina ranks 4th for having among the highest death rates per 100,000 licensed drivers – significantly higher than the national average.

North Carolina Data:

  • Total Deaths in Fatal Crashes Involving Speeding: 632

  • Speeding Deaths per 100,000 Licensed Drivers: 7.82

  • Total Number of Fatal Crashes Involving Speeding: 572

  • Percentage of Fatal Crashes Involving Speeding: 39.48%

  • Involving Speeding Driving Crude Rate: 77.50

Across the U.S., speeding continues to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities, contributing to over 12,000 deaths in 2023. North Carolina’s rate of 7.82 per 100,000 drivers places it among the more concerning states for speeding-related fatalities. Speeding is also disproportionately impacting male drivers and younger age groups, particularly those between the ages of 25-34, who represent a large portion of those involved in fatal speeding crashes.

Third Annual Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival Returning To Lake Norman

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Third Annual Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival Returning To Lake Norman
via mooresvilleevents.com

Lake Norman’s iconic Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 4–9 p.m. in Liberty Park and Downtown Mooresville. The free event features live music, craft beer, award-winning BBQ, and family fun.

Now in its third year, the festival recently won the “Rising Star Award” from the NC Association of Festivals and Events.

This year’s music lineup includes regional favorite DialUp Radio, followed by platinum-selling headliners Jefferson Starship and Night Ranger.

More than 20 BBQ food trucks and vendors will offer a wide range of smoked meats and Southern dishes. The B3 Beer Garden returns with local and regional craft brews, including a special release from Ghostface Brewing to benefit the U.S. Bobsled Team, who will appear for a meet & greet.

Presented by deBotech, Inc., the event is free and open to all ages. More info at mooresvilleevents.com.

Rabies Alert Issued After Infected Animals Found in Mecklenburg County

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Rabies Alert Issued After Infected Animals Found in Mecklenburg County

The Mecklenburg County Department of Public Health issued an alert Monday for residents living near Alexander Street in the 28206 ZIP code.

In total, Mecklenburg County has reported five confirmed rabies cases this year, including two recent cases involving bats.

Officials say the latest cases involved two human exposures and two domestic pet exposures. The infected bats tested positive for rabies, prompting renewed warnings about safety and prevention.

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites, scratches, or open wounds. While rabies is preventable through vaccination, it is not curable once symptoms begin.

Health officials urge residents to take the following precautions:

  • Keep all pets, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, up to date on rabies vaccinations — it’s required by law.

  • Supervise unvaccinated puppies and kittens outdoors.

  • Obey leash laws and report stray or sick animals to Animal Care and Control by calling 311.

  • Avoid feeding pets outdoors and remove food, garbage, or birdseed that could attract wild animals.

  • Seal entry points to your home, such as chimneys, dryer vents, or roof gaps, with metal mesh.

  • Never approach injured animals, animal traps, or storm drains where wildlife may travel.

Children should be taught to stay away from unfamiliar or wild animals, including raccoons that appear during daylight hours or behave abnormally.

Anyone who suspects exposure or observes unusual animal behavior should contact Animal Care and Control immediately at 311.

Charlotte FC Wins Fourth Straight, Climbs to 7th Ahead of Leagues Cup Break

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Charlotte FC Wins Fourth Straight, Climbs to 7th Ahead of Leagues Cup Break

Charlotte FC continued their red-hot form Saturday night with a 2-0 win over Toronto FC, marking their fourth straight victory and a return to playoff position in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.

Now sitting seventh in the standings, Charlotte is gaining momentum after slipping to ninth earlier in the season. Head coach Dean Smith credits the resurgence to the team regaining the sharpness that once placed them at the top of the table back in April.

Charlotte started strong at Bank of America Stadium, hitting the crossbar twice in the opening 20 minutes. But the first half ended with limited chances from either side. The second half began similarly until midfielder Brandt Bronico delivered a clean cross to Idan Toklomati, who headed in his sixth goal of the season in the 60th minute.

Charlotte’s attack continued to pressure Toronto, forcing several big saves from goalkeeper Sean Johnson. On the defensive end, Charlotte limited Toronto to just 0.8 expected goals and few serious threats.

Despite the win, Smith acknowledged his side still has room for improvement. “We’re pleased with the result,” he said, “but we want more quality across the board.”

Charlotte now pauses league play for the Leagues Cup, kicking off Thursday night at home against FC Juarez.

F-16s Make Emergency Landing At South Carolina International Airport

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F-16s Make Emergency Landing At South Carolina International Airport

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets from Shaw Air Force Base made an emergency landing Monday morning at Myrtle Beach International Airport following a mechanical malfunction during a training mission.

The jets, part of the 20th Fighter Wing based in Sumter, South Carolina, began circling MYR shortly before 9:30 a.m. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing and hearing the aircraft overhead for several minutes before both planes landed safely.

The cause of the mechanical malfunction has not yet been disclosed. No injuries were reported and both aircraft were secured without incident.

Rare Sky Show: Two Meteor Showers Peaking Over Charlotte This Week

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Rare Sky Show: Two Meteor Showers Peaking Over Charlotte This Week

Two overlapping meteor showers will peak overnight on July 29 into July 30, giving Carolina stargazers a rare summer treat. The Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids will send shooting stars streaking across the night sky, especially in southern-facing areas with low light pollution.

The Southern Delta Aquariids, likely originating from comet 96P/Machholz, may produce up to 20 meteors per hour. These meteors move fast—about 25 miles per second—and sometimes leave glowing trails. Meanwhile, the Alpha Capricornids, which stem from comet 169P/NEAT, are slower but known for their occasional fireballs with long, dramatic tails.

While both showers are typically best seen from the Southern Hemisphere, viewers across the Carolinas may still catch a glimpse—especially after midnight and before dawn. The American Meteor Society recommends waiting until later in the night when the moon sets and the meteor radiants rise higher in the sky.

This week may also be the best time to view the famous Perseids, which will peak in August under a full moon. Because the moon is only 25% full now, experts suggest heading out early to catch bright Perseid meteors before moonlight interferes.

If you want to get your own shots of the meteors, you’ll need a long-exposure camera. Go to a very dark place where you have an unobstructed view toward the northern sky. The best place would be a remote mountain with north-facing views.

You can find the dark spots in your area using the official light pollution map here.

Happy meteor hunting!

Nature’s Rarest Bloom (and Worst Smelling Flower) Opening in North Carolina This Week

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Nature’s Rarest Bloom (and Worst Smelling Flower) Opening in North Carolina This Week

A rare botanical event is returning to Raleigh as Plant Delights Nursery at Juniper Level Botanic Garden prepares for its third-ever bloom of the Titan Arum—also known as the corpse flower.

Nicknamed Homo Erectus, the 10-year-old plant is expected to bloom between August 2 and 4, likely around 3 to 4 p.m. The flower is growing five inches per day and will only stay open for 24 to 48 hours. Known for its towering size and foul odor, the Titan Arum emits a scent like rotting meat to attract pollinators.

Native to Indonesia’s Sumatran rainforest, fewer than 1,000 plants remain in the wild. Fewer than 1,000 corpse flowers have bloomed in cultivation worldwide—just 17 previously in North Carolina.

The garden will open Monday through Friday, July 28–Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours likely during peak bloom.

The garden has already started a live stream where viewers can watch the flower bloom in real time:

Plant Delights will sell rare Amorphophallus species during the event, and the first 100 garden members in attendance will receive a free Amorphophallus konjac seedling.

The Juniper Level Botanic Garden is located at 9241 Sauls Rd., Raleigh, N.C.

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