Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1882, a flatboat carrying 30 shackled convicts across the icy Tuckasegee River near Dillsboro capsized after rainwater pooled in the stern, sparking panic among the convicts, who thought the boat was sinking. They rushed forward, causing the vessel to overturn and sending them into the icy waters, where 19 drowned in a tangled struggle.

A proposed Amtrak route could boost tourism across Western North Carolina. Learn more in Top Stories.

In today's Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown takes a closer look at a handful of pivotal Senate races that could shape control of the chamber in 2026, breaking down the candidates and key dynamics to watch. Watch the episode here.

Today's sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is urging readers to take a hard look at whether their retirement savings are truly prepared for rising healthcare costs, market volatility, and an uncertain economic future.

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 Home Prices Poised to Climb

Jacksonville is ranked No. 11 among the 300 largest U.S. metro-area housing markets projected to experience the biggest home price increase between November 2025 and November 2026. Zillow predicts a 4.6% increase for the area, far exceeding the national average of 2%.

Other metropolitan areas in North Carolina showing above-average home price increases include New Bern at 4.1%, Morehead City at 4%, Fayetteville at 4%, and Pinehurst at 3.7%.

Houzeo data shows a shift in North Carolina's housing market toward a buyer advantage, with inventory up nearly 19% and homes spending an average of 62 days on the market. Meanwhile, median prices rose 8.2% year-over-year to $325,000 amid modest 2026 growth forecasts.

In general, Southeastern housing markets are expected to see softer conditions and modest sales recovery during 2026.

High-Speed Internet Expands in NC

Gov. Josh Stein announced that federal approval has unlocked more than $300 million to expand high-speed internet across North Carolina.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the state's proposal under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, allowing awards from North Carolina's $1.53 billion allocation.

The funding will help launch projects in mid-2026 that will connect over 93,000 homes, businesses, and community institutions—primarily in rural areas—to high-speed internet.

Combined with ongoing efforts using $670 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, the initiative aims to connect more than 250,000 locations by the end of 2026 and advance efforts to close the digital divide statewide.

New Amtrak Route Would Boost WNC Tourism

A proposed Amtrak passenger rail route could revive train travel in Western North Carolina, connecting Asheville to Salisbury with three daily round-trips and proposed stops in towns like Old Fort and Morganton along the scenic corridor.

Trains would reach a maximum speed of 79 mph and travel over 140 miles of track between the two cities.

Advocates say the service would significantly boost tourism by making the journey itself an attraction, drawing visitors to underrated Blue Ridge Mountain communities and encouraging longer stays to explore local history and culture.

According to NCDOT estimates, the $650 million project could create more than 300 jobs and generate nearly $60 million in annual economic output. Currently part of North Carolina's state rail plan, the proposal is in the public comment phase until Jan. 20, with federal support through the Corridor Identification and Development Program.

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➤ Charlotte: Bishop Michael Martin has issued a pastoral letter mandating the end of altar rail use for Communion and the removal of kneelers by Jan. 16, affirming standing as the normative U.S. posture to promote liturgical unity and active participation. (More)

➤ Asheville: Mission Hospital now offers the Subvastus knee replacement technique—a gentler, muscle-sparing approach performed with robotic precision by Dr. Landon Hall that cuts recovery time in half, reduces pain, and enables faster return to activities. (More)

➤ Whiteville: An audit uncovered a $1.9 million error in the city's finances due to unreconciled capital assets, along with a $700,000 spending fund shortfall. Mayor Terry Mann says spending cuts will be made across the board. (More)

➤ Zebulon: Willie Edward McGee Jr. has been federally charged for robbing a bank with a fake bomb threat and firing at officers in Rocky Mount, where police shot and arrested him. No one else was hurt, and McGee is in stable condition. (More)

➤ NC State: Raleigh, home to North Carolina State University, ranks fifth among the best U.S. college towns in a new study due to the academic and economic opportunities it provides for the community. (See Study)

➤ Outer Banks: Fifteen-year-old Cash Souter of Avon and 18-year-old Will Deane of Kill Devil Hills helped Team USA secure the silver medal at the International Surfing Association World Junior Surfing Championship earlier this month in Peru. (See Photos)

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➤ App State football was unable to stop the run last night and fell 29-10 to Georgia Southern in the JLab Birmingham Bowl. The Mountaineers finish the season with a 5-8 record—their worst winning percentage since moving to the FBS level in 2014. (More)

➤ A fire broke out Sunday night at the Gaston County home of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin's parents, sending two people to the hospital. Officials later confirmed one person died, while the other remains in critical condition. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (More)

➤ UNC men's basketball will open ACC play against Florida State tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. (More)

➤ NC State's football team will lose over 70% of its receiving production for the 2026 season due to transfer portal decisions and expiring eligibility. (More)

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➤ NCInnovation has awarded $10 million in grants to 13 applied research projects at 11 UNC System schools, boosting commercialization in fields like manufacturing, therapeutics, AI, and agriculture. (More)

➤ A proposed Costco at Enka Commerce Park in Asheville that would create over 300 jobs heads to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 7 amid concerns over impacts on small businesses and industrial land. (More)

➤ A 2025 review of real estate on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands highlights major changes, driven by rising insurance rates, Dare County's countywide property revaluation, new development proposals, and ongoing debates over growth and community sustainability. (More)

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➤ WRAL News and Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact report that, for the second year in a row, immigration and Hurricane Helene were the most popular fact-check topics in North Carolina. (More)

➤ NC State scientists found that corn earworm caterpillars eating a blend of non-toxic corn and genetically modified Bt corn quickly grow into moths with sleek, fighter-jet-style wings in just one generation, allowing them to fly farther and spread Bt resistance faster. (See Photo)

➤ Hickory was selected as North Carolina's most Hallmark movie-like town in an analysis of over 3,000 U.S. locations, reported by Parade, based on its population, small businesses, historic sites, and charming community vibe. (See List)

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