NC Teachers Scrutinized Over Kirk Comments

Several North Carolina educators are under scrutiny for remarks made after the assassination of conservative advocate Charlie Kirk, sparking backlash from parents, administrators, and community leaders.

At Guilford Technical Community College, an instructor was fired after calling Kirk’s killing “karma.” In Wake and Gaston counties, school officials launched investigations into staff members accused of posting inappropriate comments.

A Huntersville teacher at Lake Norman Charter was also placed on leave. The controversy has raised questions over free speech, professional conduct, and the example set for students.

NC Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Access 

Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued standing orders allowing adults to receive COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies without a doctor’s note.

The order, effective immediately, applies to those 65 and older and certain adults 18 and above, eliminating what Stein called “unnecessary red tape” compared to other states.

Officials said standing orders empower pharmacists and nurses to administer vaccines directly. In 2024, COVID-like illness sent more than 21,600 North Carolinians to the hospital.

Seagrove Named Pottery Capital of the U.S.

Seagrove, a town of 350, has earned the title “Handmade Pottery Capital of the U.S.,” drawing visitors to more than 50 studios and galleries.

The town’s pottery tradition dates back to early settlers, sustained by abundant local clay and revitalized in the early 1900s by visionary artists Jacques and Juliana Busbee.

Today, travelers can explore “Pottery Highway,” a 20-mile-long stretch along NC 705, where studios double as shops and potters welcome visitors to watch their craft in action and participate in special events.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: Daylight is shrinking quickly, falling from about 12.5 hours this month to just over 9.5 hours by the winter solstice, with sunsets before 5:30 p.m. by mid-November. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Former sheriff’s office executive Angelia Riggsbee filed a federal lawsuit seeking $75,000, alleging Sheriff Garry McFadden retaliated against her before firing her last year. (More)

➤ Raleigh: 9/11 survivor Mike Dempsey, injured while escaping the South Tower, now works with nonprofit Activate Good to promote education, remembrance, and community service. (More)

➤ Wilmington: A Wilmington man was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for sex trafficking and running a prostitution enterprise between 2010 and 2022. (More)

➤ Caldwell County: Corrected water bills were mailed after a software glitch caused incorrect charges, with officials saying the vendor fixed the issue and no further problems are expected. (More)

➤ Asheville: City staff accepted an application to build a 160,940-square-foot Costco in Enka-Candler, including a fueling station and tire center. A review meeting is set for Oct. 6. (More)

Enjoy reading Flyover North Carolina? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ North Carolina rolled to a 41-6 win over Richmond. Quarterback Gio Lopez completed 10 of 18 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns as the Tar Heels improved to 2-1. (Box Score)

➤ Duke faced Tulane on Saturday at Yulman Stadium, where Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah once played, with Duke leading the all-time series 3-2 after their last meeting in 2015. (Box Score) 

➤ The Charlotte Hornets have scrapped plans for a “Sports Betting Night,” partially because former Hornet and current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for illicit gambling activities. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NASCAR |  WNBA |  MLB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Coffee That Delivers Protein, Focus, and Zero Sugar. Javvy isn’t just coffee—it’s protein-powered fuel for healthier mornings. With 10g whey protein, zero sugar, and gut-friendly ingredients, it’s 50% off today and comes with a free gift. Don’t miss out. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Our founder’s dad, “Grandpa Jim,” slipped on a pair of Oricle hearing aids—and the change was instant. For years, he’d been on the sidelines of family conversations. But suddenly, he could hear everything so clearly that he even asked everyone to quiet down. That’s how powerful the difference was.

The best part? He didn’t want to risk being without them again and immediately asked for backup pairs. It’s proof that better hearing is more than convenience—it’s a connection. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your sign to finally make the change. Discover Oricle today

➤ Marie Claire ranked Wilmington-shot One Tree Hill couple Haley and Nathan among TV’s greatest romances, praising their grounded storyline that spanned the series’ 2003 to 2012 run. (See Full List)

➤ A Florida family reunited with their cat, Xena, after she was found injured but alive at a Currituck shelter, 900 miles from home and weeks after disappearing in Corolla. (More)

➤ Fort Bragg broke ground on a child development center that will serve 338 children and help ease a waitlist of more than 1,000 military families, with opening expected in 2027. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Kitchen Item Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat. Your cutting board could be silently poisoning you. Hidden bacteria, salmonella, and even invisible microplastics lurk in plastic and wooden boards… even after washing. Protect your health and your family. Discover Tivano’s safer solution now. (LEARN MORE)

Do you have a Costco membership?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I used to
4. I plan to get one

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you been to the Outer Banks?

1. Yes: 58%
2. No: 18%
3. Not yet: 13%
4. I live there: 11%

Which North Carolina festival is considered the largest bug-themed event in the country?

Show me the answer