Sunday, December 28, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1936, American auto racer Jack Ingram was born in Asheville. Considered one of the most successful drivers in the history of what’s now the Xfinity Series, he secured five championships and made over 275 starts between 1982 and 1991. Ingram notched 31 NASCAR Busch Series victories, with all but two coming on short tracks, earning him recognition as one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers.

Today’s edition of Flyover North Carolina is trimmed down as our team steps away to enjoy the holiday with loved ones. We’ll be back on track with our regular news roundup tomorrow.

If you’re ready to finally take control of your weight and your health, today’s sponsor, DirectMeds, makes it simple to start—with trusted GLP-1 treatments prescribed online and delivered straight to your door.

Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Homeownership Up in Coastal, Retirement Areas

A 2024 U.S. Census Bureau survey presented by USAFacts reveals that 35.5% of North Carolina households are renters, resulting in a homeownership rate of 64.5%.

The state’s strongest homeownership rates are in retirement-oriented and coastal metro areas, led by Pinehurst-Southern Pines at 76.5% (primarily Moore County), followed by Wilmington at 74.6% and Asheville at 73.9%.

These rates exceed the statewide average, reflecting preferences for suburban, retirement, and scenic locations amid varying affordability. Overall, North Carolina’s homeownership rate of 64.5% sits just below the national average of about 65.6%.

The data coincides with a 2026 Realtor.com forecast showing Charlotte’s housing market will slip to No. 70 among the 100 largest U.S. metros, with home sales projected to decline 2.4% and prices to rise just 1.1%.

NCSU Studies Intergenerational Family Support

A new NC State study reveals the complex health impacts of intergenerational family support in aging European societies. Researchers analyzed data from over 38,000 adults aged 60 and older across 19 countries, examining how providing or receiving financial and practical help affects their physical and mental well-being.

Overall, giving support often correlates with poorer health outcomes, likely due to added stress and depleted resources. However, offering practical assistance, such as childcare or household help, was linked to higher self-rated health—possibly due to boosting self-esteem and stronger relationships.

Co-author Anna Manzoni, a sociology professor at NC State, emphasizes the need for careful policy approaches in aging populations to prevent overburdening individuals while addressing rising care demands amid mobility changes and other challenges.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ North Carolina is among 16 U.S. states experiencing economic expansion, supported by sectors like finance, tech, and manufacturing, according to Moody’s Analytics data as of October 2025. (More)

➤ NC By Train achieved record ridership in 2025, with a 4% increase and October’s 74,400 passengers, marking the highest monthly total in 35 years. The growth stems from affordable fares, new routes, and special trains like the Football Train and Santa Train. (More)

➤ The State Employees’ Credit Union donated $500,000 to Feeding the Carolinas on Dec. 17, supporting hunger relief and fresh food distribution across North Carolina food banks. (More)

➤ Restaurants open New Year’s Day include Carolina Brewery, The Durham, Fleming’s, Perry’s Steakhouse, Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Del Frisco’s, Cúrate, Chai Pani, and Posana, among others. Some will also be open on New Year’s Eve. (See Triangle, Charlotte, and Asheville Lists)

➤ Southern Living shares 35 New Year’s Day recipes, including Hoppin’ John, pepper jelly-glazed pork chops, smoky soups, and potlikker dishes. (See List)

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Flying together with our sponsor

Take control of your weight and health with DirectMeds. Their licensed providers prescribe trusted GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide—clinically proven to curb appetite, balance blood sugar, and promote lasting fat loss. Lower your risk of diabetes, boost energy, and feel confident again. Start today with a quick online consultation and 24-hour approval.