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.

The 2026 budget added the Student Lifeline Act, so schools and colleges must put 988 and Crisis Text Line contacts on new student IDs, websites and registration materials statewide.

A Smithfield home childcare worker was arrested after an 8‑month‑old required emergency brain surgery; investigators say the alleged abuse happened at an unlicensed home daycare.

Kahlovera is opening a West Franklin Street outpost in Chapel Hill this week — the taco truck’s third Triangle location.

Durham approved a comprehensive update to its Minimum Housing Code, the first major rewrite since 2016. The changes add clearer standards for drainage, pests, walls and AC and strengthen enforcement tools.

Holly Springs moved to Stage 1 water‑shortage measures on July 6, limiting sprinkler days and banning Friday irrigation as drought pressures mount.

State Auditor Dave Boliek reassigned Dallas Woodhouse and discontinued the auditor’s elections-liaison role after reporting showed Woodhouse pressing local boards over early‑voting sites.

An Ohio man was booked into Durham County jail July 7 after being indicted on charges that he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old, court records show.

A mid‑morning blackout hit east and southeast Durham, knocking out traffic signals and leaving about 3,000 customers in the dark while crews worked to restore power.

The Research Triangle Foundation announced a planned leadership change as it moves to implement RTP 3.0. Jonathan C. Pruitt will join in September and Scott Levitan will retire in October.

An Extreme Heat Warning from the NWS covers parts of eastern North Carolina through Wednesday evening, with heat-index readings up to 113°F.

Costco filed plans for a 166,000‑sq‑ft warehouse and a 24‑pump fuel center near Clayton that would be the first Costco in Johnston County.

The 4th Circuit ruled two Orange County detention officers can face a jury over allegations they delayed help for Maurice King to avoid paperwork. Surveillance, state inspection reports and conflicting statements are central to the case.