Friday, December 19, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1777, the Continental Army, including the North Carolina Brigade, entered the winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Among the North Carolinians present at the camp was 19-year-old Maj. William Polk, who spent much of the harsh winter recuperating from a gunshot wound to the mouth.

The Flyover North Carolina team is sending good vibes to NC State as the Wolfpack takes on Memphis today at 2:30 p.m. in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Speaking of good vibes, check out Top Stories for a roundup of North Carolina towns that claim a Hallmark Christmas vibe this time of year.

🍾 We're inviting you to make our New Year's edition extra special! What are you most proud of or thankful for this year? Reply to this email to share your reflections, achievements, or words of gratitude as we look back on 2025. Please include your first name and city so we can give you credit if we publish the reply.

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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.

NASCAR's Biffle Killed in Jet Crash

A Cessna C550 business jet crashed Thursday around 10:15 a.m. while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County. The crash killed 55-year-old former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, their son Ryder, and Biffle's daughter Emma. Additional fatalities include Dennis Dutton, his son, Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

The aircraft had taken off shortly before attempting to return, erupting in flames upon impact.

Authorities confirmed seven fatalities. Fog and low visibility were present at the time of the crash, although it is not confirmed if this contributed to the accident.

Business records show the plane is owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company affiliated with Biffle. Statesville Regional Airport serves corporate aviation, including several NASCAR teams.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. The airport remained closed as of Thursday evening as emergency responders continued operations.

Confirmed Measles Case Went Through RDU

North Carolina health officials have confirmed a measles case in an out-of-state resident who traveled through Raleigh-Durham International Airport's Terminal 2 on Dec. 10.

The individual arrived early that morning for a flight while infectious, potentially exposing others in the terminal between 4 and 8 a.m. Authorities emphasized there is no ongoing health risk at the airport.

Individuals present during that time should monitor for symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash until Jan. 1, and contact local health departments with concerns.

This incident comes amid a national surge, with cases nearing 2,000 in the U.S. this year—the highest since 1992. South Carolina alone has reported 138 cases, and 168 people there, mostly schoolchildren, are currently in quarantine.

NC Towns Bring the Hallmark Christmas Vibe

North Carolina claims numerous small towns that sparkle with festive events and window displays during December, creating what many would describe as Hallmark Christmas magic.

From half a million lights in McAdenville, aka Christmas Town USA, to Southport's waterfront flotilla showcasing brightly lit boats, this roundup highlights 15 destinations that offer twinkling streets, carriage rides, Santa visits, and Southern Christmas charm.

More than 30 New Bern shop owners participated in this year's Beary Merry Christmas window display, hosted by Swiss Bear. The New Bern Chamber of Commerce-Visit New Bern storefront took first place with a theme featuring interactive snow and a live Grinch.

Blowing Rock's 2025 Best Holiday Glow competition showcased chalet-style storefronts competing for public votes. View this year's winner and runner-up here.

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➤ Statewide: Former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt, the state's only four-term governor and a Democrat known for championing public education and economic innovation, died Thursday at age 88, his family announced. (More)

➤ Statewide: U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, R-NC14, on Monday introduced the SALAMANDER Act to expedite Army Corps of Engineers permits for post-natural disaster recovery efforts like debris removal and dredging, after delays following Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Southeast NC: The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday in a 77-20 vote, granting full federal recognition and access to federal benefits to North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe. The bill now awaits President Trump's signature. (More)

➤ Asheville: The North Carolina State Board of Elections is investigating Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley's residency after allegations she claimed a Georgia homestead tax exemption on her Atlanta primary residence while registered to vote in Buncombe County. (More)

➤ Durham: City and county leaders launched phase one of a violence reduction plan, featuring expert sessions, community workshops, and a spring summit to develop strategies addressing persistent gun violence. Officials are studying models from Tennessee, Missouri, and Massachusetts. (More)

➤ Apex: The town council awarded a $4.7 million contract to Browe Construction for the long-awaited Salem Streetscape project, adding pedestrian-friendly walkways, lighting, and trees, with work starting in January. (See Rendering)

➤ Winston-Salem: A new $25 million privately funded downtown amphitheater is now targeting a 2027 opening near the Benton Convention Center. The city is considering a revised noise ordinance before performances can be booked. (More)

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➤ NC State football plays Memphis today in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Predators 4-1 to extend their winning streak to five games. Their next test comes tonight on the road against the Florida Panthers. (More)

➤ UNC edge rusher Tyler Thompson plans to enter the transfer portal, per his agent. Thompson logged a team-high seven sacks this season—the fourth-most in the ACC. (More)

➤ LaMelo Ball returned to practice with the Hornets this week after missing the last two weeks with an ankle injury. (More)

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➤ I Squared Logistics laid off 160 employees in Garner, including delivery drivers and support staff, according to state filings. The cuts come amid a sluggish labor market and a slowdown in hiring nationwide. (More)

➤ Charlotte-based Coley Home will invest $9 million to expand furniture manufacturing in Claremont, creating 45 new jobs with an average salary of $61,911. (More)

➤ Airport workers and advocates rallied Thursday at Charlotte Douglas International Airport to protest fares that are 33% above other major airports. They cited American Airlines' dominance and demanded better pay, training, and safety standards. (More)

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➤ The City of Raleigh is seeking volunteers for the make-up nights of Pullen Park's popular Holiday Express today and tomorrow, which were rescheduled due to weather postponements. Volunteers get free access. (More)

➤ The historic Balsam Mountain Inn in Jackson County is hosting its free annual Christmas light show, viewable by car or on foot with synchronized music, hot cocoa, and cookies. It runs nightly until 9 p.m. through Jan. 6. (Watch Report)

➤ The Wake Forest Police Department brought Santa Claus to town via helicopter, delighting students at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School with a dramatic chopper arrival. (Watch Report)

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