Fayetteville’s utility board approved a two‑year rate plan that will add roughly $8 a month for a typical 1,000‑kWh household next May. The utility cites rising wholesale power and capital costs as the reason.

Gunfire was reported at Parkstone at Knightdale Wednesday; police say a suspect vehicle has been identified and no injuries were reported. Investigators are canvassing the scene.

A Pitt County man pleaded guilty to first‑degree murder in the 2023 deaths of Jasmine Cooper and their unborn child; he was sentenced to life without parole. The killings date to July 2023 in Greenville.

A year after Clinton “Clint” Bonnell’s remains were found, friends and family have held quiet remembrances while prosecutors move the case forward. The community says it’s watching the next court dates closely.

State House Republicans have demanded a probe into Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools after videos posted by a teacher sparked criticism. The district says it is reviewing the posts.

Wake County saw a post‑pandemic rise in suspensions last school year. District leaders are adding counselors, restorative practices and coaching to reverse the trend.

A federal judge rebuked a former Bull City United worker and sentenced him to 17 years after federal drug convictions. The judge said the outreach work had been betrayed.

Zebulon will reveal the name, logo and colors for its new Coastal Plain League team at Five County Stadium this morning. Fans can follow the unveiling on the town's social channels.

A Monday‑night shooting at Park West Village left one man dead; police arrested a 55‑year‑old Morrisville man and charged him with murder. Witnesses say patrons helped pin the suspect until officers arrived.

Two people were hospitalized with life‑threatening injuries after a serious assault on Tobacco Barn Road; deputies detained a juvenile and an investigation is underway.

N.C. Highway 12 is open but crews are clearing blown sand and pockets of sound‑side flooding from Pea Island down to Hatteras. Motorists are urged to drive carefully.

Gov. Josh Stein announced $43M in rural infrastructure grants that officials say will ready buildings and sites to attract jobs across North Carolina. The awards target sewer, site and building work in distressed counties.

Durham police responded to a late-night shooting at a home on Eastwood Drive; officials say details remain limited as investigators work the scene.