Good morning, Wake Forest.

Major companies are investing in North Carolina despite tough times; GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion plan with $16 million for upgrades at its Durham site, and VinFast said it will open a facility by 2028 — experts say the state’s fast growth and skilled workers bring these funds — showing that North Carolina remains a top spot for investment.

Big Lots announced plans to reopen 219 stores over the next several months—over 50 of which are in North Carolina.

One store reopened in Asheboro and 12 more will open early May in Wake Forest, Rocky Mount and other areas as later phases will include Fayetteville, Dunn, Selma, Wilson and Fuquay-Varina.

Late Wednesday night around 10:50 p.m., deputies responded to shots fired at a home on the 1100 block of Yakimas Road near Raleigh and found an unoccupied vehicle that had crashed into a mailbox and bullet holes on a nearby home—no one was injured and investigators from the sheriff's office and highway patrol are searching for leads.

On Tuesday, children in Durham and Butner celebrated Earth Day by learning to reuse resources and watching a live demonstration of rock dust boosting soil nutrients by ABC11 with GMA and Ginger Zee + today, a similar family event is set in Raleigh to highlight environmental practices.

The Wake Forest Police Department is joining the DEA for National Drug Take Back Day tomorrow at Wegmans on Ligon Mill Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—weather permitting the drop-off area will be set just outside the main entrance facing Dr. Calvin Jones Highway/NC 98 Bypass.

Residents can safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription medications, which will then be secured and destroyed by law enforcement.

The Wake Forest Inspections Department will host a free Building, Electrical & Deck Safety Month Kick-Off at Town & Country Hardware on Saturday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—residents can ask inspectors about codes and building permits and watch a Popsicle Stick House-Building Contest with prize awards.

Wake Forest Fire Department now offers monthly American Heart Association CPR Certification classes for residents at the Northern Wake Senior Center at 235 E.

Holding Ave—classes begin at 9 a.m. on Saturdays starting May 24 and continue on June 7, July 26, August 16, September 27, October 18, November 22, and December 20. Students can choose a four-hour session to learn CPR and AED use or a seven-hour course that adds basic first aid, with a fee of $35 per person and preregistration required.

Author Event with Marie Bostwick

12-2 p.m. — Page 158 Books — Free entry — Celebrate the release of Marie Bostwick's novel and join a literary discussion about sisterhood and self-discovery.

An Evening with Alma Russ

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Check for ticket prices — Experience stirring melodies with Alma Russ' unique blend of country, folk, and Appalachian music.

Jim Lauderdale Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Wake Forest Listening Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening with the Americana music legend Jim Lauderdale showcasing his latest album.