SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2019, the North Carolina Courage defeated the Houston Dash 5-2 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kristen Hamilton tied a National Women’s Soccer League record with four goals in a single game, helping the Courage rewrite history books with a dominant home victory.

As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday so the Flyover North Carolina staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will be back on Tuesday.

America just turned 250, and we invited the entire world to the party. For years, the world has been told that this country is angry, divided, and not what it used to be. Then over a million international visitors poured into our cities this summer for the World Cup, and they are seeing something completely different. Late-night Waffle House runs, brisket the size of a small child, and strangers going out of their way to help. A lot of them showed up braced for the worst and instead fell head over heels. Tune in to today's Flyover Podcast as Amy shares what the world is discovering about America. Tune in here!

Speaking of our great land: did you know that one of our podcast hosts, Ayla Brown, was once an American Idol finalist and recorded a song called "Pride of America"? Give it a listen—we have a feeling it'll strike a chord with anyone who's proud to call America home.

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

The whole world came to America for the World Cup this summer, and over a million visitors are discovering why this country is truly one of a kind. (Watch Now)

State Warns of Bogus Voter Mailers

The North Carolina State Board of Elections warned residents Wednesday about problems with voter registration mailers sent by an outside group, Ready to Register Inc.

The mailers use an outdated registration form listing four political parties no longer recognized in North Carolina, and some were addressed to voters' deceased relatives. The group also listed the wrong return address for the New Hanover County elections board.

The state board said QR codes on the mailers may cause another person's information to pre-populate on the form, raising privacy concerns. "Bulk voter registration mailings, when done carelessly, can do more harm than good," the board's director said.

Ready to Register is anonymously registered in Delaware, and North State Journal found no public information identifying who runs it. The group did not respond to questions about the mailings.

The regular registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 9.

Duke Trims Proposed Rate Hike

Duke Energy Carolinas has lowered its proposed two-year residential rate increase from 18% to 11.6% after objections from state officials and customers.

Under the revised filing, residential customers would see increases of 7.5% in 2027 and 4.2% in 2028. Duke's overall revenue request across all customer classes dropped from $564 million to $264 million.

The company said it can absorb the cut by lowering its return on equity and returning Helene recovery funds faster. A Duke spokesperson said it had "listened carefully to feedback from customers and stakeholders."

Attorney General Jeff Jackson, who pushed for the reduction, said the new figure still isn't low enough: "It's a step in the right direction, but it's still too high."

The Utilities Commission holds an expert witness hearing July 7 before ruling on the request. New rates would begin Jan. 1, 2027, if approved as filed.

NC Senate Passes Hemp Crackdown

The North Carolina Senate passed a bill Thursday that could unravel a hemp industry generating $3.2 billion a year in the state.

House Bill 328 would ban hemp and kratom sales to anyone under 21 and align legal hemp with a stricter federal THC limit starting in November. Violations would carry fines up to $50,000.

Raleigh dispensary owner Eric Stahl said the bill goes far beyond age limits: "It's getting rid of every single retailer, farmer or manufacturer in North Carolina."

House leaders delayed a vote on the bill even after negotiators from both chambers agreed on final language. Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said his chamber needed more time to review it. The House could take up the bill when it returns July 27.

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➤ Charlotte: An estimated 1,180 gallons of wastewater spilled into McAlpine Creek along Round Hill Road after a grease blockage, Charlotte Water said. (More)

➤ Also Charlotte: Atrium Health has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle a lawsuit over its MyAtriumHealth and MyCarolinas patient portals. Patients with accounts between January 2015 and April 2024 are eligible for payouts. (Details)

➤ Fayetteville: Construction has begun on a $648,519 pedestrian safety project around the historic Market House, closing part of the Hay Street traffic circle. The work is expected to continue through November. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Merck Animal Health has agreed to acquire Raleigh-based poultry-tech firm TARGAN, which will keep its Raleigh headquarters, with the deal expected to close in the third quarter. (More)

➤ Rockingham County: Sheriff Sam Page, who unseated Senate leader Phil Berger in the Republican primary by 23 votes, is retiring after 28 years to focus on his campaign for Senate District 26. His last day is July 31. (More)

➤ Greensboro: The heat wave is boosting businesses that provide air conditioning, indoor entertainment, and cold treats. (Details)

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