MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1865, Union forces under Gen. William T. Sherman captured North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh. Gov. Zebulon Vance arranged the peaceful surrender to avoid destruction, with Mayor William Harrison offering terms to the Union cavalry. A brief skirmish occurred, but the city was secured without major fighting.

Mother’s Day is coming up fast, so we pulled together our 2026 Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help you find something she’ll actually love. From thoughtful to practical to a little indulgent, there’s something for every kind of mom. And yes, a few picks are perfect for treating yourself, too. Don’t wait until the last minute; take a look now, and get ahead of it.

If you’re a Flyover Podcast listener who wrote in to say you missed Ayla Brown last week, be sure to tune in today. She’s back after a lovely family vacation in the Caribbean and sounds refreshed.

From Halifax’s 250th anniversary celebration of North Carolina’s push for independence to the chance of spotting a few off-schedule cicadas this spring, there’s plenty happening beyond today’s headlines. Catch those stories and more in Around North Carolina and Et Cetera.

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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.

Media Sue UNC Over Secret Report

A coalition of North Carolina news outlets, including WRAL and NC Newsline, sued UNC-Chapel Hill on Friday to force the release of a $1.2 million report on its School of Civic Life and Leadership, arguing the 400-page review is a public record.

The report was prepared by K&L Gates after a seven-month review that included interviews with about 50 people and an examination of roughly 200,000 records. The school has drawn scrutiny since its 2023 launch over questions tied to governance, hiring, and curriculum.

UNC has denied requests for both the full report and an executive summary, citing legal privilege and privacy concerns. The media coalition is asking a judge to review the document and decide whether it should be made public.

Rolesville Coach Joins Duke Staff

Rolesville High football coach Ranier Rackley is leaving to become Duke Football's Director of Player Development after leading the Rams to a 25-8 record and a 4A state runner-up finish in 2024.

Rackley had been with Rolesville for seven years, first as an assistant before taking over as head coach in 2023. His departure comes as spring football approaches and marks a major change for one of Wake County’s top programs.

At Duke Blue Devils football, Rackley will take on an off-field role focused on player support, academics, accountability, and recruiting. Duke says the position is designed to help student-athletes navigate both football and life beyond the field.

MerleFest Celebrates 38 Years

MerleFest, founded in 1988 at Wilkes Community College, began as a fundraiser honoring Eddy "Merle" Watson, who died in a 1985 tractor accident, with his father, bluegrass legend Doc Watson, performing on the condition that the event bear his son's name.

What started on two flatbed trailers has grown into a premier “traditional plus” music festival featuring bluegrass, Americana, and country artists. The event has raised more than $21 million for the college and its students while serving as a rite of passage for emerging talent.

Now in its 38th year, the April 23-26 festival will feature performances on 12 stages, including headliners like Old Crow Medicine Show and Alison Krauss & Union Station.

Past performers include Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and the Avett Brothers. Purchase tickets here.

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Josh Stein warned that North Carolina could face major budget cuts without changes to planned tax reductions and also questioned large sales tax breaks for future data centers. (More)

➤ Also statewide: North Carolina is heading into a hot, dry stretch this week, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s and near 90 degrees with little chance of rain. (More)

➤ Swain County: Anna Ferguson has been chosen to fill the late Rep. Mike Clampitt’s seat, becoming the first enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians set to serve in the North Carolina House. (More)

➤ Lake Norman: About 80 first responders from across North Carolina trained on water rescues, sonar, and aerial search techniques this week ahead of peak boating season. (More)

➤ Halifax: The town marked the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves over the weekend with reenactments and events honoring North Carolina’s early push for independence. (More)

➤ Durham: Duke University outlined enrollment strategies for the Class of 2030, including socioeconomic and geographic diversity efforts, limits on AI in admissions, and a push to increase transfer students despite declining interest in arts and humanities. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on Saturday, the team’s sixth win in its last seven games, as Carolina finished out the season with a firm hold on the top seed in the Metropolitan division. (More)

➤ No. 6 UNC baseball escaped with a win on Saturday against Clemson, earning a 6-4 win in 14 innings after a perfectly executed squeeze play netted two runs for the Tar Heels. (Watch Video)

➤ NC State men’s basketball head coach Justin Gainey has filled out the majority of his coaching staff for next season, including a longtime D1 head coach and three former staff members from SEC schools. (More)

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➤ North Carolina is seeing a rapid push for large-scale data centers, raising community concerns about power demand, water use, and environmental impacts as AI infrastructure expands. (More)

➤ Rocky Mount Hampton Inn is nearing completion of a full renovation featuring updated rooms, a larger fitness center, and redesigned common spaces ahead of the summer travel season. (More)

➤ Raleigh officials are warning that property tax increases may be needed to close a $13 million budget gap, drawing concern from residents already struggling with rising costs. (More)

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➤ North Carolinians may still spot a few off-cycle periodical cicadas this spring as “stragglers” emerge outside their expected brood schedule. (More)

➤ Wilmington's riverfront, beaches, and film-friendly charm are fueling the coastal city's growing reputation as one of the South's premier travel destinations. (More)

➤ Haw River State Park in Browns Summit offers dark skies, fewer crowds, and guided astronomy events featuring telescopes, constellation talks, and family-friendly activities among remote wetlands. (More)

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