Stein Seeks Extra $13.5B in Helene Relief

Gov. Josh Stein announced Monday he will travel to Washington, D.C., to request an additional $13.5 billion in federal funds for Hurricane Helene recovery expenses across Western North Carolina, while also pushing for faster release of already-approved funds.

The additional funds would be used to restore homes and small businesses, support local government services, and rebuild roads and bridges.

Stein claimed during his speech, held at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, that the Trump administration blocked FEMA funds despite approvals due to new bureaucratic hurdles like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) committee and a requirement for White House to sign off on large awards.

Ahead of his press conference, Stein said federal funding usually covers 40% of total damage after a major storm, but North Carolina has only received 9%.

Plans Underway to Extend Carolina Bays Parkway

The North Carolina and South Carolina departments of transportation are planning a $797 million extension of S.C. 31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway, to connect Horry County, South Carolina, to Brunswick County, North Carolina.

The preferred route extends from S.C. 9 to U.S. 17 via a multi-lane highway that aims to reduce congestion on U.S. 17, improving safety and easing commutes for locals and tourists.

Seven alternatives are under review, and online public comments can be submitted here through Oct. 31. Public hearings are set for Sept. 29 in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, and Sept. 30 in Longs, South Carolina.

Asheville Resident Kills Bear in Self-Defense

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officials announced that an Asheville resident shot an adult female black bear in self-defense on Aug. 10 after the bear repeatedly charged the door of the person’s home.

Officials were alerted to the situation a day before the shooting and determined the bear was a “threat to human safety and should be captured and dispatched.” The bear’s behavior was blamed on unsecured food and garbage.

A commission investigation deemed the bear a safety threat and justified the resident’s actions, confirming they were legal.

State wildlife officials set traps that captured three of the four cubs, but the mother bear was not trapped before the shooting. Officials decided to put down the bear rather than relocate her because of the threat she posed.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Charlotte: Ardrey Kell High School’s principal says the students who painted the school’s spirit rock with “Live Like Kirk,” referencing slain conservative advocate Charlie Kirk, could face disciplinary action for vandalism and violating student code. (See Photos)

➤ Lake Lure: Officials announced that by Oct. 31, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should complete work on the basin of Lake Lure, which suffered damage from Hurricane Helene. That would enable the lake to reach full capacity and reopen by May 1. (More)

➤ Hickory: The Hickory Riverwalk’s overwater bridge is closed to the public while repairs are made to its lighting system and conduit, which also suffered damage from Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ Greensboro: The city ranked 35th in the Sports Business Journal’s best sports market cities, surpassing some pro sports cities due to hosting ACC and NCAA basketball games, the PGA’s Wyndham Championship, and various swimming and diving events. (More)

➤ Dare County: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will soon widen the county’s Sloop Channel to 200 feet to improve Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry channel navigation. The $750,000 project is expected to be completed by March 31, pending final state approval. (More)

➤ UNC-Asheville reported a 3% increase in its retention rate, to 75% for fall 2025, despite a decline in freshman enrollment due to Hurricane Helene’s disruption. Summer 2025 enrollment rose 56%. (More)

Enjoy reading Flyover North Carolina? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Reidsville superstar Dionte Neal committed to play basketball at UNC-Greensboro this week, choosing the Spartans over offers from Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Appalachian State, and other schools. (More)

➤ North Carolina A&T went seven quarterbacks into their depth chart to win against Hampton in double overtime this weekend. It was the team’s first win over an FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) opponent in two years. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brycen Tremayne went viral on social media for a one-handed snag during the team’s game against Arizona on Sunday. (See Catch)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Cut the cord—and keep every channel! The UltraLink HDTV Antenna delivers crisp, free HD TV—no monthly bills, no subscriptions. With a long-range signal, easy setup, and sleek design, you’ll stream local news, sports, and shows in seconds. Ditch the cable bill and enjoy crystal-clear viewing tonight!  (LEARN MORE)

➤ Raleigh-Durham International Airport ranked No. 20 in a new list of the top 20 U.S. airports based on passenger experience thanks to efficient wait times, on-time departures, and strong customer satisfaction scores. (See List)

➤ Raleigh veteran Austin Grimes is leading the Stop Soldier Suicide’s Black Box Project, using AI and data from 100-plus donated devices to identify suicide risk patterns in veterans as part of an effort to save lives through early intervention. (More)

➤ Lincoln County residents held a benefit concert to support the rebuilding of Woodmill Winery, which was destroyed in a fire two weeks ago. Owner Larry Cagle aims to rebuild the winery by next summer. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stay ready wherever you go with Air Flow Pro—a compact all-in-one air pump that delivers up to 150 PSI, auto shut-off protection, emergency lighting, and four presets. Inflates car tires, bikes, sports gear in minutes—no outlet, no worries. Get fast inflation with portable power! (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Get Spotless, Streak-free Lenses … Every Time!

Are you tired of looking through dirty, smudged lenses? Constantly wiping your lenses with cloth is not the answer, and can result in permanent damage.

Thankfully, there’s a better way to keep your lenses as clear as the day you got them! Peeps^TM uses the same aerospace carbon technology used by NASA and the Military to quickly and safely clean your glasses.

Peeps^TM dirt-repelling technology is literally out of this world!

➤ Social Security Administration statistics reveal that 21% of North Carolina’s population (2.2 million people) received Social Security benefits in 2024, ranking 27th nationally. (See Details)

➤ The 5th annual Battle of the Babes cocktail competition, highlighting women bartenders’ skills, is scheduled for Sept. 28, 4-8 p.m., at Merchant & Trade in Charlotte. Tickets cost $100 and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. (More)

➤ A roundup of 10 pick-your-own apple orchards within a short drive from Charlotte includes orchards in Morganton, Gibsonville, Mooresville, Hendersonville, and five other North Carolina towns. (See List)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Meet the Auto Vac Robot Vacuum — cordless, ultra-lightweight, and loaded with smart features. With strong 6000 Pa suction, a slim 2.91-inch build that reaches under beds & tight spaces, and sensors to dodge stairs & walls—this pet-friendly vac keeps your whole home spotless, hands-free! (LEARN MORE)

Have you ever encountered a bear in the wild?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Not yet

Yesterday’s Results:

Which of these movies, featuring scenes filmed in North Carolina, is your favorite?

1. Forrest Gump: 24%
2. Dirty Dancing: 22%
3. Last of the Mohicans: 18%
4. Bull Durham: 14%
5. The Hunger Games: 12%
6. Other: 10%

What’s a Carolina Bay?

Show me the answer