NC Schools Revise Phone, AI Policies

The state’s two largest school districts have revised policies relating to the use of smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

Wake County Public School System’s board announced plans to amend the county’s smartphone use policy by year’s end to require that mobile devices be turned off and that features on smartwatches and smartglasses be disabled. The current policy requires phones to be kept in silent mode.

The amendment would also clarify that students’ personal laptops can remain in schools as long as they’re used for instructional purposes.

Meanwhile, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools approved a new AI policy emphasizing staff and student training, data privacy, ethical use, age-appropriate tools, and digital literacy. Developed with community input, the policy aims to ensure that AI enhances education, complies with guidelines, and prepares students for an AI-driven society without replacing teacher-student interaction.

Zebulon Father Confesses to Killing 4 Children

Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, of Zebulon, was charged Tuesday with four counts of murder after calling 911 to confess to killing his children. 

Deputies found multiple decomposed bodies in the trunk of a vehicle in his garage. Authorities believe the victims—three biological children ages 6, 9, and 10, and an 18-year-old stepchild—had likely been there for months and were killed on May 1. A 3-year-old son survived and was found inside the home.

Dickens’ wife, Stephanie, died in April 2024, a year after his father died in a 2023 car crash. An Iraq War veteran, Dickens is being held without bond in the Johnston County Jail. 

More OBX Homes Collapse

Five more oceanfront homes collapsed in Buxton on Tuesday, raising the total to 13 in the Outer Banks community since Sept. 30 and 15 along Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Two homes on Ocean Drive and Tower Circle fell around 11 a.m., two more collapsed around 1 p.m. on Ocean Drive and Cottage Avenue, and a fifth fell on Tower Circle around 4:30 p.m.

Ongoing erosion from winds, waves, tides, rising seas, and recent storms pushed the homes—built hundreds of feet from the water between the 1970s and 1990s—to the brink of collapse.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey recently traveled to the Outer Banks and released a video to raise awareness of what he calls a “growing crisis.” He plans to work with local officials and legislators to find long-term solutions for the communities.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: The North Carolina Court of Appeals on Tuesday heard Gov. Josh Stein’s challenge to GOP laws that limit judicial picks to party nominees, shift a Utilities Commission seat to Treasurer Brad Briner, and alter the Building Code Council. (More)

➤ Mecklenburg County: A tuberculosis case was reported at North Mecklenburg High School, but officials have not said whether the infected person is a student or staff member as of Wednesday. (More)

➤ Durham: Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton and Mayor Leonardo Williams are decrying wanted posters and guillotine references by activist Ashley Robbins as toxic election rhetoric. Robbins described her statement as metaphorical. (More)

➤ Raleigh: The Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s quarterly report revealed that the downtown area now has over 1,500 occupied units, ranking it among the nation’s top for apartment leasing. Visits to the area have also increased by 3.5% year over year. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools reduced its debt by $11.4 million through $3.6 million in community fundraising, county forgiveness, and a new service contract. The approved $707 million budget allocates $3.5 million for further debt repayment, and the closure of Cook Literacy Model School is expected to support future savings. (More)

➤ UNC-Wilmington: The university investigated breathing issues at Polar Ice House after Junior Seahawk hockey players, a referee, and others reported symptoms. The rink’s humidistat was replaced after low humidity was identified as the likely cause. (More)

Enjoy reading Flyover North Carolina? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Charlotte FC fell to New York City FC 1-0 in the first match of their best-of-three playoff series. The team must now win the next two games to advance. (More)

➤ Former Duke basketball player Kyle Singler was arrested last weekend on domestic abuse and battery charges in the presence of a child. The 2010 national champion was reportedly under the influence of drugs at the time. (More)

➤ UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts was aware of general manager Michael Lombardi’s offseason prospecting trip to Saudi Arabia, reportedly arranged by a Saudi national interested in supporting the program. No money was exchanged. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | Soccer | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stop bad dog behaviors fast. This proven training method—created by a professional K9 trainer—quickly corrects bad behavior without shock collars or harsh punishment. Safe, gentle, and effective for all breeds and ages, it’s helping thousands of owners finally enjoy calmer, better-behaved dogs. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Pacific Life will invest $12.3 million in a South End Charlotte office, adding 301 jobs with an average salary of $176,000. The expansion is supported by a $5.5 million state Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG). (More)

➤ Global automotive technology company BorgWarner will invest $74.9 million in Henderson County, creating 193 automotive jobs averaging $78,628. A $1.78 million state JDIG grant supports the 220,000-square-foot facility. (More)

➤ Charlotte Douglas International Airport will install runway status lights on its new runway, set to open in fall 2027, after project savings made the safety upgrade possible. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ This hose attachment cleans like a $400 Pressure Washer. No electricity or setup needed. This easy attachment blasts away dirt and grime in minutes, safely cleaning cars, decks, patios, and fences with commercial-level power and convenience. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Scientists from the University College Cork have confirmed that this 10-second mirror method can dramatically reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and saggy skin. In a study of 674 women, results appeared within weeks, 10 times more effective than retinol, with zero side effects. Watch the short video below to see how this simple ritual helps you look 10, 15, or even 20 years younger—naturally and effortlessly.

➤ Charlotte’s Great Pumpkin Wall, a 21-year tradition on Greenway Avenue in the Elizabeth neighborhood, displays dozens of carved pumpkins nightly through Halloween. (Watch Video)

➤ Carolina Panthers rookies and team co-owner Nicole Tepper dressed as superheroes and princesses to deliver Halloween treats to more than 100 patients at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. (See Photos)

➤ OpenTable’s Top 2025 Hotel Restaurants Guide included Herons at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary and two restaurants at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville: Blue Ridge and Sunset Terrace. (See List)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Ibuprofen may ease pain temporarily but can harm your gut, liver, and heart over time. Scientists have discovered a powerful marine-derived compound that targets inflammation at its source—supporting joint comfort, brain, heart, and liver health naturally. Discover the breakthrough nutrient transforming how we treat inflammation today. (LEARN MORE)

Do you use an app like OpenTable to book restaurant reservations?

1. Yes
2. No
3. I’m open to trying it

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you try a Keurig-like pill dispenser?

1. Maybe: 29%
2. Too gimmicky: 28%
3. I don’t take pills: 22%
4. Sign me up: 21%

What counties did Carolana include?

Show me the answer