By Reagan Wall
In local news, Andy Warhol and the Portrait Impulse is now on view at the Blowing Rock Art History Museum. The exhibition consists of 96 Polaroids, 27 black and white prints and six silkscreens donated by the Turchin Center of Appalachian State University. The pop-up will be available to the public until June 2nd. The pop-up shows how Warhol’s commitment to instant film is explored as well as his silkscreen prints. This collection shows off the impact he had on contemporary photography and image-making. According to the Watauga Democrat, those interested in viewing the exhibit are invited to the Spring Exhibition Celebration on Friday March 24, from 5-7PM.
In State news, Duke Energy is seeking a big rate increase for gas cost. Duke Energy Corp. has asked state legislators to allow them to raise the cost of gas by 16.6%. The typical customer’s monthly bill would increase from $115 to $134. According to WRAL News, Duke Energy in the Carolinas serves more than 2 million households. The company states that last year their customers paid $1 billion less than the actual cost of fuel in 2022. They have also stated that rates in North Carolina are far below the national average, and they’re doing everything they can to keep customer bills as low as possible. The Utilities Commission normally has the final say on rate filings, with the exception of appeals. In National news, the world’s first RSV vaccine is underway and the FDA is recommending two shots. This week the Food and Drug Administration advisers want the agency to approve two RSV vaccines for older people. One vaccine from Pfizer and one from GlaxoSmithKline. The approval process will take the FDA a couple of months and then it will be passed along to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention so they can give their opinion to the public. On Tuesday, the FDA committee voted 7-4 to begin recommending Pfizer’s vaccine. According to NBC News, the single-dos shot has shown to reduce the risks of illness by 86% in people 60 years and older.
Today’s weather is brought to you by booneweather.com. It's another warm day here in Boone with a high of 63 and a low of 46. Storms possible for the morning and evening.