Stein Board Request Rejected

The state Supreme Court, in a 5-2 party-line vote, denied Gov. Josh Stein’s bid to block a ruling letting State Auditor Dave Boliek keep his Elections Board authority.

A lower court initially ruled that Senate Bill 382—which transferred elections board powers from Stein’s office to the State Auditor—was unconstitutional, but the Court of Appeals allowed the law to take effect while appeals proceed.

For now, the ruling also allows Boliek to choose the chairs of the 100 county election boards starting in late June.

FEMA Denies Helene Aid

FEMA has denied Gov. Josh Stein’s request to extend the 100% federal cost-share for Hurricane Helene recovery, marking the second rejection after a similar appeal in April.

According to Stein, 12 million cubic yards have been cleared but cleanup efforts have only “scratched the surface.” He warned FEMA’s denial could cost state taxpayers hundreds of millions.

Earlier this week, Gov. Josh Stein proposed a second $891 million recovery budget for Hurricane Helene and pledged to keep pressing the Trump administration for $19 billion in disaster relief aid.

Proposed Bill Targets Food Dyes

Cheerwine—the “nectar of North Carolina”—and locally made Sun Drop soda may be impacted by new legislation that would ban certain food dyes used in their formulas.

Eight Republicans in the state House of Representatives have proposed legislation that would prohibit certain artificial food dyes, such as the Yellow 5 found in Sun Drop and the Red 40 found in Cheerwine.

Nationally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the federal health and human services secretary, wants to phase out petroleum-based and synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply, citing links to cancer and neurobehavioral issues.

Red Dye No. 3 is a widely used ingredient found in many foods, beverages, and medications. See a list of products here. 

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➤ Fort Bragg: New legal developments led to the indictment of a soldier last week for the murder of his two adopted children, nearly eight years after their deaths and two years after charges were withdrawn. (More)

➤ Charlotte: Billy Joel has canceled all future concerts following a rare medical diagnosis. He was set to perform with Sting at Bank of America Stadium in July 2026. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Two State Highway Patrol officers will not face charges in connection to a deadly 2024 crash, as the district attorney concluded the evidence “would not support a successful prosecution.” (More)

➤ Asheville: NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson and driver Erik Jones visited the Veterans Restoration Quarters ahead of today’s Coca-Cola 600, connecting with fans and honoring veterans. (More)

➤ Mecklenburg County: A new report ranked area parks 90th out of 100 U.S. cities, prompting officials to invest in new greenways, amenities, and land for future parks. (More)

➤ Leland: Investigators have ruled out narcotic manufacturing as the cause of last week’s townhome explosion, which damaged four other homes. The exact cause remains under investigation. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes faced off against the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday, trailing 0-2 in the best-of-seven series. (See Box Score)

➤ No. 3 seed North Carolina baseball team beat No. 2 Florida State 7-5 in Saturday’s ACC semifinal to advance to today’s championship game against No. 5 seed Clemson. (More) 

➤ Top-seeded North Carolina will face No. 3 Northwestern in the NCAA women’s lacrosse championship today at noon in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (More) 

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

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➤ A Chatham County Vietnam War veteran will finally receive his Purple Heart today, 50 years after a paperwork error delayed the honor. (More)

➤ Diamond in the Ruff, a North Carolina-based nonprofit, will host a free dog grooming event in Winston-Salem this weekend and plans to hold four more across the state this year. (More)

➤ Members of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, aided by local residents, rescued a wild mare Friday morning by removing a ladder that had become stuck around her neck. (See Mare)

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Heading to the beach for Memorial Day? There are plenty to choose from. Check it out!

What are your Memorial Day plans?

1. Beach
2. Mountains
3. Party
4. Shopping
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you personally thank service members on Memorial Day?

1. Always: 41%
2. I AM a veteran: 24%
3. I try to remember: 23%
4. Usually slips my mind: 12%

What are North Carolina’s wealthiest counties?

Show me the answer