NC Leaders React to Hostage Release

North Carolina religious and congressional leaders expressed relief and cautious optimism over the Israel-Hamas peace deal that ended the two-year war and led to the release of all living hostages on both sides Monday.

Rabbi Yossi Groner of Charlotte’s Ohr HaTorah congregation and Jibril Hough of the Islamic Center of Charlotte celebrated the reunions of hostages with their families, while Rabbi Andy Koren in Greensboro described the release as “incredibly moving.”

At Elon University, where former Israeli hostage Moran Stela Yanai will speak on Oct. 28, political science professor Jason Husser suggested a coalition of countries could lead the effort to achieve lasting peace under President Trump’s 20-point plan.

North Carolina Reps. Don Davis (D-NC 1) and Greg Murphy (R-NC 3) also commended Trump for the ceasefire and hostage release, calling it a historic step for healing, peace, and regional stability.

Lawmakers Make Plan to Redraw NC Maps

North Carolina lawmakers will reconvene on Oct. 20 to redraw congressional maps, aiming for an extra Republican seat in response to what House Speaker Destin Hall (R-NC 87) calls a mandate from President Trump and to Democratic redistricting in California.

The initiative targets North Carolina’s competitive First Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Don Davis, and follows decades of legal battles over redistricting maps, often challenged for racial or partisan gerrymandering, leading to the current split of 10 Republicans and four Democrats.

Senate Leader Phil Berger said redrawing the maps safeguards “Republican control of Congress,” while Gov. Josh Stein called it “shameless” and North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton described it as “corruption.”

300+ FEMA Buyout Funds Pending

More than 300 Western North Carolina property owners await FEMA’s $1.6 billion Hazard Mitigation Grant Program buyout for Hurricane Helene-flooded properties, with no approvals yet despite submitting applications in February.

Some applicants have waited more than 10 months for buyout approval and have been told it could be years before the government closes on their properties.

GROW NC Director Matt Calabria said state officials have been told a “lock-in” letter confirming the portion of funds for the buyout is expected any day.

County leaders across the region have received spreadsheets with estimated offer amounts, confirmed by North Carolina Emergency Management officials, but these are subject to FEMA review.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Great Smoky Mountains: A coalition that includes North Carolina counties; Sevier County, Tennessee; several cities; the state of Tennessee; the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and Friends of the Smokies is funding operations at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to ensure it remains open during the government shutdown. (More)

➤ Asheville: City council extended the Helene Recovery Boards application deadline to Oct. 21 after residents pointed out that the timeline left out those who are still rebuilding. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools therapist Cheryl Gates was denied bond on Monday for attempted murder after allegedly drugging her husband’s drink. She also faces stalking and property damage charges, with a court date set for Oct. 30. (More)

➤ Winston-Salem: U.S. 52 southbound ramps at Hanes Mill Road will be closed through Nov. 11 while crews construct tie-ins for new ramp and loop alignments. Detours will be posted. (More)

➤ Outer Banks: N.C. 12 was open on Hatteras Island but remained closed on Ocracoke Island Tuesday as a Coastal Flood Warning remained in effect through 6 p.m. Additional ocean overwash was expected at high tide. (More)

➤ UNC-Wilmington: Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke Monday at UNC-Wilmington as part of the Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture series. He focused on leadership and the importance of communication and overcoming adversity during difficult periods. (More)

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

➤ The Associated Press just dropped its first preseason Top 25 for college basketball, with Duke at No. 6 and UNC at No. 25. NC State narrowly missed the cut with 101 votes. (See Poll)

➤ Duke women’s basketball just received a commitment from five-star guard Bella Flemings—the 16th-best player in the 2026 recruiting class. (More)

➤ Rico Dowdle set a Panthers record with 239 scrimmage yards Sunday, beating Christian McCaffrey’s previous record of 237. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NHL | NCAAF | NBA | Soccer | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tired of mosquito bites ruining your nights? Try Repelix—a sleek, scent-free, DEET-free device that emits an invisible 15-foot shield using heat-activated technology, offering up to 15 hours of protection so you can finally enjoy your porch, patio, or sleep in peace. (LEARN MORE)

➤ Raleigh-based WakeMed will break ground Nov. 6 on a $339 million campus in Garner that includes a 45-bed acute care hospital and a 150-bed mental health hospital. The facilities are expected to begin accepting patients in early 2029. (More)

➤ Small North Carolina colleges like William Peace University are facing financial challenges, with declining enrollment prompting shifts to online programs, community college partnerships, and potential graduate programs. (More)

➤ The Charlotte City Council approved lease amendments Monday with Tepper Sports & Entertainment for a privately funded 4,400-seat indoor concert venue at Bank of America Stadium. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Ten Financial benefits Americans born 1941-1979 need to know about. Building wealth later in life doesn’t have to be complicated. With unique discounts, programs, and perks available for Americans over 45, these 10 strategies could help stretch your money further. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Plastic Surgeon Reveals Morning Trick for Weight Loss

Can trimming stubborn belly fat really come down to one simple tweak in your diet?

According to one of Beverly Hills’ leading plastic surgeons, the answer is YES!

Dr. John Lakey discovered a morning trick that supports a powerful fat-burning hormone, inspired by a friend’s transformation. A study showed 297 volunteers lost 24 pounds in eight weeks without changing diet or exercise.

Click here now to see how it works.†*

*Results can and will vary.

✝ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

➤ A cat named Lizzie, who was shot with a bow and arrow, is recovering in a new home in Lexington. The man who allegedly shot her faces animal cruelty charges, while another has been charged with instigating the act. (More)

➤ North Carolina ranks 37th in energy efficiency in a new analysis of the lower 48 states, based on auto and home energy consumption data from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Energy, and other federal agencies. (See Rankings)

➤ Thieves are wanted for stealing four Cracker Barrel rocking chairs from a Cleveland County church on Sept. 27. Security footage shows a suspect putting the chairs into a red Chevy truck with reportedly fictitious plates. (See Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Need a simple place for your phone while driving? Try Cell Phone Seat. It doesn’t block your view, vents, or even your cup holder. It’s the easiest cell phone mount to install and use, plus it’s made in America by Veterans. Get the two-pack discount, which makes a great gift. (See Video)

What’s your favorite breakfast restaurant chain in North Carolina?

1. Cracker Barrel
2. IHOP
3. Waffle House
4. Biscuitville
5. First Watch
6. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you ever use AI for anything?

1. No, never: 27%
2. Yes, more and more: 25%
3. I try to avoid it: 25%
4. Not sure—quite possibly: 23%

What nickname did Hurricane Hazel earn due to her power?

Show me the answer