Jordan Martinook scored 13:53 into the second overtime to lift the Hurricanes to a 3-2 win in Raleigh. The victory gives Carolina a 2-0 lead in the first-round series.

City Council’s Jan. 20 ordinance banning smoking, vaping and tobacco in parks, buildings and city vehicles took effect April 20. The city says signage and education will accompany the rollout.

The NWS says low humidity and gusty winds will raise wildfire risk across parts of northeast North Carolina through 5 a.m. Monday while a statewide burn ban remains in effect.

Doug Winstead Jr., a Band Of Oz trumpeter and Carolina Beach Music Hall of Famer, will be remembered at services April 21 in Rocky Mount. Family and fans will gather at Rock Haven Church to celebrate his life.

Authorities say a Hendersonville Thanksgiving wine was allegedly laced with acetonitrile; one daughter died, others were hospitalized and a local restaurateur was arrested.

An unpermitted quarry on the Nolichucky is dumping sediment into the river. Regulators and environmental groups warn the damage could be long-term.

A Raleigh mail handler faces drug and larceny charges after investigators say GPS-tracked packages containing hemp were removed from a USPS processing center.

Durham will review reservoir levels Friday as drought leaves Lake Michie and Little River below capacity; the city could tighten odd‑even watering rules.

Person County dismissed its economic‑development director Brandy Lynch, who helped bring Microsoft to a 1,350‑acre megasite. The change raises questions about transparency as permitting approaches.

A reported break-in on Shelley Drive escalated into a shooting, hours-long standoff and a house fire; the suspect later died and state investigators were called in.

Deed-based easements now shield Ocracoke’s Community Square — five historic storefronts and docks — from demolition as demand for coastal property rises. The move aims to keep the fish house and waterfront uses intact.

An Amtrak Carolinian train struck a person near Hammond Road in Raleigh on Wednesday. Amtrak says the person was trespassing and investigators are probing the incident.

Low 90s today through Saturday. Statewide burn ban is in effect — avoid open burning.