THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1905, James Kern “Kay” Kyser was born in Rocky Mount. Kyser was a popular North Carolina-born big band leader, radio/TV star, and host of the Kollege of Musical Knowledge from 1938 to 1950. Known as the “Ol’ Perfesser,” the entertainer scored dozens of hits, entertained troops during World War II, then retired to Chapel Hill for Christian Science ministry and charitable work.

Speaking of science, rarely seen North Carolina megalodon fossil teeth are featured in the Smithsonian’s new From These Lands exhibition. Learn more in Et Cetera.

Why are there suddenly dogs everywhere? The grocery cart, the coffee line, the seat next to you on the plane. More and more, the family dog is just part of the crew, tagging along wherever we go. You've probably noticed, and maybe you're one of the folks who can't bear to leave your furry friend at home. But underneath all those wagging tails is a real question. What do the rules actually say? Tune in to today's Flyover Podcast as Ayla breaks down why pets are showing up everywhere, and what the law really says. Tune in here!

Later today, watch for a special message from our partner, Fisher Investments, featuring a free guide on retirement investing and the mistakes that can derail a $1 million-plus portfolio.

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Elections Overhaul Bill Advances in House

A sweeping elections overhaul bill advanced through the North Carolina House Elections Law Committee on Tuesday amid heated debate, and could move to the House floor for a vote this week.

House Bill 958 proposes a statewide post-election audit process, expanded voter roll maintenance, and stricter rules for absentee ballots, which must arrive by Election Day.

The omnibus measure would allow early processing of ballots before polls close, ban ranked-choice voting, and empower the state auditor to conduct audits with broad access to records and equipment.

Supporters, led by bill sponsor Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), say it enhances election integrity and efficiency, while critics argue it risks voter suppression and partisan interference. The legislation faces further hurdles, including potential changes in the Senate and a gubernatorial veto.

I-77 Toll Lane Fight Reignites

Controversy over the I-77 South expansion project has reignited in North Carolina as state lawmakers consider legislation that would force local governments to reimburse the Department of Transportation for millions spent on the now-defunct toll lane initiative.

The draft amendment, authored by Republican Sen. Vickie Sawyer, who represents Iredell and Mecklenburg counties, targets municipalities that withdrew support, potentially billing Charlotte for the lion’s share of an estimated $60 million, based on its voting weight in the regional planning organization.

Mecklenburg County commissioners stood firm Tuesday against reviving the project, denouncing the measure as a “power grab” and “retaliatory” tactic. Critics argue it rewrites rules after the fact and could set a dangerous precedent for other communities.

Meanwhile, Monroe city leaders scheduled an emergency meeting to reconsider their opposing vote, citing fears of losing Powell Bill road funding. NCDOT indicated the project could advance if regional approval is restored before full removal.

DEQ Dashboard Tracks River E. coli Levels

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has launched a new online dashboard to help the public monitor river safety for swimming and recreation in western North Carolina.

The tool tracks E. coli levels, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen at 71 sites across the French Broad, Broad, Catawba, and Little Tennessee river basins.

The dashboard, part of the Western North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Program, provides real-time data during the summer season. It comes as rivers continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, with officials noting that 31% of samples last year exceeded advisory levels.

Outfitters like NC Outdoor Adventures use the information to ensure safety before guiding trips.

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➤ Statewide: U.S. housing prices surged over the past five years, with some North Carolina markets seeing 48% growth from 2021 to 2026, ranking among the top states amid limited supply and strong demand. (More)

➤ Military Bases: The U.S. Senate National Defense Authorization Act advanced on June 12 with significant funding for North Carolina military installations, including projects at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point to boost readiness. (More)

➤ Western NC: The season’s first potential tropical cyclone could bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Carolinas by Thursday night, with rainfall totals varying from under 0.25 to 4 inches depending on the track. (More)

➤ Dare County: Commissioners approved an $8.6 million contract for Buxton jetty repairs, with 450 feet of repairs expected by December and full work by June to stabilize the shoreline after beach nourishment. (More)

➤ Mooresville: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Felipe Aquilla, an alleged leader of Brazilian terrorist organizations living illegally in the city, after a June 5 traffic stop. He faces charges including kidnapping his wife and firearm possession. (More)

➤ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: The school board settled a lawsuit for $95,000 with the family of Ardrey Kell High School student Gabby Stout, who painted a Charlie Kirk tribute on a spirit rock, acknowledging that the district violated her free speech rights. (More)

➤ Wake County Schools: The district’s new AI draft policy discourages AI detectors, requires disclosure of AI use, and promotes ethical, human-centered applications while addressing academic integrity. (More)

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➤ No. 5 UNC baseball defeated No. 16 West Virginia 12-7 on Wednesday, powered by Owen Hull’s 4-for-5 performance and strong relief pitching, advancing to the College World Series Finals for the first time since 2007, where they’ll face Oklahoma. (More)

➤ Three UNC football players—defensive end Melkart Abou-Jaoude, wide receiver Jordan Shipp, and defensive back Jaiden Patterson—earned spots on Phil Steele’s Preseason All-ACC teams. (More)

➤ Stanley Cup champion Andrei Svechnikov reflected on achieving his biggest goal while serving Raising Cane’s chicken to fans in Raleigh on Tuesday, praising the passionate Caniacs for their support. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | College World Series | WNBA

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➤ Raleigh-based First Carolina Financial Services plans an IPO that could raise up to $88 million to support the growth of its fast-expanding community bank and digital platform. (More)

➤ Aston Power, also based in Raleigh, secured $20 million in venture capital funding to expand services coordinating electricity delivery for data centers amid surging AI demand. (More)

➤ The Lenovo Center in Raleigh will close for eight weeks this summer to undergo $70 million in renovations, adding seats and replacing lower bowl seating as part of a larger enhancement project. Construction begins next week. (More)

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➤ Rarely seen North Carolina megalodon fossil teeth are featured in the Smithsonian’s new From These Lands exhibition, which celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. The extinct species lived between 3 and 5 million years ago and grew up to 60 feet long. (See Photo)

➤ The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Forgotten Patriots project highlights contributions of lesser-known figures from across North Carolina who contributed to America’s fight for freedom, like Ishmael Titus and Eleanor Wilson. (More)

➤ Country star Jelly Roll thanked Novant Health in Charlotte for treating his sinus infection with steroids, enabling him to perform at Bank of America Stadium on June 9. (Watch Report)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Who decided dogs belong in the grocery aisles, and why won't anyone say no? (Listen Now)

➤ Peter Thiel's secretive Dialog society has been exposed in a data leak naming its powerful members and revealing details they were promised would stay private. (Hear Details)

➤ A Chicago petition to rename the street beneath Trump Tower after Barack Obama has gathered more than 22,000 signatures. (Hear Story)