Raleigh MLB Bid Hits Budget Snag

North Carolina lawmakers reached a budget deal last week that excluded a Senate proposal for $500 million in state funding toward a $1.7 billion Raleigh ballpark.

The plan aimed to position the Triangle for MLB expansion or relocation by creating a public authority and leveraging taxes from tourism and sports wagering.

Championed amid excitement from the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run, the effort involves investors like owner Tom Dundon and Avenue Sports Fund co-founder and CEO Marc Lasry. Supporters highlight economic benefits and the region’s strong demographics, but House leaders cited concerns over taxpayer risk and preferred private financing.

The push is not over, with potential for a standalone bill. A successful bid could cost over $4 billion total for franchise acquisition and stadium.

Ronda Vineyards Elevate NC Wine Scene

In the small town of Ronda, our Italian-style vineyards are transforming the Swan Creek AVA within the Yadkin Valley into a premier wine destination.

Raffaldini Vineyards, along with Piccione, Castello Barone, and Sotrio, emphasize Old World techniques like appassimento on rocky, mineral-rich soils to produce bold reds from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes.

These estates foster collaboration, hosting events and supporting tourism to rival Napa Valley. The region’s microclimate mirrors Tuscany, driving growth from a handful of wineries 25 years ago to dozens today.

State officials highlight diverse offerings from dry Italian varietals to local hybrids, attracting visitors for immersive experiences amid Blue Ridge views.

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➤ Statewide: Three million eggs from Cal-Maine Foods, Hickman’s Family Farms, and Versova will go to NC food banks under an antitrust settlement with Attorney General Jeff Jackson and the Department of Justice over alleged price manipulation. (More)

➤ NC Schools: North Carolina charter school enrollment climbed to 161,057 students or 10.5% of total public school enrollment in 2025-26—more than double the share from a decade ago—while waitlists dropped from over 74,000 to about 59,000. (More)

➤ Seven Counties: Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, New Hanover, Orange, Pitt, and Robeson counties top NC’s energy poverty list, according to a recent report, with high electricity costs exceeding affordability thresholds for households. (More)

➤ Lake Lure: More than 21 months after Hurricane Helene, Lake Lure is celebrating summer reopening with ongoing recovery, debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and federal/state aid, transitioning to long-term rebuilding while welcoming tourists. (More)

➤ Concord: Despite North Carolina’s ongoing drought, Barbee Farms thrives thanks to long-term irrigation investments, crop diversity across 60 varieties, and strong market strategies, keeping operations stable this season. (More)

➤ UNC Wilmington: The university’s marine mammal program is investigating elevated 2026 dolphin strandings and mortalities along the North Carolina coast, focusing on young bottlenose dolphins amid environmental factors, disease, and prey issues. (More)

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Have you toured North Carolina’s wine country?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not yet

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you typically travel the weekend of July 4th?

1. Never: 41%
2. Occasionally: 32%
3. More often than not: 15%
4. Always: 12%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

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In the 2025 NC Wine Competition, which winery and specific wine won Best Single Varietal Red?

Show me the answer