MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1865, Union Army and Navy forces began an attack that would end in the capture of Fort Fisher, which defended the last open port in North Carolina and the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Fort Fisher will celebrate its 160th anniversary this month. Learn more in Around North Carolina. Also, read about a Duke study that analyzes how children's political views develop in Top Stories, then answer our poll to share your thoughts on the subject.

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Republicans Seek Review of 60K+ NC Ballots

The Republican National Committee, state Republican Party, Wake County Republican Party, and two voters filed a lawsuit Dec. 31 asking the N.C. State Board of Elections to review and determine whether 60,000-plus ballots were validly registered. A hearing for the suit was held Friday.

The groups allege the board violated state law by not collecting voters' driver's license numbers or partial social security numbers during registration, and ask that votes from invalid ballots be deducted from statewide totals across all races.

The Democratic National Committee intervened in opposition to the suit, which parallels Republican Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin's dispute with Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs, who leads Griffin by 734 votes.

Griffin seeks a writ of prohibition blocking the NCSBOE from counting those 60,000-plus votes. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hold oral arguments on Jan. 27 regarding Griffin's case.

Inbound Migration Increases Across NC

Multiple reports suggest an increasing number of Americans moved to North Carolina during 2024.

U-Haul data analyzing one-way customer transactions puts North Carolina third in inbound migration behind South Carolina (1) and Texas (2).

United Van Lines ranks North Carolina fifth behind West Virginia (1), Delaware (2), South Carolina (3), and the District of Columbia (4).

Wilmington, North Carolina, has the highest inbound migration percentage of southeastern cities, followed by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Little Rock, Arkansas.

Another report shows growth in western North Carolina was only slightly impacted by Hurricane Helene, while a separate list ranks Asheville No. 1 and Brevard No. 7 of 13 Rural Towns Where Everyone is Moving.

Duke Studies How Political Views Form

Three Duke University professors have launched a study to understand how children determine where they stand politically, and when those views start to develop.

Political science professor Chris Johnston, sociology professor Stephen Vaisey, and sociology associate professor Jessi Streib are collaborating with a university-wide interdisciplinary research program to follow a group of 10- to 12-year-olds once every two years until they reach voting age.

The team will analyze how various influences—including family influence and upbringing, peer pressure, the media, and even DNA—shape one's political ideology.

Researchers administered the first round of studies before the 2024 general election and will conduct in-depth interviews with study participants this spring.

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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➤ Statewide: This weekend's snowstorm dropped 9 inches of snow in the mountains and less than an inch across the Triangle. (See Statewide Totals)

➤ Western NC: FEMA extended its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program for ineligible families from Jan. 11 to Jan. 14 due to the winter storm. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Gov. Josh Stein praised Hurricane Helene survivors' resilience and expressed his willingness to work with Republicans during his inaugural address Saturday. (More)

➤ Jacksonville: Twenty-two-year-old Rep. Wyatt Gable, R-14, made history as the youngest member ever elected to the North Carolina General Assembly upon being sworn in last week. (More)

➤ Central NC: Texas-based Whataburger will open eight restaurants across the Triad and Charlotte area during 2025. (See Timeline)

➤ Kure Beach: Fort Fisher State Historic Site will celebrate its 160th anniversary on Jan. 18 with free admission, living history programs, guided tours, and more. (See Detail s)

➤ UNC's Ian Jackson scored 21 points and Jalen Washington ensured the 63-61 victory over N.C. State Saturday by making the game-winning basket and sealing it with a block. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes fell to the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime Sunday, despite a third period rally. The Canes also retired Eric Staal's jersey during the home game. (See Stats)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets fell to the Phoenix Suns 120-113 in Arizona Sunday following two postponed games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers due to the tragic Los Angeles fires. (More)

➤ Yesterday's results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | PGA | Soccer

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➤ North Carolina is No. 7 on a list of the best 2025 Startup Capitals of America. (See Rankings)

➤ Advance Auto Parts, Circle K, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Speedway are among 14 stores in 12 counties fined for price scanning errors in 2024. (See Locations)

➤ Duke Energy declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $1.045 per share and a quarterly cash dividend on its Series A preferred stock of $359.375 per share, both payable on March 17. (See Details)

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➤ An NC State study sheds light on a powdery mildew infecting blueberry plants with a disease that reduces crop yields. (More)

➤ Kyleigh, a 26-year-old retail manager who lives in Wilmington, is one of 25 women who will vie for the affection of Grant Ellis when The Bachelor airs Jan. 27 on ABC. (More)

➤ Mission Health constructed a canned food sculpture shaped like a water tanker that won first place and $10,000, then donated the canned food and prize money to MANNA Foodbank. (See Photo)

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