Sunday, April 19, 2026

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2019, North Carolina experienced 12 confirmed EF tornadoes that swept through central and eastern counties, causing widespread damage — a reminder of how quickly storms can strike across the Tar Heel State.

Turning from tornadoes to tremors, a series of small, far less destructive earthquakes rattled the Piedmont Triad, causing no major damage. See today’s Around North Carolina section for more details.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown unpacked a new report that suggested Joe Biden’s first choice for Vice President in 2020 was not Kamala Harris. Who was it, and what ultimately drove the Kamala Harris selection? Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, the knēNest Pillow, is designed to relieve nighttime pain and improve sleep by keeping your body properly aligned for deeper, more restorative rest.

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.

Outdoor Outfitters Facing Drought Concerns

Outdoor adventure companies in Western North Carolina are landing strong bookings for the upcoming season, but have concerns over the impact of current drought conditions.

As wildfires continue to emerge in the region and water restrictions go into effect across the state, the outdoor tourism industry depends on rain soon to sustain operations through the summer.

For fly-fishing in particular, local outfitters say that trees lost to Hurricane Helene, combined with high heat and drought, have raised water temperatures to critical levels for trout, posing a threat to their angling offerings.

Business owners are adapting by relocating water recreation activities and targeting warm-water-tolerant species.

NC Zoo Delays Asia Continent Opening

The North Carolina Zoo’s long-awaited Asia Continent exhibit remains on hold as state lawmakers negotiate a budget, delaying the Asheboro attraction’s planned opening.

The 12.5-acre expansion was cleared for $75 million in state funding in 2021, and a launch date has long been set for 2026. Some animals—including tigers, Komodo dragons, and king cobras—are already at the zoo awaiting the opening.

The budget impasse in the state legislature means the zoo is unable to hire the roughly 70 employees needed to safely run the Asia Continent.

Meanwhile, the zoo reported on Friday that Tammy, its oldest chimpanzee, was euthanized due to age-related declines. Tammy was approximately 55 years old and came to the North Carolina Zoo in 1992.

142-Year-Old Hotel Set to Reopen

The Jarrett House hotel and restaurant in Dillsboro is set to reopen later this spring after five years of extensive renovations.

Originally opened in 1884, the Jarrett House shuttered during the pandemic in 2020, was listed for foreclosure, and was purchased by Chris Ellsworth in 2021.

Ellsworth worked to preserve the hotel and restaurant’s turn-of-the-century feel, with each of the 23 hotel rooms decorated with furniture from that period.

The hotel will open for bookings on May 5 and welcome guests in mid-to-late May.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Randolph County: Three small earthquakes struck Randolph County within 16 hours, bringing recent tremors near Asheboro to four in less than two weeks as North Carolina approaches last year’s total. (More)

➤ Durham: Make-A-Wish brought a 14-year-old Durham boy battling lymphoma to WrestleMania in Las Vegas, where he joined other children with critical illnesses for a weekend of unforgettable, superstar-style experiences. (More)

➤ Grifton: Organizers canceled Saturday night’s fireworks at the Grifton Shad Festival due to a statewide burn ban, while the 54th annual event continued with parades, rides, and live entertainment. (More)

➤ Charlotte: The Second Chance Federation launched as a nonprofit law firm to help formerly incarcerated people reduce fines, restore licenses, and regain voting rights often lost after release. (More)

➤ Greenville: The city ranked No. 7 on Redfin and Glassdoor’s list of best small cities for new graduates, citing affordable housing, job growth, and a lively uptown district. (See List)

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➤ Goalie Frederik Andersen stopped 22 shots as the Hurricanes beat the Senators 2-0 in Game 1, with goals from Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall to open the playoff series. (More)

➤ Wake Forest baseball dominated NC State 22-1 in the series opener Friday in Winston-Salem, belting four home runs to move to 10-9 in ACC play as the Wolfpack fell to 8-8 in conference. (More)

➤ UNC basketball: Guard Isaiah Denis, who entered the transfer portal citing “coaching uncertainty” after Hubert Davis’s departure, has withdrawn and will play for new head coach Mike Malone at Chapel Hill. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Wake up without aches with the knēNest Knee Pillow—designed for side sleepers seeking better alignment and deeper sleep. Its unique cradle design supports your knees, hips, and spine while reducing pressure and discomfort. Stay cool, sleep comfortably, and feel the difference in just one night. Experience smarter, more restful sleep tonight. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Don Schlitz, a Durham native and Hall of Fame songwriter behind The Gambler and other country hits, died at 73. His songs helped shape modern country music. (More)

➤ Outer Banks restaurants will celebrate soft shell crab season May 11-16 with a weeklong crawl, fresh seafood dishes, and tours highlighting the region’s prized, short-window coastal delicacy. (More)

➤ More than 400 people gathered at UNC Pembroke to honor Dr. Joey Bell, raising $23,000 for ALS care and honoring the pioneering Lumbee pediatrician’s lasting impact on his patients and community. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The real reason your hands and feet tingle (It’s not what you think). That numbness or tingling many dismiss as aging may actually be linked to a hidden vitamin deficiency. Your body could be signaling something deeper — unrelated to circulation or arthritis. Discover what might be causing these symptoms and why it matters. (Learn more)