TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1712, North Carolina’s first governor, Edward Hyde, died of yellow fever at his Albemarle Sound home amid political upheaval from Cary’s Rebellion, a prior epidemic, and the outbreak of the Tuscarora War.

Today’s issue of Flyover North Carolina is a shortened holiday edition to allow The Flyover staff to enjoy the Labor Day holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return tomorrow.

For the first time in American history, a major political party is holding a full national convention in a midterm year. Two nights, one Dallas arena, and around 20,000 people expected through the doors, but the biggest surprise isn't who's speaking; it's whether the major TV networks will even show up to cover it. On The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counts down the 10 things you need to know about this week's unprecedented convention, including a viral website stunt that has both parties talking. Tune in here!

Later today, you’ll get an email from our partner Fisher Investments with its latest outlook on what could keep the bull market running.

When it comes to peptides, there are more options than ever, and figuring out what actually makes sense for you can feel like guesswork. Today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, takes a different approach: start with your DNA and use your genetics to help narrow down the options.

Asheboro in State of Emergency Following Storm

Asheboro declared a state of emergency Sunday after a Saturday storm toppled hundreds of trees and blocked more than 40 streets across the Randolph County city.

More than 1,500 residents were estimated to be without power for an extended period as crews replace downed lines and poles, city officials said. They urged people to steer clear of blocked roads and downed lines.

Randolph County's 911 center fielded 276 calls between 3 and 4 p.m. Saturday, more than four a minute as the storm blew through.

Officials are still tallying the damage and have asked residents to report harm to homes and businesses through an online tool. Asheboro, a Triad-area city of about 27,000, is home to the North Carolina Zoo.

NC Ranks Last Among States to Work In

North Carolina ranks among America’s top states for business but dead last in Oxfam’s 2026 Best States to Work Index.

The nonprofit reviewed 37 policies on wages, protections, and organizing rights across all states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. North Carolina’s $7.25 minimum wage covers just 19% of living costs for a family of four and has not risen since 2009.

Advocates note that raising it to two-thirds of the national median would boost pay for over 1.5 million workers by an average of $6,100 annually. The state also lags on paid leave, sick days, and union rights under right-to-work laws.

Workers report severe affordability struggles with housing, groceries, and utilities amid rising costs this Labor Day.

3 Republicans Head to Dallas Convention

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and two North Carolina Republicans in competitive November races are among the speakers at the Republican Party’s convention in Dallas on Sept. 9-10.

Hudson, a seventh-term congressman who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, will be joined by Senate candidate Michael Whatley and U.S. House candidate Laurie Buckhout. President Trump is set to deliver keynote and closing addresses.

Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chairman, faces former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, in a Senate race drawing national money and attention. Buckhout, a retired Army officer, is challenging U.S. Rep. Don Davis in a competitive northeastern district.

North Carolina Democrats countered over the weekend, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom rallying for Cooper in Union County on his multistate tour for down-ballot candidates.

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➤ Holly Springs: A War on Terror memorial at Veterans Park honors U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Sam Griffith Jr., killed in Afghanistan in 2011. His brother David built it as an Eagle Scout project. Steel from the World Trade Center sits atop the monument. (More)

➤ Raleigh: A bat that a resident rescued from drowning in Shelley Lake last week tested positive for rabies, the city said. It was the second rabid bat found in Raleigh this year, and the third confirmed rabies case overall. (More)

➤ NC State: The university’s department of statistics ranked No. 1 in the nation for Ph.D. graduates, producing 20 doctorates in 2025 and 444 since 2003—120 more than any other university, according to American Statistical Association data. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Josh Stein ordered U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff in honor of Gloria Steinem, the writer and women’s rights activist, who died Sept. 2 at age 92. (More)

➤ Crystal Coast: Fort Macon State Park drew visitors for its monthly cannon-firing demonstration Saturday, a free blank-firing show it stages once a month from April through September at the fort, finished in 1834. The next firing is New Year’s Eve. (See Video)

➤ Dare County: Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution joining eight other coastal counties in asking state leaders to waive ferry fees for full-time residents. (More)

➤ Ayden: The Ayden Collard Festival returns to Historic Downtown Ayden on Sept. 11-12, offering live entertainment, food vendors, a parade, arts, and the popular Collard Eating Contest. (More)

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Do you like collards?

Yesterday’s Results:

What was on your to-do list for Labor Day?

Nothing—it’s a holiday: 55%
Other: 23%
Cookout: 11%
Pool or beach day: 7%
All of the above: 4%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Republicans are holding the first-ever midterm national convention this week, but major networks may skip it. (Listen Now)

➤ OpenAI's own chief scientist is sounding the alarm on advanced AI, warning no one is prepared for what comes next. (Hear Why)

➤ How long do you think the average American takes in the shower, and is it too long? (Hear Details)

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