A one-day triple-match fundraiser aims to turn small donations into dozens of meals as Food Bank leaders warn of a generational hunger spike affecting children and veterans across central North Carolina.

Two North Carolina pilots give small monthly cash payments to people leaving prison. Early data show housing gains and low re‑arrest rates as officials collect multi‑year evidence.

A Wake Forest man matched all five Cash 5 numbers, turning a $1 Quick Pick into a $685,796 jackpot and taking home about $493,842 after taxes.

A June Catawba College–YouGov poll found most North Carolinians call cars, gas and groceries unaffordable; 72% say they’re cutting back and many struggle with monthly bills.

Nash County Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to every student in 2026–27 under the federal Community Eligibility Provision; meal apps and payments will end.

Triangle shelters are urgently seeking short-term foster homes as a near-record heat wave approaches the July Fourth weekend.

Durham Rescue Mission activated Operation Cool Shelter as heat advisories blanket the Triangle, offering air-conditioned space, meals, showers and outreach to people at risk.

Apex-based LiveSwitch says it will hire 100 workers through a new second‑chance initiative that will include applicants with criminal records. The hires would roughly double local headcount.

Chapel Hill will replace its traditional Fourth of July fireworks with a 300‑drone light show at Chapel Hill High School, a move tied to resident feedback and climate goals.

A Dudley resident scratched a $200,000 Mega Bucks ticket and walked away with $144,021 after taxes; she says she’ll use the money toward buying a home.

Wake Forest’s North Carolina Gateway will cover tuition for many in‑state students starting fall 2026 and offers living‑cost help for lower‑income families.

Naomi Dix and Club ERA sued Meta after their Instagram and Facebook pages were disabled in mid‑June. The complaint seeks account restoration and damages.

A Charlotte man says he had 'visions' before a $3 Quick Pick became a $100,000 Powerball win; after taxes he took home $72,011 and plans to buy a house.