Hey hey Hickory! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What's black, white, and blue? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Hickory Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Hickory Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Hickory.
• LMU wins SAC Softball Championship (claiborneprogress.net) — A major college softball title was just decided in Hickory, where Lincoln Memorial beat Anderson 8–5 to clinch the 2026 SAC Championship and an automatic NCAA bid. The Railsplitters powered through with big home runs in both the semifinal and final, and now head to the NCAA Southeast Regional as the No. 8 seed to face top-seeded North Georgia.
![]()
• Some claim State Farm cutting back more than others when it comes to car repairs (wsoctv.com) — A longtime Hickory collision shop leader says State Farm is paying less for labor and safety recalibration work, which he believes is delaying repairs and shifting more costs onto local drivers. He and another adjuster describe the reductions as unprecedented, while State Farm maintains it pays what it owes under its policies. The report also shares tips on choosing a shop and disputing estimates.
![]()
• Trump says federal gasoline tax to be reduced 'till it's appropriate' (hickoryrecord.com) — Hickory readers may feel the impact of President Trump’s plan to temporarily reduce the 18‑cent federal gasoline tax as prices rise amid the Iran war. While the story is national in scope, any pause in the gas tax could affect what you pay at local pumps and how federal transportation funding eventually flows back to North Carolina.
![]()
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Conover
Newton
Ok Hickory! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sad zebra (Thank you Mary K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.