Friday, November 14, 2025

Good Morning. On this day in 1970, a chartered jet carrying Marshall University’s football team crashed near Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia, after a 17-14 loss to East Carolina. All on board were killed, including 37 players, along with coaches, staff, and boosters. The tragedy devastated the Huntington, West Virginia, community and inspired the 2006 movie We Are Marshall.

North Carolina is one step closer to opening its first Buc-ee’s. Learn more in Top Stories, and check out today’s Trivia to find out how the mega travel center got its name.

Did you know The Colorado Flyover just turned one year old? Its first edition landed in only a few thousand inboxes, but today it crossed the threshold to reach 100,000 Colorado readers. If you know somebody in the Centennial State, forward them this link to sign up.

With America racing to secure the minerals that power its defense systems and clean-energy future, today’s sponsor, M2i Global, is emerging as a rare early mover already delivering results—and now offering investors a chance to get in before its planned NYSE uplist.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Toyota’s First US EV Battery Plant Opens in NC

Toyota Motor North America celebrated the opening of its first U.S. battery manufacturing plant in Liberty on Wednesday, marking the start of production at the $14 billion facility.

The 1,850-acre site, Toyota’s largest U.S. investment, currently employs more than 2,500 workers and plans to grow to 5,100. It will run 14 production lines and supply batteries for hybrid models like the Camry HEV and an upcoming all-electric three-row SUV.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Sen. Ted Budd, Gov. Josh Stein, and Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada joined Toyota executives at the ceremony.

Toyota announced an additional $10 billion U.S. investment over five years and will offer employee amenities like an on-site childcare center and medical clinic. Toyota also plans to invest $2.7 million in STEM education in nearby public schools.

NC Dem Helps Reopen Federal Government

The federal government reopened Wednesday after a record 43-day shutdown, ending widespread disruptions in North Carolina, including a 10% flight reduction at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and delayed SNAP benefits for low-income families.

Rep. Don Davis (D-NC 1), facing a redrawn Republican-leaning district, joined five other Democrats in voting 222-209 with Republicans to pass a clean continuing resolution. The measure extends funding to Jan. 30 and secures SNAP through September 2026. “Support for our military families, veterans, farmers, and those in need is now included,” Davis said.

North Carolina Republicans celebrated the outcome. Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC 3), Tim Moore (R-NC 14), and Addison McDowell (R-NC 6) condemned Democrats for “holding the government hostage.” The bill delivers $5.4 million in direct investments to Burke and Cleveland counties for health care, education, and public services.

Buc-ee’s Breaks Ground in Mebane

Buc-ee’s officially broke ground Wednesday on its inaugural North Carolina store in Mebane, marking the Texas-based travel center giant’s long-awaited arrival in Alamance County.

The massive project marks a major expansion for the cult-favorite brand known for clean and expansive restrooms, fresh jerky, Beaver Nuggets, brisket sandwiches, mini cookie cups, beaver-themed merchandise, and more.

Tentatively scheduled to open in May 2027, Buc-ee’s will be located off exit 152 on I-85/I-40 along Trollingwood-Hawfields Road. The 74,000-square-foot store will offer 120 gas pumps and is expected to be one of the largest Buc-ee’s stores nationwide.

Currently, the closest Buc-ee’s to North Carolina residents is in Florence, South Carolina.

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➤ Statewide: All parties in North Carolina’s Kadel v. Folwell case seek to pause the federal lawsuit challenging the State Health Plan’s transgender care exclusion, awaiting the 4th Circuit’s ruling in a similar West Virginia case. (More)

➤ Statewide: North Carolina health agencies issued an alert Tuesday about a ByHeart infant formula recall due to a suspected botulism case in the state. The outbreak has hospitalized at least 15 infants across 12 states. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Lawmakers, scientists, and local leaders met Wednesday at the annual WATERS Summit to boost flood resilience, demanding Federal Emergency Management Agency reform and faster Hurricane Helene aid. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Gov. Josh Stein is warning against Chicago-style Border Patrol tactics as sources confirm federal agents will soon be deployed to carry out immigration enforcement in the city. Stein advocates for limits on what agents can do. (More)

➤ Raleigh: The city is seeking 40 residents who will be paid $1,000 for participating in a civic assembly to improve public bus service. Participants will be selected via a lottery, then will meet on six Saturdays in January and February. (More)

➤ NC State: Assistant professor Natalia Duque-Wilckens, 41, died Tuesday after being struck by a car in Raleigh at Pogue Street and Clark Avenue. Driver Jack Etheridge, 19, has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. (More)

➤ UNC Chapel Hill: The university’s board of trustees rejected a proposed 3% in-state tuition increase and deferred the vote, seeking a new plan that keeps in-state rates flat while raising out-of-state tuition by 10%. (More)

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➤ NC State defeated UNC Greensboro 110-64 thanks to a career-best 32 points from forward Darrion Williams. The Wolfpack outscored the Spartans 63-27 in the second half after leading by just ten at halftime. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he’d rather keep comments about practice effort levels “in-house” from here on out after two players publicly criticized the team’s practice habits last week. (More)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven participated in an on-ice fight for the first time in his hockey career against Washington, which he called “a great fight” in a postgame presser. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound forward also said he enjoyed fighting but may not do it again in the future. (More)

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➤ Scout Motors will establish its headquarters in Charlotte with a $207 million investment, creating 1,200 jobs with an average annual salary of just under $173,000. The Volkswagen-owned EV brand chose Charlotte over sites in South Carolina and Northern Virginia. (More)

➤ The Fayetteville City Council approved a $70 million downtown project featuring a 119-room hotel, 124 apartments, and a parking garage. The city will loan $5 million to the project, set to break ground in June 2026. (More)

➤ Bank of America donated $250,000 to three Western North Carolina nonprofits for Hurricane Helene recovery: $100,000 to Arts AVL for artists, and $75,000 each to OnTrack WNC for financial counseling and Pisgah Legal Services for eviction prevention. (More)

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Currently, the U.S. is dangerously behind. Over 80% of our critical minerals are sourced or processed overseas, many in nations that don’t have our interests in mind.

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➤ Aviation enthusiasts watched Pivotal’s $190,000 BlackFly electric “flying car” demo in Northampton County, with the vehicle reaching 150 feet. Owner Heather Chirtea envisions mass adoption of the aircraft, which requires no pilot’s license. (See Photos)

➤ The North Carolina Coastal Federation is inviting licensed commercial fishers to join its January 2026 lost crab pot cleanup to remove hazards to navigation and wildlife, with applications due by Dec. 12. (More)

➤ Charlotte ranks 26th among the best sports cities in an analysis of the five largest sports across 399 cities, noted for strong fan engagement and stadium accessibility but lagging in championships and professional teams compared to larger cities. (See Rankings)

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