A former Orange High School counselor turned herself in July 2, accused of indecent liberties and sexual exploitation; she resigned from the district on June 12. The investigation is ongoing.

Durham fire inspectors visited roadside fireworks tents ahead of July Fourth, warning that aerials like bottle rockets and Roman candles are illegal and dangerous. Officials point to state law and injury data as reasons to stick with pro displays.

Climate Central warns 2026 World Cup host stadiums are recording more extreme June–July heat, heightening risks for players and fans. Raleigh’s Moore Square will host free watch parties with added shade and water.

Postino is coming to University Place in Chapel Hill with indoor dining, a large patio and a rotating wine-and-shared-plates menu; no opening date yet.

NC wildlife officials rolled out early-season hunts and new carcass-disposal rules aimed at slowing chronic wasting disease in affected counties. Hunters are being asked to test and to change how they handle deer remains.

Red Lotus, a Chapel Hill staple since 2006, announced a permanent closure on June 30. Staff say a new Asian restaurant is slated to take the space in August.

Duke Energy will relinquish the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease and redeploy about $129 million into generation and grid upgrades across the Carolinas. The move pauses a major coastal project and shifts planning inland.

A federal judge in Raleigh found Umel Jackson competent to proceed to arraignment; his federal hearing is set for Aug. 31, 2026, while state charges from a May 2024 Weldon standoff remain pending.

A pedestrian was killed Monday on Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh. Police say the crash happened near Bramer Drive and the driver stayed at the scene.

Court records say a 33‑year‑old is accused of involuntary manslaughter after a rainy, high‑speed I‑87 crash that killed Dante Moliek Barnes.

A Youngsville woman says a copperhead bit her while taking out the trash; after antivenom at two hospitals she faces weeks of recovery and an estimated $800K–$900K medical bill.

The Hurricanes traded a prospect and a sixth‑round pick for John Carlson’s signing rights and will try to sign him before NHL free agency opens on July 1.

Durham-based Wolfspeed has dropped its federal breach‑of‑contract suit against Jaguar Land Rover over a failed silicon‑carbide supply agreement. Public details and any settlement terms were not disclosed.