The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Wake and Durham counties with 60‑mph gusts and penny‑size hail possible across the Triangle.

Whataburger has applied to build a 2,074‑sq‑ft drive‑thru at University Place in Chapel Hill as Ram Realty retools the mall and makes room for a large HomeSense. The site sits in a high‑risk flood zone, so approvals and stormwater fixes will be required.

The state budget lets the SBI place AI license‑plate readers on DOT land, expanding a pilot into an option for any agency and setting off privacy alarms. Lawmakers say it’s about public safety; advocates call it mass tracking.

Raleigh Police consolidated its headquarters and Downtown District at 111 W Hargett Street; the ACORNS unit moved to Six Forks Road as part of the reshuffle.

The Canes will raise their Stanley Cup banner at Lenovo Center on Sept. 29 as Raleigh prepares for a high‑profile season opener against the Florida Panthers.

Sen. Thom Tillis met with Cameron Hamilton and pledged to support his FEMA nomination while pressing for faster aid for Helene-hit western North Carolina.

Rising grocery and utility bills have pushed some Durham retirees back into the workforce even as monthly inflation cools.

A WakeMed campus police officer surrendered to Johnston County deputies and was charged with a statutory-sex offense involving a minor. WakeMed says it suspended the officer and is cooperating.

A man was shot Sunday night near Avon Crossings on MLK Parkway in Durham and rushed to a hospital as police search for the shooter. Investigators are asking for tips.

When school ends, roughly 850,000 North Carolina students lose daily school meals. Pantries, hospitals and a $120 SUN Bucks payment are trying to fill the gap as SNAP changes bite.

Police investigated reports of a shooting at Moore Square's GoRaleigh station early Monday; a man was treated on scene and taken by ambulance. Investigation is ongoing.

The Quarry Road Fire near Shallotte has burned an estimated 400–500 acres and is roughly 50% contained. Officials warn of smoke and emphasize no‑drone rules as crews fight the blaze.

Courtney Crocker, 54, died after a shooting on the 700 block of Cokey Road in Rocky Mount. Herman Dickens, 61, was arrested and remains in custody while prosecutors weigh additional charges.