Tourism Breaks State Records

North Carolina set a new tourism record in 2024 with nearly 40 million visitors adding $36.7 billion to the state’s economy, making it the fifth most visited state in the U.S., according to a new economic report. 

Gov. Josh Stein said the strong economic report proved North Carolina was a great place to visit and emphasized the need to continue supporting tourism and small businesses.

Tourism supported 230,338 jobs in North Carolina in 2024, generating nearly $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the report.

Durham Named Top BBQ City

Durham ranked No. 9 on a list of the top 10 barbecue cities, joining Austin, Kansas City, and Memphis ahead of National BBQ Day next Friday.

Cities were ranked based on consumer interest in barbecue, the number of barbecue restaurants, and their average ratings, with a a limit of two cities per state.

Durham was recognized for marrying the various North Carolina barbecue traditions, from the whole-hog, vinegar-based sauces of the eastern part of the state to the pit-cooked pulled pork and tomato-vinegar sauce of the western part of the state.

Two popular spots highlighted were Backyard BBQ Pit and Lawrence Barbecue.

North Carolina Greets New Pope

Catholic leaders in North Carolina joined parishioners around the world in welcoming Chicago-native Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on Thursday.

Bishop Luis Zamara of Raleigh noted that, because of his dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, “[he] brings the whole Americas together.” Others noted that Prevost’s experience and ability to speak several languages will help promote unity around the world.

Many Catholic leaders, such as Father Andres Gutierrez of Hendersonville, are hoping that the new pontiff will maintain a balanced approach between extreme viewpoints and will help the marginalized around the world.

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➤ Statewide: Eight North Carolina students advanced to the preliminary round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 27 in Washington, D.C., joining 250 other competitors. (More)

➤ Kinston: A woman was charged with multiple crimes after allegedly crashing her car into a Piggly Wiggly with an unbuckled 10-month-old in the front seat, injuring a 7-year-old girl inside. (More)

➤ Western NC: Mountain BizWorks has received a $1 million grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, most of which will go to small businesses that can’t afford to rebuild after Helene. (More)

➤ Durham: Wool E. Bull, mascot of the Durham Bulls, is one of 28 nominees for the Mascot Hall of Fame, with fan voting open from May 11–24. (More)

➤ Charlotte: The Mecklenburg County Peace Officers Memorial Service was held Friday, honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, including four slain in last April’s east Charlotte ambush. (More)

➤ Catawba County: Brookford Police Chief Willie Armstrong was indicted by a grand jury with charges that include tampering with or destroying evidence in a cold case from 1992. He pleaded not guilty and is on paid leave from the department. (More)

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➤ UNC has not banned coach Bill Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, from the team’s football facility despite previous reports that claimed otherwise. (More)

➤ Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks will miss the entire 2025 NFL season as he continues to rehab the ACL he tore last season. The oft-injured former second round pick only suited up for three games last season. (More)

➤ Experts believe the Carolina Hurricanes must control the power play to beat the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The two face off again tonight in Game 3 of their series. (More)

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

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➤ Two baby bongos, a critically endangered African antelope species, were born last month at the North Carolina Zoo, joining another born last year. (See Bongos)

➤ A Raleigh woman scammed out of thousands of dollars received a $1,000 check from a local ministry after her story, which warned others of the scam, was shared with local media. (More)

➤ Jewelry and three French bulldogs—including a pregnant one named Princess—were stolen from a Fayetteville home, as the owner pleads for her safe return. (More)

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What’s your favorite May activity in North Carolina?

1. Attending festivals
2. Picking strawberries
3. Shopping at Farmers Markets
4. Taking a beach day trip
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Should Jefferson Griffin have conceded the North Carolina Supreme Court race?

1. Yes, it was time: 42%
2. No, keep fighting: 37%
3. Just glad it’s over!: 14%
4. Who’s Jefferson Griffin?: 7%

What is the connection between the Morehead Planetarium and NASA’s manned space program?

Show me the answer