Sunday, September 28, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1959, Southern Power Company, now Duke Energy, broke ground on Cowan’s Ford Dam on the Catawba River, creating the beginnings of Lake Norman, which now covers more than 32,000 acres in Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, and is North Carolina’s largest man-made body of water.

Asheville earns the title of Nicest Place in America one year after Hurricane Helene, while monarch butterflies get tagged in Norfolk as they begin their fall journey south. Learn more in Top Stories and Et Cetera.

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.

Possible New Congressional Map

Senate leader Phil Berger said he may support redrawing North Carolina’s congressional maps this year, joining other states considering mid-cycle changes ahead of the 2026 elections.

Republicans hold a 10–4 advantage in the state’s U.S. House delegation. A new map could likely push that to 11–3 by targeting Rep. Don Davis’ 1st District or pairing Triangle Democrats Deborah Ross and Valerie Foushee.

Lawmakers would need to act by December for changes to take effect, and experts say even small adjustments could shift the balance. Democrats warn that any redraw risks gerrymandering and lawsuits.

Tropical Storms Building Along Coast

Tropical Depression Nine is expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda today, with forecasters warning of heavy rain, coastal flooding, and strong winds early this week.

The storm could reach Category 1 strength as it tracks near the Carolinas, bringing life-threatening flooding risks to beaches even if it remains just offshore.

Forecasters are also watching Hurricane Humberto, a Category 4 system over the Atlantic. The two storms may interact and shift each other’s tracks, adding to forecast uncertainty.

Asheville Named ‘Nicest Place in America’

Reader’s Digest named Asheville the Nicest Place in America 2025, highlighting how the community came together in the year since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina.

The honor recognizes the city’s resilience and unity, with neighbors stepping up to support one another through recovery and rebuilding. That spirit of cooperation earned Asheville national praise.

Known for its art, music, and mountain scenery, Asheville is now celebrated for something deeper—a community strength that stood out when it mattered most.

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➤ Statewide: PBS North Carolina cut more than 30 jobs this month to address budget shortfalls, part of a broader effort to stabilize finances and streamline operations. (More)

➤ Castle Hayne: A Georgia investor bought a Tractor Supply Co. property for nearly $7 million, securing the 22,000-square-foot store and 11.5 surrounding acres. (More)

➤ Durham: Lightning struck a home on Gardenview Place late Friday, sparking a fire that damaged the house of 10 people. No injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Four people were injured in a shooting outside Aroma Hookah Lounge on Millbrook Road early Saturday. Police are investigating and searching for a suspect. (More)

➤ Charlotte: A state audit detailed a $305,000 settlement paid to outgoing police chief Johnny Jennings, sparking debate over city transparency and spending. (More)

➤ Wilmington: The University of North Carolina Wilmington hosts the 2025 Ocean Innovation Conference on Tuesday, featuring keynote talks, global “blue economy” leaders, and more than 300 attendees focused on ocean collaboration. (More)

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➤ Wake Forest led No. 16 Georgia Tech 20-3 in the third quarter but lost 30-29 in overtime when its two-point conversion attempt was intercepted. (Watch Video)

➤ Darian Mensah threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, and Nate Sheppard rushed for 168 yards and two scores as Duke routed Syracuse 38-3. (Recap)

➤ NC State hosted Virginia Tech seeking a 4-1 start, while Appalachian State traveled to Boise State for a nonconference road test. (See Scores)

➤ The Carolina Panthers are on the road today to face the New England Patriots at 1 p.m. as they look to get back to .500. (Preview)

Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NFL | MLB | NHL | Soccer | Ryder Cup

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➤ A glimpse of fall colors can be found at Grandfather Mountain. (See Photo)

➤ Norfolk Botanical Garden staff tagged monarch butterflies this week as they began their annual migration south, part of a long-running effort to track the species. (See Video)

➤ An older Corolla stallion rescued for care is showing steady signs of recovery after a week at the farm, the Wild Horse Fund reported. (More)

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