FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1955, the Asheville Citizen-Times reviewed Western North Carolina native Wilma Dykeman’s The French Broad, the 49th volume in the Rivers of America Series. The acclaimed book blended regional history, oral interviews, and an environmental critique of the river.

Some state lobbyists are in hot water over a Kentucky Bourbon Trail fundraising trip. Get the details in Top Stories.

Mother's Day is closer than you think. Our 2026 Gift Guide has something for every kind of mom, from thoughtful to practical to a little over-the-top. Don't sleep on it.

Today’s sponsor, Cytonics, is a pioneering biotech company developing a potential first-ever cure for osteoarthritis, offering investors a rare opportunity to get in early ahead of its next phase of clinical trials.

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.

Proposal: No Budget, No Pay for NC Lawmakers

State lawmakers are considering a “No Budget, No Pay” proposal that would withhold legislative pay for the 2026-27 fiscal year if they fail to pass a state budget by June 30.

Though lawmakers are nearing a deal to fund Medicaid, the General Assembly remains deadlocked on a full budget agreement, with disputes between the House and Senate over income tax reductions and state employee raises.

The proposal states that “all compensation and allowances earned by or accruing to each member of the General Assembly” will be deposited in an escrow account on or after July 1 in the absence of a ratified budget.

In a March poll, 84.4% of likely voters said they would support a requirement that state legislators forgo their pay from the time a state budget expires until a new biennial budget is passed.

Lobbyists Indicted Over Bourbon Trail Trip

Four North Carolina lobbyists have been indicted in Wake County in connection with an alleged 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Trail fundraising trip that prosecutors say provided improper benefits to state lawmakers.

According to indictments and reporting, Kevin Wilkinson of the Southern Group, Bo Heath of McGuireWoods Consulting, Doug Miskew of Public Sector Group, and David Ferrell of Maynard Nexsen are accused of directing clients and industry groups to fund events tied to Greater Carolina, which allegedly covered travel, lodging, meals, and bourbon tour activities.

The case centers on whether those payments violated North Carolina’s gift ban for lobbyists, which prohibits providing benefits directly or indirectly to legislators, even through intermediaries.

The State Bureau of Investigation started investigating the trip in September at the request of Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

NC Woman Accused of Plot Against Synagogue

Authorities have charged 18-year-old Angelina Han Hicks of Lexington in connection with an alleged plot to attack Congregation Beth Israel, a synagogue in Houston, Texas.

Investigators say the suspect communicated about plans involving violence against congregants, prompting a federal inquiry and coordination between North Carolina authorities and the FBI, which monitored the threat and gathered evidence leading to the arrest.

Court documents also allege Hicks wanted to “kill as many Jews as possible” by driving a vehicle into a synagogue congregation. Two others who were involved have not yet been arrested.

Hicks faces felony conspiracy charges and remains in custody with a $10 million bond as prosecutors review potential additional federal charges. Officials emphasize there was no imminent threat to the synagogue at the time of intervention.

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The Next-Gen Treatment Targeting a $560 Billion Disease

It’s one of the world’s most common diseases, with over $560 billion spent managing its symptoms each year. But soon, its 500+ million patients may finally be able to do more than that.

Because an emerging biotech called Cytonics may have discovered what soon could be osteoarthritis’ first and only cure.

They successfully completed Phase 1 FDA trials on 10,000 patients with zero adverse effects. Now, Cytonics is gearing up for Phase 2 clinical trials on a version designed for global scale.

Potential medical breakthroughs like this are rare. Even rarer? You can invest in Cytonics at the pre-clinical stage. Become a Cytonics shareholder by 4/25 for exclusive early-stage bonus stock guarantees.

➤ Charlotte: A new report reveals that the House Ethics Committee investigated Rep. Alma Adams, D-NC12, in 2023 after staff alleged an inappropriate relationship with her current deputy chief of staff, Sandra Brown. Findings remain undisclosed. (More)

➤ Mooresville: The town appealed a judge’s order to release Town Hall surveillance video of Mayor Chris Carney, arguing disclosure could expose security details and allow people to “reverse engineer” the building’s layout. (More)

➤ Greenville: Lorrayne Mavromatis, a former employee of YouTuber MrBeast—whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson—alleges she endured years of workplace harassment and was terminated three weeks after returning from maternity leave. (More)

➤ UNC-Chapel Hill: Media outlets asked a court for an immediate hearing in a lawsuit seeking release of a $1.2 million School of Civic Life and Leadership report, arguing the university violates the state’s Public Records Act. (More)

➤ Pamlico Sound: A windsurfer missing since Wednesday was found Thursday morning by local fisherman Zach Gaskins. Identified as Jim Stoll, he was evaluated for injuries by Dare County EMS and then sent to the Outer Banks Hospital, appearing to be in good spirits. (More)

➤ Outer Banks: An early surge of spring visitors is boosting restaurant business, with owners reporting near-summer crowds and expressing optimism for a strong summer tourism season. (More)

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➤ The Carolina Panthers selected Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the 19th pick in the first round of last night’s NFL Draft. Rounds two and three continue today. (See Full Draft)

➤ UNC moved to No. 1 in the ACC baseball power rankings this week after taking a home series from No. 2 Georgia Tech last week. (More)

➤ Charlotte FC signed 20-year-old midfielder Aron John to a homegrown contract through 2028, making him the fourth academy graduate to earn a first-team deal with the club. (More)

➤ UNC-Charlotte men’s basketball added its third former Cincinnati player this week, 6-foot-9 forward Tyler McKinley. (More)

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➤ Why doctors are calling Berberine "Nature's Weight Loss Secret." In a 12-week study, participants taking berberine lost 5 pounds and 3.6% body fat. Research shows it reduces appetite, blocks new fat cell formation, and activates a key metabolism-regulating enzyme called AMPK—all without prescriptions or dangerous side effects. Learn More

➤ Illinois-based AbbVie will build a $1.4 billion, 185-acre manufacturing campus in Durham after Gov. Josh Stein approved a Job Development Investment Grant, with the project expected to create 734 jobs. (More)

➤ Raleigh officials say the 29-story, 600-room Omni hotel will boost downtown’s economy upon its 2028 completion, adding meeting space, a Peter Millar coffee shop, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, a rooftop pool, a sports bar, and a fitness center. (More)

➤ Truliant Federal Credit Union plans to merge with Piedmont Advantage Credit Union in Winston-Salem, creating an institution with roughly $6 billion in assets. The deal is expected to close in early 2027. (More)

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➤ Spring is here—time to blast away months of dirt and grime without the hassle. The HydroX5 Pressure Washer delivers powerful, cordless cleaning that’s up to 5× stronger than a standard hose, making it easy to refresh patios, driveways, cars, and outdoor furniture in minutes. Lightweight and portable, it lets you clean anywhere—no cords, no heavy equipment—so you can enjoy a spotless home all season long. LEARN MORE

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They’re Challenging Big Pharma at a $560 Billion Game

Big Pharma companies spent billions trying to cure osteoarthritis. An upstart biotech called Cytonics may have actually done it.

Their first-gen therapy has already been used to treat 10,000+ patients successfully.

Now, after completing Phase 1 FDA trials, Cytonics is gearing up for a Phase 2 clinical trial for “CYT-108”, their next-gen drug candidate that's 200% more potent and built for global scale.

The opportunity? 500m+ people deal with osteoarthritis worldwide, with no treatment that can actually stop it. It’s a $560b market in total. It’s also why Cytonics has raised $25m from over 7,000 investors.

And you can join them ahead of Phase 2 trials. Invest in Cytonics by 4/24 to earn up to 18% bonus stock.

This is a paid advertisement for Cytonics Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://cytonics.com/
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee of performance. Past performance does not predict future results. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal.

➤ Richard Kee Jr. of Roanoke Rapids won January’s $209.3 million Powerball jackpot, the state’s second-largest prize, revealing his identity on Thursday after his 90-day anonymity period expired. (More)

➤ A preservation group proposed restoring Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station No. 16, built in 1898, into a “Historic Hatteras Heroes Home” serving as a gateway landmark for visitors entering Hatteras Island. (See Photo)

➤ Volunteer registration is open for the 2026 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games, set for May 29-31 in Raleigh, Cary, and Morrisville, with 1,000-plus roles supporting more than 1,500 athletes. (More and Sign Up)

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