Saturday, April 18, 2026

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1865 near Durham, Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Union Gen. William T. Sherman signed a sweeping surrender agreement at Bennett Place that effectively ended the Civil War in the Southeast.

North Carolina is poised to become a global leader in HVAC training as Trane Technologies opens a $50 million facility in Davidson—billed as the world’s largest. See more in today’s Top Stories.

One year ago, President Trump called it “a Great Honor for our Country” when an American was elected Pope for the first time in history, then, earlier this month, posted that “if I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.” Now Trump is calling Pope Leo “WEAK on Crime,” and Pope Leo is firing back: “I have no fear of the Trump administration.” This isn’t a diplomatic spat. This is an open feud between the President of the United States and the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics. Only on today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown shares an exclusive breakdown of what’s been said and how we got here. Listen here!

Today’s partner is Bluebirds Landing Marina and RV Park, a peaceful lakeside escape that’s perfect for a quick weekend reset or a longer stay. If you’re looking to unplug, spend time on the water or at your own private cabin, and enjoy a slower pace with family or friends, this is one spot worth checking out.

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 Drought Escalates: Wildfires, Disaster Zones

Two new wildfires ignited in Western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest Friday morning as the state’s drought emergency deepens.

The USDA has declared 82 North Carolina counties natural disaster areas — a designation that unlocks emergency farm loans. Thirty counties are now in extreme drought, a statewide open burning ban has been in force since March 28, and 554 wildfires have already burned more than 2,200 acres statewide.

Charlotte has imposed voluntary water restrictions, Raleigh mandatory ones, and dozens of smaller municipalities are following suit. The NC Department of Environmental Quality also expanded its extreme drought classification.

World’s Largest HVAC Training Center Opens

Trane Technologies opened a 45,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Training Center at its Davidson headquarters—billed as the world’s largest HVAC training facility.

The facility can train up to 4,500 students and log more than 100,000 training hours per year, combining hands-on lab instruction with e-learning. The company invested more than $50 million in the project.

Gov. Josh Stein toured the facility on Thursday alongside business and clean-energy leaders, calling it evidence of North Carolina’s growing manufacturing footprint in the clean energy economy.

Trane plans to hire more than 1,000 additional technicians over the next 18 months to meet surging demand for advanced climate systems.

Yo-Yo Ma Visits Thomasville Library

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma made an unannounced stop at the Thomasville Public Library on Wednesday, taking a break during his North Carolina tour and surprising the unsuspecting staff.

In a Facebook post, city leaders said Ma discussed the “challenges and triumphs” of local library service and the vital role free community programming plays in small cities. He performed at Greensboro’s Steven Tanger Center earlier in the week to a sold-out crowd.

The unplanned library visit became a minor viral moment—a world-class artist choosing to spend his downtime in a Davidson County library.

Flying together with our sponsor

Ready for a weekend escape the whole family will rave about? Imagine waking up to sunrise over Watts Bar Lake, casting a line, hopping in a kayak, or simply sipping coffee on your cabin porch with calm water views. That’s what you’ll find at Bluebirds Landing Marina, a hidden gem just a short drive from Tennessee, North Carolina, or Georgia.

Whether you’re craving a relaxing lakeside cabin or a quiet year-round RV site with full hookups, Bluebirds Landing and RV Park offers the perfect mix of adventure and peace. Host an event on the over-the-water pavilion, launch your boat with ease, take a swim from the beach, or just sit back and enjoy the fresh air and wildlife. It’s an easy, laid-back getaway that delivers exactly what a lake weekend should feel like.

➤ Statewide: State election officials voted 3-2 to approve rules redefining “potential non-citizen” voters, requiring record reviews, voter notification, documentation opportunities, and hearings before removal from registration rolls. (More)

➤ Also statewide: Several North Carolina school districts are canceling classes on May 1 as teachers plan to march in Raleigh to demand more state funding for public education. (More)

➤ Asheville: The Regional Airport on Friday opened a new baggage claim with two carousels, part of a $400 million expansion to boost capacity, modernize facilities, and accommodate rising passenger traffic. (More)

➤ Charlotte: The Carolina Panthers announced Atrium Health secured naming rights for the team’s new Uptown Charlotte training complex, set to open before 2027 training camp with expanded practice and player facilities. (More)

➤ Raleigh: State lawmakers grilled DHHS officials at a Wednesday hearing over whether Medicaid fraud is going undetected amid a reported $300 million shortfall. (More)

➤ Wake County: Towns that buy water from the City of Raleigh—Garner, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon—are facing secondary effects from Raleigh’s mandatory drought restrictions. (More)

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➤ The top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes open their eighth straight playoff run today against Ottawa, hosting Game 1 after a franchise-best 113-point regular season. (More)

➤ Duke guard Cayden Boozer announced he will return for his sophomore season rather than enter the NBA Draft, having earned All-ACC Tournament Second Team honors as a freshman. (More)

➤ Wake Forest basketball landed Kansas transfer Jamari McDowell in the transfer portal, adding a former four-star recruit who originally chose Kansas over the Demon Deacons out of high school. (More)

➤ App State baseball opens a three-game Sun Belt series at James Madison this weekend, looking to extend a strong run of conference play. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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Flying together with our sponsor

Escape to Bluebirds Landing and RV Park, your go-to lakeside getaway on Watts Bar Lake. With fully equipped cabins, long-term RV sites, boat slips, a private launch, swimming cove, and plenty of space to relax, it’s built for both adventure and downtime.

Guests consistently rave about the experience:

“Hidden gem, very close to the water, great customer service.” “I had my son’s beautiful wedding here. It was wonderful.” “Staying here feels like home away from home.” “They make us feel like family.”

Whether you’re fishing at sunrise, spending the day on the water, or unwinding by the cabin, this is where great weekends happen.

Plan your lakeside escape today and see why so many guests keep coming back.

➤ Asheville’s Downtown After 5 free outdoor concert series returned on Friday with Stomp & Holler Night at Pack Square Park, kicking off another summer of local and touring acts. (More)

➤ Crooked Hammock Brewery will open on April 20 near Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, bringing a backyard-style venue with yard games, craft beer, and cookout fare to its fourth location. (More)

➤ The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce named Hunter Walsh president and CEO, with board chair Melissa Harrison citing his vision for strengthening the coastal business community. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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