Monday morning. It's good to be back.

😶‍🌫️ Today's weather: Patchy fog, then clouds, with a high near 75 and a low of 55.

Today’s newsletter is 801 words — a 3-minute read.

With one month until Election Day, some big GOP spenders are giving up on North Carolina and prioritizing other states.

Why it matters: It's a sign that Republicans believe Michael Whatley can't win and that the seat will flip to Democrats, who need four pickups to regain control of the Senate.

Driving the news: Several key Republican super PACs have canceled October ad campaigns in North Carolina as polls show Whatley several points behind former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

By the numbers: In September, Republicans spent $53 million on North Carolina's Senate race, while Democrats spent $44 million, the firm AdImpact tracked.

• PACs backing the candidates had reserved ads totaling over $33 million for each candidate in October.

Yes, but: That calculation was made on Thursday.

The latest: On Friday, Senate Leadership Fund said it would redirect money meant for Whatley, Semafor and other national outlets reported.

• It's a major blow for the campaign. Senate Leadership Fund dropped $17 million on North Carolina in September, nearly a third of Whatley's total, according to an AdImpact analysis.
• The PAC paid for the misleading ad that tied Cooper to a South Carolina murder suspect's release from prison, The News & Observer reported.

What they're saying: Republicans need to spend on races in Kansas, Texas and Alaska, a GOP operative told Politico, calling Whatley "a good man who took one for the team."

• Whatley campaign spokesperson DJ Griffin said in an email that they still "have the resources to highlight Career Politician Roy Cooper's 40 Years of Failures and win in November."

Between the lines: Reduced spending could affect down-ballot Republicans, with several congressional races and North Carolina General Assembly seats in play.

Keep reading

If you envision tiptoeing through tulips or dancing among daffodils next spring, it's nearly time to get those bulbs in the ground.

Why it matters: Spring-flowering bulbs need cool soil but also enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes. Planting too early or too late can hurt their chances for a strong bloom.

Zoom in: The timing largely follows climate, according to Axios' analysis of Cooperative Extension resources.

• Gardeners need to wait for the soil to cool below about 60 degrees.
• In warmer states like ours, that typically happens in late October or November.

Keep reading

⛽️ State legislative leaders are considering holding a special session to provide gas tax relief. (WRAL)

🚔 The Raleigh Police Department is considering adding self-driving cars to its force. (CBS17)

🐟 North Carolina wildlife is getting a national spotlight in the new ABC show "Jeff Corwin's Southern Wild." (Garden & Gun)

💸 Nearly 75% of school districts in North Carolina report they don't have a sustainable funding source to maintain their fleets of computers and student devices. (WUNC)

Dorothy "Dottie" Martin, the wife of former N.C. Gov. Jim Martin, died on Sept. 28 at 89 years old. (News & Observer)

Axios Local helps you make sense of what's happening in your community and why it matters. Our journalism is free to read, but it takes resources to produce.

📍 Become a member today to support the reporters doing the work and help make more local reporting possible for everyone.

Thank you for reading and supporting local journalism.

When someone dies, things inevitably get left behind — their tablet, a trusty pair of black studded heels, a stuffed pink penguin they warmed up and held during chemotherapy, hoodies, lotions, jewelry and even their trash.

The big picture: Artists in Durham are now assembling a collection of such objects for a temporary downtown display called the Museum of Left Behind.

• And they're taking submissions.

What they're saying: "This has really struck a chord with people, which is beautiful and shows how much it's lacking — conversations about grief," says Lindsay Hebert of Weird Productions, which is behind the project.

• Hebert lost her mom to cancer this year, and in her grief, she says she often looks to artists. "They're so able to help us make sense of it."

Context: Hebert crossed paths with Durham rapper Jooselord while his son and her mom were both hospitalized at Duke.

• The objects will go on display Oct. 30 during Jooselord's All Onyx World music festival, which is named for the child he lost.

What's next: Fill out an online form by Oct. 11 to be part of the show.

Share this story

📻 Zachery is listening to Steely Dan's Schlitz radio jingle.

🚴‍♀️ Mary Helen had a great weekend in Durham between Pride and downtown's open streets celebration.

Thanks to Melissa Oyler for editing this newsletter.