FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024

Good morning! On this day in 1774, Mrs. Penelope Barker organized 51 women in Edenton to support the cause against “taxation without representation.” This event followed the Tea Act of 1773 and is now referred to as the Edenton Tea Party, during which the women signed an agreement they called “a duty that we owe, not only to our near and dear connections … but to ourselves.”

Tea parties are still popular in North Carolina—especially during the holidays. Learn more in Top Stories.

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Republicans Take Lead in Early Voting

A rare Republican early voting surge is taking place across North Carolina.

As of Thursday morning, more Republicans had voted in person than Democrats, reaching a total of 653,522 (34.6%) votes, while Democrats cast 639,471 (33.9%). Unaffiliated voters accounted for 594,282 (31.5%) of the total.

This year’s early voting numbers have already exceeded 2020’s total of 1,509,856 early votes—which more than doubled 2016’s 738,371 early votes.

A recent study ranked North Carolina the No. 2 state with the most powerful voters based on its swing state status. State and national Republicans have hammered that message to encourage members to vote early, and it appears to be working.

If you want to make sure your vote was accepted and counted, check it out here.

Helene Causes $53B in Damages

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that Hurricane Helene created an estimated $53 billion in damages across North Carolina, making it the most economically damaging natural disaster to ever hit our state.

The governor is asking lawmakers to approve a $3.9 billion relief package that would include $650 million to address economic losses, $422 million for agricultural relief, and $55 million for road and infrastructure repairs.

Cooper’s request is tied to the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency needing an additional $175 million—or 27% of its budget—to continue its operations, which the North Carolina General Assembly is calling a “financial catastrophe” and pinning on Cooper as a “direct result of top-down mismanagement from the agency.”

A subcommittee will meet to discuss Cooper’s proposal next month.

Book Holiday Tea Reservations Now

A number of holiday teas have been scheduled across the state ahead of the Christmas season. These sell out quickly, so reserve your spot now.

Crossroads Holiday Tea at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill: Dec. 1-22
O. Henry Holiday Tea in Greensboro: Dec. 1-Jan. 5
Holiday Tea at The Ballantyne in Charlotte: Dec. 5-29
Moravian Christmas Candle Tea in Wilmington: Dec. 7
Moravian Tea at Old Salem in Winston-Salem: Dec. 4-14

The Washington Duke Inn in Durham typically hosts a holiday tea series in addition to its year-round afternoon tea service.

The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh held a Gingerbread Tea last year but hasn’t scheduled one this year yet. An Autumn Tea is scheduled for Nov. 3.

Access a directory of tea times across the state here.

Do you have any friends or family who would like to receive Flyover North Carolina? Feel free to refer us to them!

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➤ Charlotte: Concert for Carolina ticket holders will have access to 30,000 parking spaces within a short walk Saturday, and can also book a spot in advance at spothero.com. (See Details)

➤ Raeford: Republican nominee for vice president JD Vance delivered remarks at Defender Ammunition in Raeford Friday afternoon, then hosted a town hall at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport. (More)

➤ Cary: Police are investigating what they believe is a targeted home break-in by a South American gang. (See Details)

➤ Chimney Rock: Satellite images released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveal how Hurricane Helene’s floods reshaped the community. (See Images)

➤ Durham: A Duke Chronicle survey suggests that half of Duke University faculty members believe the school places “too much” or “somewhat too much” emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures. (More)

➤ Mooresville: Residents are pushing back against a request from Teresa Earnhardt, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt’s widow, to turn 400 acres into the Mooresville Technology Park. (See Report)

➤ NC State starting quarterback Grayson McCall has retired from football after receiving a scary blow to the head three weeks ago against Wake Forest. (More)

➤ Dale Earnhardt Jr. is returning to the track with his iconic red No. 8 Chevrolet for NASCAR’s South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway on Nov. 23. (More)

➤ NASCAR named Bobby Allison the winner of the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem after decades of controversy surrounding the make of the car he used. (More)

➤ Duke football will host No. 22 SMU Saturday, while UNC looks to snap its four-game losing streak on the road at UVA. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NHL | NBA | NCAAF | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Asheville-based Ingles sustained severe damage to its distribution center along the Swannonoa River. Stores in Spruce Pine, Morganton, Swannanoa, and Newland remain closed. (More)

➤ The City of Raleigh is working to electrify 2,500 vehicles in its fleet within the next 10 years, including lawnmowers and bucket trucks. (More)

➤ The U.S. Forest Service is suspending all seasonal hiring for the 2025 season, a decision that will cut 2,400 jobs nationwide, potentially impacting employees at North Carolina’s four national forests. (More)

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➤ Netflix’s Outer Banks series revolves around a cast of teens who, in actuality, are between the ages of 24 and 33. Season 4, Part 1 premiered Oct. 10 and Part 2 drops Nov. 7. (See Cast’s Ages)

➤ Charlotte and Raleigh ranked 26th and 28th, respectively, on Orkin’s 2024 Top 50 Rattiest Cities List. (See List)

➤ Actor Frankie Muniz of Malcolm in the Middle landed a full-time seat in the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. North Carolina’s races will take place in Rockingham, North Wilkesboro, and Charlotte. (More)

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