Saturday, August 16, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1918, a German U-boat fired a torpedo at the Mirlo—a British tanker hauling gasoline—off North Carolina's coast, resulting in a giant explosion. Captain William R. Williams ordered the crew to abandon ship after two more explosions broke the tanker in two.

In today's Et Cetera section, we highlight a Charlotte business owner helping military veterans regain their self-confidence. Read below to discover how he is supporting local heroes.

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Forsyth Schools Facing Budget Crisis

A state audit of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has revealed a $46.1 million deficit after years of financial mismanagement dating back to 2017.

The report, released by the North Carolina state auditor, revealed that the school system didn't adjust its full-time workforce to match a decline in students, didn't use its COVID-19 funding properly, and regularly went over budget on purchase orders.

Superintendent Catty Moore indicated that the district will accept responsibility for the deficit and said the school system will focus on transparency and accountability going forward.

The Forsyth County Commissioners recently approved an $8.5 million budget for the school system.

NC Health Premium Increases

The North Carolina State Health Plan is undergoing some major changes that will lead to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs for its members.

The State Health Plan covers state employees, teachers, some local government officials, and retirees, and impacts about 750,000 people. Projections showed the plan would run out of money by the end of 2026, with a $500 million projected deficit next year.

The price increases will be dependent on people's salaries and will likely rise between $10 and $110 per month.

Rising health care and prescription costs were several reasons for the change. The new premiums will completely cover complex imaging for breast cancer patients, and certain surgeries will be covered for active employees.

Ultra Runner Racing for Good Cause

Avid runner Tom Carr of Hillsborough is training for a 100-mile ultramarathon, the longest race of his storied running career.

The 75-year-old will be running A Race for the Ages in Tennessee, a 100-mile race that needs to be completed in 75 hours. He'll be running to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of his late wife, who succumbed to the disease last year.

Carr started a running journal in the 1980s and has logged over 60,000 miles. He's run hundreds of races, including 24 marathons. He runs every mile outside, has never been hit by a car, and never uses headphones.

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➤ Statewide: Duke Energy has asked regulators to approve a proposed $143 million merger of Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress, projected to save customers $3.2 billion by 2038. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Police report a rise in "Frankenstein cars," built from legal chassis and stolen parts to mimic higher-end models, sometimes sold unknowingly by dealers or on Facebook Marketplace. (More)

➤ Western NC: The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.7 magnitude earthquake near Columbus this week, the third in two weeks, with no reported damage or injuries. (More)

➤ Western NC: The North Carolina Community Foundation is awarding over $1.3 million in Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarships to more than 100 students whose college finances were affected by Helene. (More)

➤ Concord: Avelo Airlines launched nonstop routes to San Juan, West Palm Beach, and Albany in October, with one-way tickets starting at $85. (More)

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➤ Defending women's national champion North Carolina lost its soccer opener to Tennessee, 2-0 on Thursday, the first time since 2002 the reigning champions have dropped their first game. (More)

➤ Dover Motor Speedway is under consideration to host the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race, potentially freeing North Wilkesboro Speedway to hold its first Cup Series points race since 1996. (More)

➤ Barber-Scotia University in Concord will compete in the inaugural ESPN HBCU Hoops Invitational this December. (More)

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➤ S&P Lemonade will donate the proceeds from its light-up cups to Victory Junction Camp at today's race to honor racer Robbie Brewer, who died after a medical incident during a race last week. (More)

➤ Charlotte salon Hair by Kenny creates custom wigs and hair solutions for military veterans and clients with medical hair loss, with the owner aiming to help as many veterans as possible. (More)

➤ The North Carolina Wine Competition awarded over 275 medals, naming eight Best in Show from wineries, cideries, and meaderies statewide, with entries judged blind by certified experts and trade professionals. (More)

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