Saturday, March 7, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1942, a munitions truck collided with an automobile near the Catch-Me-Eye service station on Highway 301 between Selma and Smithfield, triggering a massive explosion that killed four people, injured many others, demolished the Catch-Me-Eye complex and the Hotel Talton, and shattered windows over a mile away. Many locals were convinced the explosion was a German air raid.

Doctors are urging North Carolinians to prepare for allergy season. See today’s Et Cetera section for advice and tips on how to reduce pollen exposure and make the spring months more manageable.

Today’s sponsor, Oricle Hearing Aids, is helping readers hear more clearly without the sky-high prices—offering a tiny, easy-to-use hearing aid with clear sound and all-day battery life for under $100.

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.

NC Reacts to Noem’s Dismissal

State leaders offered mixed reactions to President Trump’s dismissal of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Democrat congresswoman Deborah Ross supported the dismissal and criticized Noem’s handling of Hurricane Helene recovery and ICE’s operations in Charlotte and Raleigh. “Kristi Noem has been a disaster for North Carolina. Our state and our country are better off with her gone.”

Several Republican leaders congratulated and voiced support for newly appointed Secretary Markwayne Mullin, saying they hope he will allow FEMA to reopen and release funding after the agency was shut down.

F-15s Shot Down Likely NC-Based

At least one of three American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets shot down over Kuwait in an apparent friendly-fire incident was likely based in North Carolina.

Details remain unconfirmed, but reports suggest that at least one jet involved in the incident was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. Photos appear to show a pilot wearing a helmet used by the 335th Fighter Squadron while entering a Kuwaiti SUV.

All six of the pilots involved in the incident survived.

Cary Mayor Addresses ICE Rumors

Cary officials addressed questions about a possible ICE office expansion during the town’s State of the Town address as dozens of protesters pressed the mayor over a federal lease for 25,000 square feet near Koka Booth Amphitheater.

During the Q&A portion of the evening, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said that he has “no idea what’s going on here” and was unsure of any ICE detention facility or office expansion. ICE operates independently and does not need to notify the town of its plans.

ICE already has a facility in Cary, with some speculation suggesting the new space may be for administrative purposes. ICE hasn’t confirmed its involvement in the lease.

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➤ Statewide: Former state Rep. Cecil Brockman was indicted by a grand jury on several sex-related charges involving a minor after his arrest last October, which was followed by his resignation weeks later. (More)

➤ Whitsett: Canadian manufacturer Prepac Manufacturing will close its North Carolina facility in May, eliminating about 200 jobs after the company cited high production costs and increased competition despite a $27.1 million state investment. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Council Economic Development Committee members unanimously approved a $25 million upgrade plan for the BoPlex, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and parking improvements. The full City Council will vote later this month. (More)

➤ Burke County: The county will receive $3.59 million in federal funding to acquire and demolish flood-prone properties after Helene, converting the land into green space with deed restrictions preventing future development. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem: North Carolina’s state auditor released a second report on Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, finding severe weaknesses in the district’s budgeting practices and its ability to properly track expenditures. (More)

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➤ North Carolina star Caleb Wilson will miss the rest of the season after breaking his right thumb in practice on Thursday, ending a standout freshman campaign as the projected top-five NBA draft pick averaged 19.8 points per game. (More)

➤ Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon is selling a 12.5% stake in the team at a valuation of $2.66 billion, making it one of the most valuable franchises in the NHL. (More)

➤ The Carolina Panthers have been linked to the Chicago Bears as a potential trade partner for tight end Cole Kmet while also exploring the free agent market for an upgrade at the position. (More)

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➤ Raleigh ranks among the nation’s top five cities for nightlife, with researchers citing bar density, late closing times, drink costs, music venues, and a strong safety index. (More)

➤ The Hope Chest helps girls experience prom by providing free dresses through an annual drive, collecting donations, and giving away about 250 dresses each year to students who need them. (More)

➤ Doctors urge people with pollen allergies to begin taking antihistamines or eyedrops before symptoms start and recommend wearing hats and sunglasses outdoors to help keep pollen away. (More)

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