By: Devin Stewart
In local news, a new program is available for families who are new to the High Country. The Watauga Democrat reports High Country Medical Professionals launched a program for new families living in the area. Family Connects is an evidence-based program. The Family Connects Model brings together families, health care providers and community agencies to give babies their best start possible. Registered nurses conduct at home visits based on the needs of families. The nurses provide care such as help with feeding and safe sleep. They also share information about parenting and childcare groups. Services offered by Family Connects are free. For more information on Family Connects visit the website family-connects-northwest dot org.
In North Carolina News, WRAL reports the latest budget offer N.C. Republicans sent to Governor Cooper does not include Medicaid expansion. Cooper is a longtime advocate of giving Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults. However Republicans remain divided over the idea of expanding Medicaid coverage. Legislative and Executive branches are trying to come up with a two-year budget that Cooper would be willing to sign into law. The alternate plan would be for lawmakers to approve their own final spending and try to override what Cooper would likely veto.
In national news, NPR reports a series of strong storms bringing powerful wind, mountain snow, and substantial rainfall are expected to impact the Western United States. Parts of Northern California could receive up to ten inches of precipitation. The active weather pattern could help alleviate drought conditions. The rainfall will help ease the wildfire season in parts of California. Governor Gavin Newsome extended a drought emergency statewide on Tuesday and urged Californians to conserve more water. This comes as California just experienced its hottest and driest August on record. Experts say the rainfall won’t end the drought but will be a good start to California’s new water year, which stretches from October to September.
This afternoon’s weather report is brought to you by Boone Weather dot com. Don’t forget your sweaters and jackets as temperatures are expected to be cooler than yesterday afternoon. Expect mostly cloudy skies for your morning with decreasing clouds during the afternoon. High temperatures will top out around 61 degrees with a low of 42 degrees.