Stein veto, Woodhouse reassigned and restaurant nostalgia: Wednesday’s top stories
The News & Observer is tracking major developments across North Carolina today, from a gubernatorial veto to a lingering flood recovery.
Here’s a rundown of the top stories readers are following on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Stein vetoes homeless camp ban: Gov. Josh Stein rejected a bill Wednesday that would have largely banned homeless encampments and public sleeping statewide, calling it “poorly constructed” and warning it would create a significant unfunded mandate for local governments. Republicans hold a Senate supermajority and could override the veto with help from a few House Democrats or independents.
Woodhouse reassigned after voting flap: The North Carolina Auditor’s Office has reassigned Dallas Woodhouse from his role as elections liaison following controversies over his influence on early voting plans, including alleged pressure on boards in Jackson and Pasquotank counties. The office says the liaison position has been discontinued and was never meant to be permanent.
Parasite outbreak hits 18 states: More than 100 people nationwide have contracted cyclosporiasis since May 1, with 20 hospitalized, and North Carolina has reported at least 110 cases — though fewer than 10 were contracted domestically. Health officials suspect a contaminated commercial food product, likely raw produce, is behind the outbreak.
- Read more: Parasite outbreak in NC and 17 other states, CDC says. What to know about cases, symptoms
Chantal aftermath
Families still in hotels a year after Chantal: Eight public housing families displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal remain in hotels a year after the storm dumped 10 inches of rain on Orange County, and Chapel Hill has spent more than $700,000 to house them. Over 60 ground-floor units at Camelot Village Condominiums also remain vacant, with only three of 77 work permits completed.
Investors rack up liens in Carrboro: A year after Tropical Storm Chantal, the Weatherhill Pointe HOA in Carrboro has placed liens on seven homes — six of them purchased by investment companies in the chaotic months after the flood forced longtime residents to sell or abandon their properties. Two more liens are expected in the coming weeks.
Which restaurant do you miss?
A full list of closed Triangle restaurants: More than 100 readers responded to a call for their favorite closed Triangle eateries, producing an alphabetical roundup spanning Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding towns. The list includes beloved names like Darryl’s, Magnolia Grill, Crook’s Corner and Mama Dip’s Kitchen.
Readers reminisce over 20 lost favorites: Darryl’s drew the most nominations in a reader survey of missed Triangle restaurants, with fans recalling garbage pizzas, first dates and college hangouts. Twenty spots that received multiple mentions are featured with testimonials about their food, atmosphere and memories.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.