Jumat, 10 April 2026

$400M Deadline, Artemis Splashdown, and WWII Hero Honored

Friday, April 10, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1878, the California Street Cable Railroad began operation in San Francisco, backed by Leland Stanford, and remains the oldest cable car line still running.

A crew of astronauts is set to splash down off the Southern California coast after a historic trip around the moon, marking humanity’s return to deep space travel after more than 50 years, as we report below. It’s the kind of mission that makes you wonder: Would you go if you had the chance? Reply and let us know.

Today’s sponsor, Oricle Hearing Aids, is helping readers hear more clearly without the sky-high prices—offering a tiny, easy-to-use hearing aid with clear sound and all-day power for under $100.

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.

$400 Million Expiring April 30

Nearly one million Californians never activated the Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards the state mailed starting in 2022.

The cards were part of a $9.2 billion Middle Class Tax Refund that sent payments of $200 to $1,050 to households, with income caps of up to $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for joint filers. About $400 million remains on roughly 960,000 unactivated cards.

All cards expire April 30, and any remaining funds revert to the state. Another 4.5 million cardholders still carry a combined $260 million in unused balances. The Franchise Tax Board says many recipients mistook the cards for junk mail or simply forgot about them. Others found their cards deactivated by the issuing bank as a fraud precaution.

Cardholders can call Money Network at 1-800-240-0223 to reactivate their cards. The FTB has activation instructions and details on its website.

Palisades Suspect's Defense Blames LAFD

The man charged in connection with the Palisades Fire is arguing that firefighters’ negligence, not his actions, caused the disaster.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, faces three federal arson charges tied to the Jan. 1, 2025, Lachman Fire, which prosecutors say smoldered underground for about a week before high winds reignited it into the Palisades Fire. His defense team argues that Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and California State Parks left the burn area while it was still visibly smoking, despite dangerous fire weather concerns.

Federal prosecutors have not publicly detailed a response to that argument beyond saying they will see Rinderknecht in court.

The defense has pointed to sworn depositions from LAFD firefighters in related civil litigation who said they were ordered to leave the scene Jan. 2 despite active burning. Trial is now scheduled for June 2026.

Superman Flying Into Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and DC Studios are launching an interactive Superman attraction on the Burbank studio lot on April 18.

Superman Experience: Defenders Unite opens at Stage 5 on the Warner Bros. Studios lot, combining walkthrough sets, audio-animatronic characters, and 3D technology that lets guests simulate flying alongside Superman. The opening falls on "Superman Day," the anniversary of the character's 1938 debut in Action Comics.

The attraction features an original storyline tied to the 2025 Superman film. Guests receive Kryptonian abilities inside the Fortress of Solitude, train on the Kent Farm with Krypto the Superdog, and battle Darkseid to save Metropolis.

The experience includes a themed lounge, a Daily Planet retail store, and an exclusive comic book. Tickets are sold separately from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.

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➤ Sacramento: Gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell denied accusations of inappropriate behavior with female staffers at a town hall Tuesday, calling the claims “false” and saying no NDAs or settlements exist. The allegations reportedly originated on social media without supporting evidence. (See Details)

➤ Bay Area: A multi-day storm is expected to bring periods of rain today through Sunday, with thunderstorms possible Friday and Saturday. Snow is expected at lower elevations in the Sierra, where heavy accumulations are possible. (More)

➤ Dublin: Alameda County supervisors unanimously voted to oppose reopening the shuttered FCI Dublin prison for any correctional use, including immigrant detention. The women’s prison closed in 2024 amid widespread misconduct, abuse scandals, and oversight failures. (See Details)

➤ Madera County: Supervisors unanimously approved widening a congested stretch of Highway 41 from two lanes to four, including an overpass at Avenue 11. Construction begins next month on the county’s largest-ever public works project. (See Details)

➤ Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz Wharf will reopen April 29 after $1.3 million in repairs following a 2024 storm that collapsed a 150-foot section that included a restaurant and restroom. (See Details)

➤ Mojave: Kern County deputies stopped two suspicious box trucks and found $1 million in stolen Lego products inside. Three men were arrested after investigators linked the haul to freight trailers stolen while en route from Texas to Southern California. (See Details)

➤ San Diego: The Artemis II crew is set to splash down off the Southern California coast just after 5 p.m. Friday, ending a 695,000-mile mission that sent astronauts farther from Earth than any humans before. Recovery teams aboard the USS John P. Murtha will meet the four astronauts. (See Details)

➤ Ontario: Investigators are reviewing video that appears to show someone setting toilet paper on fire inside the Kimberly-Clark warehouse that burned Tuesday. A 29-year-old contract employee was arrested on felony arson charges, though authorities have not confirmed he is the person in the video. The more than one-million-square-foot facility was destroyed. (See Video)

➤ Coachella Valley: Two Perris men were arrested in a diesel theft operation targeting multiple businesses. Investigators say the pair used modified vehicles to steal more than 9,000 gallons of fuel, including a $63,000 heist in Coachella. (See Details)

➤ Los Angeles: The Getty Center in Brentwood will close for a year starting March 2027 for major renovations ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The hilltop museum, which opened in 1997 and draws more than 1 million visitors annually, is set to reopen in spring 2028. (More)

➤ The NBA is investigating a late-game sequence Tuesday between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors after a coach-ordered foul raised concerns about possible tanking. (More)

➤ California tribal nations are targeting a 2028 ballot initiative that would legalize sports betting in the state. (More)

➤ Angels slugger Jorge Soler received a seven-game suspension after brawling with Braves pitcher Reynaldo López Tuesday night in Anaheim. Soler is appealing. (More)

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➤ In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson says the burger chain has no plans for mobile ordering or pickup, telling a Pepperdine University audience that in-person service and freshness are what make the experience special. (More)

➤ The Port of Los Angeles secured about $70 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for harbor maintenance, seismic upgrades, and navigation safety projects, reflecting a larger share of federal cargo tax funds after reforms aimed at helping long-shortchanged donor ports. (More)

➤ Six Flags cut Magic Mountain’s value by $533 million after weaker revenue and attendance. The $1.5 billion write-down is an accounting adjustment, not closures, reflecting lower future profit expectations. (See Details)

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➤ A 100-year-old World War II combat medic who fought at Iwo Jima and witnessed the flag raising on Mount Suribachi was honored during Disneyland’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony. Charles Cram Jr. earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. (Read Story)

➤ 2028 Los Angeles Olympics tickets went on sale this week in the first global purchase window, running through April 19. Fans report sold-out events, steep prices, and access issues, while officials warn that any resale tickets before 2027 are unverified. (More)

➤ Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returns to Fresno for the first time in a decade with five shows July 2–5 at the Save Mart Center. Tickets go on sale April 14, with opening night tickets 50% off and kids tickets starting at $15. (See Details)

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➤ The Truth About Tylenol Is All Over the News. You've seen the headlines—Tylenol's warning labels keep growing and the risks aren't small. It doesn't fix the problem, just masks pain temporarily. Now researchers point to a natural, gentler option that supports comfort without the harsh side effects. Learn More.

If you could have one Kryptonian ability, which would you pick?

Yesterday's Results:

What’s your take on taxidermy?

Interesting, but not for me: 28%
Absolutely not: 25%
Not really, a bit creepy: 24%
Love it, it's fascinating: 23%

In what California city was the first In-N-Out Burger founded?

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Selective Service Shift, Hurricane Forecasts Released, Handbag Fabergé Egg Theft

Good Morning!

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Today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast with Christopher Lyon has a few stories you won’t find in today’s emailed edition, only in the podcast episode, because not everything fits in an inbox.

Here's a sneak peek of what we're diving into in today's Podcast Extra section:

➤ Congress has approved a shift to automatically register eligible men for the Selective Service. (Hear Details)

➤ Forecasters have released their predictions for this year’s hurricane season. (Hear Episode)

➤ An ordinary handbag theft in London turned into a multimillion-dollar case involving a Fabergé egg. (Listen Now)

Hit play and get the full scoop.

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Hurricane Season Forecast, a Fort Bragg Arrest, and a Floral Fashion Show

Friday, April 10, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1806, Confederate Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk was born near Raleigh. A West Point graduate, Episcopal bishop, and founder of the University of the South in Tennessee, Polk commanded at Shiloh, Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga before being killed by artillery on Pine Mountain during the Atlanta Campaign.

Colorado State University released its highly anticipated 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook Thursday morning. Learn more in Top Stories.

Today’s sponsor, Oricle Hearing Aids, is helping readers hear more clearly without the sky-high prices—offering a tiny, easy-to-use hearing aid with clear sound and all-day power for under $100.

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.

CSU Predicts Below-Average Hurricane Season

Colorado State University released its initial 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook on Thursday, forecasting below-normal activity due to a potential moderate-to-strong El Niño pattern.

Researchers predict 13 storms, including six hurricanes, with two expected to reach Category 3 strength or higher. The moderate forecast indicates that the El Niño pattern is expected to suppress storm formation despite warm Atlantic waters.

The National Hurricane Center has prepared the 2026 storm name list: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred. These will be assigned in alphabetical order as systems reach tropical storm strength.

The outlook signals reduced risk for coastal communities as the June 1 season start approaches. Updates will follow as conditions evolve.

Brown Ruled Incapable in Zarutska Case

A Mecklenburg County judge has ruled DeCarlos Brown Jr. incapable of proceeding in the state murder case involving the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Aug. 22, 2025.

The unprovoked attack occurred aboard a Charlotte LYNX Blue Line light rail train at Woodlawn Station, where surveillance video captured Brown stabbing Zarutska three times in the neck.

Brown, 34, who has schizophrenia and a lengthy criminal history and also faces federal charges of causing death on a mass transportation system, was evaluated at Central Regional Hospital. A December 2025 report determined he is mentally incompetent to stand trial on the state charges.

His public defender requested a 180-day continuance of the case, including any death penalty hearing, which the district attorney agreed to, citing his current federal custody in Chicago.

Fort Bragg Employee Arrested for Classified Leak

Courtney P. Williams, a 40-year-old Army veteran and former Fort Bragg employee, has been arrested and federally charged with leaking classified national defense information that risked national security and U.S. military personnel.

Williams held Top Secret clearance and had signed multiple nondisclosure agreements. She worked as an operational support technician in a special military unit from 2010 to 2016, and allegedly shared details about an elite commando unit with investigative journalist Seth Harp between 2022 and 2025.

The leaks involved roughly 180 text messages and over 10 hours of phone conversations. The information appeared in a 2025 Politico article and in Harp’s book, The Fort Bragg Cartel, which examined alleged misconduct, drug trafficking, and abuse within the unit.

Williams appeared in Raleigh federal court this week and remains in custody pending a detention hearing.

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➤ Statewide: A coalition of 24 states, including North Carolina, will argue in federal court that President Trump’s Section 122 tariffs on $1.2 trillion in imports exceed his authority and harm consumers and farmers. (More)

➤ Henderson County: Mountain Community Online School, western North Carolina's first tuition-free public online school, will open this fall for grades fourth through eighth, offering live and recorded classes, flexible scheduling, and community projects. Enrollment will be capped at 200 students. (More)

➤ Triangle: U.S. Senate candidates Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper will visited the Triangle on Thursday for separate events on affordability as polls show rising economic concerns among North Carolina voters. (More)

➤ Forsyth County: More than 1,000 dogs and 400 handlers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia are competing this week in the first North Carolina UpDog International Finals in Clemmons, featuring 12 frisbee disc games through April 12. (More)

➤ Mooresville: Mayor Chris Carney refused to resign on Wednesday despite a vote of no confidence and three lawsuits over an alleged pants-less incident involving a female consultant, captured on video. (More)

➤ Wilmington: The Busy Bloom Co. will host Wilmington's first Fleur Couture floral fashion show on April 17 at Azalea Station in The Cargo District, featuring models wearing wearable flower creations. (More)

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➤ New UNC basketball coach Michael Malone has hired Arkansas assistant Chuck Martin as his associate head coach, reuniting the two after they worked together at Manhattan University. Martin helped the Razorbacks land back-to-back top-five recruiting classes. (More)

➤ The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association named Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi the team’s MVP after going 30-6-1 in his rookie season. (More)

➤ NC State guard Paul McNeil Jr. became the program’s fifth men’s basketball player to enter the transfer portal this week. He averaged 13.8 points per game while shooting 42.7 percent from three-point range. (More)

➤ North Carolina bettors wagered over $726 million in March, up 6% from the same month last year. (More)

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➤ ECU Health will lay off 161 workers on May 1 as it sells its home health and hospice operations to Liberty Home Care, citing financial pressures while aiming to maintain services in eastern North Carolina. (More)

➤ Charlotte-based Firebirds Wood Fired Grill named restaurant veteran Jeff Uttz as its chief financial officer, effective May 18, as the company prepares to open seven new locations this year. (More)

➤ UNC Charlotte received a leadership gift from alumni Craig and Darla Albert to establish the Albert School of Construction, launching the state's first construction management program tracking projects from planning through completion. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Thinking About a Big Financial Move? Buying a home, investing more, or retiring earlier can feel overwhelming without a plan. Unbiased makes it simple to get started in under a minute by matching you with a vetted, SEC-regulated advisor. You’ll receive a free, no-obligation consultation, with your information securely shared only with your matched expert. FIND AN ADVISOR

Flying together with our sponsor

Why pay thousands for hearing aids?

Hear better, live better—order Oricle today and save!

LEARN MORE

➤ The Pit restaurant's 16th annual Cuegrass Festival returns to downtown Raleigh on April 18, offering live bluegrass music, barbecue, local brews, and a silent auction benefiting SAFEchild and other nonprofits. (More)

➤ An NC State study found that middle school math teachers who use AI tutoring systems tend to help the same groups of students repeatedly, rather than engaging evenly across the classroom. (More)

➤ A powerful dust devil swept through a Burke County construction site near Morganton, rolling 60- to 80-pound pipes as workers filmed the minute-long whirlwind. No injuries were reported. (Watch Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Truth About Tylenol Is All Over the News. You've seen the headlines—Tylenol's warning labels keep growing, and the risks aren't small. It doesn't fix the problem, just masks pain temporarily. Now, researchers point to a natural, gentler option that supports comfort without the harsh side effects. Learn More