With parts of the Triangle in exceptional drought, the state fire marshal is urging North Carolinians to skip backyard fireworks and stick to licensed displays.

A USPS rural letter carrier, Brandi Byrd Reynolds, was found dead in Hays; a Roaring River man has been arrested and inspectors are assisting the probe.

SAS Institute cut roughly 300 positions last week as the Cary-headquartered analytics firm shifts resources toward cloud, R&D and sales. Impacted staff were offered transition support and may apply for internal openings.

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.

A Burlington woman was arrested after police say she drove two people suspected in a Durham homicide to Greensboro. She is jailed without bond as investigators probe the case.

Mary‑Dell Chilton, the NC biochemist who helped create the first genetically modified plants, died at 87 in Carrboro. Her work underpins modern crop biotechnology.

The state Senate advanced HB 162 to end parking minimums statewide; supporters say it could lower housing costs and reduce stormwater runoff. The bill now needs House concurrence before reaching the governor.

A tiny stinging ant that can trigger anaphylaxis has been documented across most North Carolina counties. Experts explain how to identify them and reduce risk.

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.

Three men have been taken into custody after Wilmington police linked them to multiple gang-related shootings. The investigation remains active as authorities seek tips.

A stolen‑car crash in Raleigh injured three Thursday as forecasters warn returning heat and gusty storms. Also in today’s roundup: NC tops the U.S. for snakebites and a $60M fraud plea.

Duke and other labs are testing drugs and mitochondrial therapies that could ease chronic pain without sparking opioid addiction.

State officials and the Triangle MLS warn renters about fake listings and bogus landlords. Key tips on verifying ownership, avoiding quick‑pay traps and reporting fraud.