Saturday, September 27, 2025

Good Morning. On this day in 2024, Hurricane Helene moved through North Carolina as a tropical storm and caused severe flooding, 108 fatalities, and billions in damage across the southern Appalachians.

As we pause to reflect on the devastating effects of last year's Hurricane Helene on North Carolina, learn how state legislators are pressing for changes in federal recovery response in today's Top Stories. Also, learn how one animal rescue organization responded in the aftermath of Helene—saving 35 displaced animals, with four still in need of homes in Et Cetera.

If you love clever solutions that make life easier, here’s a roundup of genius gadgets everyone’s rushing to grab before they sell out from today's sponsor Consumer Gift Guide.

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.

Helene 1-Year Anniversary

With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, many are reflecting on the impact the storm made on the state.

At a Joint Legislative Governmental Operations Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, many said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been more harmful than helpful. Avery County, which has a budget of $42 million, spent $53 million in debris removal. The county says shifting federal regulations are making it difficult to get reimbursed.

Many nonprofits and churches, including Pilgrims' Way Baptist Church, have helped recovery efforts. The church took donations from all over the country for those impacted by the storm.

The anniversary comes as a tropical system is developing over the Bahamas. The system, named Imelda, could become a tropical storm over the weekend.

26 Charged by Alcohol Law Enforcement

Twenty-six people were charged by North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) after officials in Wilmington discovered the selling of illegal drugs and alcohol at ABC-licensed stores.

Undercover ALE agents investigated the individuals over several months after receiving complaints from Wilmington residents and the Wilmington Police Department. Agents seized illegal gaming machines and drugs from the Greenfield Mini Market. The perpetrators face 75 criminal charges. Agents also seized over $32,000.

ALE Special Agents are peace officers who often work with local law enforcement to crack down on illegal drugs and gambling, as well as unlicensed sale of alcohol.

NC State Fair Reveals Schedule, Rides

The North Carolina State Fair teased its schedule and revealed its theme—There's No Time Like Fair Time—for 2025.

Fair organizers have said that there will be more than 50 new food options this year, though they haven't revealed what they are yet. New rides, including three new pendulum rides like the eight-seat gyrating Colossus, will be a part of the fair.

Other entertainment includes a fortune machine and Wild West-style trick-roping and knife-throwing star Andy Rotz. The fair also revealed its band schedule.

Some are feeling the effects of inflation, including the Raleigh Jaycees Turkey Shoot, which had to shut down after 72 years of being involved in the fair.

The fair runs from Oct. 16-26 at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh.

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These Brilliant Gadgets Are Taking the Internet by Storm

The best gadgets aren't just cool...they solve real everyday problems. From clutter-busting tools to clever tech upgrades, these picks are making waves for their usefulness and ingenuity. We've rounded up the most talked-about items that people can't stop adding to their carts.

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➤ Charlotte: Two Mississippi men are facing charges after using counterfeit bills to purchase $300,000 in high-end jewelry at a store in Pineville. The men used real bills to pay and attempted a sleight-of-hand trick to swap the real bills with fake ones. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Three North Carolina men were released from prison following President Trump's pardon of those convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021 capitol breach. (More)

➤ Statewide: Democratic state Sen. Julie Mayfield is proposing that the state take over the $1.6 billion federal buyout program for the state, which alleviates financial burdens on properties that are in high-risk flood areas. Many critics note that the process of receiving funds takes years. (More)

➤ Charlotte: A man in police custody died after having a medical episode. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and the state's Bureau of Investigation are conducting an investigation. (More)

➤ Brunswick County: The U.S. King Mackerel tournament is set to begin this Thursday. Fishermen can enter a boat for $350, and the event has a grand prize of $25,000. (More)

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➤ Former North Carolina A&T State University football player Chris Caldwell is asking the Greensboro community for a kidney donation. The former champion has been fighting kidney problems since 2018. (More)

➤ Ron Francis topped a recent list of the best hockey players in Carolina Hurricanes history, followed by Eric Staal and Cam Ward rounding out the top three. (See Full List)

➤ Both running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan were limited participants in Panthers practice this week, putting their availability for tomorrow's game in jeopardy. (More)

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Viral Gadget Gift Guide (Or Keep For Yourself)

This collection of must-have gadgets delivers clever, useful tech that DOES something...no fluff, no gimmicks. Whether it's solving everyday annoyances, upgrading your home setup, or just adding comfort, each product was picked for being "useful cool."

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➤ The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers passengers scenic fall excursions to some of the state's most beautiful areas. Passengers can choose from several packages, with options including scenic hikes, white-water rafting, and zip lining. (More)

➤ Red Dog Farm Animal Network, a 21-acre animal rescue, saved 35 animals that were displaced by Hurricane Helene, including guinea pigs, horses, and dogs. The nonprofit has four animals still in need of homes. (More)

➤ The Servant Center helps veterans like 10-year Army veteran Diane Dunn, who became a case manager for the organization, with housing and other resources upon returning from duty and acclimating them to civilian life. (More)

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