Saturday, April 25, 2026

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, Union forces opened a heavy bombardment on Fort Macon from land and sea. Outmatched by superior artillery, the Confederate garrison’s defenses were quickly compromised, forcing its commander, Col. Moses J. White, to surrender the fort.

Raleigh’s 321 Coffee, which employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be available in Costcos statewide starting Sunday.

Would you believe the firing squad is making a comeback in 2026? The Justice Department just made a major move to reshape the death penalty while also reversing the Biden administration’s freeze on federal executions. When was the last time a firing squad was actually used in the U.S.? How soon could this new policy be put into place? And who could it apply to? On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Amy Hess answers all your questions and breaks down the latest on this developing story. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Sonic Glow Tooth Brush, uses powerful sonic vibrations and built-in blue light technology to help remove plaque, protect sensitive gums, and promote a cleaner, brighter, healthier smile in just seconds a day.

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 Sparks Fires, Water Bans Statewide

Seven acres burned in Lee County on Thursday when a farmer’s field caught fire while he worked his land, one of dozens of open-field blazes spreading across central North Carolina as extreme drought tightens its grip on the state.

With nearly 40% of the state in extreme drought, the NC Forest Service has logged 4,224 wildfire incidents on state and private lands, far greater than the 10-year average of 2,614 at this point in the year.

Fuquay-Varina activated Stage 1 water conservation measures on Friday, restricting outdoor watering and limiting vehicle washing in an effort to reduce water use by 10%.

State climatologists describe precipitation deficits as record-shattering, and forecasters say little relief is in sight for eastern North Carolina.

Audit Finds NC A&T Mishandled $5 Million

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released an investigative report Thursday finding that North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro improperly distributed $5 million in financial aid without evidence of merit or need-based criteria.

Administrative Recovery Funds, fees collected for student services like housing, dining, and parking, were steered to individuals with personal or professional ties to former senior university officials. More than $780,000 went to university employees, their family members, or others with institutional connections.

The audit found the former real estate foundation executive director’s nephew received $73,063, and about $3.2 million went to out-of-state students without qualifying criteria. State Auditor Dave Boliek said students “got an advantage because of who they knew.”

NC A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II said he personally contacted Boliek to initiate the investigation, pledging full transparency and corrective action.

Raleigh Coffee Roaster Expands to Costco

321 Coffee, a Raleigh roaster known for its big heart, has landed on Costco shelves statewide. Whole bean bags will be available starting Sunday.

“This initial order from Costco marks our biggest step yet toward our goal of creating one million meaningful work hours for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said co-founder Lindsay Wrege.

Currently, the brand employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and its name is a nod to Down syndrome, which occurs when a person has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome.

To fill the initial Costco order, the team ramped up to 2,000 pounds roasted daily and shipped roughly 20 pallets across the state. The company hopes the limited-time trial becomes a permanent shelf staple.

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➤ Raleigh: Duke Energy crews restored power to more than 300 customers on the Wake/Chatham County line early Friday after power lines were knocked down on U.S. Highway 64. (More)

➤ Asheville: Asheville Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting at a business on Tuesday evening that left one person dead. (More)

➤ Also Asheville: The North Carolina Arboretum will host a Mountain Science Expo today featuring live animal presentations, interactive activities, and exhibitors from across western North Carolina. (More)

➤ Brunswick County: The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scrapped its preferred plans for the extension of Highway 31 after extensive public and stakeholder feedback. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Residents packed a public hearing on Thursday for the proposed rules to monitor and reduce PFAS chemicals in North Carolina’s waterways. (Details)

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➤ Monroe Freeling, Georgia’s standout offensive tackle, gave the Panthers their No. 19 pick Thursday. Head coach Dave Canales said the goal for the rest of the picks was to “challenge our roster.” (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes go for the sweep in Ottawa today, after Jackson Blake’s goal sealed a 2-1 Game 3 win Thursday and pushed Carolina to a commanding 3-0 series lead. (More)

➤ The Asheville Tourists picked up their first home win of 2026 Thursday night, edging the Greenville Drive 7-6 in a nail-biter at HomeTrust Ballpark. (More)

➤ ACC transfer portal moves are reshaping the Triangle’s rosters, as NC State added guard Christian Hammond, UNC landed Neoklis Avdalas, Duke picked up John Blackwell, and Duke’s Isaiah Evans declared for the NBA Draft. (More)

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➤ Two new coatis named Twig and Willow are attracting attention at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. The zookeeper says, “They’re so much fun to watch. They’re all over the place.” (See Video)

➤ Crowds in Old Fort cheered as Norfolk Southern’s NS 9900 became the first train to run from Hickory to Asheville since Tropical Storm Helene devastated the mountain rail line. (More)

➤ Nearly 80 breweries are taking over downtown Raleigh today for Brewgaloo, the state’s biggest craft beer bash, with food trucks and live music stages rounding out the sudsy fun. (More)

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