Saturday, March 21, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1865, during the Battle of Bentonville, Union forces under Gen. William T. Sherman threatened Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s flank. A Union attack nearly cut off the Confederates’ retreat, but Sherman recalled it. Outnumbered and unable to prevail, Johnston withdrew his troops that night, ending the last major Civil War battle in North Carolina with a Union victory.

A nationwide study evaluated emotional and physical well-being, work environments, and community health to identify the happiest states. See where North Carolina ranked in today’s Et Cetera section.

A new study shows that a $100,000 salary doesn’t go nearly as far as you might think, depending on where you live. In today’s Flyover Podcast, Amy Hess explains how far that income really stretches in cities like Dallas compared to Orlando. Tune in to hear what’s driving the gap and where your money works hardest. Watch it here!

Check out this list of 19 things to cut when money gets tight from today's sponsor, FinanceBuzz.

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.

Berger Protests Election Results

Both Rockingham and Guilford County’s election boards found probable cause to examine protest filings made by Sen. Phil Berger in the District 26 election race.

In the filings, Berger’s campaign alleges that several irregularities, such as wrong ballots, registration errors, and voter affiliation switching, were present and amount to five votes in Rockingham County and eight votes in Guilford County.

Berger had asked the State Board of Elections to examine 220 votes from the district that did not vote in the primary, by hand, during the recount process, but the board rejected his request on the grounds that it was outside normal procedure.

Berger trails Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page for the District 26 election by 23 votes.

50,000 Customers Sign Duke Energy Petition

Nearly 50,000 people signed a petition urging Duke Energy to audit its billing system and refund customers who say they were overcharged for electricity.

The petition was started by Raleigh native Jerrica Ponder on the website change.org. The petition gathered 35,000 signatures in the first three weeks.

Duke Energy cited the uncharacteristically cold and snowy winter as the main reason for the spike in costs. The cold resulted in energy use that was about a third higher than normal winter usage, a spokesperson said.

PSA Airlines HQ Opens at CLT

PSA Airlines opened its new headquarters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a year after relocating from Ohio, with the move expected to bring hundreds of new jobs.

The airline has created 450 jobs in the state, with hundreds more expected, and a study projects it will generate $228 million in economic activity, boosting local economies, supporting infrastructure growth, and strengthening the region’s long-term employment and business development outlook.

Gov. Josh Stein called the move a “major milestone for the region.” He also said that the move is “a testament to North Carolina’s top-tier workforce and strong aviation industry.”

The move comes in the midst of other major moves in the state’s aerospace industry, including JetZero’s landmark announcement to build its first manufacturing facility in Greensboro.

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Money is tight, and with prices on the rise, deciding where to cut back can feel overwhelming.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight to see a difference. Here is how to start: Browse our list of money-saving strategies below and choose just one or two to try today.

Even a single small change can create the breathing room you need to breathe a little easier.

➤ Statewide: Two golf courses reported separate measles cases last week, likely from different people, as infections rise and officials recommend the MMR vaccine for protection. (More)

➤ Randolph County: Police arrested a 27-year-old man after he allegedly stole an ambulance from a hospital and led officers on a multi-county chase that ended at another hospital. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Former Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson admitted he lied during the 2024 governor’s race after messages from adult-content websites surfaced, saying he sought to protect others and would do it again. (More)

➤ Also Raleigh: Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined seven attorneys general in a lawsuit to block Nexstar’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, arguing it would raise customer bills and reduce competition. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Etihad Airways marked its inaugural arrival and departure at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, making it the sixth U.S. airport to offer nonstop flights to Abu Dhabi. (More)

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➤ The second round of March Madness continues today with No. 1 Duke facing No. 9 TCU and No. 12 High Point taking on No. 4 Arkansas. Queens University of Charlotte played Friday night. (See Bracket)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets retired sharpshooter Dell Curry’s No. 30 jersey this week, ensuring no player will wear it again, as sons Steph and Seth joined him on the court. (More)

➤ North Carolina has collected more than $200 million in tax revenue since legalizing sports betting two years ago, with bettors wagering over $600,000 last month alone. (More)

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Your money is getting tight. Prices are going up. And figuring out what to cut back on can feel overwhelming.

Here's what you can do: Read our list of money-saving strategies below, and start with one or two today.

Even doing just one can help you breathe a little easier.

➤ North Carolina and Virginia are acquiring the S-Line to expand intercity passenger and freight rail, including Amtrak service, with faster travel times and phased openings starting in the early 2030s. (More)

➤ Study of the nation’s happiest states ranks North Carolina No. 28, based on measures including emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community health. (More)

➤ Kraken, a Wilmington police dog, will protect the city with a new bullet- and knife-resistant vest funded by local sponsors through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s Inc. (Meet Kraken)

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