Sunday, March 22, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1861, secessionist delegates from 25 North Carolina counties met in Goldsboro, urging lawmakers to reconvene and pushing for the state to join the Confederacy after a failed convention vote and Lincoln’s inauguration.

In today’s Et Cetera, meet the Durham mother and daughter who turned a childhood leukemia diagnosis into a mission of compassion, helping families at Duke Children’s Hospital stay together during cancer treatment.

Temperatures across North Carolina are starting to climb, and this weekend’s heat is a reminder that summer is on the way.

In case you missed it, The Flyover Podcast highlighted tech tools that can make everyday life easier for older adults. Host Ayla Brown shared a few devices that could help seniors stay safer, healthier, and more connected. Plus, one product that Ayla says seniors really shouldn’t be without. Tune in here! (NEEDS TO BE IN 3/22 Edition)

As the weather warms up, hydration becomes even more important. That’s why many Flyover staff members keep LMNT electrolytes nearby to help stay energized and hydrated throughout the 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.

Audit Reveals School District’s Financial Misconduct

A follow-up state audit found Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools kept about $15 million in fiscal 2025 expenditures off the books until September, then backdated them to June 30.

The initial August 2025 report uncovered multiple issues, including the use of one-time COVID funds to cover ongoing expenses such as employee salaries, failure to adjust staffing levels despite a declining student population, and overall financial mismanagement.

State Auditor Dave Boliek said, “The additional findings of financial misconduct the team uncovered in our follow-up show a failure to keep their books straight. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools owes parents, teachers, and students accountability.”

Sports Betting Reaches Two Years in N.C.

March marks the two-year anniversary of the legalization of sports betting in North Carolina, which has generated more than $250 million in tax revenue.

Since the launch, state residents have wagered more than $13 billion on sports. A new WRAL investigative documentary, The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina, examines the rapid rise of the industry and the growing concerns about its impact.

According to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, 30% of the revenue goes to the North Carolina Major Events, Games and Attractions fund, while 20% goes to the collegiate athletic departments of 13 universities.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services receives $2 million annually for gambling addiction education and treatment programs.

Feds Charge Man Obsessed With Mass Shooters

Federal officials charged a 19-year-old Raleigh man with communicating a threat on Thursday, following an involuntary commitment request by Raleigh police and the FBI earlier in March.

According to charging documents, Eric Byrd had an obsession with mass shooters and sought to follow in their footsteps. He commonly posted photos of himself holding guns and used pro-Nazi and white supremacist messaging in his content, saying, “I love death and destruction. I hope much more comes.”

Investigators say Byrd’s parents reported he was obsessed with firearms, purchasing an AK-47 last December.

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From mountain hikes to beach weekends on the Outer Banks, North Carolina offers plenty of ways to spend time outside.

But hot weather and physical activity can quickly lead to dehydration if you’re not replenishing electrolytes.

LMNT is a zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix designed to help support hydration with a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals help your body retain fluids and maintain energy levels when you’re sweating or active.

Many of us at The Flyover personally use LMNT, particularly when temperatures start climbing or after workouts.

It’s a simple way to upgrade your hydration without the sugar found in many sports drinks.

Right now, LMNT is offering Flyover readers a free sample pack with purchase, so you can try multiple flavors and find your favorite.

Learn more here.

➤ Raleigh: Wake County schools Superintendent Robert Taylor said rising operating costs are outpacing available funding, highlighting financial challenges during Friday’s annual State of the Schools address. (More)

➤ Durham: Retail giant Target plans to move into Northgate Mall, vacant since 2020, as part of a redevelopment proposal that includes six new commercial buildings. (More)

➤ Browns Summit: Authorities arrested a man on first-degree murder and child abuse charges after investigators said he inflicted fatal head injuries on his 5-month-old child. (More)

➤Swain County: North Carolina lawmakers announced former Rep. Mike Clampitt (NC-119), who represented Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties from 2016 to 2020, died on March 18 after a battle with cancer. He was 71. (More)

➤ Charlotte: The Biffle Family Legacy Impact Fund will award its first grants months after Greg Biffle, his wife, and others died in a Statesville plane crash, supporting causes they championed. (More)

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➤ No. 1 seed Duke trailed No. 9 seed TCU 40-38 with 16 minutes remaining in the second half before using a 32-10 run to pull away from the Horned Frogs for an 81-58 win and a trip to the Sweet 16. (More)

➤ High Point University aimed to continue its Cinderella run late Saturday night against Arkansas with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. (See Score)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets set a franchise record with 17 sold-out home games this season, reaching the mark Thursday night when the team retired Dell Curry’s No. 30 jersey. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 on Friday after Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin scored this game-winning snap shot. (See Goal)

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As spring turns into summer, staying properly hydrated can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.

LMNT makes it easy with convenient electrolyte packets you can mix into water anytime.

It’s zero sugar, clean ingredients, and designed for real hydration.

Flyover readers can also receive a free sample pack included with their order, making it easy to try several flavors.

Check out the offer here.

➤ The Biltmore Estate is preparing to open “Luminere” on March 26, an outdoor light and sound experience spanning the Biltmore House grounds and historic gardens. (More)

➤ An otter attacked a Wilmington woman during the Tobacco Road Marathon in Durham, biting her ankle near Herndon Park and prompting rabies treatment. (More)

➤ A Durham mother and daughter created Harper’s Home after a leukemia diagnosis, providing free housing for families traveling to Duke Children’s Hospital, with expansion plans underway to support more patients. (More)

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