THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1985, Sam Ervin, a U.S. Senator from Morganton, died at the age of 88 in Winston-Salem. Ervin, a Democrat, gained fame chairing the Watergate Committee.

The NFL Draft is tonight! Preview the Carolina Panthers options in Top Stories, then reply to share your prediction for how you think the team will fare.

The cost of living varies wildly across the United States, and for retirees, choosing the wrong state can cost up to six figures a year. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown shares new data that ranks the cost of living in every U.S. state, what groceries, housing, and healthcare actually cost depending on where you live. Plus, which states give retirees the most financial breathing room? Where does your state land, and what does it mean for your retirement? Tune in here!

Later today, watch for a note from our partner, Incogni, on how to get your personal data off the internet, plus a special discount code for our readers.

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

NC House, Senate Reach Medicaid Funding Deal

North Carolina House and Senate lawmakers reached an agreement to fully fund the state’s Medicaid program on Tuesday, settling on a $319 million infusion into the current rebase.

House Bill 696 would cover Medicaid’s funding shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year and take an aggressive approach to “rooting out Medicaid waste, fraud, and abuse,” according to House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell.

The House is expected to vote on the proposed bill this week. It follows months of budget negotiations, with Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, urging lawmakers to fully support the program in his 2026–27 budget proposal, released Tuesday.

Stein also recommended increasing investments in education, public safety, and health care, while halting tax cuts and ending new enrollment in the Opportunity Scholarship Program to “let the program wind down.”

ICE Data Shows 6.3K+ Arrests Made in NC

ICE has made 6,374 arrests in North Carolina since President Trump took office in January 2025, highlighting increased enforcement activity across the state.

The data, obtained by the Deportation Data Project, shows arrests were concentrated in Mecklenburg County, where more than 1,400 were recorded. Wake County had more than 300; Henderson and Gaston counties had more than 200; and Union, Forsyth, and New Hanover counties had more than 100.

In the Outer Banks, where ICE arrests are rare, Dare County recorded 16—significantly more than in the nearby counties of Currituck, Chowan, Hertford, and Pasquotank, which have all recorded no more than two.

Almost all of North Carolina’s counties have recorded at least one arrest since January 2025.

Panthers Pick at 19 in NFL Draft

The NFL Draft kicks off tonight, with the Carolina Panthers picking at No. 19 thanks to their surprise 2025 NFC South title. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

Many mock drafts have Carolina selecting another offensive weapon for quarterback Bryce Young after his breakout 2025 season. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is a popular projection at No. 19—a 240-pound pass catcher who ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes ever for a tight end at the NFL Combine.

The Panthers still have holes on defense, too, despite spending $165 million on upgrades in free agency. Cornerback and safety seem to be the most popular predictions here, with Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy gaining steam as an option in recent weeks.

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➤ Statewide: A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to reconsider dismissal of a lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s foster care system, reaffirming that the adult plaintiffs lacked sufficient relationships with the children to establish standing in court. (More)

➤ NC Schools: Democrats renewed calls on Tuesday to fund the Leandro school spending plan during the legislative session, despite a state Supreme Court decision ending the case and voiding prior rulings. (More)

➤ Charlotte: A year-long investigation titled Operation High Octane uncovered an underground network illegally selling high-end bourbon at Charlotte-area stores, resulting in five citations and 28 criminal summonses. (More)

➤ Lake Wylie: Officials issued a no-swim advisory on Tuesday for Lake Wylie near Old Oleander Drive in southwest Charlotte after a lift station failure spilled 69,760 gallons of wastewater into the lake. (More)

➤ Nags Head: The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau debuted Earth & Arts OBX on Wednesday, featuring music, art, family activities, and a ribbon-cutting for a new soundside boardwalk. (More)

➤ Ellerbe: Andre the Giant will be honored today with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in Ellerbe near his former ranch, recognizing the wrestling icon’s legacy and deep ties to the community. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Hurricanes will try to take a 3-0 series lead against the Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Ottawa after winning the first two games at home. (More)

➤ NC State basketball player Matt Able committed to North Carolina on Tuesday, becoming the first player to transfer from the Wolfpack to the Tar Heels since the 1940s. (More)

➤ No. 12 Duke softball beat UNC-Charlotte 8-0 in five innings on a combined three-hit shutout. The Blue Devils have now won six straight. (More)

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➤ JPMorgan Chase will consolidate two offices and add 400 jobs in Charlotte as part of a SouthPark expansion, growing its local workforce to about 1,000 employees when the new office opens in early 2028. (More)

➤ Nordstrom Rack Stores partnered with nonprofit Operation Warm to give free sneakers to 360 students at South Pine Academy in Charlotte. (Watch Report)

➤ The former Cary Towne Center site remains vacant two years after Epic Games’ planned headquarters stalled, as residents and officials express frustration over the lack of redevelopment progress. (More)

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➤ Holly Ridge will host its third annual Bee Festival on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring food, vendors, exhibits, and entertainment celebrating pollinators and community life. (More)

➤ Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its synchronous firefly event at Elkmont May 20–27, with $1 lottery vehicle reservations opening on April 24 for limited nighttime viewing access. (More)

➤ A black bear was captured on video roaming a Durham neighborhood near Sandy Creek Park as North Carolina’s BearWise campaign encourages residents to learn to live responsibly with bears. (See Bear)

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