Saturday, February 21, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1933, Eunice Kathleen Waymon—later known as Nina Simone—was born in Tryon. A prodigious pianist from age 3, Simone blended classical training with jazz, blues, and folk to become known as the "High Priestess of Soul." Some of her biggest hits included I Loves You Porgy, Feeling Good, and I Put a Spell on You. She died on April 21, 2003.

North Carolina is in the national barbecue spotlight, with a James Beard Award-winning restaurant known for its whole-hog barbecue and brisket smoked 16 to 20 hours. Find out where to get a plate in today's Et Cetera section.

Today's sponsor, Grounded Footwear, is helping you step into spring with barefoot shoes designed to support natural movement, improve balance, reduce joint pressure, and keep you comfortable with lightweight, non-slip protection—now up to 60% off for a limited time.

Don't feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

NC Awarded Child Care Facility Support

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received $75.8 million to support child care infrastructure recovery in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Debby.

The funds, provided by the Office of Child Care through the American Relief Act Disaster Supplemental Funds for Child Care, will support more than 230 facilities affected by Helene and more than 100 affected by Debby.

According to Gov. Josh Stein, the funds will go toward major renovations and alterations, mental health services, supplies, vehicles, and quality improvement activities.

Child care facilities are encouraged to submit damage reports to qualify for funding. The funds will be available until Sept. 30, 2030.

Asheville Chosen for G20 Summit

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent announced that the 2026 G20 Finance Track will hold its meetings in Asheville this summer.

Finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union will meet to discuss topics such as promoting financial literacy, creating and facilitating a vibrant digital economy, and enhancing debt transparency.

"The selection of historic Asheville reflects the Trump Administration's commitment to the revitalization and resilience of western North Carolina," Bessent said.

Finance and central bank deputies will meet Aug. 29-30, while finance ministers and central bank governors will meet Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

35-Year Cold Case Arrest Made

Authorities, using technological advances, arrested Marion Gales on Thursday and charged him with the 1990 killing of Kim Thomas Friedland.

Friedland's husband found her dead on July 27, 1990, and police initially indicted him on a capital murder charge after learning of his affair, which intensified suspicions.

Advances in DNA processing and analysis helped investigators tie Gales to the scene and the victim, and the results cleared Friedland's husband from the suspect list.

Gales, who has an extensive criminal record and was released from prison in March, was charged with first-degree murder.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Statewide: North Carolina's five largest cities saw homicide rates hold steady or decline in 2025, with Charlotte reporting a 13% drop and other major cities posting flat or reduced totals. (More)

➤ Moore County: Authorities increased patrols near a polling station at Aberdeen Lake Park after witnesses reported loud pops from a civilian-style flash-bang grenade thrown from a vehicle. (More)

➤ Durham: Mayor Leonardo Williams outlined a three-phase plan to combat violent crime, including community learning sessions with out-of-state experts and expanded youth social activities. (More)

➤ Forsyth County: Deputies arrested four suspects in the February 2023 fatal shooting of 16-year-old Jhamari Hall in Clemmons after what officials called an extensive and complex investigation. (More)

➤ Asheville: Costco withdrew its building application for a new store, citing costly on- and off-site road improvements tied to increased traffic, a decision several council members called disappointing. (More)

➤ Buncombe County: Forty-seven properties damaged by Hurricane Helene have entered the buyout process and are expected to receive a portion of $14 million in initial FEMA Hazard Mitigation Buyout funding. (More)

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➤ No. 3 Duke will face top-ranked Michigan on Saturday in Washington, D.C., as both teams seek momentum and positioning in the AP Top 25 ahead of postseason play. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, No. 9 Duke women's basketball defeated NC State 83-65 this week, handing the Wolfpack a second straight loss after they had not dropped consecutive games since 2024. (More)

➤ Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel scored 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting and three 3-pointers on Thursday, breaking Brandon Miller's franchise rookie record with his 187th 3-pointer in a 105-101 loss to Houston. (More)

➤ Charlotte FC signed MLS SuperDraft selection Will Cleary to a contract through the 2026 season. (More)

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➤Two North Carolina restaurants made Lovefood's list of best barbecue spots in the U.S.: Haywood Smokehouse in Waynesville, known for brisket, and Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, a James Beard Award winner. (More)

➤ Twenty-three therapy dogs at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern keep morale high among staff and patients, offering support services seven days a week after starting with eight dogs. (More)

➤ Special Olympics New Hanover County will host its Polar Plunge and Run today in Kure Beach, aiming to raise $150,000 to fund programs, equipment, uniforms, and travel. (More)

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