NC Voters Face New Election Rules

The state Supreme Court ballot battle may be over, but its ramifications—combined with expected actions by the new GOP-controlled State Board of Elections—will likely change the way some North Carolinians vote in future elections.

The state Supreme Court’s ruling that overseas voters must show an ID when they vote can be enforced for state, but not federal, elections. This also applies to U.S. citizens defined as “never-residents” whose parents are North Carolina voters.

Going forward, two voter rolls will be maintained: one for everyone eligible to vote in all elections, and one for everyone eligible to vote in federal elections only.

State election officials are working to implement the new rules. They’ll also create an online portal for overseas voters and systems that ensure no ballots will be wrongfully counted or thrown out.

House Passes Lifetime Concealed-Carry Permit

North Carolina House members approved the Firearms Liberty Act last week, which would allow concealed-carry permits to expand past the valid five-year period and enable holders to keep their permits for life.

The bill, which now goes to the Senate, passed in a 70-42 vote, with four Democrats joining all Republicans.

If it becomes law, permit holders would only be required to complete a safety course and background check once, and would never again have to repeat either to maintain their permit. The permit would, however, lack reciprocity outside North Carolina.

The bill also extends the renewal grace period, waiving the class requirement for six months after expiration and up to one year at a sheriff’s discretion.

Lenovo Center Events Attract 90K

The Lenovo Center in Raleigh was expected to draw around 90,000 people over the past few days, thanks to the NHL playoffs, a comedy show, and two concerts.

The Canes took a 2-1 series lead over the Washington Capitals Saturday at the Lenovo Center during Game 3 of the second round of the NHL playoffs. Game 4 takes place there tonight.

Comedian Shane Gillis performed Friday night, and Pearl Jam kicked off the first of two concerts in the center Sunday night, with a second concert planned for Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, renovation work is underway beneath the arena to expand storage space, part of a three-phase renovation that Carolina Hurricanes and Lenovo Center President Doug Warf describes as part of Raleigh becoming “a must-play market.”

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➤ Statewide: President Trump endorsed North Carolina GOP Chairman Jason Simmons to remain in his post through the 2026 election, calling him “key to our many Republican victories in the Tar Heel State.” (More)

➤ Triad: U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx of the state’s 5th Congressional District will run for re-election in 2026. If she wins, it would be her 12th U.S. House term. (More)

➤ Wake County: A Zebulon woman was sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 fraud scheme that impacted “hundreds of victims.” She and a co-conspirator must repay more than $1 million in restitution. (More)

➤ Greensboro has opened two new turf fields at the North Carolina Fusion stadium in Bryan Park as part of a facelift that includes adding lighting to six fields. The city hopes the upgrades will attract more national events. (More)

➤ Blowing Rock: The historic Green Park Inn, which was built in 1891 and hosted guests such as Annie Oakley and Margaret Mitchell, will be demolished to make room for new condos and a 40-room hotel. (More)

➤ Union County’s school board passed a $141 million budget last week that accommodates doubling teacher supplements from $1,000 to $2,000. The board also voted to decrease their own monthly pay raises. (More)

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➤ The Charlotte Hornets will find out tonight if they land the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft and the opportunity to select Duke star forward Cooper Flagg. Charlotte currently holds a 14% chance of winning the lottery, though they have not won it since 1991. (More)

➤ The Carolina Panthers’ undrafted rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald has been drawing rave reviews from Panthers coaches during rookie minicamp. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes aim to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Washington Capitals tonight at 7 p.m. when Game 4 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins. (Preview)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NASCAR | MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Front Row Motorsports and 23XI, co-owned by Michael Jordan, were questioned by a U.S. Court of Appeals during a hearing Friday about why they should be able to race as chartered NASCAR teams while also suing the league for damages. (More)

➤ Germany-based Trench Group, which builds bushings for high-voltage power transformers, will construct its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Southwest Charlotte, investing $50 million and creating 74 jobs over the next five years. (More)

➤ PPG Industries—a Fortune 500 company that makes paints, coatings, and specialty materials—will invest $380 million in a new manufacturing facility in Shelby that will create 110 jobs. (More)

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➤ NC State students, faculty, and alumni represented the College of Engineering at the North Carolina General Assembly’s University of North Carolina System Day, displaying 3D printing technology, pest-trapping devices, and other innovations. (More)

➤ A Raleigh family vacationing in Rome rushed toward St. Peter’s Square when they heard about the white smoke signaling the election of Pope Leo XIV, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime chance.” (See Photo)

➤ World War II Marine veteran Louis Bourgault celebrated his 100th birthday Friday at the USS Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington. Bourgault fought at Iwo Jima in 1945 and shares his war stories with guests as one of the ship’s ambassadors. (More)

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Who will win the NHL Eastern Conference Final?

1. Carolina Hurricanes
2. Washington Capitals
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
4. Florida Panthers
5. No clue

Yesterday’s Results:

Have any cicadas emerged where you live?

1. Not yet: 53%
2. Haven’t noticed: 29%
3. Yes, it’s loud: 18%

Which two presidents once stayed at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock?

Show me the answer