HUD Rejects Asheville’s Helene Recovery Plan

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner denounced Asheville’s Hurricane Helene recovery draft plan Tuesday as “unacceptable” due to its diversity, equity, and inclusion criteria.

Referring to the plan’s prioritization of federal assistance to minority and women-owned businesses over others, Turner stated, “DEI is dead at HUD.”

After learning the plan would not be approved, Asheville officials pledged to work toward compliance and stated they had taken “proactive steps” toward meeting federal standards for activating the resources.

HUD’s rejection came the same week U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged that tens of billions of dollars in aid for Helene victims would start flowing ahead of the March 21 deadline Congress set for its disbursement when it passed a $100 billion disaster relief package in December.

Stein Delivers First State of the State Address

North Carolina’s Democratic Gov. Josh Stein called for a $4 billion bond for school construction and substantial increases in teacher pay during his first State of the State address to the General Assembly on Wednesday.

Stein also proposed free community college for students pursuing certification in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health care, and information technology.

He pledged to continue working with lawmakers on Hurricane Helene recovery and urged the General Assembly to pass a $500 million recovery bill for western North Carolina, saying the state “needed it yesterday.”

Stein also underscored the need for more housing and affordable child care and directed his budget office to set up an Impact Center to ensure North Carolinians know how their tax dollars are being spent.

NC Dog Participates in Life-Extending Trial

A Triangle-area dog named Chewy is participating in a trial to extend his life, thanks to a startup called Loyal.

The company created a daily flavored tablet for dogs that are 10 years or older and weigh at least 14 pounds. The medication targets metabolic dysfunction and aims to reduce the incidence and severity of age-associated diseases in senior dogs.

Chewy, a 90-pound, 10-year-old mixed breed dog, takes the pill daily and sees Dr. Chessie Green regularly at Falls Village Veterinary Hospital in Raleigh. Green says she is still accepting new trial participants.

The trial represents a groundbreaking approach to canine longevity that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says is likely to be effective. Dog owners who wish to enroll their dog in the trial must have documentation proving their dog’s age and medical history.

Do you have any friends or family who would like to receive Flyover North Carolina? Feel free to refer us to them!

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia is facing a devastating combination of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks. East Africa has just endured its worst drought in 40 years, leaving tens of millions without access to clean water, wiping out millions of livestock, and destroying crops. With domestic food production crippled, Somalia has relied heavily on imports—90% of its wheat coming from Russia and Ukraine—until those shipments stopped.

Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and cholera is spreading in some regions. The food crisis, compounded by global humanitarian aid being redirected to Europe and the Middle East, has created a perfect storm, leading to a sharp rise in child malnutrition.

Be Doers

We’re asking The Flyover community to join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs (a peanut paste fortified with nutrients), water, and hygiene products to those with the most need.

Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $750; just give through this link.

➤ Statewide: A line of storms capable of producing damaging wind, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes will move through North Carolina late Saturday into early Sunday morning. (More)

➤ Statewide: The House Agriculture and Environment Committee approved The Farmers Protection Act, which prohibits financial institutions from blocking farmers from obtaining loans based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) ratings. (More)

➤ Apex: State Rep. Erin Paré, R-37, rejected an invitation to an Apex event after one of the town’s employees left her profane voice messages over the placement of her campaign signs. (More)

➤ Greensboro Transit Agency presented the final draft of its GoBoro plan on Wednesday, which aims to make cars optional by 2045. (See Details)

➤ NC State is set to name alum Kevin Howell as its next chancellor upon Randy Woodson’s June 30 retirement. Howell currently works as UNC School of Medicine’s chief external affairs officer. (More)

➤ Concord: Ten Tenths, a private racetrack, will open across from Charlotte Motor Speedway in April offering driving experiences and luxury amenities such as climate-controlled garages, mechanical concierges, a bourbon bar, a putting course, and more. (See Renderings)

➤ Cumberland County Animal Services raised over $2,000 during its annual “Poorly Drawn Pets Fundraiser,” which asks patrons to pay $10 for a volunteer or employee to send them an imperfect sketch of their pet. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

Looking to expand your reach and connect with thousands of potential buyers and sellers in North Carolina? Flyover North Carolina, a daily news email with over 100,000 subscribers, is partnering with top real estate firms to promote properties, highlight trusted professionals, and generate powerful leads. Get in touch today to explore partnership opportunities!

➤ Duke men’s basketball eliminated Georgia Tech 78-70 in the ACC tournament quarterfinals Thursday, despite Cooper Flagg rolling his ankle and exiting the game in a wheelchair before the end of the first half. X-rays were negative, but Duke officials said the ankle was swollen. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, UNC knocked Wake Forest out of the ACC tournament quarterfinals Thursday with a 68-59 win and will play Tobacco Road rival Duke in the semifinals at 7 p.m. (See Stats) 

➤ The Carolina Panthers have signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year, $6.5 million contract. Dowdle is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season and now joins a backfield that already features Chuba Hubbard, who tallied 1,195 yards last season. (More)

➤ Want to stay up-to-date on everything related to name, image, and likeness in college sports? NIL Wire is just the place for you. Sign up here with one click!

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | PGA | NCAAM | ACC Tournament | NCAAW | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Elevate your golf performance with FlightPath Golf Tees. Designed to enhance distance and accuracy, these tees feature precision engineering that reduces friction, promoting straighter ball flight. Their durable construction ensures longevity, providing consistent performance round after round. (Shop Now)

➤ GE Aerospace announced a $20 million investment in its Asheville facility to provide additional equipment for producing ceramic matrix composite engine parts, new inspection equipment, and advanced metal-shaping machines. (More)

➤ An Amazon robotics fulfillment center that will cover an area larger than 11 football fields is under construction in Pender and New Hanover counties. The facility is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs. (More)

➤ Avelo Airlines announced three new routes out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport: Wilmington, Del., starting May 22; Grand Rapids, Mich., starting May 23; and Nassau, Bahamas, starting June 11. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Car insurance costs will hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to reach a record $2,101 annually in 2025, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. In fact, switching car insurance providers could save drivers over $1,300 a year, according to a 2024 survey.

See if you could save with Money’s best car insurance list.

Flying together with our sponsor

Somalia faces a crisis caused by natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and disease. The worst drought in 40 years devastated crops and livestock, while food imports from Russia and Ukraine were halted. Two in five Somali children now suffer from acute malnutrition. Join us in partnering with World Concern to provide emergency nutrition packs and clean water to children. $12 feeds a child for a month.

➤ In honor of America’s 250th birthday, Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, proposed Senate Bill 250 to allow North Carolinians to purchase, sell, and use fireworks similar to the powerful fireworks that are legal in South Carolina. (More)

➤ Michael Jordan’s 16,233-square-foot Lake Norman mansion is undergoing what a Mecklenburg County building permit describes as a total demolition. (See Photo)

➤ A former NC State Ph.D. student and his team of researchers uncovered six new types of dinosaur eggshells from the Late Cretaceous period in an ecosystem preserved by a geological formation in Utah. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ ​Experience birdwatching like never before with Happy Birdy’s AI-powered smart feeder. Capture stunning 2.5K HD videos, receive instant notifications, and identify over 10,000 bird species directly from your phone. Features include infrared night vision, solar-powered battery, and a 1.5L food capacity. Durable, weatherproof, and squirrel-proof design ensures year-round enjoyment. (Shop Now)

Would you enroll your dog in a life-extending study?

1. Where do I sign up?
2. Let’s see if it works first
3. Not gonna take the risk
4. I don’t have a dog

Yesterday’s Results:

What’s your take on carbon dioxide emissions?

1. Reduce them: 39%
2. Ignore them: 36%
3. Don’t ask me about them: 25%

What North Carolina town has the perfect name for a St. Patrick’s Day Festival and, in fact, hosts one?

Show me the answer