A federal review finds North Carolina behind on special education: slow evaluations, staffing holes and a push to study weighted funding.

UNC Health has acquired Westgate Shopping Center and filed to build a 92‑bed hospital in West Asheville. Public records and state filings show the system is positioning for a major medical campus.

Douglas Byrd High held a campus rally after an activity bus overturned near Leland; counselors and medical staff were on hand as students were checked.

A 1951 Cary service station will reopen this August as Lloyd’s Full Service, a new restaurant from Early Bird Night Owl with a patio, retro van bar and seasonal menu.

The 2026 budget added the Student Lifeline Act, so schools and colleges must put 988 and Crisis Text Line contacts on new student IDs, websites and registration materials statewide.

The retro round hotel on Hillsborough Street will reopen as Hotel Indigo on July 28 after a $36M renovation, adding a rooftop lounge and refreshed rooms.

NWS warns Surry County could see rapid flash flooding through Wednesday night as storms dump heavy rain across Mount Airy and nearby communities.

Raleigh began Thursday under patchy fog and 74°F, then will climb to the mid‑90s with a Heat Advisory for parts of the southern Coastal Plain. Cooling centers are available; avoid midday exertion.

An Extreme Heat Warning from the NWS covers parts of eastern North Carolina through Wednesday evening, with heat-index readings up to 113°F.

Fire crews probed a possible gas explosion at a Yarmouth Road home Tuesday night; authorities have released few details so far.

Costco filed plans for a 166,000‑sq‑ft warehouse and a 24‑pump fuel center near Clayton that would be the first Costco in Johnston County.

A flash flood warning covered parts of Durham and Orange counties Monday night after storms dumped 1–3 inches and more rain was possible; low‑lying roads were at risk.

Wake County Democrats delivered a petition they say has about 60,000 signatures and asked commissioners for $200,000 to bring early voting back to Talley Student Union.