Stein Sues Republican Legislators

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is suing Republican legislators over Senate Bill 382, which restricts his power to fill vacancies for the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

SB382 also limits Stein’s authority over the Utilities Commission by taking the appointment of one commissioner from the governor and giving it to the state treasurer. 

The governor previously had supervisory power over three of the five commissioners. Losing one prevents him from being able to appoint and supervise a majority of members. 

Stein’s suit, filed Friday, also challenges restrictions placed on his authority over the state Building Code Council.

In January, Stein sued Republican legislators over their plan to give the power to choose who sits on the North Carolina State Board of Elections to Auditor Dave Boliek, also a Republican.

State Board of Education Wants to Cap Vouchers

The State Board of Education voted 9-2 Thursday to oppose lawmakers offering any new North Carolina Opportunity Scholarships, which provide vouchers to eligible students in grades K-12 to attend private schools. 

Starting this school year, any family of any income can apply to the program and receive at least $3,000 toward private school tuition and other expenses. Current private school students are also eligible to apply.

Board member and former Wake County Public School System superintendent Catty Moore suggested including the 9-2 opposition in the cover letter of the board’s legislative priorities. She also asked that the voucher funds be set aside for public school needs.

Board members Olivia Oxendine and North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner, a Republican, opposed including the language in the cover letter. Most of the state board is comprised of appointees made by former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat.

Wintry Mix Expected North of I-85

A wintry mix of sleet, freezing rain, and rain is expected to develop north of I-85 this morning. Warmer air moving into the area will change icy precipitation into a cold rain this afternoon, with highs only reaching into the middle 30s.

Another round of freezing rain is possible across the same area Wednesday morning.

Triangle residents face a chance of sleet this morning followed by up to 3 inches of rain over the next few days.

At least 2 inches of rain are expected in the Charlotte area through Thursday, with more on the way this weekend.

Do you have any friends or family who would like to receive Flyover North Carolina? Feel free to refer us to them!

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➤ Statewide: Health officials have reported that this year’s flu season is one of the worst in decades, accounting for a fifth—more than 2,800—of all emergency room visits this month. (More)

➤ Haywood County: Gov. Josh Stein confirmed that I-40 in Haywood County will partially reopen on March 1, with one lane open in each direction and reduced speeds in place. (More)

➤ Charlotte: An American Airlines flight from Austin to Charlotte was delayed last week after someone renamed the plane’s hotspot “There is a bomb on the flight.” The flight was cleared for takeoff after the plane was searched and all passengers and baggage were rescreened. (More)

➤ Lincoln and Catawba Counties: Homeowners impacted by the Lincoln-Catawba county line change are outraged by the short notice and school district changes, with one resident saying both counties are “operating as dictatorships.” (More)

➤ Carolina Beach: The town council has approved purchasing nine boardwalk properties that will expand parking and family-friendly activities. (More)

➤ Fletcher: The Carolina Panthers are donating $20,000 to Fernleaf Community Charter School to repair athletic fields, equipment, and athletic storage facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene. (More)

➤ The Charlotte Hornets’ trade for Jusuf Nurkić at the NBA’s trade deadline remains unprocessed by the league, as some details haven’t been officially finalized, thus delaying Nurkić’s debut with the team. (More)

➤ UNC football head coach Bill Belichick hired his son Brian Belichick to be the team’s new safeties coach. (More)

➤ The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly discussed the possibility of trading recently acquired star Mikko Rantanen if they can’t agree to terms on a contract extension with him. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ A Google data center in Lenoir is the country’s fifth “thirstiest” because it requires 337 million gallons of water for its chiller plants, evaporative cooling systems, and humidification systems, which are used for cooling servers. (See Details)

➤ North Carolinians were projected to wager $59 million on the Super Bowl thanks to the legalization of sports betting in the state last March. (More)

➤ Artspace in Raleigh received an $80,000 grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to support the museum’s multiyear residency programs. (More)

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➤ President Trump announced plans to fire multiple board members of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.—including Duke alumnus and current chairman David Rubenstein—before appointing himself as chairman. (More)

➤ Yelp’s Top 100 Date Night Restaurants list includes five in North Carolina: Chestnut in Asheville (No. 73), M Sushi in Durham (No. 74), Yunta Nikkei in Charlotte (No. 76), Green Valley Grill in Greensboro (82), and The Cellar at Duckworth’s in Charlotte (87). (See List)

➤ Five discontinued foods southerners long for, according to Southern Living, include Barber’s Original French Onion Party Dip, Sister Schubert’s Sausage Rolls, Little Debbie Apple Flips, Angel Food Ice Cream, and Morton Honey Buns. (See Details)

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Did you get a flu shot this year?

1. Yes
2. Not yet
3. Not gonna happen

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think the name of Fort Liberty should be changed back to Fort Bragg?

1. Yes: 68%
2. No: 18%
3. Not sure: 14%

What high school was attended by 24 of the 26 students who staged the 1960 High Point sit-in?

Show me the answer