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.

A flash flood warning covered parts of Durham and Orange counties Monday night after storms dumped 1–3 inches and more rain was possible; low‑lying roads were at risk.

Forsyth County’s sheriff unveiled a humanoid robot that can walk, talk and 3D‑map crime scenes — and he says it could be used on hostage calls and dangerous calls.

Gov. Josh Stein signed a law on July 6 that raises paid parental leave for eligible North Carolina state employees to 12 weeks as part of a broader HR overhaul. The State Human Resources Commission will write rules on eligibility, prorating and implementation.

Q‑Hall, a queer‑owned women’s sports bar, is due to open in Asheville this fall and promises every TV will play women’s athletics while hosting community events.

Three people were shot early Sunday on Ellis Road in Durham; one man is in serious condition while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

NWS warned nickel-sized hail and 60-mph gusts for Sampson and Wayne counties Sunday evening; Interstate 40 mile markers 351–359 were in the warning path.

Surveillance video released by the driver's attorneys shows a deputy pepper‑spraying and striking a man inside the Northampton County courthouse; the man is seeking $20 million.

Greensboro homicide detectives charged two people after Douglas Keith Petty — who was reported missing — was found dead; both suspects were already in Randolph County custody.

A Stem man wanted on kidnapping and robbery charges was arrested after deputies say they found him hiding in his attic; he’s now held in Durham County.

NWS Morristown warned of 60-mph gusts, penny-sized hail and flash-flood risk in Cherokee County Thursday evening.

Lawmakers approved a roughly $34B budget on July 2 that pairs teacher and state‑worker raises with tax changes. Gov. Josh Stein now has 10 days to act.

Gov. Josh Stein signed four bills in Raleigh addressing human trafficking, police staffing and protections for seniors' finances. SB 595's tax changes drew industry pushback.