Saturday, October 25, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1774, Mrs. Penelope Barker organized 51 women in Edenton to support the cause against “taxation without representation.” This event followed the Tea Act of 1773 and is now referred to as the Edenton Tea Party, during which the women signed an agreement they called “a duty that we owe, not only to our near and dear connections … but to ourselves.”

In the spirit of the Edenton Tea Party, we’ve sprinkled a little tea throughout today’s edition—from our Meme to our Trivia and Poll question, where you can let us know if you’ve been to a formal afternoon tea.

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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.

State’s Largest Data Center Approved

Texas-based data firm Digital Realty received approval to build a major facility in West Charlotte, set to become the largest data center in North Carolina.

The Charlotte City Council approved the project in May, clearing the parcel for a potential 3-million-square-foot facility, though construction has not yet begun.

Digital Realty also purchased a century-old office building with plans to build a four-story data center in its place. According to Data Center Map, there are 95 data centers in North Carolina. Half of these are in Charlotte, and several are owned by Digital Realty.

Similarly, Statesville approved a rezoning request for Compass Datacenters to build five data buildings, a proposal that faced strong opposition from local residents.

Western NC Reaches Peak Tourism Levels

Western North Carolina is seeing its strongest tourism numbers since Helene, with Explore Asheville crediting warm weather and vibrant fall foliage for sustaining high visitation.

Asheville businesses have reported sales are up 20%, while the Pisgah Inn has surpassed guest numbers from 2024. Numbers are up because more businesses and roadways have opened, including parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway that had been closed.

Some have expressed concerns over recovering tourism in the area due to the federal government shutdown. Congressman Chuck Edwards said he’d discuss the potential for state funding.

Western North Carolina has received several grants to help bolster tourism, including a recent $12.4 million grant to bolster recreation spaces.

IRONMAN Race in Wilmington

About 3,000 athletes are competing in Wilmington’s 16th annual IRONMAN 70.3 today, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.

The sold-out IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina will draw more than 7,000 visitors and 1,200 volunteers, with its swim course ranked No. 3 nationally and run course No. 5 internationally.

The course starts at Wrightsville Beach and ends on the Battleship North Carolina. If you live near where the triathlon will occur, check out this listing of road closures.

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Josh Stein announced $25 million in grants through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to fund nearly 120 projects, including roadside safety campaigns and DWI prevention initiatives statewide. (More)

➤ Statewide: Plaintiffs in an existing North Carolina federal redistricting lawsuit want to expand their existing complaint to cover the state’s new congressional map. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Officials unveiled the first renderings of the $387 million Convention Center expansion, which city planners say will attract more events to the city’s rapidly growing downtown. (More)

➤ Morrisville: Alaska Airlines announced a new direct route from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego, its second route from RDU, with flights beginning April 22. (More)

➤ Gaston County: Authorities arrested Timothy Mark Henderson in connection with a bomb threat at the Gaston County Administration building after tracing the threat to a phone call he made. (More)

➤ Greensboro: Local Christian relief group Samaritan’s Purse organized an airlift delivering more than 300,000 food and supply items to families in Gaza. (More)

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➤ UNC’s Michael Lombardi is the highest-paid general manager in college football by a wide margin. His $1.5 million salary is $600,000 more than the second-highest, Ohio State’s Mark Pantoni. (More)

➤ NBA guard Terry Rozier was arrested for allegedly participating in a sports betting scheme during his time with the Hornets, accused of faking an injury to help associates profit from prop bets. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said newly signed quarterback Mike White will be tapped for insight on the Buffalo Bills’ game plan after spending 2024 and the 2025 offseason with them. (More)

➤ The Charlotte 49ers hosted the North Texas Mean Green on Friday night at Jerry Richardson Stadium for an American Athletic Conference matchup. (See Score)

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➤ Cleveland High senior receiver Krisjon Clark returned to the field on Thursday, a week after collapsing from cardiac arrest, with his father among those performing CPR. (More)

➤ The North Carolina State Fair held its annual Hunger Relief Day, offering free admission to visitors who donated six nonperishable food items, with organizers aiming to provide 150,000 meals this year. (More)

➤ Tacos Oaxaca brings authentic Mexican street food and Southern hospitality to Lillington, serving Oaxacan-inspired dishes made from fresh, homemade ingredients. (More)

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